(Aramaic) corresponding to נָתַר; {to jump, i.e. be violently agitated; causatively, to terrify, shake off, untie}; shake off.
Transliteration:nᵉthar
Pronunciation:neth-ar'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic verb נְתַר (nᵉthar, `{{H5426}}`) is closely related to the Hebrew נָתַר (nāthar, `{{H5425}}`), sharing a common semantic core. Its primary meaning encompasses a range of actions related to sudden, forceful movement or release. At its root, it signifies "to jump" or "to leap," suggesting a quick and often involuntary or reactive motion. This core sense extends to "being violently agitated" or "trembling," indicating a state of intense physical or emotional disturbance. Causatively, the verb can mean "to terrify," implying that the agitation or suddenness can induce fear in others. Furthermore, a significant aspect of its semantic range includes "to shake off" or "to untie/loosen," pointing to the act of dislodging, freeing, or resolving something bound or complex. The multifaceted nature of nᵉthar allows it to describe both internal states of agitation and external actions of removal or release, often with a sense of abruptness or force.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
As an Aramaic word, נְתַר (nᵉthar, `{{H5426}}`) appears exclusively in the book of Daniel, specifically within the Aramaic sections. Its occurrences illuminate the diverse aspects of its semantic range:
* **Daniel 4:14 (Aramaic 4:17):** "Let the leaves be shaken off." Here, nᵉthar describes the violent removal of the leaves from the great tree in Nebuchadnezzar's dream. This imagery signifies the sudden and forceful stripping away of the king's power and glory, a direct act of divine judgment. The passive voice emphasizes that this is something done *to* the tree, not by it, underscoring the irresistible nature of God's decree.
* **Daniel 5:6:** "His knees knocked together (or shook)." This vivid description of King Belshazzar's physical reaction to the mysterious writing on the wall portrays extreme terror and agitation. The verb captures the involuntary trembling and weakness that overwhelm him in the face of divine revelation and impending judgment. It is a powerful illustration of human fear confronted by supernatural power.
* **Daniel 5:16:** "You can untie the knot (or solve the mystery)." In this context, nᵉthar is used metaphorically, referring to the ability to "loosen" or "untie" the complex and mysterious writing on the wall, thereby interpreting its meaning. It highlights Daniel's unique divine gift of understanding and revelation, contrasting sharply with the inability of the Babylonian wise men. The word signifies the act of making clear what was previously obscure or bound up in mystery.
* **Daniel 6:19 (Aramaic 6:20):** "The king arose (or jumped up) at dawn." This passage describes King Darius's urgent and agitated movement as he hastened to the lion's den to check on Daniel. The verb conveys a sense of abrupt, perhaps even anxious, movement, indicating his deep concern and lack of rest throughout the night. It underscores the king's distress and his hope for Daniel's deliverance.
Across these occurrences, nᵉthar consistently marks moments of significant impact, whether divine judgment, human terror, supernatural revelation, or intense human emotion.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for נְתַר (nᵉthar, `{{H5426}}`) is its Hebrew cognate, נָתַר (nāthar, `{{H5425}}`), which shares identical core meanings of jumping, shaking off, and untying. This close relationship underscores the shared linguistic heritage and semantic fluidity between Hebrew and Aramaic.
Other related concepts and words include:
* **Trembling/Shaking:** Hebrew words like רָעַד (ra'ad, `{{H7460}}`) and חָרַד (charad, `{{H2729}}`) often describe fear-induced trembling. The Aramaic זוּעַ (zuwa', `{{H2112}}`) similarly denotes trembling or agitation, particularly in the face of divine power or judgment, as seen in Daniel 5:19.
* **Fear/Terror:** Concepts such as פַּחַד (pachad, `{{H6343}}`) in Hebrew or דַּחַל (dachala', `{{H1723}}`) in Aramaic are frequently associated with the kind of agitation described by nᵉthar, especially when divine power is manifested.
* **Release/Loosening:** The idea of untying or releasing connects to broader themes of divine intervention that sets captives free or resolves complex situations, a recurring motif in the book of Daniel.
The semantic field of nᵉthar thus encompasses physical and emotional responses to powerful external forces, often divine in origin, and the act of dislodging or clarifying.
### Theological Significance
The occurrences of נְתַר (nᵉthar, `{{H5426}}`) in Daniel are deeply imbued with theological significance, primarily highlighting themes of divine sovereignty, judgment, revelation, and human response.
* **Divine Judgment and Sovereignty:** In [[Daniel 4:14]], the "shaking off" of the tree's leaves symbolizes God's absolute power to humble the proud and remove human authority. It underscores that all earthly dominion is ultimately dependent on the Most High God, who "removes kings and sets up kings" [[Daniel 2:21]]. This use of nᵉthar emphasizes the sudden and decisive nature of divine intervention in human affairs.
* **Human Frailty and Terror in the Face of God:** Belshazzar's knees "knocking together" ([[Daniel 5:6]]) is a profound illustration of human terror when confronted with the immediate and undeniable presence of divine judgment. It reveals the vulnerability of even the most powerful rulers before the Almighty. This physical manifestation of fear serves as a stark reminder of humanity's inability to stand against God's righteous wrath.
* **Divine Revelation and Wisdom:** The ability to "untie the knot" ([[Daniel 5:16]]) in interpreting the writing on the wall points to God as the sole source of true wisdom and understanding. Human wisdom and magic are utterly incapable of comprehending divine mysteries. Daniel's unique gift, enabled by God, highlights that divine revelation is indispensable for navigating the complexities of God's purposes.
* **God's Deliverance and Human Concern:** Darius's agitated arising ([[Daniel 6:19]]) to check on Daniel, while expressing human concern, ultimately serves to magnify God's power to deliver. The king's anxiety and swift action underscore the miraculous nature of Daniel's preservation and the profound impact of God's faithfulness on those who trust Him.
In essence, nᵉthar often marks a pivotal moment where divine power intersects with human experience, eliciting strong reactions or demonstrating God's unassailable control.
### Summary
The Aramaic verb נְתַר (nᵉthar, `{{H5426}}`) is a dynamic word signifying "to jump," "to be violently agitated," "to shake off," or "to untie." Its occurrences in the book of Daniel are rich in theological import, serving as powerful markers of divine action and human response. Whether describing the forceful removal of Nebuchadnezzar's glory, the terror-stricken trembling of Belshazzar, Daniel's divinely-granted ability to unravel mysteries, or Darius's anxious haste, nᵉthar consistently highlights moments of significant spiritual impact. It powerfully conveys themes of God's sovereign judgment, the profound terror experienced by those who defy Him, the exclusive nature of divine revelation, and the ultimate deliverance afforded by God's faithfulness. The word thus encapsulates the dramatic and often abrupt ways in which God intervenes in the affairs of humanity, demonstrating His ultimate control over all kingdoms and individuals.
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