(Aramaic) corresponding to נָדַד; to depart; go from.
Transliteration:nᵉdad
Pronunciation:ned-ad'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic verb H5075 (נְדַד, *nᵉdad*) denotes the action of "departing" or "going from." It is explicitly defined as corresponding to the Hebrew `{{H5074}}` (נָדַד, *nādād*), which carries a similar semantic range including "to flee," "to wander," "to move away," or "to depart." The core meaning implies a movement *away* from a previous state, place, or condition. Unlike a simple journey, nᵉdad often connotes an involuntary or definitive separation, a cessation of presence, or the establishment of a fixed reality that has "gone forth."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The Aramaic H5075 appears in the book of Daniel, specifically in two distinct contexts, offering nuanced insights into its meaning:
1. **[[Daniel 2:9]]**: In this passage, King Nebuchadnezzar, demanding that his wise men not only interpret but also reveal his forgotten dream, declares, "the word has gone forth from me" (מִנִּי מִלְּתָא נְדַת). Here, nᵉdad (נְדַת, a perfect form of the verb) emphasizes the irrevocability and finality of the king's decree. The "word has departed" from his mouth, signifying that it is now a binding command, established and unchangeable. There is no turning back; the decree is set in motion and will be executed. This highlights the absolute authority of the monarch in the ancient Near East.
2. **[[Daniel 6:18]]**: This verse describes King Darius's distress after Daniel has been cast into the lions' den. It states, "And sleep fled from him" (וְשִׁנְתֵּהּ נַדַּת עֲלֹהִי). Here, nᵉdad (נַדַּת) portrays an involuntary departure. Sleep, a natural and necessary state, has "departed" or "fled" from the king due to his profound anxiety and regret over Daniel's fate. This usage vividly illustrates the power of distress to disrupt natural rhythms and highlights the king's deep concern, which ultimately leads to his early morning visit to the den.
In both instances, H5075 signifies a definitive separation or absence, whether of a decree becoming fixed or of a state of rest being forcibly removed.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic relation is the Hebrew `{{H5074}}` (נָדַד, *nādād*), from which the Aramaic H5075 is derived or to which it corresponds. Both verbs share the core semantic field of movement away, fleeing, or departing.
Other related concepts and words, though not direct cognates, include:
* **Irrevocability/Finality**: The concept of a decree or word being unchangeable, as seen in [[Daniel 2:9]]. This connects to the immutability of divine decrees in other biblical contexts.
* **Absence/Loss**: The departure of sleep in [[Daniel 6:18]] reflects a loss of peace or rest, a common human experience of distress.
* **Movement/Migration**: While nᵉdad can imply movement, its specific biblical contexts emphasize a definitive *departure* rather than a journey or wandering. Other Aramaic words like `{{H5266}}` (נְסַע, *nᵉsa'*) "to pull up stakes, depart" might be broadly related in terms of movement.
### Theological Significance
Though limited to two occurrences, H5075 contributes to the theological landscape of Daniel in subtle yet profound ways.
In [[Daniel 2:9]], the king's word "going forth" underscores the immense power vested in earthly rulers, a power that the book of Daniel consistently portrays as ultimately subordinate to divine sovereignty. The irrevocability of Nebuchadnezzar's decree serves as a backdrop against which God's own immutable word and plan are implicitly contrasted and ultimately shown to prevail. It highlights the serious consequences of human pronouncements, particularly when they clash with divine will.
The "fleeing of sleep" from King Darius in [[Daniel 6:18]] is a powerful depiction of human anxiety and restlessness. The king's inability to find rest, even in his palace, speaks to the weight of his decision and his concern for Daniel. Theologically, this can be seen as a divine instrument, preventing the king from resting until the injustice against God's servant is addressed. It demonstrates that even powerful rulers are subject to the emotional and physical consequences of their actions, and that God can use such human vulnerability to bring about His purposes. The absence of sleep here is not merely a physical symptom but a manifestation of a spiritual disquiet, a divinely orchestrated restlessness that ultimately leads to Daniel's vindication and God's glory.
### Summary
H5075 (נְדַד, *nᵉdad*) is an Aramaic verb meaning "to depart" or "to go from," sharing its core semantic range with the Hebrew `{{H5074}}`. Its two occurrences in the book of Daniel provide compelling insights into its usage. In [[Daniel 2:9]], it signifies the irreversible nature of a royal decree, emphasizing its finality and binding authority. In [[Daniel 6:18]], it vividly describes sleep "fleeing" from King Darius, illustrating profound anxiety and distress. Though rare, the word effectively conveys the concept of a definitive and often involuntary separation or absence, highlighting themes of authority, consequence, and human vulnerability within the broader narrative of divine sovereignty and intervention.
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