נִשְׁמָא

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Aramaic word nishmâʼ, represented by H5396, means vital breath or breath. It is a rare term, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse within the scriptures. Its singular use serves to deliver a powerful and direct theological statement about the nature of God and human life.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

The sole appearance of H5396 is in Daniel 5:23, during a dramatic rebuke. Here, the word is used to contrast the living God with lifeless idols. The speaker condemns the king and his court for praising gods of silver, gold, brass, iron, wood, and stone, which cannot see, hear, or know. This is set in direct opposition to "the God in whose hand thy breath H5396 is," highlighting that true sovereignty belongs to the one who sustains life itself.

Related Words & Concepts

The context of H5396 is enriched by its relationship to other words used in the same passage:

• H1922 hădar: This Aramaic word means to glorify or honour. The accusation in Daniel 5:23 is that the king has failed to glorify the very God who holds his breath in His hand.
• H3046 yᵉdaʻ: Meaning to know, this term is used to describe the deficiency of the idols, which "know not" Daniel 5:23. This highlights their powerlessness compared to the God who is the source of all life and understanding.
• H8086 shᵉmaʻ: Defined as to hear intelligently, this word further emphasizes the inanimate nature of the idols, which cannot hear Daniel 5:23, unlike the God who is being addressed and who gives breath.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of H5396 is concentrated in its single, impactful use. It underscores several key principles:

• Divine Sovereignty: The phrase "the God in whose hand thy breath is" establishes God's absolute authority over life and death. Human existence is presented as being entirely dependent on His sustaining power.
• The Folly of Idolatry: By placing the concept of God-given breath next to a list of insensate idols, the text creates a stark contrast between the living Creator and lifeless objects of worship.
• The Foundation for Worship: The passage implies that the correct response to God's sustaining power is worship. The failure to glorify H1922 the one who grants breath H5396 is the central offense being condemned Daniel 5:23.

Summary

In summary, while nishmâʼ H5396 is used only once, its placement is profoundly significant. It functions as a theological anchor in the argument of Daniel 5:23, defining God as the ultimate source of vital breath and life. This single use powerfully conveys that human life is a direct gift from God, a fact that demands recognition and honor above all else.