### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **tsᵉphar**, represented by `{{H6853}}`, is the term for a **bird**. It appears **4 times** across **4 unique verses** in the Bible. This word is used to refer to birds both as a symbol of life within a great kingdom and as a descriptive element in a depiction of divine judgment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
All occurrences of `{{H6853}}` are found in the book of Daniel, within the narrative of Nebuchadnezzar's dream and subsequent humbling. In the dream of the great tree, the **fowls** of the heaven dwelt in its boughs, symbolizing the scope of the king's dominion and the shelter his kingdom provided to others ([[Daniel 4:12]], [[Daniel 4:21]]). Consequently, the judgment on the tree includes the command to let the **fowls** flee from its branches [[Daniel 4:14]]. The word is used differently to describe the fulfillment of the prophecy, where Nebuchadnezzar's nails grew "like **birds'** claws" during his period of madness [[Daniel 4:33]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related Aramaic words provide context to the meaning of **tsᵉphar**:
* `{{H6056}}` **ʻănaph** (a twig (as covering the limbs); bough, branch): These are the branches of the great tree where the **fowls** had their habitation, establishing the setting for the symbolic imagery [[Daniel 4:21]].
* `{{H2423}}` **chêyvâʼ** (an animal; beast): This term appears in parallel with **tsᵉphar**, describing the creatures that found shelter under the tree and were driven away upon its felling [[Daniel 4:14]].
* `{{H5403}}` **nᵉshar** (an eagle; eagle): This word is used in conjunction with **tsᵉphar** to describe Nebuchadnezzar's animalistic state, as his hairs grew like **eagles'** feathers and his nails like **birds'** claws [[Daniel 4:33]].
### Theological Significance
The symbolic weight of `{{H6853}}` in Daniel is significant. It is used to illustrate two key themes of the chapter.
* **A Kingdom's dependents:** The **fowls** nesting in the tree's boughs represent the nations and peoples who were sustained by and lived under the protection of Nebuchadnezzar's empire [[Daniel 4:12]].
* **The Nature of Divine Judgment:** The scattering of the **fowls** signifies the collapse of the king's power and the dispersal of those who relied on him [[Daniel 4:14]].
* **A Marker of Humiliation:** Describing the king's nails as being like **birds'** claws serves as a vivid image of his debasement, showing how he was reduced from a mighty ruler to a creature living in a wild state [[Daniel 4:33]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6853}}` is more than just the Aramaic word for **bird**. Within its limited biblical usage, it functions powerfully as a symbol. It represents both the dependents of a mighty kingdom and, in a contrasting image, a feature of the profound humiliation inflicted by God upon a prideful king. It demonstrates how a simple word for a creature can be used to convey complex prophetic themes of power, shelter, and judgment.
TRV