### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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.
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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.
### Summary
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