### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **nᵉhar**, represented by `{{H5103}}`, translates to **river** or **stream**. It appears 15 times in 13 verses of the Bible. While it can refer to any river, its usage in scripture often points specifically to the Euphrates as a significant geographical and political landmark.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H5103}}` is used in two primary contexts. The most frequent usage is in the book of Ezra, where "the **river**" serves as an administrative boundary for the Persian empire. It designates a specific region with its own governor and officials, often referred to as "beyond the **river**" or "on this side the **river**" ([[Ezra 4:10]], [[Ezra 5:3]]). This territory was a source of tribute and taxes for the king [[Ezra 4:20]]. In a completely different context, the book of Daniel uses the word to describe a powerful visionary image: a **fiery stream** that "issued and came forth" from before the Ancient of days in a scene of divine judgment [[Daniel 7:10]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the contexts in which **nᵉhar** is found:
* `{{H5675}}` **ʻăbar** (beyond, this side): This term is almost always paired with **nᵉhar** in Ezra to define a geographical region relative to the river, indicating a specific province or jurisdiction [[Ezra 7:25]].
* `{{H5135}}` **nûwr** (fiery, fire): This word describes the divine nature of the stream in Daniel's vision, emphasizing its connection to judgment and the awesome power of God [[Daniel 7:10]].
* `{{H5047}}` **nᵉgad** (to flow; issue): This verb is used to describe the action of the **stream** in Daniel's vision, highlighting its origin from the very presence of God [[Daniel 7:10]].
* `{{H7792}}` **shûwr** (wall): The rebuilding of Jerusalem's **walls** was the central issue for the officials from the region of the **river**, who feared it would cause the king to lose his political control there [[Ezra 4:16]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H5103}}` is split between the political and the theological.
* **Administrative Demarcation:** In its historical context, "the **river**" functions as a clear line of demarcation. It defines the extent of a governor's authority and the source of royal tribute, making it a key element in the administration of the Persian empire ([[Ezra 6:6]], [[Ezra 7:21]]).
* **Geopolitical Boundary:** The river represents a strategic frontier. The conflict over rebuilding Jerusalem is framed by the concern that a fortified city would lead to the loss of the king's "portion on this side the **river**" [[Ezra 4:16]].
* **Symbol of Divine Power:** In prophecy, the term is elevated from an earthly landmark to a divine one. The **fiery stream** in Daniel's vision symbolizes the unstoppable and purifying power of God's judgment flowing from His throne [[Daniel 7:10]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5103}}` is a word with a distinct dual identity in scripture. In the accounts of Ezra, it is a tangible, earthly **river** that defines the political and administrative landscape of an empire. In the visions of Daniel, it transforms into a metaphorical and terrifying **stream** of divine fire, representing the majesty and judgment of God. The word illustrates how a physical feature can serve as a powerful symbol for both human authority and divine power.
TRV