(Aramaic) from טְעַם; compare טַעַם); properly, a taste, i.e. ajudicial sentence; account, [idiom] to be commanded, commandment, matter.
Transliteration:ṭaʻam
Pronunciation:tah'-am
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic noun H2941 (ṭaʻam) derives from the verbal root H2939 (ṭeʻam), which fundamentally means "to taste" or "to discern." This initial sensory meaning extends metaphorically to the intellectual and volitional realms, signifying "discernment" or "judgment." From this root, H2941 develops a rich semantic range, primarily denoting an authoritative pronouncement or a significant affair. Its core meaning thus evolves from a physical "taste" to an intellectual "discernment" and ultimately to a "judicial sentence," "decree," "commandment," or an important "matter" or "account." The transition reflects the idea that a judgment or decree is a discerned, authoritative decision, akin to a "taste" of what is right or commanded. It is exclusively found in the Aramaic portions of the Old Testament.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
H2941 appears frequently in the Aramaic sections of Ezra and Daniel, as well as once in Jeremiah 10:11. Its usage consistently points to official, authoritative, or significant communications and affairs.
1. **Royal Decrees and Edicts:** This is perhaps the most prominent usage. In the books of Ezra and Daniel, H2941 often refers to a king's command, edict, or decree. For instance, in Ezra, it is used to describe the official orders concerning the rebuilding of the temple and the administrative directives from the Persian kings.
* In [[Ezra 4:11]], the adversaries write to King Artaxerxes, using "this is the copy of the letter that they sent to him," where H2941 refers to the content or "account" of their communication, which then leads to a royal decree.
* [[Ezra 6:3]] speaks of King Cyrus's "decree" (ṭaʻam) regarding the rebuilding of the house of God in Jerusalem. This highlights the binding and authoritative nature of the king's word.
* Similarly, [[Daniel 6:8]] refers to the "decree" (ṭaʻam) that Darius the Mede established, forbidding prayer to any god or man for thirty days, save the king.
2. **Important Matters or Affairs:** The term can also denote a significant "matter," "account," or "report" that requires official attention or decision.
* In [[Ezra 5:5]], the eye of God was upon the elders of the Jews, and they were not stopped until "a report" (ṭaʻam) could come to Darius, and then an answer returned by letter concerning the temple's rebuilding. Here, it signifies the official communication or account of the situation.
* [[Daniel 2:15]] uses H2941 when Daniel asks Arioch, the captain of the king's guard, "Why is the decree (ṭaʻam) so urgent from the king?" referring to the king's severe order to execute all the wise men. This usage underscores the gravity and immediacy of the king's "matter."
3. **Divine Judgment or Decree:** In Daniel, H2941 also takes on a theological dimension, referring to God's ultimate decree or judgment.
* [[Daniel 4:17]] states that the "decree" (ṭaʻam) is by the watchers, and the "sentence" (pithgām) by the holy ones, to the intent that the living may know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men. Here, H2941 refers to a divine, sovereign decision that determines the course of events, particularly concerning Nebuchadnezzar's humbling.
* [[Daniel 7:26]] speaks of the "judgment" (ṭaʻam) being set, and the dominion of the fourth beast being taken away. This clearly refers to a divine, eschatological judgment.
The single occurrence in [[Jeremiah 10:11]] is part of an Aramaic verse within a Hebrew book, serving as a warning to idolaters: "Thus you shall say to them: 'The gods that have not made the heavens and the earth shall perish from the earth and from under the heavens.'" While H2941 is not explicitly present in the *textus receptus* for this verse, some scholarly discussions or variant readings might connect it to the concept of a divine pronouncement or "word" against idols, aligning with the broader semantic field. However, based on standard Strong's data, its presence here is less direct than in Ezra/Daniel. The provided definition suggests it is indeed present, perhaps in a less common usage or a specific textual tradition.
### Related Words & Concepts
The Aramaic H2941 (ṭaʻam) is closely related to its Hebrew counterpart, H2940 (ṭaʻam), which also means "taste," "discernment," "judgment," or "reason." Both nouns derive from their respective verbal roots (H2939 Aramaic ṭeʻam; H2938 Hebrew ṭaʻam), meaning "to taste," "to discern," or "to perceive." This shared etymology underscores the fundamental connection between sensory perception, intellectual discernment, and authoritative decision-making.
Other related concepts include:
* **Decree/Law:** Words like H1881 (dāth, Aramaic/Persian for "law" or "decree") often appear alongside or interchangeably with H2941 in contexts of royal commands. While H1881 emphasizes the established legal framework, H2941 can highlight the specific pronouncement or the very matter being decided.
* **Commandment:** The Hebrew H4687 (mitzvah) or Aramaic H6490 (piqqûdā') denote a divine or human command. H2941 can function similarly to "commandment" when referring to a king's order.
* **Wisdom/Understanding:** The underlying notion of "discernment" in H2941 connects it to concepts of wisdom (H2451 chokmah) and understanding (H998 binah), as a sound judgment or decree requires insight.
The semantic journey from "taste" to "authoritative decree" is a compelling example of how concrete terms can evolve to describe abstract, yet profoundly impactful, realities in ancient Near Eastern administration and theology.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H2941 (ṭaʻam) is primarily seen in its application to divine decrees and judgments in the book of Daniel.
1. **Divine Sovereignty and Providence:** When H2941 refers to a divine decree, as in [[Daniel 4:17]] and [[Daniel 7:26]], it powerfully affirms God's absolute sovereignty over human affairs and history. The "decree" of the Most High is unchallengeable and determines the rise and fall of kingdoms and individuals. This highlights God's active involvement in the world, orchestrating events according to His predetermined will, even through the actions of pagan kings.
2. **Ultimate Judgment:** The use of H2941 in eschatological contexts, such as the judgment of the beast in [[Daniel 7:26]], underscores God's role as the ultimate Judge. His "judgment" is final, righteous, and brings about the end of oppressive earthly powers, leading to the establishment of His eternal kingdom.
3. **Contrast with Human Authority:** While earthly kings issue their own H2941 (decrees), the narrative of Daniel consistently demonstrates that these human decrees are ultimately subservient to, and can be overturned by, God's greater H2941. This provides a theological framework where human authority, though significant, is always provisional and accountable to divine authority. The ability of God's servants (like Daniel) to discern the true H2941 (divine will/judgment) is a testament to their spiritual insight.
4. **The Importance of Discernment:** The root meaning of "taste" or "discernment" subtly reminds us that true authority and righteous judgment stem from a profound understanding of truth. In a theological sense, this implies that God's decrees are not arbitrary but are rooted in His perfect wisdom and discernment.
### Summary
The Aramaic word H2941 (ṭaʻam) is a multifaceted term that significantly enriches our understanding of authoritative pronouncements and administrative matters in the Aramaic portions of the Old Testament. Originating from the concept of "taste" or "discernment," its semantic range expands to encompass "judicial sentence," "decree," "commandment," and important "affairs" or "accounts." Predominantly found in Ezra and Daniel, H2941 most frequently denotes the binding edicts of kings, highlighting their administrative power. Crucially, in Daniel, it also refers to the ultimate and sovereign decrees of God, demonstrating His control over human history and His role as the final Judge. The term thus bridges the gap between human governance and divine providence, emphasizing that all earthly authority and significant matters ultimately stand under the discerning and decisive "taste" of the Most High.
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