(Aramaic) corresponding to עָרַב; to commingle; mingle (self), mix.
Transliteration:ʻărab
Pronunciation:ar-ab'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic verb `{{H6151}}` (ʻărab) carries the core meaning of "to commingle," "to mingle," or "to mix." It denotes the act of bringing distinct elements together in such a way that they become blended or intermingled. The base definition explicitly states its correspondence to the Hebrew `{{H6148}}` (ʻārāb), indicating a shared semantic root, though the Aramaic form in its biblical usage specifically emphasizes the process of combination or fusion. This word describes a state where two or more separate entities are brought into close association, potentially losing their individual distinctiveness to some degree, or at least attempting to do so.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
As an Aramaic term, `{{H6151}}` appears exclusively in the Aramaic portions of the Old Testament. Its most significant and indeed, sole, occurrence is found in the prophetic book of Daniel.
* **[[Daniel 2:43]]**: "And whereas thou sawest iron mixed with miry clay, they shall mingle themselves with the seed of men: but they shall not cleave one to another, even as iron is not mixed with clay."
Here, `{{H6151}}` is used twice, describing the prophetic vision of the feet of the great statue seen by Nebuchadnezzar. The image of iron "mingling" with miry clay, yet failing to "cleave one to another," is central to the interpretation. The verb `{{H6151}}` vividly portrays an attempt at fusion between inherently incompatible materials. This signifies an effort by the future kingdoms, represented by iron and clay, to form alliances or intermarry ("mingle themselves with the seed of men"). However, the core meaning of `{{H6151}}`—the act of mixing—is immediately followed by a negation of true cohesion, emphasizing the ultimate failure of this attempted blend. The context underscores the instability and inherent weakness of such a composite.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for `{{H6151}}` is its Hebrew cognate, `{{H6148}}` (ʻārāb), which also carries the meaning "to mix" or "to mingle," alongside other semantic ranges like "to pledge" or "to grow dark." While `{{H6148}}` has a broader application, the Aramaic `{{H6151}}` specifically highlights the aspect of intermingling.
Other related concepts include:
* **Combination/Union**: The idea of bringing disparate elements together.
* **Separation/Distinctness**: The counterpoint to mixing, especially when the mingling fails to achieve true unity.
* **Alloys/Mixtures**: Physical analogies of combining different substances.
* **Alliances/Intermarriage**: Sociopolitical manifestations of "mingling" between peoples or groups.
The failure of `{{H6151}}` to achieve perfect cohesion in [[Daniel 2:43]] implicitly contrasts with concepts of true, divinely ordained unity or the distinct purity of God's people or kingdom.
### Theological Significance
The theological import of `{{H6151}}` is almost entirely derived from its singular, yet profound, use in [[Daniel 2:43]]. In this prophetic passage, the "mingling" of iron and clay symbolizes human attempts to forge lasting unity or alliances between disparate and incompatible entities, likely representing different peoples, kingdoms, or social structures. The crucial theological insight is not merely the act of mixing, but the *failure* of this mixture to cohere: "they shall not cleave one to another."
This illustrates several key theological points:
1. **The Fragility of Human Unity**: It underscores the inherent instability and ultimate futility of human efforts to achieve perfect or enduring unity apart from divine foundation. Kingdoms and peoples, despite their attempts to blend through treaties, intermarriage, or shared governance, are ultimately unable to overcome their fundamental differences.
2. **Divine Sovereignty over Kingdoms**: The inability of the iron and clay to truly "mingle" highlights God's sovereign control over human history and kingdoms. No human alliance, however powerful or extensive, can withstand the divine decree or achieve a stability that rivals God's eternal kingdom.
3. **Contrast with God's Kingdom**: The unstable mixture of human kingdoms stands in stark contrast to the unified, unmixed, and enduring nature of the kingdom that God will establish, which will "break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever" ([[Daniel 2:44]]). God's kingdom is not "mingled" with human weakness or inherent contradictions.
4. **Warning against Compromise**: While not explicitly stated, the imagery can serve as a subtle warning against unholy alliances or compromises that seek to blend the sacred with the profane, or righteousness with unrighteousness, as such mixtures are destined to fail or lack true integrity.
### Summary
The Aramaic verb `{{H6151}}` (ʻărab) signifies "to commingle," "to mingle," or "to mix." Its primary biblical significance stems from its unique occurrence in [[Daniel 2:43]]. Here, it describes the attempted but ultimately unsuccessful "mingling" of iron and miry clay, symbolic of future human kingdoms or peoples striving for unity through alliances or intermarriage. Theologically, `{{H6151}}` in this context powerfully conveys the inherent instability and ultimate failure of human-orchestrated unity when disparate elements cannot truly cohere. It serves as a prophetic declaration of the fragility of earthly powers and their inability to achieve lasting cohesion, standing in stark contrast to the eternal, unified, and unmixed nature of God's sovereign kingdom.
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