(Aramaic) corresponding to נָתַן; give; bestow, give pay.
Transliteration:nᵉthan
Pronunciation:neth-an'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic verb `{{H5415}}` (nᵉthan) directly corresponds to the more frequently occurring Hebrew verb `{{H5414}}` (nathan). Its core meaning revolves around the act of "giving," encompassing a broad semantic range that includes to bestow, to grant, to deliver, to pay, to appoint, and to permit. It signifies the transfer of something—be it an object, authority, permission, or a person—from one entity to another. The nuance often depends heavily on the immediate context and the agent performing the "giving."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
`{{H5415}}` appears exclusively in the Aramaic portions of the books of Ezra and Daniel. Its usage in these texts provides significant insight into its practical application and theological implications.
In Ezra, the term frequently relates to royal decrees, provisions, and financial matters:
* [[Ezra 4:13]] and [[Ezra 4:20]] refer to the "giving" of tribute, custom, or toll to the king, emphasizing payment or financial obligation.
* [[Ezra 6:8]] speaks of "expenses are to be paid" (literally, "given") for the rebuilding of the temple, highlighting royal provision and support.
* [[Ezra 7:20]] instructs Ezra to "provide" (literally, "give") whatever else is needed for the house of God, indicating a generous supply.
* [[Ezra 7:24]] explicitly states that no tribute, custom, or toll is to be "laid" (literally, "given") upon the temple workers, signifying exemption from payment.
* [[Ezra 5:12]] uses `{{H5415}}` in a theological context, stating that because their fathers provoked God, "He gave them into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar," illustrating divine judgment and deliverance into oppression.
In Daniel, `{{H5415}}` often underscores divine sovereignty, the bestowal of authority, and prophetic pronouncements:
* [[Daniel 2:16]]: Daniel requests the king to "give" him time to interpret the dream, meaning to grant permission or opportunity.
* [[Daniel 2:21]]: A profound statement about God's sovereignty, "He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding." This highlights divine bestowal of intellectual and spiritual gifts.
* [[Daniel 2:37-38]], [[Daniel 5:18]], [[Daniel 5:19]]: Repeatedly, it is stated that God "has given" Nebuchadnezzar (and other kings) dominion, power, strength, and glory, emphasizing that earthly rule is a divine grant.
* [[Daniel 4:17]], [[Daniel 4:25]], [[Daniel 4:32]]: The principle that "the Most High is sovereign over the kingdom of mankind and gives it to whom he wishes" is powerfully articulated, reinforcing God's absolute control over human history and political power.
* [[Daniel 7:6]] and [[Daniel 7:14]]: In the prophetic visions, dominion and a kingdom are "given" to various beasts and, ultimately, to the "Son of Man," highlighting the transfer of authority in the unfolding of God's plan.
* [[Daniel 7:22]]: "Judgment was given to the saints of the Most High," signifying their future vindication and participation in God's rule.
* [[Daniel 7:25]]: The saints are "given into his hand" for a specific period, indicating divine permission for persecution, yet within set boundaries.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word is its Hebrew counterpart, `{{H5414}}` (nathan), which carries the identical core meaning of "to give" and shares a vast semantic range. Understanding the breadth of `{{H5414}}`'s usage across the Hebrew Bible enriches the understanding of `{{H5415}}`'s more limited appearances. Conceptually, `{{H5415}}` is linked to divine sovereignty, providence, human authority (delegated and exercised), judgment, provision, and the transfer of power or resources. It often appears in contexts where power dynamics are at play, whether between God and humanity, or between human rulers and their subjects.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H5415}}` is most profoundly expressed in the book of Daniel, where it serves as a linguistic cornerstone for the doctrine of divine sovereignty.
1. **God as the Ultimate Giver:** The repeated declaration that God "gives" kingdoms, wisdom, power, and glory to whomever He chooses (e.g., [[Daniel 2:21]], [[Daniel 2:37]], [[Daniel 4:17]]) establishes Him as the supreme authority from whom all earthly power emanates. This challenges any notion of absolute human autonomy or self-derived authority.
2. **Divine Providence and Control:** Even when people or nations are "given" into the hand of oppressors (e.g., [[Ezra 5:12]], [[Daniel 7:25]]), it is understood as part of God's overarching plan and judgment, not as a random occurrence. This highlights God's active involvement in human history, orchestrating events according to His purposes.
3. **Messianic Authority:** The climax of `{{H5415}}`'s theological usage is in [[Daniel 7:14]], where "dominion and glory and a kingdom were given to Him" (the Son of Man). This points directly to the ultimate, everlasting reign of the Messiah, a reign divinely bestowed and eternal, contrasting with the temporary reigns of earthly kings.
4. **Justice and Vindication:** The idea that "judgment was given to the saints of the Most High" ([[Daniel 7:22]]) signifies future vindication and the granting of authority to God's people, ensuring that divine justice will ultimately prevail.
### Summary
The Aramaic verb `{{H5415}}` (nᵉthan), meaning "to give" or "to place," functions as the direct equivalent of the Hebrew `{{H5414}}` (nathan). Predominantly found in Ezra and Daniel, its usage illuminates various facets of giving, from royal provisions and financial transactions to the profound theological concept of divine bestowal. In Ezra, it often pertains to the allocation of resources or the imposition of tribute. In Daniel, its significance deepens, consistently emphasizing God's absolute sovereignty as the ultimate Giver of kingdoms, wisdom, and power. It underscores that all earthly authority is divinely delegated and temporary, culminating in the prophetic vision of an everlasting dominion "given" to the Son of Man. Thus, `{{H5415}}` serves as a vital term for understanding God's providential control over history and the ultimate establishment of His eternal kingdom.
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