### 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.
TRV