### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic lemma עוּר (ʻûwr), Strong's number `{{H5784}}`, denotes "chaff." This term refers to the light, dry husks or outer coverings that are separated from grain during the process of threshing. Its core meaning is intrinsically linked to agricultural practices, specifically the winnowing stage where the valuable grain is separated from the valueless refuse. Semantically, ʻûwr carries the inherent connotations of lightness, insubstantiality, worthlessness, and susceptibility to being scattered or blown away by wind. Unlike the nourishing grain, chaff offers no sustenance and is typically discarded or burned. This literal definition readily lends itself to metaphorical applications, symbolizing that which is ephemeral, devoid of true substance, or destined for destruction.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The Aramaic term עוּר (ʻûwr), `{{H5784}}`, appears in the Hebrew Bible exclusively in the book of Daniel. Its singular, yet profoundly significant, occurrence is found in:
* **[[Daniel 2:35]]**: "Then the iron, the clay, the bronze, the silver and the gold were crushed together and became like chaff from the summer threshing floors; and the wind carried them away so that not a trace of them was found. But the stone that struck the statue became a great mountain and filled the whole earth."
In this pivotal passage, ʻûwr describes the complete and utter destruction of the colossal statue representing successive human empires in Nebuchadnezzar's dream. The image is one of absolute disintegration, where the once mighty components of iron, clay, bronze, silver, and gold are reduced to the consistency of chaff. This transformation is followed by the powerful imagery of the wind carrying them away, leaving "not a trace." The context underscores the ephemeral and ultimately powerless nature of all earthly kingdoms when confronted by the divine, eternal kingdom symbolized by the stone. The swift and complete disappearance of the chaff highlights the finality of God's judgment and the transient nature of human dominion. The absence of any remaining trace emphasizes the absolute and irreversible defeat of these worldly powers.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of "chaff" is a potent biblical metaphor, frequently appearing in both Hebrew and Aramaic texts. The most direct Hebrew equivalent to עוּר (ʻûwr, `{{H5784}}`) is `{{H4671}}` (מוֹץ, *mots*), which also means "chaff" and is used extensively in similar metaphorical contexts (e.g., [[Psalm 1:4]], [[Job 21:18]], [[Isaiah 17:13]]).
Other related words and concepts include:
* **Threshing Floor**: The place of separation and judgment (e.g., [[Ruth 3:2]], [[Hosea 13:3]]).
* **Wind (רוּחַ, *ruach*, `{{H7307}}`)**: Often depicted as the agent of dispersal, judgment, or divine breath, carrying away the chaff.
* **Grain/Wheat (דָּגָן, *dagan*, `{{H1715}}`; חִטָּה, *chittah*, `{{H2406}}`)**: The valuable counterpart to chaff, representing the righteous or the blessed.
* **Stubble (קַשׁ, *qash*, `{{H7019}}`)**: Another worthless byproduct of harvesting, often associated with destruction by fire.
* **Winnowing**: The process of separating grain from chaff, symbolizing divine sifting or judgment.
These terms collectively form a powerful semantic field illustrating divine judgment, the fate of the wicked, and the contrast between enduring righteousness and fleeting wickedness.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of עוּר (ʻûwr, `{{H5784}}`) and its Hebrew counterpart `{{H4671}}` is profound, serving primarily as a potent symbol for:
1. **The Wicked and Ungodly**: Chaff consistently represents those who lack spiritual substance, who are unrighteous, or who oppose God. Just as chaff is light and easily blown away, the wicked are depicted as unstable, lacking true foundation, and destined to perish (e.g., [[Psalm 1:4]]).
2. **Divine Judgment and Separation**: The process of separating chaff from grain is a powerful metaphor for God's judgment, where the righteous (grain) are preserved and the wicked (chaff) are exposed, scattered, and ultimately destroyed. This separation is often portrayed as swift and decisive.
3. **The Transience of Earthly Power**: As seen vividly in [[Daniel 2:35]], ʻûwr underscores the ultimate fragility and impermanence of human empires and worldly power. Despite their apparent strength and grandeur, they are ultimately insubstantial before the eternal sovereignty of God and will be swept away without a trace.
4. **Purification and Refining**: While symbolizing destruction for the wicked, the imagery of threshing and winnowing also implies a process of purification, where impurities (chaff) are removed to reveal and preserve what is valuable (grain). This speaks to God's work in refining His people.
### Summary
The Aramaic term עוּר (ʻûwr, `{{H5784}}`) precisely denotes "chaff," the worthless husks separated from grain. Its singular, yet highly impactful, appearance in [[Daniel 2:35]] illustrates the complete and irreversible destruction of all human kingdoms when confronted by the divine. Reduced to mere chaff and swept away by the wind, these empires leave no trace, emphasizing their ultimate transience and insubstantiality before God's eternal dominion. Theologically, ʻûwr serves as a powerful symbol of the ungodly, destined for swift and decisive divine judgment. It highlights the profound contrast between the fleeting nature of worldly power and the enduring, eternal kingdom of God, embodying the principle that all that lacks true spiritual substance will ultimately be discarded and vanish.
TRV