The Aramaic word mᵉlâʼ, represented by H4391, means to fill or be full. Though it appears only 2 times across 2 unique verses, its uses in the book of Daniel are distinct and powerful, corresponding to the Hebrew מָלֵא.
In the biblical narrative, H4391 is used to illustrate two different kinds of "fullness." Prophetically, it describes the stone in Nebuchadnezzar's dream that destroyed an image, became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth Daniel 2:35. It is also used in a personal, emotional context to describe how King Nebuchadnezzar was full of fury in his confrontation with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego Daniel 3:19.
Several related Aramaic words provide context for the meaning of H4391:
- H2528 chĕmâʼ (anger; fury): This word is paired directly with H4391 to describe the specific emotion that Nebuchadnezzar was full of Daniel 3:19.
- H772 ʼăraʻ (the earth; by implication (figuratively) low; earth, interior): This term identifies the realm that was completely filled by the mountain in Daniel's vision Daniel 2:35.
- H1722 dᵉhab (gold; gold(-en)): This word describes the material of the first part of the image that was destroyed before the stone filled the earth, representing a worldly kingdom Daniel 2:35.
The theological weight of H4391 is revealed in its two distinct applications:
- Prophetic Dominion: The use of filled to describe the mountain covering the earth points to an absolute and final establishment of a new power that completely displaces all that came before it Daniel 2:35.
- Intensity of Human Opposition: By describing Nebuchadnezzar as full of fury, the term highlights the peak of human rage against unwavering faith, setting the stage for a miraculous act of divine deliverance Daniel 3:19.
In summary, H4391 is a concise Aramaic term whose significance lies in its contrasting applications. It conveys both a prophecy of an all-encompassing physical presence and the intensity of a consuming human emotion. Though rare, mᵉlâʼ demonstrates how a single word can capture concepts as vast as the whole earth and as personal as a heart filled with fury.
TRV