xlit menêʼ corrected to mᵉnêʼ; (Aramaic) passive participle of מְנָא; numbered; Mene.
Transliteration:mᵉnêʼ
Pronunciation:men-ay'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word mᵉnêʼ (`{{H4484}}`) functions as a passive participle derived from the verb מְנָא (mᵉnāʼ, `{{H4483}}`), which means "to count," "to number," "to assign," or "to appoint." As a passive participle, mᵉnêʼ therefore carries the core meaning of "numbered" or "counted." In its singular biblical occurrence, it signifies a divine act of precise enumeration, implying a determined measure or a finite duration. The context strongly suggests that this counting is not merely an inventory but an assessment leading to a definitive outcome or termination.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word mᵉnêʼ (`{{H4484}}`) appears exclusively in the book of Daniel, as part of the mysterious inscription supernaturally written on the wall during Belshazzar's feast. The full inscription reads: "Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin" ([[Daniel 5:25]]). Daniel's interpretation of the first word is pivotal: "Mene: God has numbered the days of your reign and brought it to an end" ([[Daniel 5:26]]). The repetition of "Mene" ("Mene, Mene") is highly significant. This doubling intensifies the meaning, emphasizing the absolute certainty, finality, and precision of the divine decree. It suggests a thorough, meticulous, and conclusive counting, leaving no doubt that the allotted time for Belshazzar's kingdom had not merely been counted, but exhaustively counted and consequently finished. The immediate fulfillment of this prophecy, with the fall of Babylon that very night, underscores the word's profound contextual weight.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the Aramaic root verb מְנָא (mᵉnāʼ, `{{H4483}}`), from which mᵉnêʼ is derived. This Aramaic verb is cognate with the Hebrew מָנָה (mānāh, `{{H4487}}`), which likewise means "to count," "to number," or "to appoint." Beyond lexical connections, mᵉnêʼ is conceptually linked to several profound biblical themes:
* **Divine Sovereignty:** God's ultimate authority to determine the rise and fall of nations and rulers.
* **Divine Judgment:** The principle that God justly assesses and weighs human actions and reigns, leading to a verdict.
* **Time and Destiny:** The understanding that all human endeavors and durations are precisely measured and appointed by God.
* **Accountability:** The inherent responsibility of those in power before the Almighty.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of mᵉnêʼ (`{{H4484}}`) is immense. It powerfully asserts God's absolute and meticulous sovereignty over all earthly kingdoms and their rulers. No human reign, however grand or seemingly secure, is beyond the precise measurement and ultimate control of the Almighty. The word underscores the principle of divine judgment, revealing that God not only observes but also carefully counts and weighs the actions and duration of every kingdom. The repetition of "Mene" serves as an emphatic declaration of the irrevocable nature and certainty of God's decree. It highlights that God's justice is not arbitrary but based on a precise, divine reckoning. Furthermore, mᵉnêʼ serves as a potent reminder of the finite and fragile nature of human power when juxtaposed with the eternal and unchallengeable authority of God, who determines the very "days" of existence for individuals and empires alike.
### Summary
The Aramaic word mᵉnêʼ (`{{H4484}}`), a passive participle meaning "numbered" or "counted," is famously the first word in the enigmatic inscription of [[Daniel 5:25]]. Its repetition, "Mene, Mene," powerfully conveys the divine decree that the days of Belshazzar's kingdom were meticulously counted and brought to a definitive end, as interpreted by Daniel in [[Daniel 5:26]]. Derived from the root מְנָא (mᵉnāʼ, `{{H4483}}`), mᵉnêʼ profoundly underscores God's ultimate sovereignty over all earthly powers, His precise knowledge of human affairs, and the certainty of His righteous judgment. It stands as a potent theological statement on the finite nature of human authority and the absolute control of the Almighty, who numbers the very days of kingdoms.
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