The Aramaic word nᵉmar, represented by H5245, is the term for a leopard. Defined by its stripes, it appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire Bible, making its single appearance highly specific and significant.
The sole use of H5245 occurs within a prophetic vision in the book of Daniel. The prophet beholds a series of four great beasts rising from the sea, each representing a kingdom. The third beast is described as being "like a leopard" Daniel 7:6. This particular beast is depicted with "four wings of a fowl" on its back and "four heads," and it was given dominion.
Several related words from the context of Daniel's vision help to define the leopard's role:
- H2423 chêyvâʼ (an animal; beast): This is the general term used to describe the four creatures in the vision, including the leopard. It establishes the leopard as one of the symbolic beasts representing world powers Daniel 7:6.
- H1611 gaph (a wing; wing): This word describes a key feature of the leopard-like beast, which had "four wings of a fowl." Wings are also mentioned on the first beast, a lion Daniel 7:4, but the leopard has four, suggesting a different characteristic.
- H7985 sholṭân (empire (abstractly or concretely); dominion): This word is critical, as it defines the authority granted to the beast. The vision states that "dominion was given to it," signifying its power and rule Daniel 7:6.
The theological weight of H5245 is entirely symbolic, tied to its role in eschatological prophecy.
- Symbol of a Kingdom: As the third in a sequence of four beasts, the leopard represents a specific world empire that would arise in history Daniel 7:6.
- Unique Attributes: The beast's features—the leopard's form combined with four wings and four heads—symbolize the specific character and structure of the kingdom it represents.
- Granted Authority: The text explicitly states that dominion was "given" to this beast Daniel 7:6. This highlights a core theme in Daniel: earthly power and dominion are ultimately granted and overseen by a higher, divine authority.
In summary, though used only once, H5245 nᵉmar plays a crucial role in one of the Bible's most significant prophetic passages. It functions not as a literal animal but as a potent symbol for a world power, defined by its unique attributes and the dominion it was given. Its appearance in Daniel 7:6 is a key component in the vision of successive kingdoms under the ultimate sovereignty of God.
TRV