### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **ʼetsbaʻ**, represented by `{{H677}}`, is the counterpart to the Hebrew word for **finger** or **toe**. It appears **3 times** in **3 unique verses**, always within the book of Daniel. Its base definition, "something to sieze with," points to its function as either a finger or, by analogy, a toe.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{H677}}` is used in two distinct and powerful contexts. First, as **fingers**, it appears in the account of Belshazzar's feast, where "**fingers** of a man's hand" miraculously appear and write a message of judgment upon the palace wall [[Daniel 5:5]]. Second, as **toes**, it is used symbolically in the interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar's dream. The **toes** of the great statue, being a mixture of iron and clay, represent a future kingdom that will be divided, partly strong and partly broken ([[Daniel 2:41]], [[Daniel 2:42]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related Aramaic words clarify the context of `{{H677}}`:
* `{{H3028}}` **yad** (hand, power): This word is directly associated with the "fingers" of `{{H677}}`, as the divine writing was performed by the "fingers of a man's **hand**" [[Daniel 5:5]]. It signifies power and action.
* `{{H7271}}` **rᵉgal** (foot): This is the anatomical counterpart to `{{H677}}` in its second meaning. The prophetic vision describes the statue's "**feet** and toes," establishing the toes as the foundation of the image [[Daniel 2:41]].
* `{{H3790}}` **kᵉthab** (write): This word describes the action performed by the fingers. The supernatural appearance of the hand is for the explicit purpose to **write** a divine message on the wall [[Daniel 5:5]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H677}}` is demonstrated in its specific applications:
* **Divine Judgment:** The appearance of the **fingers** is a dramatic and direct act of God's judgment. The king saw "the part of the hand that wrote," signifying a personal and undeniable divine intervention against a prideful king [[Daniel 5:5]].
* **Prophetic Symbolism:** As **toes**, the word represents the final, fragile state of human kingdoms in prophecy. The mixture of iron and clay in the toes signifies a divided kingdom that is partly strong and partly broken, destined for destruction [[Daniel 2:42]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H677}}` **ʼetsbaʻ**, while rare, carries significant meaning. It is used both literally as **fingers** to enact divine judgment and symbolically as **toes** to prophesy the nature of future world powers. This Aramaic word shows how scripture uses small, specific details to communicate profound truths about God's sovereignty and His unfolding plan for history.
TRV