(Aramaic) corresponding to נְחוּשָׁה; copper; brass.
Transliteration:nᵉchâsh
Pronunciation:nekh-awsh'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word `{{H5174}}` (nᵉchâsh) directly corresponds to the Hebrew `{{H5178}}` (nᵉchûshâ) and `{{H5172}}` (nᵉchosheth), denoting "copper" or, more commonly in ancient contexts, "bronze" (an alloy of copper, typically with tin) or "brass" (an alloy of copper with zinc). In the ancient Near East, the distinction between these alloys was often fluid, and the term generally referred to a durable, reddish-brown metal. Its semantic range is primarily material, referring to the physical substance itself, known for its strength, malleability, and resistance to corrosion, making it suitable for tools, weapons, vessels, and decorative items.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
`{{H5174}}` appears exclusively in the Aramaic portions of the book of Daniel, where it plays a significant role in prophetic symbolism and the description of idolatry.
1. **[[Daniel 2:32]]**: In Nebuchadnezzar's dream image, the "belly and thighs of bronze" (נְחָשׁ) represent the third kingdom. This kingdom is further specified in [[Daniel 2:39]] as "another kingdom, inferior to you, of bronze (נְחָשׁ), which shall rule over all the earth." Historically, this is understood to represent the Greek (Hellenistic) Empire, particularly under Alexander the Great. The choice of bronze signifies a kingdom of considerable strength and widespread dominion, yet it is explicitly "inferior" to the preceding kingdoms of gold (Babylon) and silver (Persia). This inferiority is not necessarily in terms of military might but perhaps in moral or political quality, or simply in its place within the divine sequence of empires. The durability of bronze, however, highlights its extensive reach and lasting influence before being superseded.
2. **[[Daniel 5:4]]**: During Belshazzar's feast, the king and his nobles "drank wine and praised the gods of gold and silver, bronze (נְחָשׁ), iron, wood, and stone."
3. **[[Daniel 5:23]]**: Daniel rebukes Belshazzar, stating, "But you have lifted yourself up against the Lord of heaven. And they have brought the vessels of His house before you, and you and your lords, your wives and your concubines, have drunk wine from them. And you have praised the gods of silver and gold, of bronze (נְחָשׁ), iron, wood, and stone, which do not see or hear or know."
In these instances, `{{H5174}}` is listed among various materials used to fashion idols. The context is one of egregious idolatry and sacrilege, as Belshazzar uses sacred temple vessels while worshipping inert, man-made images. Here, bronze, despite its strength as a material, is presented as part of the futile and blind objects of false worship, starkly contrasting with the living God who sees, hears, and knows.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related terms are the Hebrew cognates `{{H5172}}` (nᵉchosheth) and `{{H5178}}` (nᵉchûshâ), which are far more prevalent in the Old Testament and carry similar meanings of "copper," "bronze," or "brass." These Hebrew terms are used extensively for temple implements (e.g., the bronze altar, laver), weapons, fetters, and even for descriptive metaphors of strength or stubbornness.
`{{H5174}}` also belongs to a broader semantic field of metals, including gold (`{{H2091}}`), silver (`{{H3701}}`), and iron (`{{H1270}}`), which are all featured prominently in the dream image of Daniel 2. The sequence of metals—gold, silver, bronze, iron, and finally iron mixed with clay—illustrates a progression of kingdoms, each with distinct characteristics and a diminishing intrinsic value, yet increasing in hardness and destructive power before their ultimate fragmentation. The inclusion of "wood" and "stone" alongside metals in the context of idols ([[Daniel 5:4]], [[Daniel 5:23]]) further emphasizes the material and created nature of false gods, regardless of the perceived value or strength of the material.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H5174}}` in Daniel is multifaceted:
1. **Human Empires and Divine Sovereignty:** In Daniel 2, bronze symbolizes a powerful human kingdom (Greece) that would exert vast dominion. However, its placement as "inferior" to gold and silver, and its eventual shattering by the "stone cut without hands" ([[Daniel 2:34-35]]), underscores the transient nature of all human empires compared to the eternal and indestructible kingdom of God. The strength and widespread influence of the bronze kingdom are acknowledged, but they are ultimately subservient to God's overarching plan for history. This reinforces the theme of divine sovereignty over all earthly powers.
2. **Idolatry and Futility:** In Daniel 5, `{{H5174}}` is listed as a material for idols, highlighting the profound spiritual blindness and moral depravity of worshipping created things. The contrast between the "gods of bronze... which do not see or hear or know" and the living God who judges Belshazzar is stark. This use of `{{H5174}}` serves as a potent theological indictment against idolatry, emphasizing its emptiness and the ultimate judgment that awaits those who elevate material objects or human achievements above the Creator.
3. **Materiality vs. Spirituality:** The recurrent mention of bronze, alongside other metals and materials, for both prophetic images and idols, draws a clear distinction between the physical, created realm and the spiritual, eternal reality of God. While human beings may construct impressive empires or elaborate idols from durable materials like bronze, these are ultimately finite and powerless before the infinite and omnipotent God.
### Summary
The Aramaic word `{{H5174}}` (nᵉchâsh) denotes "copper" or "bronze/brass" and appears exclusively in the book of Daniel. In the prophetic vision of Nebuchadnezzar's statue, bronze symbolizes the third great human kingdom ([[Daniel 2:32]], [[Daniel 2:39]]), representing a period of significant strength and widespread dominion, yet ultimately inferior and subject to the divine unfolding of history. In the account of Belshazzar's feast, `{{H5174}}` is listed among the materials used for idols ([[Daniel 5:4]], [[Daniel 5:23]]), serving as a powerful indictment against the futility and spiritual blindness of idolatry. The theological significance of `{{H5174}}` thus lies in its dual representation: both as a symbol of human imperial strength that is nonetheless transient and inferior to God's eternal kingdom, and as a material for false gods, highlighting the stark contrast between lifeless idols and the living, sovereign God who judges all earthly powers and false worship.
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