(Aramaic) or נְהִירוּ; (Aramaic), from the same as נְהָרָה; illumination, i.e. (figuratively) wisdom; light.
Transliteration:nᵉhîyr
Pronunciation:neh-heere'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic term nᵉhîyr (`{{H5094}}`) derives from a root signifying "light" or "brightness," akin to the Hebrew nᵉhārāh (`{{H5105}}`). Its primary semantic range encompasses physical "illumination" or "light." However, in its sole biblical occurrence, it transitions powerfully into a figurative sense, denoting intellectual and spiritual "wisdom" or "understanding." This metaphorical extension is common in biblical languages, where "light" frequently symbolizes knowledge, truth, and divine revelation, contrasting with the "darkness" of ignorance or error. Thus, nᵉhîyr signifies an inner radiance, a profound insight that transcends mere human intellect.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word nᵉhîyr (`{{H5094}}`) appears only once in the biblical text, in the book of Daniel:
* [[Daniel 5:11]]: "There is a man in your kingdom in whom is the spirit of the holy gods; and in the days of your father, light (`{{H5094}}`) and understanding and wisdom, like the wisdom of the gods, were found in him; and King Nebuchadnezzar, your father—your father the king—made him chief of the magicians, enchanters, Chaldeans, and astrologers."
In this passage, Belshazzar's queen is commending Daniel to the king, emphasizing his exceptional qualities. The word nᵉhîyr is not used here in its literal sense of physical light, but rather in conjunction with "understanding" (Aramaic: śāḵlᵊtānû, `{{H7925}}`) and "wisdom" (Aramaic: ḥokmāh, `{{H2452}}`). This triplet unequivocally points to a profound, divinely-imparted intellectual and spiritual insight. The context attributes this "light" to "the spirit of the holy gods" within Daniel, underscoring its supernatural origin and distinguishing it from any earthly wisdom or magical art. Daniel's nᵉhîyr enabled him to interpret dreams, understand visions, and discern divine mysteries, a capacity that surpassed all the king's advisors.
### Related Words & Concepts
The Aramaic nᵉhîyr (`{{H5094}}`) is etymologically linked to the Hebrew nᵉhārāh (`{{H5105}}`), meaning "light" or "brightness," particularly of the sun or dawn. This connection reinforces its core semantic domain of illumination.
Conceptually, nᵉhîyr aligns with broader biblical themes of "light" as a metaphor for:
* **Divine Presence and Revelation:** Hebrew 'ôr (`{{H216}}`) and Greek phōs (`{{G5457}}`) frequently denote God's presence, His truth, and His word (e.g., [[Psalm 119:105]]).
* **Wisdom and Understanding:** This is the primary emphasis of nᵉhîyr in [[Daniel 5:11]]. Related Hebrew terms include ḥokmāh (`{{H2451}}`, wisdom), bînāh (`{{H998}}`, understanding), and da'at (`{{H1847}}`, knowledge). The Aramaic parallels are ḥokmāh (`{{H2452}}`) and śāḵlᵊtānû (`{{H7925}}`), which explicitly accompany nᵉhîyr in Daniel.
* **Life and Salvation:** Light is often contrasted with darkness, symbolizing life and salvation versus death and destruction (e.g., [[John 1:4-5]]).
The pairing of nᵉhîyr with "understanding" and "wisdom" in Daniel highlights its specialized meaning as an enlightened spiritual discernment, a gift that allows one to perceive and interpret divine realities.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of nᵉhîyr in [[Daniel 5:11]] carries profound theological weight.
1. **Divine Source of True Wisdom:** The text explicitly states that Daniel's "light" (wisdom) emanated from "the spirit of the holy gods." This underscores the biblical truth that genuine spiritual and intellectual illumination is not a product of human ingenuity or worldly learning, but a divine endowment. It is God who grants understanding and reveals mysteries.
2. **Contrast with Human Darkness:** The narrative in Daniel 5 vividly contrasts Daniel's divinely-imparted nᵉhîyr with the spiritual blindness and intellectual impotence of Belshazzar and his wise men. Despite their worldly knowledge and magical arts, they could not interpret the divine message, highlighting the futility of human wisdom apart from God's revelation.
3. **Revelation and Prophetic Insight:** In Daniel's context, nᵉhîyr is intrinsically linked to his prophetic office. It signifies the spiritual clarity necessary to receive, comprehend, and articulate God's messages, whether through dreams, visions, or direct revelation. This "light" enables the discerning of divine purposes and the interpretation of signs that are otherwise inscrutable.
4. **Enlightenment for God's Purposes:** Daniel's nᵉhîyr served a specific divine purpose: to deliver God's judgment to a proud and idolatrous king. Thus, this "light" is not merely for personal edification but for the advancement of God's sovereign plan and the demonstration of His power and knowledge.
### Summary
The Aramaic word nᵉhîyr (`{{H5094}}`) fundamentally means "illumination" or "light," but its sole biblical occurrence in [[Daniel 5:11]] elevates it to a profound figurative sense: divinely-imparted "wisdom" and "understanding." Attributed to "the spirit of the holy gods" within Daniel, this nᵉhîyr signifies a supernatural insight that enabled him to discern and interpret divine mysteries, distinguishing him sharply from the spiritually darkened wise men of Babylon. Theologically, nᵉhîyr underscores that true spiritual and intellectual light originates from God, serving His purposes by revealing His truth and judgment, and standing in stark contrast to the limitations of human wisdom. It embodies the concept of divine enlightenment for prophetic and interpretive clarity.
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