### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term מִכְמַן (mikman), Strong's `{{H4362}}`, derives from a root conveying the sense of "hiding" or "concealment." While its precise etymological link to כַּמֹּן (kammon, "cumin") is debated, the core meaning of mikman clearly emphasizes something valuable that is *hidden*, *stored away*, or *kept secret*. It refers not merely to wealth or possessions in general, but specifically to "treasure" that is concealed, perhaps for security, preservation, or future use. This nuance distinguishes it from other words for riches by highlighting the aspect of inaccessibility or deliberate concealment. It implies a collection of valuable items that are not openly displayed but rather carefully guarded or secreted away.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word מִכְמַן (mikman) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of Daniel:
* **[[Daniel 11:43]]**: "He shall have power over the treasures of gold and silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt; also the Libyans and Ethiopians shall follow at his heels."
In this prophetic passage, describing the actions of a powerful king (often interpreted as Antiochus IV Epiphanes or a future eschatological ruler), mikman refers to the accumulated wealth of nations, specifically "treasures of gold and silver" and "precious things." The context here is one of conquest and appropriation. The king's power is demonstrated by his ability to seize and control the hidden, stored wealth of conquered territories. This singular occurrence strongly reinforces the core meaning of valuable, concealed, or hoarded material possessions. The term evokes images of royal treasuries, hidden caches, or valuable resources that are strategically important and subject to plunder.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several Hebrew words share semantic overlap with מִכְמַן (mikman), particularly in the realm of wealth, storage, and concealment:
* אוֹצָר (`{{H214}}`, 'otsar): This is a broader term often translated as "treasure," "storehouse," "treasury," or "store." While 'otsar can refer to stored goods, it emphasizes the *place* of storage or the *collection* itself, whereas mikman more specifically highlights the *hidden* nature of the treasure. An 'otsar might contain mikman.
* צָפוּן (`{{H6845}}`, tsaphon): Meaning "hidden" or "stored up," this adjective or noun often describes things concealed, whether physical objects, wisdom, or divine plans. It shares the core concept of concealment but is not exclusively limited to material wealth.
* חָבָא (`{{H2244}}`, chava): A verb meaning "to hide oneself" or "to be hidden." While a verb, it points to the fundamental act of concealment inherent in mikman.
* עֹשֶׁר (`{{H6239}}`, 'osher): A general term for "riches" or "wealth," without the specific connotation of being hidden or stored.
* יְקָר (`{{H3366}}`, yeqar): Refers to "preciousness," "honor," or "splendor." While mikman describes *precious things*, yeqar describes their *quality*.
Mikman stands out by combining the ideas of *value* and *concealment* into a single noun, distinctly pointing to valuable items that are deliberately kept out of sight or secured.
### Theological Significance
Despite its single occurrence, the term מִכְמַן (mikman) in [[Daniel 11:43]] carries theological weight within the broader biblical narrative:
1. **Divine Sovereignty over Earthly Wealth**: The prophecy in Daniel underscores that even the most carefully guarded and hidden treasures of kings and nations are ultimately subject to divine providence. The king's ability to control these mikmanot is part of a larger unfolding of God's plan, demonstrating that no earthly power, however vast its wealth, operates outside the scope of God's ultimate authority.
2. **The Transience of Material Possessions**: The acquisition of "hidden treasures" by earthly rulers is depicted as part of a cycle of conquest and fleeting power. The pursuit and accumulation of such wealth, though seemingly secure, are ultimately temporary and vulnerable to seizure, reflecting a broader biblical theme about the ephemeral nature of earthly riches compared to eternal spiritual values ([[Matthew 6:19-21]]).
3. **Contrast with Spiritual Treasure**: While mikman refers to material wealth, the concept of "hidden treasure" resonates with profound spiritual truths found elsewhere in Scripture. Wisdom, understanding, and the kingdom of God are often described as treasures that are "hidden" but of immeasurable worth, requiring diligent search and sacrifice for their discovery ([[Proverbs 2:4]], [[Matthew 13:44]]). This provides a stark contrast between earthly mikman, which can be plundered, and spiritual mikman, which is incorruptible.
### Summary
מִכְמַן (mikman, `{{H4362}}`) is a unique Hebrew term meaning "hidden treasure" or "stored wealth." Its single appearance in [[Daniel 11:43]] vividly portrays the material riches of nations, specifically those concealed and safeguarded, which are subject to the power struggles of earthly rulers. The term's core emphasis lies in the intentional concealment of valuable possessions. Theologically, mikman serves as a poignant reminder of divine sovereignty over all earthly wealth, the transient nature of material possessions, and implicitly contrasts with the eternal, incorruptible treasures of God's kingdom.
TRV