(Aramaic) corresponding to נָטַר; to retain; keep.
Transliteration:nᵉṭar
Pronunciation:net-ar'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic verb nᵉṭar (נְטַר), Strong's `{{H5202}}`, serves as the direct Aramaic counterpart to the Hebrew verb natar (`{{H5201}}`). Its core meaning encompasses the concepts of "to retain," "to keep," "to guard," or "to preserve." This implies an active and intentional act of holding onto something, preventing its loss, decay, or alteration. Within the biblical Aramaic corpus, its semantic range is focused and consistently points to the act of safeguarding or maintaining. It suggests a deliberate effort to hold something securely, not merely to remember it, but to ensure its continued presence or integrity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb nᵉṭar (`{{H5202}}`) appears only once in the biblical text, exclusively within the Aramaic portions of the book of Daniel:
* **[[Daniel 7:28]]**: "Here is the end of the matter. As for me, Daniel, my thoughts greatly alarmed me, and my face changed, but I kept the matter in my heart."
* In this pivotal verse, Daniel concludes his account of the terrifying vision of the four beasts and the Ancient of Days. He uses nᵉṭar (וּמִלְּתָא בְּלִבִּי נְטַרְתִּי, "and the matter in my heart I kept") to describe his response to the profound and disturbing revelation. This is not a passive act of memory, but an active, conscious decision to "retain" or "preserve" the vision and its implications within his innermost being. The context suggests that the vision's weight and the fear it instilled compelled Daniel to internalize it deeply, perhaps to ponder it further, or to protect its sacredness from external disclosure until the appropriate time. This single occurrence underscores the profound significance of safeguarding divine revelation.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Hebrew Counterpart:** The most directly related word is the Hebrew natar (`{{H5201}}`), which shares the same root and primary meanings of "to keep," "to guard," or "to preserve." While nᵉṭar (`{{H5202}}`) has a singular occurrence, the broader usage of natar (`{{H5201}}`) in Hebrew scripture illuminates the depth of its Aramaic counterpart's meaning, often referring to the preservation of life, commands, or property.
* **Other "Keeping" Verbs:**
* **shamar (`{{H8104}}`):** A ubiquitous Hebrew verb for "to keep," "to guard," "to watch," or "to preserve." It often implies active vigilance, protection, or adherence, as in "keeping the commandments" or "guarding a city."
* **natsar (`{{H5341}}`):** Another significant Hebrew verb meaning "to guard," "to watch," or "to preserve." It frequently appears in contexts of guarding secrets, preserving truth, or protecting individuals.
* **Concept of Internalization and Preservation of Revelation:** The act of "keeping" divine words or visions in one's heart is a recurring biblical motif. For instance, Mary "treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart" regarding Jesus' birth and early life (cf. [[Luke 2:19]], [[Luke 2:51]]). This concept highlights a deep, reflective engagement with spiritual truths, ensuring their integrity and allowing for future understanding or application.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of nᵉṭar (`{{H5202}}`) in [[Daniel 7:28]] carries substantial theological weight. Daniel's deliberate act of "keeping" the prophetic matter in his heart is profoundly significant for several reasons:
1. **Stewardship of Revelation:** It underscores the immense responsibility of a prophet, or any recipient of divine revelation, to faithfully steward God's word. The visions were not to be taken lightly or forgotten, but actively preserved and pondered.
2. **Internalization of Truth:** Daniel's action signifies a deep internalization of the divine message. It implies more than mere memory; it points to a profound engagement with the truth, allowing it to reside within one's being, shaping thoughts and understanding. Even when the implications are unsettling, the word is to be held securely.
3. **Integrity of Prophecy:** By "keeping" the matter, Daniel ensures the integrity of the revelation. This act of preservation is crucial for the accurate transmission and future interpretation of prophecy, preventing distortion or loss.
4. **Divine Value of the Word:** The need to "keep" such a matter speaks to the inherent value and enduring nature of God's word. It is a treasure to be guarded, a truth worthy of profound respect and careful preservation, even when its full meaning is yet to unfold.
### Summary
The Aramaic verb nᵉṭar (`{{H5202}}`), meaning "to retain" or "to keep," is a potent term directly corresponding to the Hebrew natar (`{{H5201}}`). Its sole biblical appearance in [[Daniel 7:28]] is highly instructive, revealing Daniel's profound response to a terrifying prophetic vision. By "keeping the matter in his heart," Daniel demonstrates a conscious and deliberate act of internalizing and preserving divine revelation. This act highlights the critical responsibility of a prophet to faithfully steward God's word, emphasizing the importance of holding fast to truth, even when its implications are daunting. The term underscores the inherent value and enduring nature of divine communication, which is to be cherished, pondered, and protected within the human spirit.
TRV