The Aramaic word ʼarkubâh, represented by H755, translates to knee. It is derived from an unused root that conveys the sense of bending the knee. This word is exceedingly rare, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible, where it provides a vivid physical illustration of terror.
The sole occurrence of H755 is found in the dramatic account of King Belshazzar's feast. When the king sees a hand writing a message of judgment on the wall, his composure shatters. The text describes his extreme fear, stating that his knees smote one against another Daniel 5:6. This powerful imagery captures the complete physical and emotional collapse of a powerful monarch when confronted by a divine proclamation.
Several related words found in the same passage help construct the scene of the king's terror:
- H2122 zîyv (brightness, countenance): This word describes the king's appearance. His countenance was changed, indicating a visible loss of cheerfulness and composure Daniel 5:6. Daniel himself experienced his countenance changing after receiving a troubling vision Daniel 7:28.
- H927 bᵉhal (to terrify, hasten; in haste, trouble): This verb captures the king's internal state. His thoughts troubled him, signifying a deep mental and emotional turmoil Daniel 5:6. The same term is used when Nebuchadnezzar rose up in haste after seeing the three men in the furnace Daniel 3:24.
- H8271 shᵉrêʼ (to free, separate; figuratively, to unravel, commence; by implication (of unloading beasts) to reside; begin, dissolve, loose): This word describes the physical effect of the king's fear, as the joints of his loins were loosed Daniel 5:6, signifying a loss of bodily strength. In a different context, the word highlights Daniel's ability to dissolve doubts Daniel 5:12.
The thematic weight of H755 is centered on the human reaction to divine judgment.
- Physical Manifestation of Terror: The striking of the knees is a visceral image of fear. It shows how an encounter with divine power can overwhelm not just the mind but the body, reducing a king H4430 to a state of physical helplessness Daniel 5:6.
- The Humbling of Pride: The physical reaction demonstrates the immediate humbling of an arrogant king. His knocking knees symbolize the collapse of his earthly authority in the face of a heavenly decree. His physical weakness is a direct result of his troubling thoughts H7476.
- Reaction to Divine Judgment: This is not random fear, but a specific response to God's message. The king's entire being reacts, from his changed countenance H2122 to his weak knees H755, illustrating the physical consequences of standing under divine judgment Daniel 5:6.
In summary, ʼarkubâh H755 is more than a simple anatomical term in its single biblical appearance. It functions as a powerful symbol of abject terror and the collapse of human pride before divine authority. Its use in Daniel 5:6 creates an unforgettable image of King Belshazzar's reaction, showing that true power can make even the strongest king's knees knock together in fear. The word perfectly captures a moment where earthly sovereignty is instantly nullified by a heavenly message.
TRV