### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **nᵉçaq**, represented by `{{H5267}}`, means **{to go up}; take up**. It appears **4 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible. This verb is used specifically in the book of Daniel to describe the physical act of lifting or taking someone up, often in contexts of extreme danger and royal command.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The use of `{{H5267}}` is confined to two dramatic events in the book of Daniel. In one instance, after Daniel's miraculous survival, the king commanded that they should **take** Daniel **up** out of the den of lions. The verse notes that Daniel was **taken up** from the **den** `{{H1358}}` and was found with no hurt because he believed in his God `{{H426}}` [[Daniel 6:23]]. In a contrasting event, `{{H5267}}` describes the action of the men who **took up** Shadrach `{{H7715}}`, Meshach `{{H4336}}`, and Abednego `{{H5665}}` to cast them into the fiery furnace. Because the king's `{{H4430}}` commandment `{{H4406}}` was urgent `{{H2685}}` and the furnace `{{H861}}` was exceedingly hot `{{H228}}`, these men were slain by the fire's flame `{{H7631}}` [[Daniel 3:22]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related Aramaic words provide context for the action of **nᵉçaq**:
* `{{H1358}}` **gôb** (a pit (for wild animals) (as cut out); den): This is the **den** from which Daniel was **taken up**, highlighting the place of peril from which deliverance occurred [[Daniel 6:23]].
* `{{H861}}` **ʼattûwn** (probably a fire-place, i.e. furnace; furnace): This is the destination for those being **taken up** in Daniel 3. The **furnace** was so exceedingly hot that its flame killed the men performing the act [[Daniel 3:22]].
* `{{H540}}` **ʼăman** ({properly, to build up or support; to foster as a parent or nurse; figuratively to render (or be) firm or faithful, to trust or believe, to be permanent or quiet; morally to be true or certain}; believe, faithful, sure): Daniel's act of being **taken up** unharmed is explicitly linked to the reason for his preservation: because he **believed** in his God [[Daniel 6:23]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H5267}}` is seen in its powerful, contrasting applications within Daniel's narratives.
* **Divine Deliverance:** The primary theological theme is God's power to deliver the faithful. Daniel is **taken up** from the den of lions completely unharmed, an event directly attributed to his belief in God [[Daniel 6:23]]. The action of being "taken up" is the physical manifestation of his salvation.
* **Peril of Executing Wickedness:** In the case of the fiery furnace, the act of **taking up** Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego results in immediate death for the king's men. This demonstrates the mortal danger associated with carrying out an unrighteous command, where the instrument of judgment consumes its agents first [[Daniel 3:22]].
* **The Power of Royal Decrees:** In both accounts, the action of **nᵉçaq** is a direct result of a king's command. This underscores how royal authority can be the catalyst for either miraculous deliverance, as when the king commands Daniel be **taken up** [[Daniel 6:23]], or for tragic death, as a consequence of the king's urgent `{{H2685}}` commandment [[Daniel 3:22]].
### Summary
In summary, **nᵉçaq** `{{H5267}}` is a specific Aramaic verb meaning to **take up**. Though rare, its usage in the book of Daniel is pivotal, framing two of the most iconic stories of faith under pressure. It illustrates how the same physical action—lifting a person—can signify either God's miraculous deliverance for the faithful or the lethal consequences for those who execute a king's unholy decree. The word encapsulates a moment where divine power and human authority intersect, with life or death as the outcome.
TRV