(Aramaic) probably for פֶּה; the mouth (literally or figuratively); mouth.
Transliteration:pum
Pronunciation:poom
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic lemma פֻּם (pum), transliterated as "pum," primarily denotes the "mouth." Its base definition indicates it is "probably for פֶּה" (peh, `{{H6310}}`), the common Hebrew term for "mouth." This strong semantic connection suggests that פֻּם carries a similar range of meaning to its Hebrew counterpart. Beyond the literal physical organ, the term can extend figuratively to encompass speech, utterance, command, or even the opening or edge of something. This duality of literal and figurative usage is crucial for understanding its contextual applications within the biblical text.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term פֻּם (pum) appears exclusively in the Aramaic portions of the book of Daniel, offering significant insights into its usage.
* In [[Daniel 4:31]], the phrase "while the word was in the king's mouth" (מִלְּתָא בְּפֻם מַלְכָּא) refers to the act of speaking or uttering. Here, the mouth is the organ from which words proceed, highlighting the immediate connection between thought, speech, and the exercise of royal authority, which is then swiftly challenged by divine judgment.
* [[Daniel 7:5]] describes one of the beasts of Daniel's vision: "and it had three ribs in its mouth between its teeth" (וּתְלָת עִלְעִין בְּפֻמַּהּ בֵּין שִׁנַּהּ). This is a literal depiction of the mouth of an animal, serving as a container or instrument for holding.
* More significantly, פֻּם is used figuratively in [[Daniel 7:8]] and [[Daniel 7:20]] to describe the "mouth speaking great things" (פֻּם מְמַלִּל רַבְרְבָן) of the little horn. This recurring phrase characterizes the arrogant and blasphemous speech of an oppressive power. In this prophetic context, the "mouth" symbolizes the source of boastful claims, defiance against God, and oppressive decrees, indicating the destructive power of words when wielded in rebellion against divine sovereignty.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is the Hebrew פֶּה (peh, `{{H6310}}`), which shares the core meaning of "mouth" and possesses an extensive semantic range, including:
* **Speech and Utterance:** The mouth as the source of words, whether human or divine (e.g., God's commands, prophetic pronouncements).
* **Command and Authority:** The mouth as the instrument through which decrees are issued, reflecting power and control.
* **Opening or Edge:** Figuratively, the "mouth" can refer to the opening of a cave, a sword's edge, or the rim of a vessel.
* **Figurative Expressions:** Such as "mouth of the Lord" (דָּבָר יְהוָה, `{{H1697}}`) signifying divine revelation or law.
Concepts frequently associated with the mouth include:
* **Truth and Deceit:** What issues from the mouth can be either truthful or false.
* **Blessing and Cursing:** The power of the spoken word to convey favor or judgment.
* **Wisdom and Folly:** The mouth as an indicator of one's inner character and understanding.
In Daniel, the concept of "speaking great things" (רַבְרְבָן, related to `{{H7227}}`) is crucial, linking the mouth to pride, blasphemy, and opposition to God.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of פֻּם (pum) in Daniel centers on the power and responsibility of speech, particularly in the context of human arrogance versus divine sovereignty. The "mouth speaking great things" in [[Daniel 7]] is a potent symbol of human rebellion and self-exaltation. This prophetic image warns against the misuse of the faculty of speech for blasphemy, boasting, and issuing oppressive decrees against God and His people. It underscores that even the most powerful human utterances are ultimately subject to divine judgment.
Conversely, while פֻּם itself is not used for God's mouth, the broader biblical concept of the mouth as the source of divine word (cf. [[Deuteronomy 8:3]] "every word that proceeds from the mouth of the LORD") provides a stark contrast. God's mouth is the source of truth, life, law, and creative power. The human mouth, therefore, is intended to be an instrument for praise, truth, and obedience, rather than for challenging divine authority. The narrative of [[Daniel 4]] further illustrates this, where Nebuchadnezzar's boastful words from his mouth are swiftly met with humbling judgment, demonstrating that all human authority is contingent upon God's will.
### Summary
פֻּם (pum) is an Aramaic term for "mouth," directly paralleling the Hebrew פֶּה (peh, `{{H6310}}`). Its occurrences in Daniel reveal both literal usage (a beast's mouth) and, more profoundly, figurative usage to denote the source of speech. Most notably, it describes the "mouth speaking great things" of the oppressive little horn in [[Daniel 7]], symbolizing arrogant, blasphemous, and defiant speech against God. Theologically, פֻּם highlights the immense power inherent in the spoken word and serves as a cautionary reminder of the accountability for how that power is used, particularly in the context of human pride and rebellion versus divine sovereignty and judgment.
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