### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **çᵉphar**, represented by `{{H5609}}`, translates to **a book** or **roll**. It appears 5 times across 4 unique verses in the Bible. Its usage consistently points to written documents of significant authority, whether royal decrees, historical records, or divine books of judgment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H5609}}` is used in contexts of both royal administration and divine revelation. In Ezra, it is a key term for official documents. A search is ordered in the "house of the **rolls**" to find a decree [[Ezra 6:1]], and a "**book** of the records" is consulted to determine the history of Jerusalem [[Ezra 4:15]]. It also refers to sacred texts, specifically the "**book** of Moses," which contains instructions for the service of God [[Ezra 6:18]]. In Daniel's vision, the term takes on an eschatological meaning, where "the **books**" are opened as part of a great judgment scene [[Daniel 7:10]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the function and nature of a **çᵉphar**:
* `{{H1799}}` **dikrôwn** (a register; record): This word specifies the content of a **çᵉphar**. In [[Ezra 4:15]], a search is made in the "**book** of the **records**" to uncover historical information.
* `{{H3792}}` **kᵉthâb** (something written, i.e. a writing, record or book): This term describes the state of the content within a **çᵉphar**. The regulations for the service of God at Jerusalem are "as it is **written** in the **book** of Moses" [[Ezra 6:18]].
* `{{H6606}}` **pᵉthach** (to open): This verb describes the action taken to access the contents of a **çᵉphar**. In Daniel's vision of judgment, the "**books** were **opened**" [[Daniel 7:10]].
* `{{H1780}}` **dîyn** (judgement): This concept is closely linked to **çᵉphar** in a divine context. The heavenly scene in [[Daniel 7:10]] shows that when the "**judgement** was set," the "**books** were opened."
### Theological Significance
The word `{{H5609}}` carries significant weight regarding authority, history, and judgment.
* **Vessel of Authority:** A **çᵉphar** serves as a container for authoritative information, whether it is a royal decree [[Ezra 6:1]], the legal and historical basis for a political decision [[Ezra 4:15]], or the divine law found in the "book of Moses" [[Ezra 6:18]].
* **Record of Accountability:** The "**book** of the records" mentioned in [[Ezra 4:15]] establishes a city's history of rebellion, showing that these documents serve as a basis for accountability.
* **Instrument of Divine Judgment:** In its most profound use, the **çᵉphar** is an instrument of divine activity. The vision in [[Daniel 7:10]], where "the **judgement** was set, and the books were opened," frames these records as central to God's final, cosmic judgment.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5609}}` **çᵉphar** is more than a simple word for a book. It represents a formal, authoritative written record. From the administrative "house of the rolls" in Babylon to the sacred "book of Moses" and the heavenly books of judgment in Daniel's vision, **çᵉphar** signifies a document that preserves truth, establishes law, and serves as a basis for accountability before both kings and God.
TRV