(Aramaic) corresponding to עָר; {a foe (as watchful for mischief)}; enemy.
Transliteration:ʻâr
Pronunciation:awr
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic term `{{H6146}}` (עָר, ʻâr) corresponds directly to the Hebrew `{{H6145}}` (עָר). Its core meaning, as derived from the base definition, is "a foe" or "enemy." A crucial nuance embedded within this definition is the idea of an adversary who is "watchful for mischief." This implies not merely passive opposition, but an active, vigilant, and often cunning opponent who seeks to inflict harm or hinder progress. The semantic range is thus tightly focused on this concept of a vigilant and hostile adversary.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
As an Aramaic word, `{{H6146}}` appears exclusively in the Aramaic sections of the Old Testament, specifically in the books of Daniel and Ezra.
* **[[Daniel 4:19]]**: "Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was dismayed for a while, and his thoughts alarmed him. The king answered and said, 'Belteshazzar, let not the dream or the interpretation alarm you.' Belteshazzar answered and said, 'My lord, may the dream be for those who hate you and its interpretation for your **enemies** (`{{H6146}}`).'"
* In this passage, Daniel, interpreting Nebuchadnezzar's dream, expresses a deferential wish that any negative consequences of the dream's interpretation should fall upon the king's adversaries rather than the king himself. The parallelism with "those who hate you" (שָׂנְאֶיךָ) strongly reinforces the hostile and malicious nature of these `{{H6146}}` individuals. They are not simply political opponents but active antagonists.
* **[[Ezra 4:1]]**: "Now when the **adversaries** (`{{H6146}}`) of Judah and Benjamin heard that the returned exiles were building a temple to the Lord, the God of Israel..."
* Here, `{{H6146}}` refers to the inhabitants of the land, primarily the Samaritans, who actively opposed the Jewish exiles' efforts to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem. Their "watchfulness for mischief" is evident in their initial deceptive offer to help, which was rooted in a desire to undermine the project. Upon rejection, they resorted to open hostility, discouraging the people, hiring counselors against them, and writing accusations to the Persian kings, demonstrating persistent and calculated opposition to the work of God's people.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Hebrew Counterpart:** The most direct related term is the Hebrew `{{H6145}}` (עָר), which is the etymological root and semantic equivalent. This Hebrew word also conveys the sense of an "enemy" or "foe," often retaining the underlying notion of being "awake" or "watchful."
* **General Terms for Enemy:** `{{H6146}}` stands alongside other common biblical terms for "enemy" or "adversary," each with its own nuances:
* `{{H341}}` (אוֹיֵב, 'oyev): The most frequent Hebrew word for "enemy," denoting active hostility.
* `{{H6862}}` (צַר, tsar): "Adversary," often implying narrowness, distress, or a pressing foe.
* `{{H7854}}` (שָׂטָן, satan): Fundamentally "adversary" or "accuser," which can refer to human opponents or, famously, the ultimate spiritual adversary.
* **Concept of Opposition:** The presence of `{{H6146}}` highlights the recurring biblical theme of God's people facing external opposition. This opposition often serves to test faith, demonstrate God's power in deliverance, and underscore the need for reliance on divine strength rather than human might or cunning.
### Theological Significance
* **Divine Sovereignty Amidst Adversity:** The use of `{{H6146}}` in both Daniel and Ezra narratives underscores the reality of significant human opposition to God's purposes and His people. Yet, in both contexts, the ultimate outcome is the triumph of God's plan. Daniel is preserved, and the Temple is eventually rebuilt. This illustrates the theological truth that while adversaries may be vigilant and cunning, God's sovereignty is absolute, and His will cannot ultimately be thwarted by human `{{H6146}}`.
* **The Nature of Spiritual Conflict:** The description of `{{H6146}}` as "watchful for mischief" resonates with the broader biblical understanding of spiritual warfare. Just as human enemies meticulously plot against God's people, so too does the ultimate spiritual adversary (Satan, `{{H7854}}`) remain vigilant in his opposition to God's kingdom. This provides a framework for understanding that opposition, whether human or spiritual, is often calculated and persistent.
* **Call for Trust and Perseverance:** The narratives involving `{{H6146}}` serve as a theological call to trust in God's protection and to persevere in His work despite formidable opposition. The exiles in Ezra did not abandon their task when faced with `{{H6146}}`, but continued, relying on God's strength and guidance. This exemplifies a biblical principle that faithfulness is often demonstrated in the face of adversity.
* **Justice and Deliverance:** Daniel's prayer in [[Daniel 4:19]] reflects a common biblical plea for God's justice to be meted out upon the `{{H6146}}`. It embodies the belief that God is a righteous judge who will ultimately deal with those who stand in malicious opposition to His people and His divine will.
### Summary
The Aramaic term `{{H6146}}` (עָר, ʻâr) precisely defines an "enemy" or "foe" characterized by an active and vigilant posture, specifically "watchful for mischief." Its limited but significant occurrences in [[Daniel 4:19]] and [[Ezra 4:1]] consistently depict adversaries who are not merely passive opponents but cunning and persistent in their efforts to undermine God's people and His divine plans. The theological import of `{{H6146}}` lies in its demonstration of God's ultimate sovereignty over all human opposition, highlighting the need for His people to maintain trust and perseverance amidst adversity. It also subtly points to the broader biblical concept of spiritual warfare, where an ever-watchful adversary seeks to hinder God's kingdom, yet ultimately fails against the divine will.
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