(Aramaic) apparently the same as גֶּשֶׁם; used in a peculiar sense, the body (probably for the (figuratively) idea of a hard rain); body.
Transliteration:geshem
Pronunciation:gheh'-shem
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic term H1655 (גֶּשֶׁם, *geshem*) is primarily defined as "body." Its etymology is particularly insightful, as the Strong's definition notes it is "apparently the same as גֶּשֶׁם," referring to the Hebrew H1655 which commonly means "rain." This suggests a peculiar semantic development where the concept of "body" is derived from or closely associated with "hard rain." The conceptual link likely lies in the idea of a physical, substantial outpouring or mass. Just as rain constitutes a tangible, material substance falling from the sky, so too the "body" represents a tangible, physical form. The nuance of "hard rain" might imply density, solidity, or the impact of a physical entity. Thus, geshem conveys the idea of the physical, material, and substantial aspect of a being.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The Aramaic H1655 appears only once in the biblical text, specifically in the Book of Daniel. Its sole occurrence is found in:
* [[Daniel 5:21]]: "And he was driven from among the sons of men, and his heart was made like the beasts, and his dwelling was with the wild donkeys. He was fed grass like oxen, and his geshem (body) was wet with the dew of heaven, till he acknowledged that the Most High God rules in the kingdom of mankind and sets over it whomever he desires."
In this profound passage, geshem refers to the physical body of King Nebuchadnezzar during his period of divine judgment and humiliation. His geshem is described as being "wet with the dew of heaven," emphasizing its exposure to the elements and its reduction to an animalistic state. The use of geshem here underscores the raw, physical reality of his transformation and the tangible impact of God's sovereign hand upon his very being. It highlights the vulnerability and materiality of human existence, even that of a powerful king, when confronted by divine power. The context is one of radical humbling, where the king's physical form becomes a testament to his loss of human dignity and his subjection to the divine will.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct related word is the Hebrew H1655 (גֶּשֶׁם, *geshem*), which predominantly means "rain" (e.g., [[1 Kings 18:41]], [[Job 37:6]], [[Psalm 65:10]]). The explicit connection in the Strong's definition is crucial for understanding the nuance of the Aramaic "body." This conceptual link suggests that the "body" is viewed as a substantial, material entity, much like the physical mass of rain.
Other Aramaic and Hebrew words for "body" or related concepts include:
* `{{H1472}}` (גּוּף, *guf*): Aramaic, also meaning "body," found in [[Daniel 4:33]]. It carries a similar sense of the physical frame.
* `{{H1320}}` (בָּשָׂר, *basar*): Hebrew, meaning "flesh," often encompassing the entire physical being, including its frailty (e.g., [[Psalm 56:4]]).
* `{{H6106}}` (עֶצֶם, *etsem*): Hebrew, meaning "bone," "substance," or "self," referring to the core essence or structure.
While guf is a direct synonym for "body" in Aramaic, the unique etymological note for H1655 (geshem) implying a connection to "rain" might subtly emphasize the body as a dense, substantial *mass* or something that has *come into being* through a "downpour" or "outpouring" of creation, rather than merely its skeletal or fleshy composition. It highlights the physical form as something exposed and subject to external forces, mirroring the exposure of rain to the elements.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of H1655 (geshem) in [[Daniel 5:21]] carries significant theological weight. It profoundly illustrates the sovereignty of God over human existence, even over the most powerful rulers. Nebuchadnezzar's geshem (body) becomes the canvas upon which divine judgment is painted, demonstrating that human pride and autonomy are ultimately subject to the Creator's will. The physical body, often a source of human strength, beauty, or power, is shown to be utterly vulnerable and dependent on God.
The imagery of the body being "wet with the dew of heaven" further reinforces the theme of divine control. It suggests that even the elements are instruments in God's hand to humble the proud. The transformation of Nebuchadnezzar's physical form from king to beast underscores the transient nature of earthly power and the ultimate reality that true dominion belongs to the Most High God. The geshem serves as a stark reminder that human beings, in their physical entirety, are creatures of God, subject to His design and discipline.
### Summary
H1655 (גֶּשֶׁם, *geshem*) is an Aramaic term meaning "body," notably appearing only once in the biblical text, in [[Daniel 5:21]]. Its unique semantic range is underscored by its etymological connection to the Hebrew word for "rain," suggesting the "body" as a physical, substantial mass. In the context of Nebuchadnezzar's humiliation, geshem emphasizes the king's physical form being exposed to divine judgment, reduced to an animalistic state, and made utterly dependent on God. The theological significance lies in its portrayal of God's absolute sovereignty over human existence, demonstrating that even the most powerful human geshem is fragile and subject to divine will, serving as a tangible testament to the Most High God's dominion.
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