(Aramaic) corresponding to עוֹד; {properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more}; while.
Transliteration:ʻôwd
Pronunciation:ode
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic adverb `{{H5751}}`, transliterated as ʻôwd, carries the fundamental meaning of "iteration" or "continuance." It functions exclusively as an adverb, often with or without a preposition, to convey a range of temporal and quantitative nuances. Its primary semantic range includes "again" (denoting repetition), "repeatedly" (emphasizing frequency), "still" (indicating ongoing existence or state), "more" (suggesting addition or further quantity/degree), and occasionally "while" (implying simultaneity or duration). This Aramaic term corresponds directly in form and meaning to the Hebrew `{{H5750}}`, highlighting a shared linguistic and conceptual heritage within the biblical texts. The core idea is that something persists, recurs, or is added to what has already been established.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
As an Aramaic word, `{{H5751}}` is found exclusively in the Aramaic portions of the Old Testament, primarily within the books of Daniel and Ezra. Its usage in these contexts richly illustrates its semantic flexibility:
* **"Still" or "Yet":** In [[Daniel 4:27]], Nebuchadnezzar is advised to repent "if it may be a lengthening of thy tranquillity," where `{{H5751}}` denotes the possibility of continued well-being. Similarly, [[Ezra 4:22]] warns against allowing damage to "grow to the hurt of the kings," implying a continued negative effect. This sense emphasizes an ongoing state or condition.
* **"Again" or "Repeatedly":** In [[Daniel 3:15]], Nebuchadnezzar offers Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego "again" the opportunity to worship his image, signifying a repeated command or chance. This highlights the iterative aspect of the word.
* **"More" or "Further":** [[Daniel 5:19]] describes Belshazzar's absolute power, stating that "all peoples, nations, and languages, trembled and feared before him," with `{{H5751}}` often translated as "yet more" or "further" emphasizing the extent of his dominion. In [[Daniel 7:24]], it describes ten kings arising from the kingdom, and "another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings," indicating an additional entity.
* **Implied Continuance/Duration:** While not always translated explicitly as "while," the sense of ongoing action or state is often present. For instance, in accounts of visions or decrees, `{{H5751}}` contributes to the sense of unfolding events or persistent divine plans.
The specific context always refines the precise nuance, but the underlying concept of non-cessation, recurrence, or addition remains constant.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct and significant related word to Aramaic `{{H5751}}` is its Hebrew counterpart, `{{H5750}}`. Both share the identical lemma and core semantic range, functioning adverbially to convey iteration, continuance, or addition. This linguistic parallelism underscores the close relationship between Hebrew and Aramaic in the biblical corpus.
Conceptually, `{{H5751}}` connects to other terms that express duration, persistence, or repetition. For instance, the Aramaic word תדיר (taddîr), meaning "continually" or "regularly" (e.g., [[Daniel 6:16]]), shares the idea of ongoing action. Similarly, expressions denoting "forever" or "eternity," such as Aramaic לְעָלְמִין (leʻālmîn, e.g., [[Daniel 2:4]]), relate to the concept of continuance, albeit on a grander, infinite scale. While not direct cognates, these terms collectively contribute to the biblical authors' ability to describe temporal progression, the steadfastness of divine decrees, and the unfolding of historical events.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H5751}}` lies primarily in its role in describing the ongoing nature of God's sovereignty, the persistence of prophetic fulfillment, and the enduring reality of divine decrees within the Aramaic sections of Scripture.
In Daniel, `{{H5751}}` often appears in contexts describing the rise and fall of kingdoms, the unfolding of visions, and the steadfastness of God's purposes. The repeated actions or continued states described by `{{H5751}}` underscore that events are not random but are part of an unfolding, continuous divine plan. For instance, the idea of a kingdom "still" existing or another king "more" arising points to the progressive revelation of God's eschatological agenda. It subtly reinforces the truth that God's plans are not thwarted but continue to advance, despite human resistance or political upheaval.
In Ezra, the word's usage in commands or descriptions of situations (e.g., "take heed now that ye fail not to do this") emphasizes the continued responsibility of the people or the persistent threat of opposition. This highlights the ongoing nature of obedience and the need for vigilance in the work of restoration. Ultimately, `{{H5751}}` contributes to a biblical worldview where God's will is continuously at work in history, bringing about His intended purposes.
### Summary
`{{H5751}}` (ʻôwd) is an Aramaic adverb signifying "iteration" or "continuance." Its primary functions in the biblical text include expressing "again," "repeatedly," "still," "more," and occasionally "while." Appearing exclusively in the Aramaic portions of Daniel and Ezra, it serves to describe ongoing states, recurrent actions, or the addition of further elements within narratives of divine decree and historical progression. Theologically, `{{H5751}}` subtly underscores the continuous and unfolding nature of God's sovereign plan, the persistence of prophetic fulfillment, and the enduring reality of His purposes throughout human history. It is a linguistic marker of continuity and progression in the divine narrative.