(Aramaic) corresponding to עֹנֶשׁ; a mulct; confiscation.
Transliteration:ʻănash
Pronunciation:an-ash'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic term `{{H6065}}`, transliterated as ʻănash, fundamentally denotes a punitive measure involving financial penalty or the seizure of property. Its base definition points to "mulct," which is a fine or pecuniary penalty, and "confiscation," the act of seizing private property by authority. This word is the Aramaic equivalent of the Hebrew `{{H6066}}` (ʻōnesh), which similarly conveys the idea of a penalty or punishment. The semantic range of ʻănash is thus narrow but precise, focusing on the material consequences of legal or moral transgression, specifically the forfeiture of goods or wealth as a form of judgment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The Aramaic word `{{H6065}}` appears only once in the biblical text, specifically in the book of Ezra, within a decree issued by King Artaxerxes.
* **[[Ezra 7:26]]**: "And whosoever will not do the law of thy God, and the law of the king, let judgment be executed speedily upon him, whether it be unto death, or to banishment, or to confiscation of goods, or to imprisonment."
In this pivotal verse, ʻănash (translated as "confiscation of goods") is listed among a series of severe penalties for those who fail to obey the law of God and the law of the king. The context is a royal decree empowering Ezra to establish judges and magistrates in Trans-Euphrates and to enforce the divine law. The inclusion of "confiscation of goods" alongside death, banishment, and imprisonment underscores the gravity of the offenses and the comprehensive nature of the legal consequences. It signifies a loss of material possessions as a direct result of disobedience, highlighting the authority of both divine and royal decrees to impose significant economic sanctions. This specific occurrence demonstrates ʻănash as a term used in a formal, legal, and governmental capacity to describe a specific type of punitive action.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic relation to `{{H6065}}` is its Hebrew counterpart, `{{H6066}}` (ʻōnesh), which carries the similar meaning of "punishment" or "fine." This close correspondence indicates a shared conceptual framework for legal penalties in both Aramaic and Hebrew.
Other related concepts and terms, though not directly cognates, include:
* **Judgment/Justice**: Hebrew `{{H4941}}` (*mishpat*), which encompasses the broader concept of legal verdict and the administration of justice, of which ʻănash is a specific outcome.
* **Penalty/Punishment**: General terms for consequences of wrongdoing, such as `{{H5061}}` (*nagaʻ* - to strike, punish) or `{{H7999}}` (*shalem* - to repay, make good, recompense).
* **Law/Decree**: Terms like `{{H1881}}` (*dath* - law, decree, often used in Aramaic portions) or `{{H8451}}` (*torah* - law), which are the foundational elements whose violation leads to penalties like ʻănash.
* **Authority/Sovereignty**: The power vested in kings or divine entities to enact and enforce laws and penalties. The decree in [[Ezra 7:26]] demonstrates the intersection of royal and divine authority in enforcing the law through such means as confiscation.
### Theological Significance
While `{{H6065}}` appears in a human legal context, its inclusion in a decree concerning the "law of thy God" imbues it with theological significance. The concept of "confiscation of goods" as a penalty underscores several theological principles:
1. **Divine Justice and Consequences**: The decree in Ezra highlights that God's law is not without consequence. Disobedience to divine commands, even when enforced by human authorities, carries severe penalties. ʻănash serves as a tangible reminder that transgression can lead to the loss of material security, reflecting a divine principle of accountability.
2. **Holiness and Order**: The enforcement of God's law, even through severe means like confiscation, aims to maintain the holiness and order of the community. It serves as a deterrent to sin and a means of purging unrighteousness from the midst of the people.
3. **Stewardship**: The possibility of confiscation reminds individuals of their stewardship over possessions. Material wealth is not an absolute right but can be forfeited when one acts contrary to divine will and established law. It implicitly teaches that possessions are ultimately under divine purview and can be withdrawn.
4. **Integration of Sacred and Secular Authority**: The decree in Ezra, backed by a Persian king, demonstrates a unique instance where secular authority is used to uphold and enforce divine law. The penalties, including ʻănash, bridge the gap between spiritual transgression and its very real, material consequences in the temporal realm.
### Summary
The Aramaic word `{{H6065}}` (ʻănash) precisely denotes a "mulct" or "confiscation," signifying a financial penalty or the seizure of property. Its sole biblical occurrence in [[Ezra 7:26]] places it within a royal decree, where it stands as one of the severe consequences—alongside death, banishment, and imprisonment—for disobedience to both divine and royal law. This specific usage highlights its role as a legal term for punitive economic action. Theologically, ʻănash underscores the seriousness of transgression against God's law, demonstrating the principle of divine justice and accountability through material consequences. It serves as a reminder of the tangible ramifications of spiritual and legal disobedience, emphasizing the authority of law and the potential forfeiture of possessions when one deviates from established decrees.
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