### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **mârêʼ**, represented by `{{H4756}}`, defines a **master** or **Lord**. Derived from a root meaning "domineering," it appears **4 times** across **4 unique verses** in the Bible, exclusively within the book of Daniel. It conveys a strong sense of authority and lordship.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its scriptural context, `{{H4756}}` is used to denote both divine and human authority. It is applied to God as the ultimate sovereign, the "**Lord** of heaven," whom Belshazzar defiantly challenged [[Daniel 5:23]]. Similarly, Nebuchadnezzar confesses that Daniel's God is "a **Lord** of kings" after his dream is interpreted [[Daniel 2:47]]. In a different context, Daniel uses the term respectfully to address the human king Nebuchadnezzar, referring to him as "My **lord**" [[Daniel 4:19]] and "my **lord** the king" [[Daniel 4:24]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related Aramaic words clarify the scope of authority associated with `{{H4756}}`:
* `{{H426}}` **ʼĕlâhh** (God): This word for **God** is often used in conjunction with `{{H4756}}` to specify the "Lord of heaven" [[Daniel 5:23]] or to identify the one who is the "Lord of kings" [[Daniel 2:47]].
* `{{H4430}}` **melek** (king): As the word for **a king**, it is directly linked to `{{H4756}}` in the title "Lord of **kings**" [[Daniel 2:47]] and is the title of the person Daniel addresses as "my **lord**" [[Daniel 4:24]].
* `{{H5943}}` **ʻillay** (most) high: This term for **supreme** is used to describe God, whose decree comes upon "my **lord** the king" [[Daniel 4:24]], reinforcing the hierarchy of God's authority over earthly rulers.
* `{{H1541}}` **gᵉlâh** (reveal): God's status as "Lord of kings" is directly connected to His being a **revealer** of secrets [[Daniel 2:47]], showing His lordship is tied to His omniscience.
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H4756}}` is centered on the concept of ultimate sovereignty and delegated authority.
* **Divine Lordship:** The title is used to establish God's supreme power. He is not just a god, but the "**Lord** of heaven" [[Daniel 5:23]] and the "**Lord** of kings" [[Daniel 2:47]], placing Him above all other powers, both celestial and terrestrial.
* **Earthly Authority:** The use of `{{H4756}}` as a term of respect for a human monarch, as when Daniel addresses Nebuchadnezzar [[Daniel 4:19]], acknowledges the legitimate, yet subordinate, authority held by earthly rulers.
* **Source of Authority:** The narrative in Daniel demonstrates that even the king who is called "lord" is subject to a decree from "the most High" `{{H5943}}`, who is the ultimate **Lord** [[Daniel 4:24]]. This shows that all earthly lordship is derived from and accountable to God.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4756}}` is a potent Aramaic term that, while used infrequently, sharply defines the lines of authority in the book of Daniel. It distinguishes between the respectful address given to a human **master** and the absolute sovereignty belonging to the divine **Lord**. The word encapsulates a key theological theme: that while earthly kings may hold power, there is a **Lord** of kings who reigns supreme over all.
TRV