### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **mᵉʻâh**, represented by `{{H4577}}`, corresponds to the term for **belly** or bowels. It is a very specific term, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire biblical text. Its sole use is anatomical, referring to the midsection of a body.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single occurrence of `{{H4577}}` is found in the description of the great statue in Nebuchadnezzar's dream. The word is used to identify the part of the image located between the chest and the thighs. Daniel describes the statue's composition from top to bottom, noting that "his **belly** and his thighs of brass" [[Daniel 2:32]]. This places the word squarely in a context of prophetic symbolism, where different parts of an image represent different entities.
### Related Words & Concepts
The word's context within the statue of Daniel 2 links it to several other key descriptive terms:
* `{{H6755}}` **tselem** (image): This is the word for the "idolatrous figure" or **image** that Nebuchadnezzar saw in his dream [[Daniel 2:32]].
* `{{H7217}}` **rêʼsh** (head): As the top part of the image, the **head** of gold begins the sequence of materials [[Daniel 2:32]].
* `{{H2306}}` **chădîy** (breast): This term for **breast** describes the silver portion of the statue, located just above the belly [[Daniel 2:32]].
* `{{H5174}}` **nᵉchâsh** (brass): The material used for the belly, this word means copper or **brass** [[Daniel 2:32]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H4577}}` is derived entirely from its role in the prophetic vision of Daniel 2.
* **Anatomical Symbolism:** The **belly** serves as a distinct segment of the symbolic **image** `{{H6755}}`, which is constructed of various body parts and materials [[Daniel 2:32]].
* **Material Association:** It is explicitly linked with **brass** `{{H5174}}`, following the sections of **gold** `{{H1722}}` and **silver** `{{H3702}}`, showing a progression of materials.
* **Kingdom Representation:** The material of the **belly**, brass, is later identified as representing a "third kingdom of **brass**, which shall bear rule over all the earth" [[Daniel 2:39]], giving the anatomical term its symbolic weight.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4577}}` is a rare Aramaic term for **belly** whose importance is tied exclusively to its appearance in the vision of Daniel 2. While a simple anatomical word, it functions as a critical component in a larger prophetic symbol, representing a specific kingdom in a sequence of world powers. Its meaning is defined by its physical placement on the statue and its association with brass.
TRV