### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **ṭaʻam**, represented by `{{H2941}}`, is a term denoting a judicial sentence or a matter of official record. It appears **5 times** across **5 unique verses** in the Bible. While its base meaning relates to taste, in scripture it is used to convey a formal **commandment**, an official **matter**, or an **account**.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the Aramaic portions of scripture, `{{H2941}}` is used to signify official decrees from both divine and royal authorities. The rebuilding of the temple was carried out according to the **commandment** of the God of Israel [[Ezra 6:14]]. The term also describes administrative affairs, such as when work on the temple was paused until the **matter** could be brought before King Darius [[Ezra 5:5]]. In a governmental context, it refers to the **accounts** that princes were required to give to presidents like Daniel to prevent loss to the king [[Daniel 6:2]]. It can also refer to a future royal **commandment** yet to be issued [[Ezra 4:21]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the authority and actions associated with **ṭaʻam**:
* `{{H2942}}` **ṭᵉʻêm** (decree, command, taste): An equivalent term for judgment or decree, often used in parallel with `{{H2941}}` to refer to the **commandment** of kings [[Ezra 6:14]].
* `{{H7761}}` **sûwm** (to put, make, command): This verb often describes the act of issuing a decree. A **commandment** `{{H2941}}` is something that is **given** `{{H7761}}` by a person in authority [[Ezra 4:21]].
* `{{H4430}}` **melek** (a king): This word is central to the context of `{{H2941}}`, as kings are the ones who issue such commandments and decrees, affecting the realm and its people ([[Ezra 6:14]], [[Ezra 7:23]]).
* `{{H5648}}` **ʻăbad** (to do, make, execute): This verb describes the action taken in response to a command. A **commandment** `{{H2941}}` from the God of heaven is to be diligently **done** `{{H5648}}` [[Ezra 7:23]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H2941}}` lies in its connection to absolute authority, both divine and human.
* **Divine Command:** The term establishes God's will as a formal, authoritative decree. The success of the elders of the Jews in building was linked to the **commandment** of the God of Israel [[Ezra 6:14]] and the **commandment** of the God of heaven [[Ezra 7:23]].
* **Royal Decree:** `{{H2941}}` is used for the edicts of Persian kings. The work on the temple was legitimized by the **commandment** of Cyrus, Darius, and Artaxerxes [[Ezra 6:14]], while opposition to it also came in the form of a royal **commandment** [[Ezra 4:21]].
* **Governmental Accountability:** The use of **ṭaʻam** for "accounts" in Daniel's administration highlights a system of order and reporting. It was a mechanism to ensure that the king's interests were protected and that there was no **damage** `{{H5142}}` to the realm [[Daniel 6:2]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2941}}` **ṭaʻam** functions as a specific term for authoritative decrees and official matters within the biblical text. It is not a casual suggestion but a formal **commandment** or a judicial sentence issued by the highest powers, whether the God of heaven or an earthly **king** `{{H4430}}`. Its usage in contexts of building, governance, and accountability demonstrates its role in defining the structure of authority and the execution of historical events as recorded in scripture.
TRV