(Aramaic) corresponding to נָפַל; {to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)}; fall (down), have occasion.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **nᵉphal**, represented by `{{H5308}}`, means **to fall**. It appears 13 times across 11 unique verses, primarily in the book of Daniel. Its base definition, corresponding to the Hebrew נָפַל, covers a wide variety of applications, both literal and figurative, such as to fall down, to have an occasion, or to be cast down.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{H5308}}` is most prominently featured in the narrative of Nebuchadnezzar's golden image. The king's decree commands all people to **fall down** and worship the idol upon hearing music [[Daniel 3:5]]. The consequence for disobedience is also framed by this word, stating that whoever does not **fall down** will be cast into the fiery furnace ([[Daniel 3:6]], [[Daniel 3:11]]). The word is used to describe both the required act of false worship [[Daniel 3:7]] and the legitimate act of reverence, as when King Nebuchadnezzar **fell** upon his face to worship Daniel [[Daniel 2:46]]. Its application extends to the figurative, such as when a voice **fell** from heaven [[Daniel 4:31]] or when horns **fell** in Daniel's prophetic vision [[Daniel 7:20]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related Aramaic words provide context for the actions associated with `{{H5308}}`:
* `{{H5457}}` **çᵉgid** (to prostrate oneself (in homage); worship): This word is almost always paired with `{{H5308}}` in Daniel 3, creating the command to "**fall down** and worship" [[Daniel 3:10]].
* `{{H7412}}` **rᵉmâh** (to throw, set, (figuratively) assess; cast (down), impose): This word describes the direct consequence for those who refuse to **fall down**, as they are to be **cast** into the fiery furnace [[Daniel 3:6]].
* `{{H6966}}` **qûwm** (to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative); appoint, establish, make, raise up self, (a-) rise (up), (make to) stand, set (up)): This serves as a thematic counterpoint, as the image which people are commanded to fall before is the one the king has **set up** [[Daniel 3:5]].
* `{{H5709}}` **ʻădâʼ** (to advance, i.e. pass on or continue; causatively, to remove; specifically, to bedeck (i.e. bring an ornament upon); alter, depart, pass (away), remove, take (away)): This is linked to a figurative use of "fall," where a voice **fell** from heaven and the kingdom subsequently **departed** from Nebuchadnezzar [[Daniel 4:31]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H5308}}` is centered on themes of authority, worship, and judgment.
* **A Posture of Submission:** The physical act of "falling down" is the primary expression of submission to authority, whether to a pagan idol [[Daniel 3:5]] or to a prophet of God [[Daniel 2:46]].
* **Divine Intervention:** The word is used to describe a direct act of God. When a voice "fell" from heaven, it was a divine pronouncement of judgment against the king's pride [[Daniel 4:31]], demonstrating that God's authority supersedes earthly power.
* **Figurative Application:** In a unique instance, the word is translated as "have occasion" in Ezra, referring to a need that "falls" to someone to provide for the house of God [[Ezra 7:20]], showing its application in an administrative or providential sense.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5308}}` is a dynamic word that moves beyond a simple physical action. It is a cornerstone in the dramatic narratives of Daniel, defining the critical choice between idolatry and faithfulness. Whether describing a literal fall into a furnace [[Daniel 3:23]], a figurative fall of kingdoms in a vision [[Daniel 7:20]], or the falling of a voice from heaven [[Daniel 4:31]], **nᵉphal** consistently illustrates the consequences of confronting divine and human power.
TRV