(Aramaic) from פְּשַׁר; an interpretation; interpretation.
Transliteration:pᵉshar
Pronunciation:pesh-ar'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic noun pᵉshar (`{{H6591}}`) is derived from the verbal root of the same form, meaning "to interpret" or "to explain." Its core meaning is "interpretation" or "explanation," specifically referring to the act or result of making clear something that is obscure, hidden, or mysterious. In its biblical context, pᵉshar primarily denotes the divine unveiling of the meaning of dreams, visions, or enigmatic writings. It carries the nuance of revealing a hidden truth or providing the key to understanding a profound, often prophetic, message.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word pᵉshar (`{{H6591}}`) appears exclusively in the Aramaic sections of the book of Daniel, where it is central to the narrative of God's revelation through dreams and visions. Its occurrences consistently highlight the unique ability of Daniel, empowered by God, to provide interpretations that elude the Babylonian wise men.
Key contexts include:
* **Nebuchadnezzar's First Dream (Daniel 2):** The king demands not only the interpretation (pᵉshar) but also the dream itself, a task impossible for his Chaldean sorcerers and astrologers ([[Daniel 2:4]], [[Daniel 2:5]], [[Daniel 2:6]], [[Daniel 2:7]], [[Daniel 2:9]]). Daniel, after seeking God's intervention, is granted the wisdom to reveal both the dream and its pᵉshar, thereby glorifying the God of heaven ([[Daniel 2:16]], [[Daniel 2:24]], [[Daniel 2:26]], [[Daniel 2:30]], [[Daniel 2:36]], [[Daniel 2:45]]).
* **Nebuchadnezzar's Second Dream (Daniel 4):** Again, the king's wise men fail to provide the pᵉshar of his troubling dream ([[Daniel 4:6]], [[Daniel 4:7]], [[Daniel 4:9]], [[Daniel 4:18]]). Daniel alone, though with a heavy heart due to its ominous nature, delivers the accurate pᵉshar ([[Daniel 4:24]]).
* **Belshazzar's Feast and the Writing on the Wall (Daniel 5):** When a mysterious hand writes on the wall, Belshazzar's enchanters are unable to read or interpret (pᵉshar) the message ([[Daniel 5:7]], [[Daniel 5:8]], [[Daniel 5:12]], [[Daniel 5:15]], [[Daniel 5:16]]). Daniel is summoned and, without hesitation, provides the terrifying pᵉshar of divine judgment ([[Daniel 5:17]], [[Daniel 5:26]]).
In every instance, pᵉshar refers to an interpretation that is divinely sourced, validating Daniel's prophetic authority and demonstrating God's sovereign control over human history and knowledge.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Hebrew Equivalents:** While pᵉshar is Aramaic, its conceptual parallels in Hebrew include pātar (`{{H6475}}`), "to interpret (dreams)," famously used in the Joseph narrative in Genesis. Broader terms for understanding or revelation include biyn (`{{H995}}`, "to discern, understand") and gālāh (`{{H1540}}`, "to uncover, reveal").
* **Aramaic Cognates:** The verbal root from which pᵉshar derives is also pᵉshar, meaning "to interpret." Other Aramaic terms related to making known or declaring include ḥăwāh (`{{H2324}}`, "to declare, show").
* **Conceptual Links:** The concept of pᵉshar is intimately linked with divine revelation, prophecy, wisdom, discernment, and the understanding of mysteries. It stands in stark contrast to human conjecture, magic, or limited earthly knowledge.
### Theological Significance
The consistent use of pᵉshar in Daniel underscores several profound theological truths:
1. **Divine Omniscience vs. Human Ignorance:** The inability of the Babylonian wise men to provide the pᵉshar of the kings' dreams highlights the limitations of human wisdom, astrology, and magic in the face of divine mysteries. Only God possesses true knowledge of the future and the hidden meanings of His communications.
2. **Sovereignty of God:** God is depicted as the ultimate source of all true pᵉshar. As Daniel declares, "there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries" ([[Daniel 2:28]]). This establishes God's absolute sovereignty over all earthly kingdoms, their rulers, and their destinies, as revealed through the interpretations.
3. **Validation of God's Prophets:** Daniel's unique ability to provide the pᵉshar serves as irrefutable evidence of his divine calling and the authenticity of his God. It validates the God of Israel as the true and living God, superior to all pagan deities and their purported revelations.
4. **Communication of God's Plan:** The pᵉshar acts as a conduit through which God communicates His plans, judgments, and future historical developments to humanity. It demonstrates that God is actively involved in history and reveals His purposes to His chosen servants.
### Summary
The Aramaic noun pᵉshar (`{{H6591}}`) denotes an "interpretation," specifically the divinely-given understanding of mysterious dreams, visions, or writings. Its exclusive and prominent use in the book of Daniel emphasizes the stark contrast between limited human wisdom and the infinite knowledge of God. The ability to provide the pᵉshar is portrayed as a unique gift from the God of Israel, demonstrating His sovereignty, validating His prophets, and serving as the means by which He reveals His redemptive and historical plans to humanity. It is a powerful testament to the necessity of divine revelation for true understanding of God's purposes.
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