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.
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.
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.
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.
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