(Aramaic) corresponding to עוֹף; {a bird (as covered with feathers, or rather as covering with wings), often collectively}; fowl.
Transliteration:ʻôwph
Pronunciation:ofe
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic term `{{H5776}}` (ʻôwph) serves as the direct linguistic counterpart to the more frequently occurring Hebrew word `{{H5775}}` (ʻôph). Its base definition denotes "a bird" or "fowl," often used collectively to refer to the avian kingdom. The etymological root suggests a connection to the act of flying or covering with wings, hence the description "as covered with feathers, or rather as covering with wings." This implies not merely the creature itself, but also its characteristic mode of locomotion and physical attributes. While primarily a descriptive noun, its inherent connection to flight imbues it with a dynamic quality, distinguishing birds from other terrestrial creatures.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
As an Aramaic word, `{{H5776}}` is found exclusively within the Aramaic portions of the Book of Daniel. Its limited occurrences, though few, are highly significant within their prophetic and descriptive contexts.
1. **[[Daniel 2:38]]**: In this verse, `{{H5776}}` is used as part of the description of Nebuchadnezzar's vast dominion. The text states, "and wherever the children of man dwell, or the beasts of the field, or the birds of the heavens, he has given them into your hand." Here, "the birds of the heavens" (ʻôwph shəmayyāʼ) represent a comprehensive category of living creatures, signifying the king's absolute and divinely ordained authority over all aspects of the natural world. The inclusion of birds underscores the totality of his dominion, extending even to creatures of the air.
2. **[[Daniel 7:6]]**: This occurrence is found within Daniel's vision of the four beasts, which symbolize successive world empires. The third beast, resembling a leopard, is described as having "four wings of a bird on its back." The term `{{H5776}}` here (ʻôwph) highlights the nature of these wings. The symbolism of wings, particularly those of a bird, universally conveys speed, agility, and swiftness. In this prophetic context, the "four wings of a bird" emphasize the extraordinary rapidity with which the empire (typically understood as Greece under Alexander the Great) would rise, conquer, and establish its dominion. The collective sense of "fowl" or "birds" is less prominent here; rather, it is the characteristic attribute of a bird's wings that is emphasized.
In both instances, `{{H5776}}` functions to describe aspects of earthly dominion, either as the extent of a king's rule or as a characteristic of an empire's rise.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word is the Hebrew `{{H5775}}` (ʻôph), from which `{{H5776}}` is derived or to which it corresponds. Both terms share the core meaning of "bird" or "fowl" and are used to refer to the entire class of winged creatures. The semantic range of `{{H5775}}` is much broader due to its extensive use throughout the Hebrew Bible, encompassing creation narratives ([[Genesis 1:20-21]]), laws concerning clean and unclean animals ([[Leviticus 11:13-19]]), sacrificial regulations ([[Leviticus 1:14]]), and poetic imagery ([[Psalm 8:8]]).
Other related concepts include:
* **Dominion**: The overarching theme of human (or divinely appointed kingly) authority over creation, including birds, as established in [[Genesis 1:28]].
* **Creation**: Birds are integral to God's created order, reflecting His wisdom and power ([[Genesis 1:20-22]]).
* **Prophetic Symbolism**: Birds, or their attributes like wings, frequently serve as powerful symbols in prophetic literature, representing speed, swiftness, judgment, or specific nations/empires.
* **Provision**: Though not explicit with `{{H5776}}`, the broader biblical narrative often highlights God's care for all His creatures, including birds, as a testament to His faithfulness and provision ([[Matthew 6:26]], drawing from Old Testament principles).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H5776}}`, though limited to its specific Aramaic contexts, resonates deeply with broader biblical themes.
1. **Divine Sovereignty and Delegated Authority**: In [[Daniel 2:38]], the inclusion of "birds of the heavens" within Nebuchadnezzar's dominion underscores the theological principle that all earthly authority, even that of pagan kings, is ultimately delegated by God. God is the supreme sovereign who "gives" kingdoms and their inhabitants (including the avian) into the hands of those He chooses. This highlights God's comprehensive control over all creation.
2. **God's Control Over History and Empires**: The symbolic use of "wings of a bird" in [[Daniel 7:6]] to depict the swift rise of an empire emphasizes God's meticulous orchestration of human history. The characteristics of earthly powers, even their speed and might, are not random but are part of a divine plan. The vision reveals that God is not only the Creator of birds but also the Director of the destinies of nations, using their very attributes to fulfill His prophetic word.
3. **Creation's Testimony**: While not a creation passage itself, the very existence and characteristics of "birds" (ʻôwph) point to the Creator's design. The ability to fly, the covering of feathers – these are wonders of creation that implicitly declare God's glory and intricate craftsmanship. Even in a context of human dominion or prophetic symbolism, the underlying reality of God as the ultimate source of all life and form remains.
### Summary
The Aramaic term `{{H5776}}` (ʻôwph) precisely corresponds to the Hebrew `{{H5775}}` and refers to "a bird" or "fowl," often collectively. Its limited but potent appearances in the Book of Daniel are crucial for understanding the extent of earthly dominion and the characteristics of prophetic empires. In [[Daniel 2:38]], it signifies the comprehensive reach of a divinely appointed king's authority over all creation, including creatures of the air. In [[Daniel 7:6]], the "wings of a bird" symbolize the extraordinary speed and agility of a rising empire, underscoring God's precise control over the unfolding of human history. Theologically, `{{H5776}}` affirms God's ultimate sovereignty over all creation, His delegation of authority to human rulers, and His meticulous orchestration of historical events and the rise and fall of nations.
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