The Aramaic word nᵉçak, represented by H5260, corresponds to the Hebrew term for pouring out a libation and means to offer. It appears only 1 time across 1 unique verse in the Bible. Its singular appearance captures a dramatic moment where a pagan king commands a sacrificial offering to be made to a man.
The sole use of H5260 occurs in the book of Daniel. After Daniel successfully interprets his dream, King Nebuchadnezzar falls on his face in worship before Daniel. In this state of awe, the king "commanded that they should offer an oblation and sweet odours unto him" Daniel 2:46. This context places the act of offering not in a temple setting directed at God, but as an expression of profound homage from a monarch to a prophet.
Several related Aramaic words found in the same passage help clarify the nature of this commanded offering:
- H5457 çᵉgid (to prostrate oneself (in homage); worship): This is the action Nebuchadnezzar performs immediately before commanding the offering. The king's worship of Daniel provides the direct context for his command to offer H5260 sacrifices Daniel 2:46.
- H4504 minchâh (a sacrificial offering; oblation, meat offering): This is the specific "oblation" that was to be offered to Daniel. The term is also used for offerings made upon the altar of God Ezra 7:17.
- H5208 nîychôwach (pleasure; sweet odour (savour)): This describes the "sweet odours" that were to accompany the oblation for Daniel Daniel 2:46. This phrase is also used to describe acceptable sacrifices offered to the God of heaven Ezra 6:10.
The significance of H5260 is found entirely within its unique context:
- An Expression of Royal Veneration: The command to offer H5260 is the culmination of King Nebuchadnezzar's reaction. It follows his act of worship H5457, showing that the offering was intended as a supreme gesture of honor Daniel 2:46.
- Misdirected Worship: The offering includes an oblation H4504 and sweet odours H5208, elements typically reserved for deity. By commanding this for Daniel, the king applies the rites of divine worship to a human being.
- A Point of Contrast: This event stands in stark contrast to the refusal of Daniel's companions to worship H5457 the golden image, stating they would only serve their own God Daniel 3:18. It highlights the difference between pagan reverence for power and the exclusive worship demanded by God.
In summary, H5260 is a highly specific term whose meaning is defined by its solitary use. It denotes an offering, but more importantly, it captures a moment of misplaced veneration where King Nebuchadnezzar commands for Daniel the kind of sacrificial homage normally reserved for a god. The word illustrates how a formal act of worship can be used to show the immense impact of God's power, even when channeled through a human vessel.
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