### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **parzel**, represented by `{{H6523}}`, is the term for **iron**. It appears 20 times across 14 unique verses, exclusively within the book of Daniel. In scripture, it consistently symbolizes immense strength, destructive power, and the might of earthly kingdoms.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{H6523}}` is central to the prophetic visions in Daniel. In Nebuchadnezzar's dream, it represents the fourth kingdom, described as "strong as **iron**" which "breaketh in pieces and subdueth all things" [[Daniel 2:40]]. The image's legs are made of **iron**, and its feet are a mixture of **iron** and clay, signifying a kingdom that is partly strong and partly broken ([[Daniel 2:33]], 2:42). In Daniel's own vision, a terrifying fourth beast has "great **iron** teeth" used to devour and break in pieces [[Daniel 7:7]]. The word is also used to describe materials for making idols, as Belshazzar praises the gods of gold, silver, brass, **iron**, wood, and stone [[Daniel 5:4]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the context and properties of iron:
* `{{H8624}}` **taqqîyph** (mighty, strong): This adjective is explicitly linked to iron's symbolic meaning. The fourth kingdom is described as being "strong `{{H8624}}` as iron" [[Daniel 2:40]], and the fourth beast with iron teeth is "strong `{{H8624}}` exceedingly" [[Daniel 7:7]].
* `{{H1855}}` **dᵉqaq** (break to pieces): This verb describes the primary action associated with iron's power. The fourth kingdom will "break in pieces `{{H1855}}`" other nations [[Daniel 2:40]], and the fourth beast uses its iron teeth to "brake in pieces `{{H1855}}`" its victims [[Daniel 7:7]].
* `{{H5174}}` **nᵉchâsh** (brass): This metal is frequently mentioned alongside iron. The stump of Nebuchadnezzar's tree is bound with a band of "iron `{{H6523}}` and brass `{{H5174}}`" [[Daniel 4:15]], and the fourth beast has nails of "brass `{{H5174}}`" complementing its iron teeth [[Daniel 7:19]].
* `{{H7490}}` **rᵉʻaʻ** (break, bruise): This term is used to describe the crushing nature of iron, stating that as iron "breaketh `{{H7490}}` all these, shall it break in pieces and bruise `{{H7490}}`" [[Daniel 2:40]].
### Theological Significance
The symbolic weight of `{{H6523}}` is primarily prophetic and eschatological.
* **Symbol of Imperial Power:** Iron represents the raw, crushing force of the final earthly empire in Daniel's visions. Its properties of breaking and subduing all things are directly applied to this fourth kingdom [[Daniel 2:40]].
* **Inherent Weakness and Division:** The mixture of iron with clay in the image's feet symbolizes a kingdom that cannot hold together. This illustrates that even the mightiest human power contains the seeds of its own division and fragility, as "iron is not mixed with clay" [[Daniel 2:43]].
* **Object of False Worship:** Iron is listed as one of the inanimate materials from which idols are made, which are praised by kings who fail to glorify the true God [[Daniel 5:23]].
* **Subject to Divine Judgment:** Despite its great strength, the iron of the prophetic image is ultimately shattered and "broken to pieces" by a stone cut without hands, representing God's divine power and the establishment of His eternal kingdom [[Daniel 2:34-35]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6523}}` is a powerful symbol in biblical prophecy. While it literally means iron, it metaphorically represents the zenith of human imperial might—a force that is strong, destructive, and domineering. However, its use in scripture ultimately serves to contrast this formidable earthly power with its own internal fragility and its eventual, certain destruction by the superior and everlasting kingdom of God.
TRV