The Aramaic word ʼargᵉvân, represented by H711, means purple. It appears 3 times across 3 unique verses in the Bible. All of its occurrences are found within the book of Daniel, where it refers to a garment of scarlet or purple color, a symbol of high honor.
In its biblical context, H711 is exclusively used in the narrative of King Belshazzar's feast. When mysterious writing appears on the palace wall, the king promises that whoever can read the writing and provide its interpretation will be rewarded. This reward includes being clothed H3848 with scarlet H711, receiving a chain of gold, and being made the third ruler in the kingdom Daniel 5:7. The offer is repeated specifically to Daniel Daniel 5:16, and after he successfully interprets the message, Belshazzar fulfills his promise and clothes Daniel in scarlet Daniel 5:29.
Several related words provide context for the significance of this purple garment:
- H3848 lᵉbash (clothe): This word is used in all three instances to describe the act of putting on the purple garment, signifying the official bestowing of the promised honor Daniel 5:7.
- H1722 dᵉhab (gold; gold(-en)): The purple clothing is offered alongside a chain of gold, underscoring the immense value and royal nature of the reward Daniel 5:7.
- H4430 melek (a king): The promise of the purple garment comes directly from a king, linking the color to royal authority and the power to elevate an individual's status Daniel 5:7.
- H4437 malkûw (dominion...; kingdom, kingly, realm, reign): The reward of being clothed in purple is directly connected to receiving power as a ruler within the kingdom Daniel 5:7.
The thematic weight of H711 is tied to its role as a symbol of earthly honor and authority.
- Symbol of Royal Reward: The purple garment is the primary visual component of a package of honors promised by King Belshazzar. It is a tangible reward for wisdom and the ability to interpret a divine message Daniel 5:7.
- Insignia of High Office: To be clothed in scarlet H711 was to be publicly marked as the newly appointed third H8531 ruler H7981 in the kingdom. The garment served as a visible proclamation of Daniel's elevated rank (Daniel 5:16, Daniel 5:29).
- Transient Earthly Honor: Belshazzar, a human king H4430, bestows this high honor upon Daniel. This act of granting earthly power occurs immediately after Daniel delivers God's judgment and just before the king himself is slain and his kingdom falls Daniel 5:29.
In summary, ʼargᵉvân H711 is a term for purple used exclusively in Daniel 5 to signify a garment of supreme honor. It functions as a powerful symbol of royal reward and the granting of political authority. Though given by an earthly king, the honor is bestowed upon Daniel for his divine insight, marking him with the highest honors of a kingdom in the very moments before its prophesied collapse.
TRV