or נְבֻּכַדְנֶאצַּר; (2 Kings 24:1,10), or נְבוּכַדְנֶצַּר; (Esther 2:6; Daniel 1:18), or נְבוּכַדְרֶאצַּר; or נְבוּכַדְרֶאצּוֹר; (Ezra 2:1; Jeremiah 49:28), or foreign derivation; Nebukadnetstsar (or -retstsar, or -retstsor), king of Babylon; Nebuchadnezzar, Nebuchadrezzar.
Transliteration:Nᵉbûwkadneʼtstsar
Pronunciation:neb-oo-kad-nets-tsar'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H5019}}`, transliterated as Nᵉbûwkadneʼtstsar (and its various spellings such as Nᵉbûwkadnetsar, Nᵉbûwkadretsar, Nᵉbûwkadretsor), is a proper noun referring to Nebuchadnezzar II, the most prominent king of the Neo-Babylonian Empire. This name is of foreign, specifically Akkadian, derivation. While its precise etymology is debated among scholars, common interpretations suggest meanings like "Nabu protect my firstborn son" or "Nabu protect the boundary/crown," referencing Nabu, the Babylonian god of wisdom and writing. The variations in transliteration across different biblical books (e.g., [[2 Kings 24:1]] vs. [[Daniel 1:18]] vs. [[Jeremiah 49:28]]) reflect the challenges of rendering a foreign name into Hebrew, but they consistently refer to the same historical figure. The semantic range of `{{H5019}}` is therefore fixed to this specific individual and his historical role as the king of Babylon.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Nebuchadnezzar is a central figure in the historical and prophetic books of the Old Testament, particularly in 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel. His reign marks a significant turning point in Israelite history:
* **2 Kings & 2 Chronicles:** These books detail his military campaigns against Judah, culminating in the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple, and the exile of the Jewish people. He is depicted as the instrument of God's judgment against a rebellious Judah ([[2 Kings 24:10-17]], [[2 Kings 25:1-21]]; [[2 Chronicles 36:6-21]]).
* **Jeremiah:** The prophet Jeremiah consistently identifies Nebuchadnezzar as God's chosen "servant" ([[Jeremiah 25:9]], [[Jeremiah 27:6]], [[Jeremiah 43:10]]), through whom divine judgment would be executed not only on Judah but also on surrounding nations. Jeremiah urged submission to Babylonian rule as the divine will.
* **Ezekiel:** Nebuchadnezzar's military prowess is also acknowledged in prophecies concerning other nations, such as Tyre ([[Ezekiel 26:7]]).
* **Daniel:** This book offers the most extensive and theologically rich portrayal of Nebuchadnezzar. He is introduced as the king who deported Daniel and his companions to Babylon ([[Daniel 1:1-2]]). The narratives in Daniel highlight his encounters with the God of Israel through dreams, divine interpretations, and miraculous interventions. His dream of the great statue ([[Daniel 2]]) reveals God's sovereignty over successive world empires. His decree for all to worship a golden idol and the miraculous deliverance of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the fiery furnace ([[Daniel 3]]) demonstrate God's power to save. Most profoundly, his dream of the great tree, his subsequent period of madness, and his eventual restoration ([[Daniel 4]]) illustrate God's judgment on human pride and His absolute dominion over all earthly kingdoms.
* **Ezra & Esther:** These books make passing historical references to Nebuchadnezzar in relation to the Babylonian Exile ([[Ezra 2:1]]) and the ancestry of those in exile ([[Esther 2:6]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of `{{H5019}}` naturally connects with several key biblical terms and theological concepts:
* **Babylon (בָּבֶל, `{{H894}}`):** The empire ruled by Nebuchadnezzar, which serves as a symbol of worldly power, idolatry, and ultimately, divine judgment.
* **Exile (גָּלָה, `{{H1540}}`):** The primary consequence of Nebuchadnezzar's actions against Judah, representing a period of divine discipline and purification for Israel.
* **Sovereignty of God (מֶלֶךְ, `{{H4428}}`):** A dominant theme, particularly in Daniel, where Nebuchadnezzar's story powerfully demonstrates that even the most formidable human ruler is ultimately subordinate to God's supreme authority.
* **Pride (גָּאוֹן, `{{H1346}}`):** A critical characteristic associated with Nebuchadnezzar, especially in Daniel 4, leading to his divine judgment and temporary humiliation.
* **Judgment (מִשְׁפָּט, `{{H4941}}`):** Nebuchadnezzar functions as God's instrument of righteous judgment against both Judah and other nations.
* **Servant (עֶבֶד, `{{H5650}}`):** Jeremiah's designation of Nebuchadnezzar as God's "servant" underscores his unwitting yet essential role in fulfilling God's predetermined plans.
### Theological Significance
The figure of Nebuchadnezzar holds profound theological significance within the biblical narrative:
* **Divine Instrument of Judgment:** He stands as a prime example of a pagan ruler whom God sovereignly uses to accomplish His purposes. Despite his own polytheistic beliefs and ambitions, he unknowingly served as God's "battle-ax" ([[Jeremiah 51:20]]) against a disobedient Judah. This powerfully illustrates God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and historical events, even those carried out by seemingly autonomous human agents.
* **Humiliation of Pride and Exaltation of God:** Nebuchadnezzar's dramatic transformation in Daniel 4, from a proud monarch boasting of his achievements to a humbled beast and back to a worshiper of the Most High, serves as a powerful theological lesson. It underscores the danger of human arrogance and the truth that "the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone he wishes and sets over them the lowliest of men" ([[Daniel 4:17]]). His eventual confession of God's eternal dominion is a testament to God's power to humble the proud and reveal His glory.
* **God's Control Over Empires:** Through Nebuchadnezzar's prophetic dreams and Daniel's interpretations, the Bible asserts God's ultimate control over the rise and fall of world empires, culminating in the establishment of His eternal, unshakable kingdom. This message provided immense hope and assurance to the exiles and continues to affirm God's overarching redemptive plan.
* **Covenant Faithfulness and Discipline:** Nebuchadnezzar's role in the Babylonian Exile highlights God's unwavering covenant faithfulness—both in His commitment to discipline His people for their idolatry and disobedience, and in His ultimate preservation of a remnant and their eventual return, demonstrating His redemptive purpose.
### Summary
The name `{{H5019}}` Nᵉbûwkadneʼtstsar identifies Nebuchadnezzar II, the formidable king of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, whose reign profoundly impacted the history of ancient Israel. Despite being a pagan ruler, he is consistently portrayed in the biblical narrative as God's sovereignly appointed "servant" and "instrument of judgment" against Judah's persistent unfaithfulness. His military campaigns led to the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple, initiating the traumatic Babylonian Exile. The book of Daniel further develops his character, showcasing him as a powerful but proud monarch who is ultimately humbled by the Most High God, learning through personal experience that "the Most High rules in the kingdom of men and gives it to whomever he will" ([[Daniel 4:25]]). Through Nebuchadnezzar's story, the Scriptures powerfully affirm God's absolute sovereignty over all earthly kingdoms, His righteous judgment, and His unwavering commitment to His divine plan for His people. His life serves as a profound theological testament to the principle that all human power is subservient to the divine will and that God alone deserves all glory.
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