(Aramaic) or מְעָא; (Aramaic), corresponding to מֵעֶהxlit mêʻâh corrected to mêʻeh; only in plural the bowels; belly.
Transliteration:mᵉʻâh
Pronunciation:meh-aw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic lemma מְעָה (mᵉʻâh), Strong's `{{H4577}}`, is derived from a root meaning "to be hollow" or "to be empty." It functions as the Aramaic equivalent of the Hebrew term מֵעֶה (mêʻeh), Strong's `{{H4578}}`. The primary semantic range of mᵉʻâh is restricted to the literal, physical sense of "bowels" or "belly," specifically referring to the internal organs or the abdominal region. Notably, the provided definition indicates its usage exclusively in the plural form, reinforcing its reference to the collective internal viscera. Unlike its Hebrew counterpart, which can extend to metaphorical meanings of the innermost being or seat of emotions, the Aramaic mᵉʻâh in its biblical occurrences maintains a strictly anatomical and descriptive function.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The Aramaic term מְעָה (mᵉʻâh) appears in the biblical text primarily in the book of Daniel, specifically in the description of Nebuchadnezzar's prophetic dream image. Its singular significant occurrence is found in [[Daniel 2:32]], where it describes a section of the colossal statue: "This image's head was of fine gold, his breast and his arms of silver, his belly and his thighs of brass." In this context, mᵉʻâh (translated as "belly") refers to the midsection of the statue, which symbolizes the third kingdom in the succession of world empires. The usage here is purely descriptive, indicating a physical part of the human anatomy as represented in the dream image. There is no discernible metaphorical or emotional connotation attached to the term in this Aramaic context; it serves to delineate the physical composition of the statue.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word to מְעָה (mᵉʻâh) is its Hebrew cognate, מֵעֶה (mêʻeh), Strong's `{{H4578}}`. While both terms denote "bowels" or "inward parts," the Hebrew `{{H4578}}` exhibits a broader semantic range, often extending beyond mere anatomy to signify the seat of deep emotions, compassion, or the innermost being (e.g., [[Jeremiah 4:19]], [[Lamentations 1:20]]). This contrasts with the narrower, purely physical application of the Aramaic `{{H4577}}`. Other related concepts include general terms for internal organs or the core of the body. The usage in Daniel also connects it to the broader biblical understanding of human physical form, even when depicted in symbolic or prophetic imagery.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of מְעָה (mᵉʻâh) is not inherent in the word itself but rather derived from its specific placement within the prophetic vision of Daniel 2. As the "belly" of the statue, it represents the third kingdom in God's divinely revealed sequence of world powers, traditionally identified as the Grecian (or Macedonian) Empire. This empire, characterized by its bronze composition, signifies its strength and military prowess, succeeding the silver (Medo-Persian) and gold (Babylonian) kingdoms. The term mᵉʻâh thus contributes to the detailed, precise nature of God's prophetic revelation, demonstrating His sovereign foreknowledge and control over human history and the rise and fall of nations. While the word itself is descriptive, its inclusion in such a pivotal prophetic passage underscores the meticulousness of divine revelation and the certainty of God's unfolding plan.
### Summary
The Aramaic term מְעָה (mᵉʻâh), Strong's `{{H4577}}`, denotes "bowels" or "belly" and is the Aramaic equivalent of the Hebrew `{{H4578}}`. Its usage in the biblical text is limited, most notably appearing in [[Daniel 2:32]] to describe the "belly" of the statue in Nebuchadnezzar's dream. In this context, mᵉʻâh maintains a strictly literal and anatomical meaning, serving to delineate a physical section of the prophetic image. Unlike its Hebrew counterpart, it does not carry metaphorical connotations of emotion or the innermost being. Its theological significance rests not in the word's intrinsic meaning but in its contribution to the larger prophetic narrative of Daniel 2, where it represents the third kingdom in God's predetermined sequence of world empires, thereby illustrating divine sovereignty over human history.
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