### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **mᵉdôwr**, represented by `{{H4070}}`, means **a dwelling**. It appears a total of **4 times** across **4 unique verses**, exclusively within the book of Daniel. The term is used to define a place of habitation, contrasting the dwelling place of the divine with the enforced, humbled dwelling of a human king.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical context, `{{H4070}}` is used to draw sharp distinctions. First, it establishes the transcendent nature of the gods, whose **dwelling** is explicitly stated to be "not with flesh" [[Daniel 2:11]]. The subsequent three uses all relate to the judgment of King Nebuchadnezzar. As a consequence of his pride, his **dwelling** is reassigned from a palace to a place "with the beasts of the field" ([[Daniel 4:25]], [[Daniel 4:32]]). This humiliating relocation is later recounted, specifying that his **dwelling** was "with the wild asses" [[Daniel 5:21]], underscoring his removal from human society and kingly status.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context of the dwelling place:
* `{{H2423}}` **chêyvâʼ** (an animal; beast): This word defines the companions Nebuchadnezzar is forced to live with. His new **dwelling** is characterized by its location with the **beasts** ([[Daniel 4:25]], [[Daniel 4:32]]).
* `{{H5974}}` **ʻim** (with): This preposition connects the **dwelling** to its inhabitants or associations. The gods' dwelling is not **with** flesh [[Daniel 2:11]], while Nebuchadnezzar's is decreed to be **with** the beasts of the field [[Daniel 4:25]].
* `{{H6167}}` **ʻărâd** (an onager; wild ass): This term specifies the type of animal that shares Nebuchadnezzar's **dwelling**, highlighting his new, untamed existence [[Daniel 5:21]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H4070}}` is centered on themes of divine sovereignty and judgment.
* **Divine Transcendence:** The word's first appearance sets a clear boundary between the divine and mortal realms. The **dwelling** of the gods is separate from the world of flesh, establishing their otherness and inaccessibility [[Daniel 2:11]].
* **Instrument of Humbling:** The term becomes a powerful symbol of God's judgment. For King Nebuchadnezzar, being removed from his palace and having his **dwelling** assigned among animals is the ultimate act of humiliation, a physical manifestation of his fall from pride [[Daniel 4:25]].
* **Corrective Judgment:** The enforced change of **dwelling** serves a specific, corrective purpose. It is a temporary state that lasts until Nebuchadnezzar learns "that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men" ([[Daniel 4:25]], [[Daniel 5:21]]). The location of his dwelling is directly tied to his state of knowledge about God.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4070}}` is more than a simple reference to a place to live. Within its limited usage in Daniel, it functions as a potent theological term. It contrasts the exalted dwelling of the divine with the debased dwelling of a humbled human, serving as a key symbol of God's power to judge pride and enforce His sovereignty by dictating the very place a person calls home.
TRV