(Aramaic) corresponding to צַוָּאר; {the back of the neck (as that on which burdens are bound)}; neck.
Transliteration:tsavvaʼr
Pronunciation:tsav-var'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic lemma צַוַּאר (tsavvaʼr, `{{H6676}}`) denotes the "neck" or "the back of the neck." Its base definition explicitly states its correspondence to the Hebrew צַוָּאר (`{{H6677}}`). A crucial nuance embedded within its definition is "as that on which burdens are bound," which highlights the neck's function in bearing yokes or loads in an agricultural or laborious context. This suggests an inherent semantic potential for concepts related to servitude, submission, or the endurance of hardship, even if not always explicitly realized in its biblical occurrences.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
As an Aramaic term, צַוַּאר (`{{H6676}}`) appears exclusively in the Aramaic portions of the Old Testament, specifically within the book of Daniel. Its three occurrences are found in a single narrative sequence:
* [[Daniel 5:7]]: King Belshazzar offers a reward to anyone who can interpret the writing on the wall, promising, "a chain of gold around his neck."
* [[Daniel 5:16]]: Belshazzar reiterates this offer directly to Daniel, stating, "you shall be clothed with purple, and have a chain of gold around your neck."
* [[Daniel 5:29]]: Following Daniel's successful interpretation, the king fulfills his promise: "Then Belshazzar gave the command, and Daniel was clothed with purple, with a chain of gold around his neck."
In all these instances, צַוַּאר (`{{H6676}}`) is used literally to refer to the physical neck as the place where an honorary chain is worn. The context is one of royal decree and the bestowal of honor and status upon Daniel for his divine wisdom and interpretive skill. There is no overt metaphorical usage of "burden" or "stiff-neckedness" in these specific contexts; rather, the neck serves as a visible locus for adornment and recognition.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is its Hebrew cognate, צַוָּאר (`{{H6677}}`). While `{{H6676}}` is used literally for adornment in Daniel, `{{H6677}}` in Hebrew scripture carries a much broader semantic range, including:
* **Physical Neck:** As a body part, e.g., [[Genesis 33:4]] (Esau falling on Jacob's neck in embrace).
* **Bearing Burdens/Yokes:** The neck is the primary point for attaching a yoke, symbolizing servitude, oppression, or submission (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 28:48]], [[Jeremiah 27:2]]). This aligns with the "burdens are bound" aspect of `{{H6676}}`'s definition.
* **"Stiff-neckedness":** A prominent metaphorical usage in Hebrew, signifying stubbornness, rebellion, and refusal to obey God's commands (e.g., [[Exodus 32:9]], [[Deuteronomy 9:6]], [[Acts 7:51]]). This theological concept is deeply tied to `{{H6677}}`.
Conceptually, `{{H6676}}` also relates to words signifying **yoke** (`{{H5923}}`, ʻol) and **burden** (`{{H4853}}`, masʼa), as well as **honor** and **adornment** given its usage in Daniel.
### Theological Significance
While צַוַּאר (`{{H6676}}`) itself is used literally in Daniel, its connection to the broader semantic field of "neck" (`{{H6677}}`) offers theological depth. The neck, in biblical thought, is a place of both vulnerability and strength, servitude and honor.
In Daniel, the gold chain around the neck signifies the honor bestowed upon Daniel by an earthly king, recognizing divine wisdom. This can be seen as a reflection of God's favor upon His faithful servant, even within a pagan court. It illustrates that God can elevate His people and grant them visible signs of favor and authority.
The implicit potential for "burden-bearing" in the definition of `{{H6676}}` resonates with the broader biblical theme of the human condition under various "yokes." Humanity can bear the burdensome yoke of sin and rebellion, epitomized by the "stiff-necked" refusal to submit to God, or choose the "easy yoke" of Christ ([[Matthew 11:29-30]]), which leads to true rest and honor. Daniel's experience, where his "neck" receives an adornment rather than a burden, metaphorically points to the blessing and honor that come from faithful obedience to God, contrasting with the judgment faced by the proud and unrepentant (like Belshazzar).
### Summary
צַוַּאר (tsavvaʼr, `{{H6676}}`) is an Aramaic term for "neck," directly corresponding to the Hebrew `{{H6677}}`. While its base definition highlights its function in bearing burdens, its biblical occurrences in Daniel 5 are exclusively literal, depicting the neck as the recipient of an honorary gold chain. This usage underscores themes of royal recognition and divine favor bestowed upon Daniel for his wisdom. Though `{{H6676}}` does not carry the metaphorical weight of "stiff-neckedness" found in its Hebrew counterpart, its semantic range contributes to a broader biblical understanding of the neck as a locus for both servitude and honor, reflecting the human capacity to bear burdens, whether literal yokes or the weight of responsibility and blessing.
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