(Aramaic) corresponding to פָּתַר; to interpret; make (interpretations), interpreting.
Transliteration:pᵉshar
Pronunciation:pesh-ar'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic verb pᵉshar (פְּשַׁר, `{{H6590}}`) fundamentally means "to interpret" or "to explain." Its primary function is to make clear that which is obscure, hidden, or symbolic. As noted in its base definition, it corresponds directly to the Hebrew verb pātar (פָּתַר, `{{H6591}}`), which carries the same semantic weight, particularly in the context of dream interpretation (e.g., Joseph in Genesis). The act of pᵉshar involves revealing the underlying meaning, unfolding the significance, or providing a coherent explanation for phenomena that defy ordinary human understanding, such as divine dreams, visions, or cryptic writings. It moves beyond mere translation or description to uncover the deeper, often prophetic, implications.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
As an Aramaic term, pᵉshar is found exclusively in the Aramaic sections of the Book of Daniel. Its occurrences are central to the narrative, particularly in chapters 2, 4, and 5, where Daniel is uniquely gifted by God to interpret the dreams of King Nebuchadnezzar and the mysterious writing on the wall for King Belshazzar.
Key instances include:
* In [[Daniel 2:4]], the Chaldeans challenge the king to *tell* the dream and *interpret* it, using pᵉshar for the latter. This sets the stage for the impossibility of human wisdom to fulfill the task.
* Daniel's declaration in [[Daniel 2:26]] to Nebuchadnezzar, "Are you able to make known to me the dream which I have seen, and its interpretation [pishra', `{{H6600}}`]?" underscores the divine source of such ability.
* The repeated use of pᵉshar in [[Daniel 2:36]] ("This is the dream; now we will tell its interpretation [pishra'] before the king") and subsequent verses highlights Daniel's role as God's chosen interpreter, revealing the future of world empires.
* Similarly, in [[Daniel 4:6]], [[Daniel 4:7]], and [[Daniel 4:18]], Nebuchadnezzar seeks someone to pᵉshar his second dream, again demonstrating the failure of the kingdom's wise men. Daniel, however, is able to do so (e.g., [[Daniel 4:19]]).
* The dramatic scene in [[Daniel 5:7]], [[Daniel 5:8]], [[Daniel 5:12]], [[Daniel 5:15]], [[Daniel 5:16]], [[Daniel 5:17]], and [[Daniel 5:26]] concerning the writing on the wall (Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin) culminates in Daniel's ability to pᵉshar it, revealing God's judgment upon Belshazzar and his kingdom.
In all these contexts, the ability to pᵉshar is portrayed as a supernatural gift, distinct from human wisdom or learned skill. It is God who "reveals mysteries" ([[Daniel 2:28]]) and grants the capacity to interpret His divine communications.
### Related Words & Concepts
The closest linguistic and conceptual relative to pᵉshar is its Hebrew counterpart, pātar (פָּתַר, `{{H6591}}`). This word is famously used in the Genesis account of Joseph interpreting the dreams of Pharaoh's cupbearer, baker, and Pharaoh himself (e.g., [[Genesis 40:8]], [[Genesis 41:12]]). Both pᵉshar and pātar emphasize the uncovering of a hidden meaning, often with prophetic implications.
Other related Aramaic terms and concepts include:
* pishra' (פִּשְׁרָא, `{{H6600}}`): The noun form derived from pᵉshar, meaning "interpretation" itself (e.g., [[Daniel 2:4]], [[Daniel 5:7]]).
* yeda' (יְדַע, `{{H3282}}`): "to know," as interpretation requires profound knowledge, especially divinely imparted knowledge.
* chakham (חֲכַם, `{{H2523}}`): "to be wise," as true interpretation is an act of wisdom, often contrasted with worldly wisdom.
* The broader concept of "revelation" (e.g., galah, גָּלָה, `{{H1540}}` in Hebrew, or gela', גְּלָא, `{{H1541}}` in Aramaic) is intrinsically linked, as one interprets what has been revealed.
* The idea of "mystery" or "secret" (e.g., raz, רָז, `{{H7328}}`) is also closely related, as interpretation unveils these hidden truths.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of pᵉshar is profound. It underscores several critical aspects of God's character and interaction with humanity:
1. **Divine Sovereignty over Revelation:** The ability to pᵉshar is consistently presented as a divine gift. It is God who knows the future and who alone can reveal the meaning of His own communications. Human wisdom, even that of the most learned Chaldeans, is utterly incapable of such interpretation without divine assistance. This highlights God's absolute sovereignty over knowledge and truth.
2. **God's Communication with Humanity:** Through pᵉshar, God communicates His will, His plans for history, and His judgment to even pagan kings. This demonstrates God's active involvement in human affairs and His desire to make Himself known, even to those outside the covenant community.
3. **The Role of God's Chosen Servants:** Individuals like Daniel are chosen by God to be instruments of His revelation. Their ability to pᵉshar is not inherent but a manifestation of God's Spirit working through them, exalting God's power and wisdom above all earthly wisdom and power.
4. **The Certainty of God's Word:** The successful and accurate interpretations provided by Daniel, divinely enabled, validate the truth and certainty of God's messages. Unlike the ambiguities of pagan divination, God's revelation, once interpreted, is clear and unfailing.
5. **Anticipation of Christ and the Holy Spirit:** In a broader theological sense, the need for a divine interpreter foreshadows the ultimate revelation of God in Jesus Christ, who perfectly interprets the Father's will, and the role of the Holy Spirit, who enables believers to understand spiritual truths ([[1 Corinthians 2:10-14]]).
### Summary
The Aramaic verb pᵉshar (פְּשַׁר, `{{H6590}}`) signifies "to interpret" or "to explain," particularly in the context of revealing the hidden meanings of divine dreams, visions, and cryptic messages. Predominantly found in the Book of Daniel, its usage consistently highlights that this interpretative ability is not a human capacity but a supernatural gift from God. The narrative of Daniel emphasizes God's sovereignty over revelation, His active communication with humanity, and His use of chosen servants to unveil His divine plans and judgments. Pᵉshar underscores the limitations of human wisdom in grasping divine truth and points to the ultimate source of all understanding in God alone.
TRV