### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **nᵉzaq**, represented by `{{H5142}}`, is a term for suffering or inflicting **loss**. It appears **4 times** across **4 unique verses** in the Bible. Its core meaning relates to having or causing damage and being hurtful, particularly in a financial or political sense.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{H5142}}` is used exclusively in contexts of governance and potential threats to royal authority. In the book of Ezra, it is used by the adversaries of Judah to argue against the rebuilding of Jerusalem. They claim the city is historically **hurtful** to kings [[Ezra 4:15]] and that its reconstruction will **endamage** the royal revenue by cutting off taxes [[Ezra 4:13]]. The concern is that allowing the project to continue will let damage grow to the **hurt** of the kings [[Ezra 4:22]]. Similarly, in Daniel, the administrative system is set up so that "the king should have no **damage**," highlighting a concern for preventing loss to the crown [[Daniel 6:2]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related Aramaic words clarify the nature of the damage described by `{{H5142}}`:
* `{{H2257}}` **chăbal** (damage, hurt): This word for harm is used alongside `{{H5142}}` to emphasize the growing threat to the kings, questioning why damage should increase to their hurt [[Ezra 4:22]].
* `{{H2718}}` **chărab** (destroy): This term is linked to the outcome of a city being hurtful. Jerusalem's past destruction is cited as a direct consequence of its rebellious and hurtful nature [[Ezra 4:15]].
* `{{H4779}}` **mârâd** (rebellious): This describes the character of the city deemed "hurtful" `{{H5142}}`. The accusation is that Jerusalem is a **rebellious** city, which is the source of the potential damage to the king [[Ezra 4:15]].
* `{{H849}}` **ʼeshtaddûwr** (sedition): This specifies the kind of hurtful action taken by the city. It is accused of having moved **sedition** from old times, linking the damage directly to political insurrection [[Ezra 4:15]].
### Theological Significance
The political weight of `{{H5142}}` is significant in the post-exilic narrative. It is central to understanding the opposition faced by the returning exiles.
* **Financial Loss:** The word is used to frame opposition to rebuilding Jerusalem in economic terms. The primary argument is that a rebuilt city will cease paying toll and tribute, thereby causing direct financial **endamage** to the king's revenue [[Ezra 4:13]].
* **Political Instability:** `{{H5142}}` is connected to rebellion and sedition. The city is labeled **hurtful** because of its alleged history of insurrection, making the potential damage a matter of state security and not just finances [[Ezra 4:15]].
* **Administrative Protection:** In a different context, the word underscores the purpose of good governance. The administrative structure in Daniel was designed specifically to prevent the king from suffering **damage**, showing that protecting the sovereign's interests was a key principle of the system [[Daniel 6:2]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5142}}` is a specific Aramaic term for damage and loss, almost always in relation to a monarch's power and resources. It is not about general harm but about financial detriment and political threats that could undermine a king's authority. Through its use in Ezra and Daniel, it illustrates how concerns over revenue and rebellion were used to influence royal decisions and structure government.
TRV