(Aramaic) from an unused root (corresponding to that of נִיר) meaning to shine; fire; fiery, fire.
Transliteration:nûwr
Pronunciation:noor
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic term nûwr (נוּר, `{{H5135}}`) denotes "fire" or "fiery." Its etymological root is linked to an unused root corresponding to the Hebrew nîr (נִיר, `{{H5216}}`), which carries the meaning "to shine" or "to give light." This etymological connection underscores that nûwr encompasses not only the destructive and consuming aspects of fire but also its illuminating quality. As an Aramaic word, its usage is primarily confined to the Aramaic sections of the biblical text, notably in the Book of Daniel. Its semantic range is straightforward, referring to the physical element of fire, its heat, light, and consuming power.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word nûwr occurs predominantly in the Book of Daniel, playing a pivotal role in two distinct but thematically connected contexts:
1. **The Fiery Furnace (Daniel 3):** This narrative repeatedly employs nûwr to describe the "burning fiery furnace" (אַתּוּן נוּרָא יָקִדְתָּא) into which Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego are cast for refusing to worship Nebuchadnezzar's golden image. Verses such as [[Daniel 3:6]], [[Daniel 3:11]], [[Daniel 3:15]], [[Daniel 3:17]], [[Daniel 3:20]], [[Daniel 3:22]], [[Daniel 3:26]], and [[Daniel 3:27]] all feature nûwr. In this context, nûwr represents an instrument of human power and judgment, intended for destruction. However, the miraculous preservation of the three men demonstrates God's absolute sovereignty over even the most intense and destructive forces. The fire consumes only the king's executioners, highlighting its selective nature under divine control.
2. **Daniel's Vision of the Ancient of Days (Daniel 7):** Here, nûwr takes on a symbolic and majestic quality. Daniel describes the throne of the Ancient of Days as "fiery flames" (שְׁבִיבִין דִּי נוּר) and speaks of "a stream of fire issued and came forth from before him" (נְהַר דִּי נוּר נָגֵד) in [[Daniel 7:9]] and [[Daniel 7:10]]. In this apocalyptic vision, nûwr is inextricably linked to the divine presence, signifying God's purity, holiness, and His role as ultimate Judge. This "fire" is not merely destructive but also purificatory and revealing, setting the stage for the final judgment and the establishment of God's eternal kingdom.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary Hebrew equivalent to nûwr is esh (אֵשׁ, `{{H784}}`), which also translates as "fire." Both words convey similar literal and metaphorical meanings, including divine presence (e.g., the burning bush), judgment, purification, and destruction. The Aramaic nûwr thus serves as the direct linguistic counterpart to esh within the Aramaic portions of Scripture.
The connection to the root nîr (נִיר, `{{H5216}}` or `{{H5214}}`), meaning "to shine" or "lamp," is significant. While fire is often associated with heat and destruction, its fundamental property of emitting light is also implied by this etymological link. This dual aspect of fire—both consuming and illuminating—is a pervasive biblical motif. Other related concepts include light (אֹור, `{{H216}}`), heat, glory (כָּבוֹד, `{{H3519}}`), and judgment (מִשְׁפָּט, `{{H4941}}`).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of nûwr is profound, particularly as revealed in the Book of Daniel:
1. **Divine Sovereignty Over Adversity:** The narrative of the fiery furnace powerfully illustrates God's absolute control over all elements, even those designed for destruction by human will. The fire, intended to consume, becomes a place of divine revelation and protection for the faithful. This demonstrates that God's power transcends and overrides human tyranny, turning instruments of death into arenas for His glory.
2. **The Majesty and Purity of God:** In Daniel's vision, nûwr describes the very essence of God's throne and presence. The "fiery flames" and "river of fire" signify God's unapproachable holiness, His consuming purity, and His majestic power as the Ancient of Days. This fire is not random destruction but the manifestation of divine justice and an active force in the process of judgment.
3. **Judgment and Purification:** While nûwr primarily denotes judgment in Daniel 7, the concept of fire in biblical theology often carries the nuance of purification. The fire of God consumes evil and refines the righteous. The experience of the three men in Daniel 3, though a trial of faith, did not consume them but rather purified their devotion. The fire associated with God's throne in Daniel 7 implies a judgment that will purge all unrighteousness, leading to the establishment of a pure kingdom.
4. **Divine Presence in Trial:** The appearance of the "fourth man" in the fiery furnace (interpreted by many as a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ) signifies God's immanent presence with His people *within* their trials. The fire, though raging, cannot separate the faithful from their God.
### Summary
Nûwr (נוּר, `{{H5135}}`) is the Aramaic word for "fire," stemming from a root associated with "shining." Its most significant biblical occurrences are found in the Book of Daniel. In the narrative of the fiery furnace, nûwr represents a destructive force wielded by human authority, yet it is ultimately rendered powerless against God's protective sovereignty over His faithful servants. In Daniel's vision of the Ancient of Days, nûwr symbolizes the majestic, pure, and judging presence of God, whose throne is of "fiery flames" and from whom a "river of fire" flows. Theologically, nûwr underscores God's absolute control over all creation, His immanent presence in the midst of trials, and His role as the ultimate Judge whose divine nature is characterized by consuming holiness and purifying power. As the Aramaic counterpart to the Hebrew `{{H784}}` (אֵשׁ), nûwr serves as a powerful descriptor of divine action and presence in the Aramaic portions of Scripture.
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