(Aramaic) corresponding to נָמֵר; {a leopard (from its stripes)}; leopard.
Transliteration:nᵉmar
Pronunciation:nem-ar'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word נְמַר (nᵉmar), Strong's H5245, functions as the equivalent of the Hebrew נָמֵר (nāmer, `{{H5246}}`), denoting a "leopard." Its etymological root likely points to the animal's distinctive spotted or striped coat, suggesting a connection to the idea of variegation or dappling. Semantically, it refers to the predatory feline known for its remarkable speed, agility, and powerful hunting prowess. The core meaning is consistently that of the animal itself, a creature embodying swiftness and a formidable, often fearsome, presence in its natural habitat.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The Aramaic term נְמַר (nᵉmar) appears solely in the book of Daniel, specifically in [[Daniel 7:6]]. In this pivotal prophetic vision, Daniel describes the third of four great beasts emerging from the sea: "After this I looked, and there was another, like a leopard, which had on its back four wings of a bird; the beast also had four heads, and dominion was given to it."
In this context, the leopard serves as a symbolic representation of a powerful, swift, and expansive empire. The four wings emphasize the extraordinary speed and rapidity with which this kingdom would conquer and extend its dominion. The four heads further symbolize the subsequent division of this empire into four distinct parts or rulers. Historically, this vision is widely interpreted as referring to the Grecian Empire under Alexander the Great, with the four heads representing the four Hellenistic kingdoms that emerged after his death (the Diadochi). The choice of the leopard underscores the empire's predatory nature, its sudden appearance, and its overwhelming force.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is its Hebrew counterpart, נָמֵר (nāmer, `{{H5246}}`). This Hebrew term is used in various contexts to describe the physical animal or to draw symbolic comparisons:
* In [[Jeremiah 13:23]], the leopard's unchangeable spots are used metaphorically to illustrate the ingrained nature of sin: "Can the Ethiopian change his skin or the leopard its spots? Then also you can do good who are accustomed to do evil." This highlights immutability and the difficulty of altering one's inherent character or habits.
* [[Habakkuk 1:8]] describes the swiftness of the Chaldean horses as "swifter than leopards," emphasizing speed and predatory pursuit.
* [[Song of Solomon 4:8]] mentions "the mountains of leopards," indicating their natural habitat.
* In [[Isaiah 11:6]], the leopard is depicted lying down with the young goat in a vision of future messianic peace, symbolizing a transformed creation where natural animosities are overcome.
Beyond the specific animal, נְמַר (nᵉmar) connects to broader biblical concepts of:
* **Predatory Beasts:** Often used in prophetic literature (like Daniel 7) to symbolize powerful, often oppressive and destructive, earthly kingdoms (e.g., lion, bear, dragon).
* **Speed and Conquest:** The leopard's characteristic swiftness is consistently employed to convey rapid military expansion and overwhelming power.
* **Division and Succession:** The "four heads" associated with the leopard in Daniel 7:6 link to the concept of empire fragmentation and the rise of multiple successor states.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of נְמַר (nᵉmar) in Daniel 7:6 is profound, primarily residing in its role as a key element in God's prophetic revelation concerning the course of human history.
1. **Divine Sovereignty over Empires:** The rise and fall of the leopard-like kingdom, like the other beasts, demonstrates God's absolute sovereignty over earthly powers. Even the most formidable and swift empires are subject to His divine plan and timing. They emerge and decline according to His decree, ultimately paving the way for His eternal kingdom.
2. **The Nature of Worldly Power:** The leopard, as a predatory animal, symbolizes the destructive, often ruthless, nature of earthly kingdoms driven by conquest and self-interest. This stands in stark contrast to the righteous and peaceful nature of God's coming kingdom.
3. **Fulfillment of Prophecy:** The detailed description of the leopard with its four wings and four heads points to the remarkable precision of biblical prophecy, which was fulfilled centuries later in the rise and division of Alexander's empire. This reinforces the trustworthiness and divine inspiration of Scripture.
4. **Contrast with the Kingdom of God:** The transient, beastly nature of these worldly powers highlights the eternal and unchanging nature of the kingdom established by the "Son of Man" ([[Daniel 7:13-14]]), which will ultimately consume all earthly kingdoms and stand forever.
### Summary
The Aramaic word נְמַר (nᵉmar, `{{H5245}}`) precisely designates the "leopard," an animal renowned for its speed, agility, and distinctive spotted coat. Its singular but highly significant occurrence in [[Daniel 7:6]] positions it as a crucial prophetic symbol. There, the leopard-like beast, with its four wings and four heads, represents a remarkably swift and powerful empire that would subsequently divide into four distinct entities, widely understood to be the Grecian Empire of Alexander the Great and its successor kingdoms. This imagery underscores the rapid nature of its conquests and its ultimate fragmentation. Related to the Hebrew נָמֵר (nāmer, `{{H5246}}`), the leopard serves as a biblical metaphor for immutability (Jeremiah), speed (Habakkuk), and, in messianic contexts, the transformation of nature (Isaiah). Theologically, נְמַר (nᵉmar) powerfully illustrates God's sovereign control over the rise and fall of earthly empires, contrasting their predatory and transient nature with the eternal and righteous dominion of His coming kingdom.
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