The Aramaic word millâh, represented by H4406, is a versatile term for a word, command, discourse, or subject. It appears 24 times across 22 unique verses in the Bible. Its meaning is broad, encompassing not only a spoken utterance but also a general matter, thing, or official commandment.
In the book of Daniel, H4406 is used in several distinct contexts. It can refer to a royal edict, as when Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego "changed the king's word" by defying his command to worship an idol Daniel 3:28. It also describes spoken utterances, such as the prophetic warning of a figure who will "speak great words against the most High" Daniel 7:25. Furthermore, it is used more generally to signify a "matter" or "thing," as when Daniel makes the thing known to his companions Daniel 2:17 or when he keeps the visionary matter in his heart Daniel 7:28.
Several related Aramaic words clarify the meaning of H4406:
- H560 ʼămar (to say): This verb is frequently used to describe the act of communicating a millâh. The Chaldeans were accused of preparing corrupt words to speak before the king Daniel 2:9.
- H1882 dâth (decree, law): This term connects to the authoritative nature of a millâh. A royal command is affirmed as a true thing H4406 according to the law H1882 of the Medes and Persians Daniel 6:12.
- H3046 yᵉdaʻ (to know, make known): This verb is central to revealing a millâh. Daniel's companions desire that God would make known the king's matter H4406 to them Daniel 2:23, and Arioch made the thing H4406 known to Daniel Daniel 2:15.
- H4449 mᵉlal (to speak): This verb directly relates to H4406 as a spoken word. A horn in Daniel's vision has a mouth that spake great words H4406 Daniel 7:11.
The theological weight of H4406 is evident in its usage throughout Daniel's prophetic accounts.
- Divine vs. Human Authority: The term highlights the conflict between earthly power and divine faithfulness. While Nebuchadnezzar issues a word H4406 as a command, his servants defy it to honor God Daniel 3:28. A future ruler will use "great words" H4406 to oppose the Most High Daniel 7:25.
- Revelation of Divine Matters: A millâh often represents a secret or subject that only God can reveal. The wise men of Babylon cannot show the king's matter H4406 Daniel 2:10, but God makes it known to Daniel Daniel 2:23. God provides the interpretation of the thing H4406 written on the wall Daniel 5:26.
- Carrier of Truth or Falsehood: The context of a millâh determines its nature. The Chaldeans are accused of preparing "lying and corrupt words" H4406 Daniel 2:9, while a royal decree is confirmed as a "true" thing H4406 Daniel 6:12.
In summary, H4406 is more than a simple term for "word." It functions as a key Aramaic concept in Scripture, denoting a matter of great importance, a royal command, or a divinely revealed truth. Its use in the book of Daniel consistently places it at the center of conflicts between human decrees and divine will, underscoring that a "matter" or "command" carries immense weight in the outworking of God's sovereign plan.
TRV