### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **Nᵉbûwkadnetstsar** `{{H5020}}` is the name of **Nebuchadnezzar**, the king of Babylon. It appears **31 times** across **29 unique verses** in the Bible, establishing him as a central figure in the narratives of Daniel and Ezra. He is consistently identified as the powerful ruler of the Babylonian empire.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H5020}}` is depicted as a mighty yet prideful king. He **made** `{{H5648}}` a great **image** `{{H6755}}` of **gold** `{{H1722}}` and commanded all peoples and **nations** `{{H524}}` to **worship** `{{H5457}}` it ([[Daniel 3:1]], [[Daniel 3:7]]). When Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused, **Nebuchadnezzar** `{{H5020}}` became **full** `{{H4391}}` of **fury** `{{H2528}}` and had them cast into a fiery **furnace** `{{H861}}` [[Daniel 3:19]]. He is also presented as the conqueror who took the **golden** `{{H1722}}` and **silver** `{{H3702}}` **vessels** `{{H3984}}` from the **temple** `{{H1965}}` in **Jerusalem** `{{H3390}}` [[Daniel 5:2]]. The narrative also details his personal humbling, where he was driven from his kingdom and did **eat** `{{H399}}` grass as **oxen** `{{H8450}}`, before his **understanding** `{{H4486}}` was restored and he **blessed** `{{H1289}}` the most High [[Daniel 4:33-34]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related figures and terms provide context to the story of **Nebuchadnezzar** `{{H5020}}`:
* `{{H1113}}` **Bêlshaʼtstsar** (Belshazzar): A later Babylonian **king** `{{H4430}}` who is identified as the **son** of Nebuchadnezzar and whose narrative involves the sacred vessels his **father** `{{H2}}` had taken from Jerusalem ([[Daniel 5:2]], [[Daniel 5:22]]).
* `{{H1096}}` **Bêlṭᵉshaʼtstsar** (Belteshazzar): The Babylonian **name** `{{H8036}}` given to Daniel, whom Nebuchadnezzar made **master** `{{H7229}}` of the **magicians** `{{H2749}}` and called upon to interpret his **dream** `{{H2493}}` ([[Daniel 4:18]], [[Daniel 5:11]]).
* `{{H3567}}` **Kôwresh** (Cyrus): The Persian **king** `{{H4430}}` whose actions are contrasted with Nebuchadnezzar's. While Nebuchadnezzar took the **vessels** `{{H3984}}` from God's **house** `{{H1005}}`, Cyrus was the one who took them from Babylon and ordered them to be restored [[Ezra 5:14]].
* `{{H895}}` **Babel** (Babylon): The seat of Nebuchadnezzar's kingdom and the **province** `{{H4083}}` where he erected his golden **image** `{{H6755}}` [[Daniel 3:1]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of the narrative surrounding `{{H5020}}` is significant. It illustrates several key principles:
* **Instrument of Judgment:** He is portrayed as the agent of God's judgment against Israel. Because the fathers **provoked** `{{H7265}}` the God of **heaven** `{{H8065}}` to **wrath** `{{H7265}}`, God gave them into the **hand** `{{H3028}}` of Nebuchadnezzar, who **destroyed** `{{H5642}}` the **house** `{{H1005}}` of God [[Ezra 5:12]].
* **The Peril of Pride:** Nebuchadnezzar's story is a profound lesson on **pride** `{{H1467}}`. His boasting leads directly to his humiliation, and only after this does he praise and **honour** `{{H1922}}` the King of **heaven** `{{H8065}}`, who is **able** `{{H3202}}` to **abase** `{{H8214}}` the proud [[Daniel 4:37]].
* **God's Absolute Sovereignty:** The most high **God** `{{H426}}` is shown to have given Nebuchadnezzar his **kingdom** `{{H4437}}`, **majesty** `{{H7238}}`, and **glory** `{{H3367}}` [[Daniel 5:18]]. Ultimately, Nebuchadnezzar's own testimony affirms that the Most **High** `{{H5943}}` rules and His **dominion** `{{H7985}}` is an **everlasting** `{{H5957}}` dominion [[Daniel 4:34]].
### Summary
In summary, **Nᵉbûwkadnetstsar** `{{H5020}}` is a pivotal Old Testament figure whose story serves as a powerful illustration of divine sovereignty over human authority. From a conqueror who plundered God's temple and demanded worship to a humbled king who praised the God of heaven, his life demonstrates that no earthly **king** `{{H4430}}` or kingdom is beyond the reach of God's judgment and redemptive power.
TRV