(Aramaic) corresponding to רֶגֶל; {a foot, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda}; foot.
Transliteration:rᵉgal
Pronunciation:reg-al'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic term `{{H7271}}` (רְגַל, *rᵉgal*) directly corresponds to the more frequently occurring Hebrew word `{{H7272}}` (רֶגֶל, *regel*), both primarily signifying "foot" or "step." This core meaning denotes the anatomical appendage used for locomotion and support. In its most literal sense, it refers to the physical extremity of the leg. The semantic range extends to encompass the act of "stepping" or "walking," implying movement, journey, or presence. While the base definition includes a euphemistic reference to the pudenda, this particular nuance is not evident in the biblical occurrences of `{{H7271}}` within the Aramaic portions of Scripture. Instead, its usage is consistently literal or profoundly symbolic, drawing upon the common understanding of the foot as a foundation, a point of contact with the earth, or an instrument of locomotion and power.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The Aramaic term `{{H7271}}` appears exclusively in the book of Daniel, where its usage is highly symbolic and integral to the prophetic visions presented.
* **[[Daniel 2:33]]**: "His legs of iron, his feet partly of iron and partly of clay."
* **[[Daniel 2:34]]**: "You watched while a stone was cut out without hands, which struck the image on its feet of iron and clay, and broke them in pieces."
* **[[Daniel 2:41]]**: "Whereas you saw the feet and toes, partly of potter’s clay and partly of iron, the kingdom shall be divided."
* **[[Daniel 2:42]]**: "And as the toes of the feet were partly of iron and partly of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong and partly fragile."
In these verses, `{{H7271}}` refers to the feet of the colossal statue in Nebuchadnezzar's dream. The composition of these feet—a mixture of iron and clay—is crucial. This imagery symbolizes the final kingdom(s) that will arise, characterized by inherent division, weakness, and instability. The feet, as the base of the statue, represent the ultimate manifestation of human earthly power, which is depicted as fundamentally flawed and susceptible to collapse. The striking of these feet by a divinely cut stone signifies the catastrophic and complete overthrow of all human kingdoms by God's eternal kingdom. The "feet" here are the point of vulnerability and the target of divine judgment.
* **[[Daniel 7:4]]**: "The first was like a lion, and had eagle’s wings. I watched till its wings were plucked off; and it was lifted up from the earth and made to stand on two feet like a man; and a man’s heart was given to it."
Here, `{{H7271}}` describes the feet of the first beast, symbolizing the Babylonian empire. The detail that its feet were plucked up and it was made to stand "on two feet like a man" signifies a transformation. This shift from a quadrupedal beast to a bipedal stance, along with the giving of a "man's heart," suggests a change in the nature of its dominion, perhaps hinting at the humbling of Nebuchadnezzar and the period of his restoration, where the beastly, unrestrained power was curtailed, and a form of human reason or humility was imposed. The feet, in this context, denote the beast's foundation and mode of standing or dominion.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word is the Hebrew `{{H7272}}` (רֶגֶל, *regel*), which is the direct cognate and carries a much broader range of idiomatic and symbolic meanings in the Hebrew Bible. Understanding `{{H7272}}` enriches the interpretation of `{{H7271}}` by providing the wider biblical context for the concept of "foot."
* **Movement and Journey:** Both terms fundamentally relate to walking and journeying, whether literal or figurative (e.g., "walking in God's ways").
* **Dominion and Subjection:** The foot is often a symbol of power and authority. To place one's foot on an enemy's neck signifies conquest and dominion (e.g., [[Joshua 10:24]]). Conversely, to be "under one's feet" denotes subjection and defeat.
* **Presence and Followship:** "Following in the footsteps" signifies discipleship or adherence to a path.
* **Defilement and Cleansing:** The foot, being in contact with the ground, can symbolize defilement, leading to rituals of foot-washing as a sign of purification or hospitality (e.g., [[John 13:5]]).
* **Stability and Foundation:** As the base of the body, the foot represents stability or the lack thereof, as seen in the unstable feet of the statue in Daniel 2.
Other related concepts include:
* `{{H3652}}` (כֵּן, *ken*): A base or stand, emphasizing the idea of a foundation.
* `{{H4676}}` (מַצָּב, *matstsab*): A standing place or position, relating to stability.
* `{{H3766}}` (כָּרַע, *kara*): To bow the knee or stoop, often in submission or worship, highlighting the physical actions associated with the lower body.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H7271}}` in Daniel is profound, primarily serving as a powerful symbol in the eschatological narrative.
1. **Fragility and Transience of Human Kingdoms:** The most striking theological point is the depiction of the feet of iron and clay in Daniel 2. This imagery underscores the inherent weakness, division, and ultimate instability of all human political powers. Despite their outward show of strength (iron), they contain a fatal flaw (clay), rendering them vulnerable to divine judgment. This contrasts sharply with the eternal and indestructible nature of God's kingdom.
2. **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment:** The stone, cut without human hands, striking the statue's feet is a vivid portrayal of God's absolute sovereignty over human history. It signifies that God alone has the power to bring an end to earthly empires and establish His own righteous and everlasting dominion. The feet, as the point of contact with the earth, symbolize the earthly nature of these kingdoms, which are destined to be shattered by a heavenly power.
3. **Transformation and Humbling:** In Daniel 7:4, the plucking up of the lion's feet and its standing like a man, receiving a human heart, carries theological weight regarding God's ability to humble the proud and transform the nature of earthly rulers. It suggests that even the most formidable and beastly powers are subject to divine intervention and can be brought to a state of (relative) humanity or accountability.
4. **Prophetic Foresight of God's Kingdom:** The destruction of the feet of the statue is not merely an act of demolition but a necessary precursor to the establishment of God's kingdom, which will fill the whole earth and never be destroyed. Thus, `{{H7271}}` plays a crucial role in highlighting the prophetic certainty of God's ultimate triumph.
### Summary
The Aramaic word `{{H7271}}` (רְגַל, *rᵉgal*), meaning "foot" or "step," is a significant term primarily found in the book of Daniel. While its literal meaning refers to a physical appendage, its theological weight derives from its symbolic usage within prophetic visions. In Daniel 2, the "feet" of the statue, composed of iron and clay, powerfully symbolize the inherent fragility, division, and ultimate transience of human empires, which are destined to be shattered by God's eternal kingdom. In Daniel 7, the transformation of the lion's "feet" signifies a change in the nature of earthly power, hinting at divine humbling. Across its limited but impactful occurrences, `{{H7271}}` consistently points to the vulnerability of human authority and serves as a stark contrast to the enduring and sovereign power of God, whose kingdom alone will stand forever.
TRV