The Aramaic word nᵉṭal, represented by H5191, means to raise; take up. It is a rare term, appearing only 2 times in 2 unique verses, both within the book of Daniel. Its usage describes the physical or visual act of lifting something upwards.
In its biblical contexts, H5191 is used in two distinct scenarios. First, it describes a personal act of worship and recognition. After his period of humbling, King Nebuchadnezzar lifted up his eyes to heaven, a gesture that coincided with his understanding returning and his blessing of the most High Daniel 4:34. Secondly, it is used in a prophetic vision where a symbolic beast, like a lion with eagle's wings, was lifted up from the earth and transformed, being made to stand like a man Daniel 7:4.
Several related Aramaic words provide a richer context for the actions associated with H5191:
- H1289 bᵉrak (bless): This word for blessing God as an act of adoration is directly linked to Nebuchadnezzar's action. The moment he lifted up his eyes, he blessed the most High Daniel 4:34.
- H772 ʼăraʻ (earth): This is the point of origin from which the beast in Daniel's vision is lifted. The act of being taken from the earth signifies a change in its sphere or status Daniel 7:4.
- H6966 qûwm (made to stand): This action immediately follows the beast being lifted up. It was lifted from the earth and made stand on its feet like a man, completing its transformation Daniel 7:4.
The theological significance of H5191 is tied to its depiction of elevation and change.
- Acknowledgment of Sovereignty: The act of lifting one's eyes to heaven is a physical posture that reflects a spiritual reorientation. For Nebuchadnezzar, it marks the end of his prideful abasement and the beginning of his praise to God, acknowledging a higher authority Daniel 4:34.
- Supernatural Transformation: In Daniel's vision, the beast does not lift itself; it "was lifted up." This passive action indicates a transformation orchestrated by a divine power, changing a creature from its bestial state and earthly position to a new form Daniel 7:4.
- A Shift from a Lower to a Higher State: In both uses, the subject is moved from a lower position—Nebuchadnezzar's debased state of mind and the beast's position on the earth—toward a higher one, whether by a gaze directed toward heaven or by a physical raising from the ground.
In summary, while nᵉṭal H5191 is used infrequently, its meaning of "to raise; take up" is significant in its contexts. It portrays both a voluntary human act of looking toward God in humility and a passive transformation where a subject is supernaturally lifted and changed. These two occurrences in Daniel use the word to illustrate pivotal moments of recognition and divinely initiated change.
TRV