The Aramaic word nâshîyn, represented by H5389, is the plural term for women. It appears 1 time across 1 unique verse in the Bible. Its singular appearance is found in the Aramaic portions of the book of Daniel, where it refers to the wives of a specific group of men.
The sole use of H5389 occurs in the dramatic account of Daniel in the lions' den. After Daniel's deliverance, the king H4430 commands that his accusers be punished. The word is used to specify that not only the men H1400 were condemned, but also "their children H1123, and their wives" Daniel 6:24. This highlights that the judgment extended to the entire family unit, who were all cast into the den of lions.
Several related Aramaic words appear in the same verse, providing a full picture of the condemned group:
- H1400 gᵉbar (a person; certain, man): This word identifies the "men which had accused Daniel" Daniel 6:24, establishing the primary targets of the king's wrath.
- H1123 bên (child, son, young): Used for "their children" Daniel 6:24, this term appears alongside H5389 to show that the punishment encompassed the next generation of the accusers' families.
- H4430 melek (a king; king, royal): This word signifies the "king" who issued the command Daniel 6:24, establishing the absolute authority under which the men and their wives met their fate.
The context of H5389 carries significant narrative weight, illustrating a principle of corporate consequence.
- Familial Judgment: The inclusion of the wives H5389 alongside their husbands and children demonstrates a form of collective punishment, where the consequences of the accusers' conspiracy fell upon their entire households.
- Narrative Emphasis: Mentioning the wives explicitly serves to heighten the severity and totality of the king's retribution, leaving no part of the conspirators' families untouched.
- Scope of Authority: This event underscores the immense power held by the king H4430, whose decree could result in the swift and complete destruction of entire family units, including men, children, and women.
In summary, H5389 is a very specific term whose meaning is defined entirely by its single biblical appearance. As the Aramaic word for women or wives, its use in Daniel 6:24 is crucial for understanding the scope of the judgment against Daniel's enemies. It functions as part of a trio of terms—men, children, and wives—to convey the complete and devastating consequence of opposing God's prophet.
TRV