(Aramaic) corresponding to אָמַן; {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.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **ʼăman**, represented by `{{H540}}`, corresponds to the Hebrew word for trust and belief. It appears **3 times** in **3 unique verses**, carrying the meaning of being firm, faithful, sure, or to believe. Its core idea revolves around rendering support, being morally true, and establishing certainty.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, all occurrences of `{{H540}}` are found within the book of Daniel, where it highlights three distinct aspects of faith and certainty. First, it describes Daniel's personal integrity, stating he was **faithful** and no error or fault could be found in him [[Daniel 6:4]]. Second, it defines his active trust in God, noting that he was delivered from the lions' den because he **believed** in his God [[Daniel 6:23]]. Finally, it is used to confirm the reliability of divine revelation, when Daniel declares that the king's dream is certain and the interpretation is **sure** [[Daniel 2:45]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concepts of faithfulness, truth, and belief:
* `{{H3330}}` **yatstsîyb**: This Aramaic word for **certain** or **truth** is used in parallel with `{{H540}}` to emphasize the absolute reliability of God's message in the interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar's dream [[Daniel 2:45]].
* `{{H426}}` **ʼĕlâhh**: An Aramaic term for **God**, this word appears as the object of the belief described by `{{H540}}`. Daniel’s deliverance is attributed to his belief in his **God** [[Daniel 6:23]].
* `{{G4102}}` **pístis**: The Greek word for **faith** and **fidelity**, it reflects the same core ideas of reliance upon God and moral conviction seen in `{{H540}}`. It is described as a fruit of the Spirit [[Galatians 5:22]] and essential for pleasing God [[Hebrews 11:6]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H540}}` is demonstrated through its specific contexts in Daniel:
* **Integrity and Faithfulness:** The term establishes a standard for unwavering character. Daniel is described as **faithful** not as an internal feeling, but as an observable quality that left his accusers with no grounds for complaint [[Daniel 6:4]].
* **Belief as a Source of Deliverance:** The word directly links trust in God to divine intervention. Daniel’s safety from the lions is not a matter of chance, but a direct result of the fact that he **believed** in his God [[Daniel 6:23]].
* **The Certainty of God's Word:** By declaring the interpretation of the dream **sure**, `{{H540}}` underpins the authority and truthfulness of prophecy. It affirms that what God has made known will come to pass [[Daniel 2:45]].
### Summary
In summary, while appearing infrequently, `{{H540}}` is a potent term in the Aramaic portions of Scripture. It encapsulates the interconnected concepts of steadfast personal faithfulness, active trust that leads to divine action, and the unwavering certainty of God's revealed truth. Through its use in the life of Daniel, **ʼăman** illustrates a complete picture of faith—from moral character to confident reliance to the very foundation of prophetic truth.
TRV