### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **ṭᵉrad**, represented by `{{H2957}}`, means to **expel** or **drive**. It appears 4 times across 4 unique verses in the Bible, exclusively within the book of Daniel. The word is used to describe a forceful and complete removal from a place of status and community.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H2957}}` is consistently used to describe the divine judgment enacted upon King Nebuchadnezzar. The prophecy against him states twice, "they shall **drive** thee from men" ([[Daniel 4:25]], [[Daniel 4:32]]). This prophecy is later fulfilled when "he was **driven** from men, and did eat grass as oxen" [[Daniel 4:33]]. The event is recounted again in [[Daniel 5:21]], emphasizing that "he was **driven** from the sons of men" until he acknowledged the sovereignty of the most high God.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context of this expulsion:
* `{{H606}}` **ʼĕnâsh** (a man): This word defines the community from which Nebuchadnezzar was driven, highlighting his removal from human society [[Daniel 4:25]].
* `{{H2423}}` **chêyvâʼ** (an animal; beast): This term describes the new companions Nebuchadnezzar was forced to live with, as his dwelling was "with the **beasts** of the field" [[Daniel 4:32]].
* `{{H6167}}` **ʻărâd** (an onager; wild ass): This specifies the type of animal Nebuchadnezzar dwelled with, underscoring the wild and untamed nature of his new existence [[Daniel 5:21]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H2957}}` is centered on the theme of divine sovereignty over human pride.
* **Divine Judgment:** The act of being "driven" is presented as a direct judgment from heaven. This state of expulsion continues until Nebuchadnezzar learns "that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men" ([[Daniel 4:25]], [[Daniel 5:21]]).
* **Humiliation and Reversal:** The word signifies a complete reversal of status, from a powerful king among men to an outcast living with beasts. Nebuchadnezzar is driven from men `{{H606}}` and his heart is made like the beasts `{{H2423}}` [[Daniel 5:21]].
* **Sovereign Appointment:** The purpose of being driven out is remedial. It serves to teach the lesson that God "appointeth `{{H6966}}` over it whomsoever he will" [[Daniel 5:21]], contrasting the king's temporary expulsion with God's permanent authority to establish rulers.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2957}}` is a potent verb used exclusively to detail the humbling of Nebuchadnezzar. It encapsulates more than a simple act of removal; it represents a divine judgment that strips a king of his humanity to teach him about the ultimate authority of God. The word powerfully illustrates that God can **drive** out the proudest of rulers and restore them only when they acknowledge His sovereignty.
TRV