corresponding to פְּשַׁר; {an interpretation}; interpretation.
Transliteration:pêsher
Pronunciation:pay'-sher
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The word pêsher (`{{H6592}}`) is an Aramaic noun, directly corresponding to the Aramaic verb pĕshar (`{{H6591}}`), which means "to interpret" or "to explain." Its core meaning is "interpretation" or "explanation," specifically referring to the elucidation of something obscure, complex, or symbolic. In its biblical context, its semantic range is tightly focused on the unraveling of divine mysteries, particularly dreams and visions. It signifies the act and outcome of making known that which is hidden, often through supernatural insight.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The noun pêsher (`{{H6592}}`) appears exclusively within the Aramaic sections of the book of Daniel, serving as a critical term for understanding the narrative's theological thrust. It is consistently employed in the context of interpreting the significant dreams of King Nebuchadnezzar and Belshazzar, as well as the mysterious writing on the wall.
* In **[[Daniel 2:4]]**, **[[Daniel 2:5]]**, **[[Daniel 2:6]]**, **[[Daniel 2:7]]**, and **[[Daniel 2:9]]**, the Chaldean wise men are challenged to provide both the dream and its "interpretation" (פִּשְׁרֵהּ / פִּשְׁרָא), a task they repeatedly fail, demonstrating the limits of human wisdom.
* Daniel's divine enablement is highlighted when he requests and is granted time to provide the "interpretation" (פִּשְׁרָא) in **[[Daniel 2:16]]** and **[[Daniel 2:24]]**.
* In **[[Daniel 2:26]]**, Daniel is asked if he can make known the dream and its "interpretation" (פִּשְׁרֵהּ). His response in **[[Daniel 2:30]]** explicitly denies that his ability to provide the "interpretation" (פִּשְׁרָא) stems from his own wisdom, attributing it solely to God.
* Daniel proceeds to deliver the "interpretation" (פִּשְׁרָא) of Nebuchadnezzar's dream in **[[Daniel 2:36]]**.
* The term recurs in **[[Daniel 4:6]]**, **[[Daniel 4:7]]**, **[[Daniel 4:18]]**, and **[[Daniel 4:19]]** concerning Nebuchadnezzar's second dream, again emphasizing the inability of the king's wise men and Daniel's unique, divinely-sourced capacity for "interpretation" (פִּשְׁרָא / פִּשְׁרֵהּ).
* In **[[Daniel 5:7]]**, **[[Daniel 5:8]]**, **[[Daniel 5:12]]**, **[[Daniel 5:15]]**, **[[Daniel 5:16]]**, **[[Daniel 5:17]]**, and **[[Daniel 5:26]]**, pêsher describes the "interpretation" of the writing on the wall during Belshazzar's feast. Daniel is again presented as the only one capable of providing the true "interpretation" (פִּשְׁרָא / פִּשְׁרִין), leading to the pronouncement of judgment on Babylon.
The consistent use of pêsher throughout Daniel underscores the narrative's central theme: the sovereignty of God, who alone reveals hidden truths and controls human history. Human wisdom is repeatedly shown to be insufficient for such divine "interpretations."
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is the Aramaic verb pĕshar (`{{H6591}}`), from which pêsher is derived, meaning "to interpret" or "to explain." The concept of "revelation" (e.g., Hebrew gâlâh `{{H1540}}`, "to uncover, reveal") is foundational to pêsher, as the interpretation is the human articulation of a divinely revealed message. Other related concepts include "wisdom" (Hebrew chokmâh `{{H2451}}`; Aramaic chokmâh `{{H2452}}`) and "understanding" (Hebrew bîn `{{H995}}`), though pêsher specifically refers to the *result* of understanding divinely sent, often symbolic, communications.
Beyond the biblical text, the Qumran community's "Pesharim" (interpretations/commentaries) literature demonstrates a later interpretive tradition. These texts, named after the root pĕshar, apply biblical prophecies to the contemporary events and figures of their own time, showing an enduring understanding of "interpretation" as revealing hidden, often eschatological, meaning.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of pêsher (`{{H6592}}`) is profound, serving as a key term for understanding God's method of communication and His absolute sovereignty.
1. **Divine Revelation:** Pêsher signifies that true understanding of God's mysterious ways, particularly through dreams and visions, does not originate from human intellect or magical arts, but solely from God Himself. Daniel consistently attributes his interpretive ability to the "God of heaven" ([[Daniel 2:28]]).
2. **God's Sovereignty:** The accurate pêsher reveals God's preordained plans for kingdoms and history, demonstrating His ultimate control over human affairs. The interpretations of Nebuchadnezzar's dreams, for example, lay out a sweeping prophetic timeline of empires, culminating in God's eternal kingdom.
3. **Human Inability:** The repeated failure of the Babylonian wise men to provide pêsher highlights the futility of human wisdom and pagan practices in discerning divine truth. This contrast elevates Yahweh as the one true God who alone "reveals deep and hidden things" ([[Daniel 2:22]]).
4. **Prophetic Understanding:** The word underscores the necessity of divine illumination for comprehending spiritual and prophetic truths. Without God's enablement, the pêsher remains elusive, leaving humanity in darkness regarding His purposes.
### Summary
The Aramaic noun pêsher (`{{H6592}}`) denotes "interpretation" or "explanation," appearing exclusively in the book of Daniel. It consistently describes the elucidation of complex, divinely-sent dreams and visions, particularly those of Nebuchadnezzar and Belshazzar. The repeated failure of human wisdom to provide pêsher, contrasted with Daniel's divinely-granted ability, underscores a core theological truth: true understanding of God's mysterious ways and His sovereign control over history comes solely from Him. Pêsher thus serves as a powerful testament to divine revelation and the absolute necessity of God's Spirit to comprehend His unfolding plans.
TRV