### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **nᵉthar**, represented by `{{H5426}}`, means to **shake off**. It is derived from a root meaning to jump or be violently agitated. This rare term appears only **1 time** in the entire Bible, highlighting a specific and forceful action within its single context.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole use of `{{H5426}}` is found in [[Daniel 4:14]], within the description of King Nebuchadnezzar's dream. A heavenly being cries out a command for the destruction of a great, symbolic tree. The command is a sequence of powerful actions: "Hew down the tree, and cut off his branches, **shake off** his leaves, and scatter his fruit." This act of shaking off the leaves is part of a larger dismantling, causing the beasts and birds that took shelter in the tree to flee.
### Related Words & Concepts
The word is surrounded by other Aramaic terms that collectively describe this sudden and complete judgment:
* `{{H7123}}` **qᵉrâʼ** (call, cry, read): This is the initiating verb for the entire command. The action begins with a divine "cry" [[Daniel 4:14]].
* `{{H1414}}` **gᵉdad** (hew down): This word describes the fundamental action of felling the tree, seen in the command to "Hew down the tree" [[Daniel 4:14]].
* `{{H7113}}` **qᵉtsats** (cut off): Used to describe the dismembering of the tree's limbs, as in "cut off his branches" [[Daniel 4:14]].
* `{{H921}}` **bᵉdar** (scatter): This term describes the ultimate dispersal of the tree's production, commanded as "scatter his fruit" [[Daniel 4:14]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H5426}}` is entirely tied to its context of divine judgment against human pride.
* **Violent Judgment:** To "shake off" is not a gentle or natural process but a forceful, deliberate act. It illustrates the violent agitation and upheaval that comes with God's judgment on a kingdom.
* **Removal of Protection:** The tree's leaves, which are shaken off, represent the glory, provision, and shelter that the kingdom provided. This action strips away its covering and security, forcing those who depended on it to "get away" [[Daniel 4:14]].
* **Sovereign Authority:** The command is given by a celestial being, demonstrating that earthly power, no matter how great, is subject to being shaken and dismantled by heavenly authority.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5426}}` provides a vivid and specific picture of divine intervention. Though used only once, **nᵉthar** captures the essence of a sudden, violent removal of power and glory. It functions as part of a divine decree of judgment, illustrating how quickly a kingdom's protective and provisional aspects can be shaken apart by a sovereign God.
TRV