(Aramaic) corresponding to יָם; {a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the Mediterranean Sea; sometimes a large river, or an artifical basin; locally, the west, or (rarely) the south}; sea.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **yâm**, represented by `{{H3221}}`, refers to a **sea** or large body of water. It appears **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible. The base definition describes a sea, corresponding to the Hebrew word יָם, but can also refer to a large river or an artificial basin.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H3221}}` is used exclusively within Daniel's prophetic vision. It is depicted as a place of turmoil and cosmic activity, where "the four winds of the heaven strove upon the great **sea**" [[Daniel 7:2]]. From this chaotic scene, powerful symbolic figures emerge, as "four great beasts came up from the **sea**" [[Daniel 7:3]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help build the scene where `{{H3221}}` appears:
* `{{H703}}` **ʼarbaʻ** (four): This word quantifies both the winds acting upon the **sea** [[Daniel 7:2]] and the beasts that emerge from it [[Daniel 7:3]].
* `{{H5559}}` **çᵉliq** (to ascend; come (up)): This verb describes the action of the beasts as they **came up** from the sea [[Daniel 7:3]].
* `{{H2423}}` **chêyvâʼ** (an animal; beast): These are the powerful entities that emerge from the **sea**, described as four great **beasts** [[Daniel 7:3]].
* `{{H7229}}` **rab** (abundant; captain, chief, great, lord, master, stout): This adjective is used to describe the **sea** itself as "great" in Daniel's vision [[Daniel 7:2]].
* `{{H7260}}` **rabrab** (huge (in size); domineering (in character); (very) great (things)): This word describes the beasts that come from the sea as "great" [[Daniel 7:3]].
* `{{H8065}}` **shâmayin** (the sky...; heaven): This word identifies the source of the forces acting upon the sea, specifically the "four winds of the **heaven**" [[Daniel 7:2]].
### Theological Significance
The thematic weight of `{{H3221}}` is concentrated in its role within prophetic vision.
* **Source of Upheaval:** The **sea** is portrayed as a place of chaos, agitated by the winds of **heaven** [[Daniel 7:2]]. This establishes a backdrop of cosmic conflict from which major events unfold.
* **Origin of Worldly Powers:** It serves as the symbolic point of origin for the "four great beasts" [[Daniel 7:3]]. These beasts are later identified as "four kings, which shall arise" [[Daniel 7:17]], linking the **sea** to the emergence of earthly kingdoms.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3221}}` **yâm** is not used as a simple geographical term but as a powerful symbol in prophetic literature. Appearing only in Daniel's vision, it represents a state of chaos and serves as the symbolic birthplace for great, worldly powers. Its two appearances paint a vivid picture of a great, stirred-up **sea** from which significant, beastly figures ascend, linking it directly to themes of cosmic struggle and the rise of kingdoms.
TRV