(Aramaic) corresponding to רַעֲנָן; green, i.e. (figuratively) prosperous; flourishing.
Transliteration:raʻănan
Pronunciation:rah-aw-nan'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic lemma H7487 (רַעֲנַן, *raʻănan*) carries the primary literal meaning of "green" or "verdant," akin to lush vegetation. This evokes an image of freshness, vitality, and healthy growth. From this literal sense, the word extends figuratively to denote "flourishing," "prosperous," or "vigorous." It describes a state of robust well-being, success, and abundance, particularly in a material or worldly sense. The term implies a thriving condition, much like a plant that is well-watered and deeply rooted, exhibiting vibrant life. It is the Aramaic cognate of the Hebrew H7488 (רַעֲנָן, *raʻănan*), which carries an identical semantic range.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
As an Aramaic word, H7487 appears exclusively in the Aramaic portions of the Book of Daniel. Its two occurrences are both found within Daniel chapter 4, pertaining to King Nebuchadnezzar's dream and subsequent humbling.
1. **[[Daniel 4:4]] (MT 4:1):** "I, Nebuchadnezzar, was at rest in my house and flourishing in my palace." Here, H7487 describes Nebuchadnezzar's personal state of peace and prosperity *before* the divine judgment depicted in his dream. It signifies his worldly success, security, and the apparent stability of his reign. This flourishing is presented as a state of human attainment, yet one that will be dramatically challenged by God's sovereignty.
2. **[[Daniel 4:10]] (MT 4:7):** "I saw, and behold, a tree in the midst of the earth, and its height was great. The tree was strong and its foliage was flourishing (רַעֲנַן), and its fruit abundant, and in it was food for all." This verse describes the magnificent tree in Nebuchadnezzar's dream, which symbolizes his own vast kingdom and dominion. The "flourishing" foliage emphasizes the tree's (and thus the king's) impressive power, widespread influence, and abundant provision. The context immediately following this description, however, reveals that this flourishing is temporary and subject to divine decree, as the tree is commanded to be cut down.
In both instances, H7487 highlights a state of impressive, outward prosperity and power. However, the narrative context in Daniel 4 consistently underscores that such human flourishing, no matter how grand, is ultimately contingent upon God's will and can be removed by Him. The term sets the stage for the dramatic lesson Nebuchadnezzar learns about divine sovereignty.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is the Hebrew H7488 (רַעֲנָן, *raʻănan*), which shares the exact same meaning and is used throughout the Hebrew Bible to describe flourishing plants, as well as the prosperity of individuals or nations. Examples include:
* [[Psalm 92:14]]: Describing the righteous who "still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and flourishing."
* [[Jeremiah 11:16]]: Comparing Israel to "a green olive tree, beautiful in fruit and form."
* [[Jeremiah 17:8]]: Describing the blessed man as "like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green."
Other related concepts and words include:
* **Prosperity/Well-being:** Words like H7965 (שָׁלוֹם, *shalom*), which encompasses peace, wholeness, and prosperity, often align with the state of flourishing.
* **Growth/Life/Vitality:** Terms associated with life (H2416, חַי, *chay*) or growth (H6779, צָמַח, *tzamach*) are conceptually linked to the verdant imagery of H7487.
* **Tree Imagery:** The Bible frequently uses trees as metaphors for human life, righteousness, or power (e.g., Psalm 1, Ezekiel 31). The "flourishing" aspect of H7487 fits perfectly within this rich biblical symbolism.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H7487 in Daniel 4 is profound and serves as a pivotal lesson on divine sovereignty and human hubris. Nebuchadnezzar's "flourishing" is initially presented as a testament to his own power and success, but God's intervention reveals its true source.
1. **Divine Sovereignty over Human Prosperity:** The narrative powerfully demonstrates that all human flourishing, whether personal or national, is ultimately granted and sustained by God. Nebuchadnezzar's magnificent "flourishing" kingdom, symbolized by the "flourishing" tree, was entirely dependent on the will of the Most High. God can elevate and humble rulers as He pleases ([[Daniel 4:17]], [[Daniel 4:25]], [[Daniel 4:32]]).
2. **The Peril of Pride:** The context of Nebuchadnezzar's flourishing is his pride and self-exaltation. His failure to acknowledge God as the source of his prosperity leads to his humbling. Thus, H7487 highlights the dangers of worldly success when it fosters arrogance rather than gratitude and humility before God. True, lasting flourishing is not found in self-sufficiency but in dependence on the Creator.
3. **Temporary Nature of Earthly Glory:** The sudden cutting down of the flourishing tree in the dream vividly illustrates the ephemeral nature of earthly power and glory. What appears robust and enduring can be swiftly removed by divine decree. This contrasts with the eternal, unchanging nature of God's kingdom.
### Summary
The Aramaic word H7487 (רַעֲנַן, *raʻănan*) literally means "green" or "verdant," extending figuratively to "flourishing" or "prosperous." In its two occurrences in [[Daniel 4:4]] and [[Daniel 4:10]], it describes the impressive, outward prosperity and power of King Nebuchadnezzar and his vast kingdom. This "flourishing" serves as a dramatic backdrop to the divine judgment that follows, highlighting the king's immense worldly success before his humbling. Theologically, H7487 underscores God's absolute sovereignty over human affairs, demonstrating that all earthly flourishing is granted by Him and can be withdrawn. It also serves as a potent warning against pride and the temporary nature of human glory, contrasting it with the enduring power of the Most High. Its conceptual link to the Hebrew H7488 reinforces the biblical theme of true, lasting prosperity being rooted in God, not in self-reliance.
TRV