The Aramaic word zûwn, represented by H2110, means to feed or nourish. It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible. Its base definition suggests the idea of being plump, or transitively, to provide nourishment.
The sole appearance of H2110 is in Daniel's account of Nebuchadnezzar's dream. The dream features a great tree with fair leaves and much fruit, which provided "meat for all." The verse culminates in the statement that "all flesh was fed of it" Daniel 4:12. In this context, the word describes the universal provision and sustenance offered by the tree, which symbolizes the vast and prosperous kingdom that supports all who dwell under its influence.
Several related Aramaic words in the immediate context clarify the meaning of being fed:
- H4203 mâzôwn (food): This is what the tree provides. The verse states that "in it was meat for all," establishing the direct source of the nourishment that zûwn describes Daniel 4:12.
- H1321 bᵉshar (flesh): This identifies who receives the nourishment. The passage specifies that "all flesh was fed of it," highlighting the comprehensive scope of the tree's provision Daniel 4:12.
- H1753 dûwr (dwell): This verb describes how creatures inhabited the tree, with the fowls of the heaven dwelling in its boughs, reinforcing the idea of the tree as a complete, life-sustaining habitat Daniel 4:12.
The theological significance of H2110 is derived entirely from its symbolic use in Nebuchadnezzar's dream.
- Kingdom as Provider: The act of feeding all flesh illustrates the role of a powerful kingdom as a source of sustenance and stability for its subjects. The tree's ability to feed every creature symbolizes the prosperity and provision of Nebuchadnezzar's reign Daniel 4:12.
- Universal Sustenance: The phrase "all flesh was fed" emphasizes the all-encompassing reach of the kingdom's influence. It nourished not only people but also "the beasts of the field" and "the fowls of the heaven," painting a picture of a complete system of provision Daniel 4:12.
- Sovereign Authority: While the tree provides nourishment, the surrounding narrative in Daniel clarifies that this ability is granted by a higher power. The vision serves as a reminder that the "most High ruleth in the kingdom of men" Daniel 4:25, meaning all earthly provision is ultimately dependent upon God's sovereign will.
In summary, zûwn H2110 is a highly specific Aramaic term whose single biblical use is rich with symbolic meaning. It conveys the concept of being fed or nourished, but within the context of Daniel 4, it elevates this simple action to represent the provision and sustenance of an entire kingdom. The word captures the essence of the great tree in Nebuchadnezzar's dream, a symbol of immense power whose ability to provide for all flesh is ultimately subject to the authority of God.
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