### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **ʼămar**, represented by `{{H560}}`, is a versatile term for verbal communication, corresponding to the Hebrew אָמַר. Its definition includes to **say**, **command**, **declare**, **speak**, and **tell**. It appears 71 times across 65 unique verses, primarily in the books of Daniel and Ezra. The word is frequently used to convey official proclamations, royal commands, and divine messages.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H560}}` is central to scenes of royal power and divine revelation. Kings frequently use it to issue binding orders, such as when Nebuchadnezzar **commanded** the furnace to be heated seven times more than usual [[Daniel 3:19]] or when Belshazzar **commanded** the gold and silver vessels from the temple in Jerusalem to be brought for his feast [[Daniel 5:2]]. The word also functions to introduce declarations, as when Daniel prepared to **tell** King Nebuchadnezzar the interpretation of his dream [[Daniel 2:36]]. Its use extends to divine pronouncements, as when a voice from heaven **spoke** to Nebuchadnezzar, declaring his kingdom had departed from him [[Daniel 4:31]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related Aramaic words clarify the different modes and purposes of communication surrounding `{{H560}}`:
* `{{H6032}}` **ʻănâh** (answer, speak): Often paired directly with `{{H560}}` in the pattern "answered and said," this word signifies a response or the beginning of a speech. For example, Daniel **answered** and **said**, "Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever" [[Daniel 2:20]].
* `{{H7123}}` **qᵉrâʼ** (call, cry, read): This term denotes a loud or public form of speech. A herald **cried** a command to all peoples and nations [[Daniel 3:4]], and King Belshazzar **cried** aloud for his astrologers to be brought in [[Daniel 5:7]].
* `{{H3046}}` **yᵉdaʻ** (know, make known): This word is often the goal of an utterance made with `{{H560}}`. After Nebuchadnezzar's wise men failed, Daniel was brought to **make known** the interpretation, with the king telling him, "I **know** that the spirit of the holy gods is in thee" [[Daniel 4:9]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H560}}` is demonstrated through its use in contexts of authority, revelation, and law.
* **Royal and Divine Authority:** The word establishes the power of a speaker. Earthly kings like Nebuchadnezzar and Darius issue commands that carry the power of life and death ([[Daniel 2:12]], [[Daniel 6:24]]). This authority is shown to be subordinate to God's, as no one can stay His hand or **say** to Him, "What doest thou?" [[Daniel 4:35]].
* **Vehicle for Revelation:** `{{H560}}` is the verb used to transmit divine truth. An angelic being **told** Daniel the interpretation of a vision [[Daniel 7:16]], and Daniel in turn **told** kings what God had revealed [[Daniel 2:36]].
* **The Power of Decrees:** The act of "saying" or "commanding" creates binding laws. The officials who conspired against Daniel reminded the king that the law was true because he had **said** it [[Daniel 6:12]]. Nebuchadnezzar's decree, that anyone who should **speak** anything amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego would be cut in pieces, shows the protective power of a royal command [[Daniel 3:29]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H560}}` is far more than a simple word for "to say." It is a term of action and consequence, primarily illustrating the power dynamics in the royal courts of Babylon and Persia. It functions to issue commands, declare truths, and reveal divine plans. Through its usage, scripture demonstrates how the spoken word, whether from a human monarch or the God of heaven, carries immense authority and the power to shape events.
TRV