(Aramaic) corresponding to רֹאשׁ; the head; figuratively, the sum; chief, head, sum.
Transliteration:rêʼsh
Pronunciation:raysh
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word `{{H7217}}` (רֵאשׁ, *rêʼsh*) functions as the direct counterpart to the more common Hebrew term `{{H7218}}` (רֹאשׁ, *roʼsh*). Its primary and most concrete meaning is the anatomical "head." From this literal sense, its semantic range extends figuratively to encompass concepts of preeminence, leadership, and totality. Thus, `{{H7217}}` can denote a "chief" or "leader," signifying the one at the top or in charge, much like the head of a body directs its parts. Furthermore, it can refer to a "sum" or "total," representing the culmination or aggregate of something, often used in a numerical or comprehensive sense. Its presence is confined to the Aramaic sections of the biblical text, primarily within the books of Daniel and Ezra, where it conveys these multifaceted meanings within prophetic and historical narratives.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Occurrences of `{{H7217}}` are concentrated in the Aramaic portions of Daniel and Ezra, providing crucial insights into their respective contexts:
1. **Literal "Head":** In Daniel's vision of the great statue, `{{H7217}}` explicitly refers to the physical head: "This image's head was of fine gold" [[Daniel 2:32]]. Similarly, when Nebuchadnezzar's hair grows, it is described as "like eagles' feathers, and his nails like birds' claws" [[Daniel 4:33]], following a description of the "hairs of his head" [[Daniel 4:10]]. The term also describes the physical distress of Belshazzar, whose "thoughts troubled him, so that his hips gave way and his knees knocked together" [[Daniel 5:6]], literally affecting his "head" in the sense of his mind or thoughts.
2. **"Chief" or "Leader":** The most prominent figurative use is seen in the interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar's dream: "You, O king, are a king of kings; for the God of heaven has given you a kingdom, power, strength, and glory. And wherever the children of men dwell, or the beasts of the field, or the birds of the heaven, He has given them into your hand, and has made you ruler over them all—you are this head of gold" [[Daniel 2:37-38]]. Here, `{{H7217}}` unequivocally signifies supreme authority and leadership over all earthly kingdoms. This sense of preeminence is also evident in the description of the fourth beast's horns, where one horn is seen to have "eyes like the eyes of a man, and a mouth speaking pompous words" [[Daniel 7:20]], indicating its leading, dominant nature.
3. **"Sum" or "Total":** In Ezra, `{{H7217}}` is used to denote a complete count or total: "Then they gave them the sum of the names of the men who went up with them, who were the heads of their fathers' households" [[Ezra 5:10]]. While "heads" here also implies leadership, the phrase "sum of the names" points to a comprehensive listing. In Daniel's vision of the four great beasts, the third beast, a leopard, is described as having "four heads" [[Daniel 7:6]], which are understood to represent the total number of distinct kingdoms or rulers emerging from that empire, signifying a division into complete, distinct entities.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct and significant related word is its Hebrew cognate, `{{H7218}}` (רֹאשׁ, *roʼsh*), which shares an identical semantic range, encompassing literal "head," "chief," "beginning," and "sum." The Aramaic `{{H7217}}` thus seamlessly carries over these conceptual nuances into the Aramaic portions of Scripture. Another related term is `{{H7225}}` (רֵאשִׁית, *reʼshith*), meaning "beginning" or "first," which is etymologically derived from `{{H7218}}` and shares the idea of primacy or origin. Concepts such as leadership (e.g., `{{H5057}}` *nasiʼ*, prince; `{{H8269}}` *sar*, chief official), authority, sovereignty, and even the idea of a "sum" or "total" (e.g., `{{H5608}}` *saphar*, to count) are conceptually linked to the various facets of `{{H7217}}`. These connections highlight the consistent biblical understanding of hierarchy, divine ordering, and comprehensive knowledge.
### Theological Significance
The multiple meanings of `{{H7217}}` carry profound theological weight, particularly within the prophetic context of Daniel. The depiction of earthly rulers and kingdoms as "heads" (e.g., Nebuchadnezzar as the "head of gold" [[Daniel 2:38]]) underscores the concept of delegated authority. While human kings may be "heads" of nations, their power is ultimately derived from and subject to the sovereign God of heaven. The rise and fall of these "heads" (kingdoms) throughout Daniel's prophecies serve as a powerful testament to divine control over human history and the ultimate supremacy of God's eternal kingdom.
Furthermore, the "head" as the seat of thought and vision (e.g., Daniel's visions "upon his bed" [[Daniel 7:1]]) connects to the theme of divine revelation and the reception of spiritual truth. God communicates His plans and purposes through the minds of His chosen servants. The "sum" aspect can subtly point to God's comprehensive knowledge and His meticulous ordering of all things, where nothing is outside His purview or accounting. In essence, `{{H7217}}` contributes to a theological framework where human authority is real yet finite, divine sovereignty is absolute, and God's comprehensive plan unfolds with precision.
### Summary
The Aramaic word `{{H7217}}` (רֵאשׁ, *rêʼsh*) is a versatile term found in the biblical books of Daniel and Ezra, serving as the Aramaic equivalent of the Hebrew `{{H7218}}` (*roʼsh*). Its core meaning is the anatomical "head," from which it extends figuratively to denote "chief" or "leader," signifying a position of preeminence and authority, as well as a "sum" or "total," representing a complete aggregate. Contextual analysis reveals its application to literal body parts, powerful rulers like Nebuchadnezzar, and numerical enumerations. Theologically, `{{H7217}}` powerfully conveys the concept of delegated human authority under the overarching sovereignty of God, who orchestrates the rise and fall of earthly "heads" (kingdoms). It also subtly touches upon divine revelation and the comprehensive nature of God's knowledge and plan. Thus, `{{H7217}}` is a crucial lexical key for understanding the themes of power, prophecy, and divine governance within the Aramaic portions of Scripture.
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