(Aramaic) corresponding to מִלָּה; a word, command, discourse, or subject; commandment, matter, thing. word.
Transliteration:millâh
Pronunciation:mil-law'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic term millâh (`{{H4406}}`) directly corresponds to the Hebrew millâh (`{{H4405}}`), sharing a common etymological root and semantic field. Its fundamental meaning is "word," encompassing a single utterance or a more extended discourse. Beyond this core, its semantic range expands significantly to include "command," "commandment," "discourse," "subject," "matter," and "thing." This breadth indicates that millâh can refer to the content of communication, an authoritative decree, a topic of discussion, or a specific event or situation. It signifies not just the phonetic expression but often the substance, import, and consequence of what is spoken or concerns a particular affair.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
As an Aramaic word, millâh (`{{H4406}}`) is found exclusively within the Aramaic portions of the Old Testament, primarily in the book of Daniel, with occurrences also in Ezra and a solitary instance in Jeremiah.
In Daniel, millâh frequently refers to the king's "word" or "matter," often denoting a royal decree or a significant affair:
* In [[Daniel 2:8]] and [[Daniel 2:10]], it describes the "matter" or "thing" of Nebuchadnezzar's forgotten dream, emphasizing the king's urgent and perplexing problem.
* [[Daniel 2:17]] uses millâh for the "thing" (the king's decree and the crisis it caused) that Daniel makes known to his companions for prayer.
* [[Daniel 3:22]] employs millâh to denote the king's "commandment" which was so urgent it caused the death of the soldiers who threw Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego into the furnace, highlighting the absolute authority of the royal word.
* [[Daniel 4:33]] records the "thing" (the prophetic judgment) being fulfilled upon Nebuchadnezzar, demonstrating the certainty of divine pronouncements.
* [[Daniel 5:15]] refers to the "matter" or "problem" of the mysterious writing on the wall.
* [[Daniel 6:12]] again uses millâh for the king's "decree" regarding prayer, which Daniel violated.
* In [[Daniel 7:16]] and [[Daniel 7:23]], millâh refers to the "interpretation of the things" or the "word" of the vision, signifying the content and meaning of the prophetic revelation.
In Ezra, millâh appears in the context of official correspondence:
* [[Ezra 4:18]] uses it for the "word" or "matter" contained within a letter sent to King Artaxerxes.
* [[Ezra 5:7]] similarly refers to the "word" or "matter" contained in a letter from Tattenai to King Darius.
The sole occurrence in Jeremiah is [[Jeremiah 10:11]], where millâh is used as "word" in a declaration against idols, asserting the transient nature of false gods. This instance is unique as it is the only Aramaic verse in the book of Jeremiah, serving as a message for the exiles in Babylon.
Across these contexts, millâh consistently conveys a sense of substance, authority, and consequence, whether referring to a royal edict, a prophetic revelation, or the content of an important communication.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic and semantic parallel to millâh (`{{H4406}}`) is its Hebrew counterpart, millâh (`{{H4405}}`), which shares an identical range of meanings including "word," "speech," and "discourse." This highlights the close linguistic affinity between Biblical Aramaic and Hebrew.
Other related Hebrew terms for "word" or "utterance" include:
* dāḇār (`{{H1697}}`): The most common and broadest Hebrew term for "word," "thing," "matter," "speech," or "command," often referring to God's creative and authoritative word.
* ʾōmer (`{{H561}}`): Typically refers to an "utterance," "saying," or "speech."
* ʾimrāh (`{{H567}}`): Also signifying an "utterance" or "word," frequently used in parallel with dāḇār and often referring to divine words or promises.
Conceptually, millâh (`{{H4406}}`) relates to:
* **Divine Decree and Command:** Although primarily used for human kings' commands, its authoritative weight echoes the absolute power and binding nature of God's own decrees and commandments.
* **Prophetic Utterance:** Its use in Daniel concerning visions and their interpretations connects it to the concept of divine revelation and the communication of God's future plans.
* **The Power of Spoken Word:** In both human and divine contexts, millâh underscores that words are not mere sounds but active forces capable of initiating events, establishing laws, and bringing about fulfillment.
* **Communication and Discourse:** It represents the very essence of conveying information, ideas, and directives.
### Theological Significance
While millâh (`{{H4406}}`) is primarily utilized in reference to human communication and royal decrees within the Aramaic texts, its theological significance can be inferred through its connection to broader biblical themes.
Firstly, the authoritative nature of the "word" or "commandment" (millâh) of an earthly king, particularly as seen in Daniel, serves as an earthly analogy for the absolute and binding authority of God's Word. The swift and decisive impact of Nebuchadnezzar's millâh ([[Daniel 3:22]]) implicitly points to the infinitely greater power and unchallengeable authority of the Divine dāḇār (`{{H1697}}`).
Secondly, the use of millâh in the context of prophetic fulfillment, as when the "thing" (millâh) was fulfilled upon Nebuchadnezzar ([[Daniel 4:33]]), underscores the certainty and reliability of God's spoken word. Prophecy, once uttered, is not merely a prediction but a divine declaration that will inevitably come to pass. This reinforces the biblical understanding of God's faithfulness and the immutability of His purposes.
Finally, the very concept of a "word" or "matter" carrying such weight and consequence in the Aramaic texts resonates with the fundamental biblical truth that God created the cosmos through His spoken word ([[Genesis 1:3]], [[Psalm 33:6]]). While H4406 does not directly refer to God's creative word, its semantic range for impactful utterances contributes to the overarching biblical reverence for the power inherent in speech, especially divine speech. It reminds the reader that words, whether human or divine, are not inert but possess the capacity to shape reality and demand a response.
### Summary
The Aramaic term millâh (`{{H4406}}`) is a versatile and significant word, fundamentally meaning "word" but extending to "command," "discourse," "subject," "matter," and "thing." Predominantly found in the Aramaic sections of Daniel and Ezra, it frequently denotes authoritative royal decrees, the content of important communications, and the substance of critical affairs or prophetic revelations. Its usage highlights the weight and consequence inherent in spoken pronouncements. Theologically, while primarily describing human or kingly utterances, millâh indirectly points to the absolute authority and reliability of God's Word, particularly in the context of prophetic fulfillment. It reinforces the biblical truth that words are not passive but active forces that shape events and demand a response, reflecting the ultimate power of divine speech.