### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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]].
### Summary
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