(Aramaic) corresponding to לָשׁוֹן; speech, i.e. a nation; language.
Transliteration:lishshân
Pronunciation:lish-shawn'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word lishshân (לִשָּׁן), Strong's number `{{H3961}}`, serves as the direct Aramaic equivalent to the Hebrew lashon (`{{H3956}}`), meaning "tongue." Its semantic range in the biblical text extends primarily to "speech" and "language." By a significant extension, it also refers to a "nation" or "people group" distinguished by their shared language. This reflects the ancient understanding that linguistic identity was a fundamental marker of collective identity and distinctiveness among peoples. While the root concept of "tongue" can sometimes denote the "lip" or "edge" of an object, this nuance is not present in the biblical Aramaic occurrences of lishshân which focus on its human and national dimensions.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word lishshân (`{{H3961}}`) is found exclusively in the Aramaic sections of the Book of Daniel. Its usage consistently appears within a formulaic expression alongside terms for "peoples" and "nations," underscoring the comprehensive scope of decrees or dominion.
* **[[Daniel 3:4]]**: "Therefore a herald cried aloud: 'To you it is commanded, O peoples, nations, and languages..." Here, lishshân highlights the diverse linguistic groups under the dominion of the Babylonian Empire, emphasizing the universal reach of King Nebuchadnezzar's decree to worship the golden image.
* **[[Daniel 3:7]]**: "Therefore, at that time, when all the peoples heard the sound of the horn, flute, lyre, trigon, psaltery, and all kinds of music, all the peoples, nations, and languages fell down and worshiped the gold image which King Nebuchadnezzar had set up." This verse reiterates the comprehensive obedience to the command, encompassing every linguistic group.
* **[[Daniel 3:31]] (Aramaic Daniel 4:1 in some versions)**: "King Nebuchadnezzar to all peoples, nations, and languages that dwell in all the earth: Peace be multiplied to you." This serves as a formal salutation in a royal decree, asserting the vastness of Nebuchadnezzar's perceived domain and the universal audience of his message.
* **[[Daniel 5:19]]**: "And because of the majesty that he gave him, all peoples, nations, and languages trembled and feared before him. Whomever he wished, he executed; whomever he wished, he kept alive; whomever he wished, he exalted; and whomever he wished, he humbled." This passage describes the absolute, terrifying power Nebuchadnezzar wielded over all the diverse groups within his empire, showcasing his arbitrary authority over life and death.
* **[[Daniel 6:26]] (Aramaic Daniel 6:25 in some versions)**: "Then King Darius wrote to all peoples, nations, and languages that dwell in all the earth: Peace be multiplied to you." Similar to Nebuchadnezzar's decree, Darius's edict concerning the God of Daniel is proclaimed to all linguistic and national groups across his realm.
* **[[Daniel 7:14]]**: "Then to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away; and His kingdom the one which shall not be destroyed." This is a profoundly significant prophetic utterance. Here, lishshân points to the ultimate, universal worship and service that will be rendered to the "Son of Man," indicating that God's eternal kingdom will encompass and receive homage from *all* linguistic and ethnic groups, transcending the temporary nature of earthly empires.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **`{{H3956}}` (lashon)**: This is the direct Hebrew cognate of lishshân, sharing the core meaning of "tongue," "language," and "speech." Understanding lashon provides the foundational semantic context for lishshân.
* **`{{H5971}}` ('am)**: Meaning "people" or "nation," this term frequently appears alongside lishshân in the "peoples, nations, and languages" formula, highlighting the distinct yet interconnected categories used to describe human groupings.
* **`{{H1471}}` (goy)**: Another Hebrew word for "nation," often used to refer to non-Israelite nations or "gentiles." The concept of distinct national or ethnic groups is central to the use of lishshân as a descriptor of human diversity.
* **Linguistic Diversity**: The very existence of lishshân as a term for "language" and "people group" underscores the ancient recognition of linguistic diversity among humanity. This concept is biblically rooted in the account of the Tower of Babel ([[Genesis 11:1-9]]), where the confusion of languages led to the dispersion of peoples. The eschatological vision of lishshân in Daniel 7:14, where all tongues serve the Son of Man, foreshadows the New Testament's portrayal of a redeemed humanity from every tribe, tongue, people, and nation ([[Revelation 7:9]]).
### Theological Significance
The consistent use of lishshân in Daniel, especially within the "peoples, nations, and languages" formula, carries significant theological weight. It emphasizes the **universal scope of both human authority and, more importantly, divine sovereignty**. Earthly kings like Nebuchadnezzar and Darius sought to assert their dominion over all known linguistic groups, yet the prophetic narrative of Daniel reveals that true, everlasting dominion belongs to God alone.
Crucially, in [[Daniel 7:14]], lishshân takes on profound eschatological dimensions. The prophecy that the "Son of Man" will receive a kingdom to be served by "all peoples, nations, and languages" signifies that God's ultimate, eternal reign will transcend all earthly linguistic and national boundaries. This vision anticipates the New Testament emphasis on a multi-ethnic, multi-lingual church, drawn from every corner of the earth, all united in worship of Christ ([[Revelation 5:9]], [[Revelation 7:9]]). The inclusion of "languages" alongside "peoples" and "nations" highlights the **intrinsic connection between language and identity** in the biblical worldview, affirming that God's redemptive plan encompasses the full spectrum of human diversity.
### Summary
The Aramaic word lishshân (`{{H3961}}`), corresponding to the Hebrew lashon (`{{H3956}}`), denotes "language" and, by extension, a "people group" defined by their shared tongue. Predominantly found in the Book of Daniel, lishshân consistently appears in the formula "peoples, nations, and languages," underscoring the universal reach of imperial decrees. Theologically, its most profound use is in [[Daniel 7:14]], where it prophesies that the eternal kingdom of the "Son of Man" will encompass and receive homage from *all* linguistic and ethnic groups. This highlights God's ultimate sovereignty over all humanity's diversity and foreshadows the global, multi-tongued nature of His redemptive plan, where every tongue will ultimately acknowledge His dominion.
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