### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **nᵉthan**, represented by `{{H5415}}`, corresponds to the Hebrew word for **give**. It is defined as to **give; bestow, give pay**. This specific term appears **7 times** across **6 unique verses** in the books of Ezra and Daniel, where it describes the transfer of authority, resources, and even intangible concepts like time.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H5415}}` is used in contexts of both divine authority and human obligation. In the book of Daniel, it repeatedly emphasizes God's sovereignty, stating that the Most High **giveth** the kingdom of men "to whomsoever he will" ([[Daniel 4:17]], [[Daniel 4:25]], [[Daniel 4:32]]). On a human level, Daniel requests that the king **give** him time to interpret a dream [[Daniel 2:16]]. In Ezra, the term carries a financial meaning, describing the concern that the Jews will not **pay** toll and tribute if Jerusalem is rebuilt [[Ezra 4:13]], and also the royal decree for Ezra to **bestow** resources for the house of God from the king's treasury [[Ezra 7:20]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related Aramaic words clarify the context in which `{{H5415}}` is used:
* `{{H7990}}` **shallîyṭ** (rule(-r)): This word is used in parallel with **nᵉthan** to establish that it is the Most High who **ruleth** in the kingdom of men and therefore has the authority to **giveth** it [[Daniel 4:17]].
* `{{H6966}}` **qûwm** (set (up)): Following the act of giving, this word shows the result. God not only **giveth** the kingdom, but He also **setteth up** the chosen ruler over it [[Daniel 4:17]].
* `{{H2324}}` **chăvâʼ** (shew): This term is linked to **nᵉthan** in Daniel's request for the king to **give** him time, which would then enable him to **shew** the king the interpretation [[Daniel 2:16]].
* `{{H5308}}` **nᵉphal** (have occasion): In Ezra's commission, he is to **bestow** whatever he shall **have occasion** to, linking the act of giving to a recognized need [[Ezra 7:20]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H5415}}` centers on the nature of authority and provision.
* **Absolute Divine Sovereignty:** The primary theme, found in Daniel, is that God alone has the ultimate power to **give** and assign earthly kingdoms. This authority is absolute, as He **giveth** it to whomever He wills, even using it to set up the "basest of men" to accomplish His purposes [[Daniel 4:17]].
* **Stewardship and Obligation:** The use in Ezra highlights human responsibility. The word is used negatively to describe the withholding of payment [[Ezra 4:13]] and positively in the command to **bestow** generously for the work of God's house [[Ezra 7:20]].
* **Giving as Enablement:** Daniel's request for the king to **give** him time demonstrates that the provision of a resource—even a non-material one—is often the necessary precursor to fulfilling a divine commission [[Daniel 2:16]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5415}}` **nᵉthan** is a focused Aramaic term that encapsulates the act of giving in critical moments of scripture. While it can refer to simple human transactions like paying taxes or requesting time, its most profound use is in declaring God's unmatched authority to install and depose rulers. It illustrates that the power to **give** is intrinsically linked to the right to rule, whether in the treasuries of earthly kings or the kingdom of all mankind.
TRV