### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **'ab**, represented by `{{H2}}`, serves as a foundational term for **father**. It appears 9 times across 7 unique verses in the Bible. Its base definition indicates its direct meaning as "father."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H2}}` is used in several key contexts. It is used to refer to 'fathers' in the context of a relationship with God, as seen in the phrase "God of my **fathers**" [[Daniel 2:23]]. It also highlights ancestral actions, such as when "our **fathers** had provoked the God of heaven" [[Ezra 5:12]]. Furthermore, `{{H2}}` is consistently used to denote paternity within royal lineage, particularly in reference to King Nebuchadnezzar as the **father** of Belshazzar ([[Daniel 5:2]], [[Daniel 5:18]], [[Daniel 5:11]]). The term also appears in discussions of royal records concerning "thy **fathers**" [[Ezra 4:15]] and when Daniel is identified as being brought by the king's **father** [[Daniel 5:13]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide further context for the usage of 'father':
* `{{H1123}}` **bên** (child, son, young): As a counterpart to 'father', this term is used to describe direct offspring, such as "the children of the captivity of Judah" [[Daniel 5:13]] and "the sons of men" [[Daniel 5:21]].
* `{{H426}}` **ʼĕlâhh** (God, god): This word frequently appears alongside 'father' in expressions of divine relationship, like "God of my fathers" [[Daniel 2:23]] and "the God of heaven" [[Ezra 5:12]].
* `{{H4430}}` **melek** (king, royal): This term is often connected with 'father' to describe royal figures, as seen in phrases involving "the king's matter" [[Daniel 2:23]] and referring to King Nebuchadnezzar as "the king" [[Daniel 5:11]].
* `{{H5020}}` **Nᵉbûwkadnetstsar** (Nebuchadnezzar): This proper noun is repeatedly linked with 'father', particularly in the book of Daniel where Nebuchadnezzar is identified as the father of subsequent kings ([[Daniel 5:2]], [[Daniel 5:18]], [[Daniel 5:11]]).
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H2}}` lies in its direct representation of familial and ancestral bonds within the Aramaic biblical texts.
* **Ancestral Lineage:** The phrase "God of my fathers" [[Daniel 2:23]] connects the divine relationship through past generations.
* **Historical Accountability:** The mention of "our fathers had provoked the God of heaven" [[Ezra 5:12]] highlights generational responsibility and divine interaction.
* **Royal Succession:** Its frequent use to describe Nebuchadnezzar as a father figure ([[Daniel 5:2]], [[Daniel 5:18]], [[Daniel 5:11]]) underscores its role in establishing royal lines and authority.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2}}` signifies the concept of **father** within Aramaic biblical texts. Its usage primarily defines ancestral connections, particularly in relation to the "God of fathers", and establishes paternal relationships within royal lineages, most notably with King Nebuchadnezzar. It underscores a direct familial and historical identity.
TRV