(Aramaic) corresponding to עֳפֶא; a twig; bough, i.e. (collectively) foliage; leaves.
Transliteration:ʻŏphîy
Pronunciation:of-ee'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic term `{{H6074}}` (ʻŏphîy), corresponding to the Hebrew `{{H6073}}` (ʻōpheh), carries the primary meaning of a "twig" or "bough," extending to the collective sense of "foliage" or "leaves." This semantic range indicates its use for individual smaller branches as well as the entire leafy canopy of a tree. It denotes the green, living part of a plant that provides shade, sustenance, and outward beauty. The connection to its Hebrew cognate underscores a shared conceptual understanding within the Semitic linguistic family regarding the vegetative aspects of trees.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H6074}}` appears exclusively in the Aramaic sections of the Book of Daniel, specifically within chapter 4. In all three occurrences, it refers to the "leaves" of the magnificent tree in King Nebuchadnezzar's dream, a tree that symbolizes his vast kingdom:
* **[[Daniel 4:12]]**: "Its leaves were beautiful, its fruit abundant, and on it was food for all. The beasts of the field found shade under it, and the birds of the air nested in its branches; from it every creature was fed." Here, ʻŏphîy depicts the lush, life-sustaining, and protective quality of the tree, signifying the prosperity and extensive influence of Nebuchadnezzar's reign. The beautiful leaves contribute to the tree's overall grandeur and its capacity to provide.
* **[[Daniel 4:14]]**: "Cut down the tree and chop off its branches; strip off its leaves and scatter its fruit. Let the animals flee from under it and the birds from its branches." In this verse, ʻŏphîy is part of the command for destruction, symbolizing the removal of the kingdom's glory, vitality, and its ability to provide shelter and sustenance. The stripping of leaves signifies a profound desolation and loss of power.
* **[[Daniel 4:21]]**: "Its leaves were beautiful, its fruit abundant, and on it was food for all; under it the wild animals lived, and in its branches the birds of the air nested." This reiteration of the tree's initial description emphasizes the extent of Nebuchadnezzar's former glory and the comprehensive nature of his dominion before divine judgment.
In each instance, ʻŏphîy underscores the visible manifestation of the kingdom's thriving state, its outward splendor, and its capacity to sustain life. Its presence signifies flourishing, while its removal portends judgment and decline.
### Related Words & Concepts
As an Aramaic term, `{{H6074}}` is closely related to its Hebrew counterpart, `{{H6073}}` (ʻōpheh), which also denotes "foliage" or "branch." This linguistic kinship highlights a consistent understanding of tree parts across the two languages. Other related concepts and words in the biblical lexicon include:
* `{{H6086}}` (ʻēṣ): The general term for "tree," often used metaphorically for individuals, nations, or kingdoms.
* `{{H6287}}` (pōrâ): A Hebrew term for "branch" or "bough," emphasizing the spreading parts of a tree.
* `{{H3327}}` (yôqer): Another Aramaic word found in Daniel 4, meaning "twig" or "branch," reinforcing the arboreal imagery.
* The broader biblical imagery of trees: frequently employed to symbolize life, strength, righteousness, prosperity, and divine blessing (e.g., [[Psalm 1:3]], [[Jeremiah 17:8]]), but also judgment and destruction when withered or cut down (e.g., [[Isaiah 6:13]], [[Matthew 3:10]]).
The concept of "foliage" or "leaves" is often associated with the outward appearance, vitality, and fruitfulness of a tree, and by extension, the visible prosperity and influence of that which the tree represents.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H6074}}` is deeply embedded in the prophetic narrative of Daniel 4. The lush ʻŏphîy of the great tree symbolizes the immense power, glory, and widespread influence of Nebuchadnezzar's kingdom, which provided "shade" and "food" for many nations ([[Daniel 4:12]], [[Daniel 4:21]]). The "leaves" represent the outward flourishing and the visible display of the king's dominion and the sustenance it offered.
However, the divine decree to "strip off its leaves" ([[Daniel 4:14]]) carries profound theological weight. It signifies God's sovereign judgment upon Nebuchadnezzar's pride and his failure to acknowledge the true source of his authority. The removal of the ʻŏphîy symbolizes the stripping away of his glory, power, and the very visible signs of his kingdom's vitality. This act demonstrates that all earthly power and splendor are ultimately transient and subject to the will of the Most High God, who "rules in the kingdom of mankind and gives it to whom he will" ([[Daniel 4:17]], [[Daniel 4:25]], [[Daniel 4:32]]).
The metaphor of the tree and its foliage serves as a potent reminder of the transient nature of human achievements and the ultimate sovereignty of God. The beauty and provision of the ʻŏphîy were a gift from God, and their removal was a direct consequence of the king's hubris. This imagery aligns with broader biblical themes where flourishing trees represent divine favor and withered trees represent divine judgment or spiritual barrenness.
### Summary
`{{H6074}}` (ʻŏphîy) is an Aramaic term meaning "twig," "bough," or collectively "foliage" and "leaves." Its biblical occurrences are confined to Daniel 4, where it consistently refers to the "leaves" of the metaphorical tree representing Nebuchadnezzar's kingdom. Contextually, the ʻŏphîy symbolizes the outward glory, prosperity, and life-sustaining capacity of the kingdom. Theologically, its presence signifies a period of divine blessing and flourishing, while its commanded removal underscores God's sovereign judgment, the stripping away of human pride and power, and the transient nature of earthly dominion in contrast to the eternal rule of the Most High. The word thus serves as a powerful visual component in a narrative that emphasizes God's supreme authority over all earthly kingdoms.
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