(Aramaic) corresponding to דֹּב; {the bear (as slow)}; bear.
Transliteration:dôb
Pronunciation:dobe
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic term H1678 (דֹּב, transliterated as *dôb*) signifies "bear." It is the direct Aramaic equivalent to the Hebrew H1677 (also *dôb*), which carries the identical meaning. The base definition suggests a characteristic of the animal, noting it as "slow," though the primary semantic range is strictly confined to the animal itself. In biblical usage, particularly within prophetic literature, the literal animal often serves as a powerful symbol, lending its inherent characteristics to the entity it represents. Thus, while the literal meaning is narrow, its symbolic import expands its conceptual reach.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The Aramaic word H1678 appears only once in the biblical text, specifically in the book of Daniel:
* [[Daniel 7:5]]: "And behold another beast, a second, like to a bear, and it raised up itself on one side, and it had three ribs in the mouth of it between the teeth of it: and they said thus unto it, Arise, devour much flesh."
In this pivotal passage, Daniel recounts a vision of four great beasts emerging from the sea, symbolizing successive world empires. The second beast, likened to a bear, is presented with distinct features: it is "raised up itself on one side," suggesting an imbalance or a greater strength on one side, and it holds "three ribs in the mouth of it between the teeth," implying significant conquests or devoured territories. The command, "Arise, devour much flesh," further emphasizes its voracious and destructive nature.
Scholarly consensus often identifies this bear with the Medo-Persian Empire. The "raised up on one side" could allude to the eventual dominance of Persia over Media within the dual empire. The "three ribs" are variously interpreted as three major conquests (e.g., Lydia, Babylon, Egypt) or simply as a general indication of its rapacious appetite for expansion and subjugation. The bear, known for its ferocity, strength, and predatory habits, serves as a fitting symbol for a powerful, conquering, and often brutal empire.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is its Hebrew counterpart, H1677 (dôb), which also means "bear" and appears more frequently in the Hebrew Bible (e.g., [[1 Samuel 17:34-37]], [[2 Kings 2:24]], [[Proverbs 17:12]], [[Isaiah 11:7]], [[Lamentations 3:10]]). Both terms refer to the same animal, a creature often associated with strength, danger, and predatory instincts in ancient Near Eastern cultures.
Beyond the literal animal, H1678 in [[Daniel 7:5]] is intrinsically linked to the broader prophetic symbolism of beasts representing human kingdoms. This includes the lion (Babylon), leopard (Greece), and the terrifying fourth beast (Rome or a final empire) in [[Daniel 7]]. The concept of "devouring much flesh" connects to themes of conquest, oppression, and the destructive nature of ungodly power. It also relates to the overarching theme of divine sovereignty over earthly empires, a concept prevalent throughout the book of Daniel.
### Theological Significance
The single occurrence of H1678 in [[Daniel 7:5]] carries profound theological weight. The bear, as a symbol of a powerful, aggressive, and devouring empire, highlights the nature of human governance when it operates outside of divine principles. It represents a kingdom characterized by conquest and a hunger for power, often achieved through violence and subjugation.
The vision of the four beasts, including the bear, serves to illustrate God's sovereign control over the course of human history. Despite the immense power and destructive capacity of these earthly empires, they are ultimately temporary and subject to the divine plan. The "bear" kingdom, like the others, is presented as a transient force, destined to give way to the eternal and righteous kingdom of God, personified by the "Son of Man" ([[Daniel 7:13-14]]).
Theological significance also lies in the contrast presented: the brutal, beastly nature of human power versus the just and enduring reign of God. The bear's ferocity underscores the reality of sin's impact on human institutions, leading to oppression and violence. Yet, the prophetic context reassures the reader that even such formidable powers are part of a divinely orchestrated narrative that culminates in God's ultimate triumph.
### Summary
The Aramaic word H1678 (dôb) specifically denotes a "bear." Its sole biblical appearance in [[Daniel 7:5]] is highly significant, where it symbolizes the second of four great world empires in Daniel's prophetic vision, widely understood to represent the Medo-Persian Empire. The bear's characteristics—its strength, predatory nature, and capacity for destruction—are employed to depict the empire's ferocity, conquests, and insatiable appetite for power. Theologically, H1678 contributes to the broader narrative of God's sovereign control over human history, contrasting the transient and often brutal nature of earthly kingdoms with the enduring and righteous dominion of the Almighty, as revealed in the ultimate establishment of His eternal kingdom.
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