The Aramaic word ṭᵉʻam, represented by H2939, has the base definition of "to taste," but is used causatively to mean to feed or make to eat. This specific term appears 3 times across 3 unique verses in the Bible, exclusively within the book of Daniel. Its usage is highly focused on the theme of divine judgment and humbling.
In its biblical context, H2939 is central to the narrative of King Nebuchadnezzar's humiliation. As part of his judgment for pride, it is prophesied that "they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen" Daniel 4:25. This exact phrasing is repeated in the narrative Daniel 4:32. Later, when recounting these events, the text states that Nebuchadnezzar was driven from men and "they fed him with grass like oxen" until he acknowledged the sovereignty of the most high God Daniel 5:21. In all instances, the word describes a forced, animalistic consumption, not a willing act of eating.
Several related Aramaic words provide a fuller picture of the context in which H2939 is used:
- H2957 ṭᵉrad ((Aramaic) corresponding to טָרַד; to expel; drive): This action directly precedes the feeding. In all three verses where Nebuchadnezzar is made to eat grass, he is first driven from human society (Daniel 4:25, 4:32, 5:21).
- H8450 tôwr ((Aramaic) corresponding (by permutation) to שׁוֹר; a bull; bullock, ox): This word provides the standard of comparison for the humbling act. The king is not just fed grass, but fed grass "as oxen," emphasizing his reduction to the level of a beast Daniel 4:25.
- H6211 ʻâsh (from עָשֵׁשׁ; a moth; moth. See also עַיִשׁ): This is the substance Nebuchadnezzar was made to consume, used in the text as "grass" that oxen eat Daniel 5:21.
- H6966 qûwm ((Aramaic) corresponding to קוּם; {to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)}; appoint, establish, make, raise up self, (a-) rise (up), (make to) stand, set (up)): This word highlights the divine authority behind the judgment, stating that God "appointeth" rulers over the kingdom of men Daniel 5:21.
The theological weight of H2939 is tied directly to God's sovereignty over human rulers.
- Divine Judgment: The act of being "made to eat" grass is not a natural occurrence but a direct and deliberate sentence from God to humble a prideful king.
- Humiliation of the Proud: The use of H2939 illustrates the stripping away of human dignity. By being forcefully fed like an animal, Nebuchadnezzar's status is reduced from a mighty king to a beast of the field.
- Acknowledging God's Rule: This humbling experience serves a clear purpose: it continues until the king learns "that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men" Daniel 4:32. The feeding is the mechanism for this divine lesson.
In summary, H2939 is a very specific and potent Aramaic verb. While its root relates to taste, its biblical application is exclusively about being force-fed as part of a divine judgment. Its appearances in Daniel are crucial to the story of Nebuchadnezzar, powerfully illustrating that God has the authority to humble even the greatest of human kings, reducing them to an animalistic state to teach them of His ultimate power and sovereignty.
TRV