### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **pechâr**, represented by `{{H6353}}`, refers to a **potter**. It is derived from an unused root that probably means to fashion. This word appears only **1 time** in a single verse in the Bible, making its sole usage highly specific and significant.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The only occurrence of `{{H6353}}` is found in Daniel's interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar's dream. In the vision, the feet and toes of a great image were made of a mixture of materials. The text states Daniel **sawest** `{{H2370}}` "the feet `{{H7271}}` and toes `{{H677}}`, part of **potters'** `{{H6353}}` clay `{{H2635}}`, and part of iron `{{H6523}}`" [[Daniel 2:41]]. This imagery is used to explain that the future **kingdom** `{{H4437}}` it represents will **be** `{{H1934}}` **divided** `{{H6386}}`, possessing a combination of strength from the iron and weakness from the clay.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related Aramaic words clarify the context of the potter's work in this prophecy:
* `{{H2635}}` **chăçaph** (a clod; clay): This is the material directly associated with the **potter** `{{H6353}}`. It symbolizes the weak and brittle component of the prophesied kingdom [[Daniel 2:41]].
* `{{H6523}}` **parzel** (iron; iron): Paired with clay, **iron** represents the element of **strength** `{{H5326}}` within the divided kingdom. The inability of iron to mix with clay is a central point of the vision [[Daniel 2:43]].
* `{{H6151}}` **ʻărab** (to commingle; mingle (self), mix): This verb describes the attempt to combine the two disparate materials, highlighting that while they are **mixed**, they do not truly bond [[Daniel 2:41]].
* `{{H4437}}` **malkûw** (dominion (abstractly or concretely); kingdom, kingly, realm, reign): This is the subject of the prophecy. The composition of the image's feet reveals the nature of this future **kingdom** [[Daniel 2:41]].
### Theological Significance
The prophetic weight of `{{H6353}}` is understood entirely through its symbolic context in Daniel's vision.
* **Symbol of Weakness:** The "potters' clay" is used to represent the fragile and brittle aspect of the final kingdom in the dream, which will be mixed with the **strength** `{{H5326}}` of iron [[Daniel 2:41]].
* **Prophecy of a Divided Kingdom:** The presence of this material alongside iron is the direct reason given for why the **kingdom** `{{H4437}}` "shall be **divided**" `{{H6386}}`.
* **Inherent Instability:** The vision emphasizes that the iron is **mixed** `{{H6151}}` with "miry" `{{H2917}}` clay, but a related passage explains they will not cleave to one another, just as **iron** `{{H6523}}` is not **mixed** `{{H6151}}` with **clay** `{{H2635}}` [[Daniel 2:43]]. This signifies a union that lacks true cohesion.
### Summary
In summary, **pechâr** `{{H6353}}` is a rare Aramaic term whose single biblical appearance carries significant prophetic meaning. It functions not merely to identify a craftsman, but to define the fragile nature of "potters' clay" as a symbol of weakness. Within the prophecy of Daniel, it illustrates the inherent division and instability of a great earthly kingdom that attempts to mix strength with fragility.
TRV