(Aramaic) corresponding to סוּף; to come to an end; consume, fulfill.
Transliteration:çûwph
Pronunciation:soof
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic verb `{{H5487}}` (çûwph) carries the fundamental meaning of "to come to an end," "to cease," or "to be finished." Its semantic range extends to encompass both active and passive dimensions of finality. In an active sense, it can mean "to consume," "to destroy," or "to bring to an end," implying a decisive termination. Passively, it signifies "to be fulfilled," "to pass away," or "to run its course," referring to the completion of a period or process. This word is a direct Aramaic cognate of the Hebrew `{{H5486}}` (sûph), which primarily functions as a noun meaning "end" or "extremity," reinforcing the core concept of termination.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The Aramaic verb `{{H5487}}` appears in the book of Daniel, specifically in contexts related to divine sovereignty over kingdoms and time.
1. **[[Daniel 2:44]]**: "and it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever." Here, `{{H5487}}` (תָסוּף, *tāsûp̄*) is used to describe the action of God's eternal kingdom. This kingdom, established by the God of heaven, is depicted as actively "consuming" or "bringing to an end" all other earthly kingdoms. The context is one of divine judgment and the decisive overthrow of human empires, replaced by an indestructible, everlasting divine rule. The verb highlights the absolute and destructive power of God's kingdom against all opposition.
2. **[[Daniel 4:33]]**: "The same hour was the thing fulfilled upon Nebuchadnezzar: and he was driven from among men, and did eat grass as oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven, till his hairs were grown like eagles' feathers, and his nails like birds' claws." In this verse, `{{H5487}}` (סָפַת, *sāp̄at*) is used to describe the completion or fulfillment of a divinely decreed period of judgment upon King Nebuchadnezzar ("till seven times passed over him"). Here, the word signifies the termination of a specific duration of time, indicating that the appointed period of the king's madness had run its full course as prophesied. This usage underscores God's precise control over the unfolding of events and the timing of His judgments.
These two occurrences demonstrate the dual nature of `{{H5487}}`: active, destructive consumption in the context of divine judgment against kingdoms, and passive, temporal fulfillment in the context of a decreed period.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is its Hebrew cognate, `{{H5486}}` (sûph), which denotes an "end," "extremity," or "conclusion." This connection underscores the fundamental concept of finality inherent in `{{H5487}}`. Other Hebrew words that share a semantic range related to completion, destruction, or termination include:
* `{{H3615}}` (kālâ): "to finish," "to complete," "to consume," "to destroy." This word often carries connotations of cessation, whether through completion of a task or through utter destruction.
* `{{H6789}}` (tsâmâ): "to cut off," "to cease," "to be consumed." This verb emphasizes the idea of being brought to an end, often through judgment or decay.
* `{{H7999}}` (shālēm): "to be complete," "to be finished," often in a positive sense of wholeness or fulfillment. While `{{H5487}}` can mean "fulfill," it often carries a more definitive, sometimes conclusive or destructive, sense of ending.
Conceptually, `{{H5487}}` is deeply intertwined with themes of divine sovereignty, eschatology (the study of last things), and the ultimate triumph of God's will over human endeavors and historical timelines.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H5487}}` is profound, particularly within the prophetic context of Daniel.
1. **Divine Sovereignty over History**: The use of `{{H5487}}` in [[Daniel 2:44]] powerfully asserts God's absolute control over human kingdoms and history. No earthly power, however mighty, can withstand the divine decree. God's kingdom is not merely superior; it actively "consumes" and brings an ultimate end to all other dominions, signifying His supreme authority and the predetermined consummation of all things according to His plan.
2. **Eschatological Certainty**: The word points to the definitive end of the present age of human rule and the inevitable establishment of God's eternal kingdom. This provides a message of hope and certainty for God's people amidst the rise and fall of earthly powers, assuring them that God's ultimate purposes will be fulfilled.
3. **Divine Justice and Judgment**: In both instances, `{{H5487}}` implies a context of divine judgment. In [[Daniel 2:44]], the "consuming" of kingdoms is an act of judgment against their opposition to God. In [[Daniel 4:33]], the "fulfillment" of Nebuchadnezzar's seven times signifies the completion of a divinely appointed period of humbling judgment for his pride. Thus, `{{H5487}}` highlights God's righteous administration of justice in history.
4. **Fulfillment of Prophecy**: The idea of "fulfillment" inherent in `{{H5487}}` underscores God's faithfulness in bringing His prophetic words to pass. The events described in Daniel are not random occurrences but the precise unfolding of God's predetermined plan.
### Summary
The Aramaic verb `{{H5487}}` (çûwph) signifies "to come to an end," "to consume," or "to fulfill." Its limited but impactful occurrences in the book of Daniel reveal its critical role in conveying God's sovereign control over history and time. In [[Daniel 2:44]], it describes the decisive "consumption" of all earthly kingdoms by God's eternal kingdom, emphasizing divine judgment and ultimate triumph. In [[Daniel 4:33]], it denotes the "fulfillment" or completion of a divinely ordained period of judgment upon Nebuchadnezzar, highlighting God's precise timing and faithfulness to His decrees. Theologically, `{{H5487}}` underscores God's absolute sovereignty, the certainty of His eschatological plan, and His righteous administration of justice, ensuring that all things will ultimately come to their divinely appointed end.
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