The Aramaic word sᵉbîyb, represented by H7631, means flame. It is defined as a {flame (as split into tongues)} and corresponds to the Hebrew word שָׁבִיב. This specific term appears only 2 times in 2 unique verses, both within the book of Daniel, highlighting its use in contexts of intense heat and divine power.
The two uses of H7631 present a powerful contrast. In Daniel's vision of the Ancient of Days, the divine throne itself is described as a "fiery flame" Daniel 7:9, associating the word with God's glorious and awe-inspiring presence. In a more literal sense, it describes the deadly intensity of Nebuchadnezzar's furnace, where "the flame of the fire slew those men" who were enforcing the king's command Daniel 3:22.
Several related Aramaic words appear alongside H7631 to build a picture of fire and judgment:
- H5135 nûwr (fire; fiery, fire): This is a general term for fire. It is used to describe the "fiery flame" of God's throne Daniel 7:9 and is the word used for the "burning fiery furnace" throughout the narrative in Daniel 3 Daniel 3:17.
- H1815 dᵉlaq (to flame; burn): This verb describes the action of burning. In Daniel's vision, it is used to depict the wheels of God's throne as "burning fire" Daniel 7:9, complementing the description of the throne as a flame.
The theological weight of H7631 is concentrated in its specific, high-impact appearances.
- Divine Majesty: Its use in describing the throne of the Ancient of Days establishes flame as an image of God's unapproachable holiness, power, and judicial authority. The vision presents a being whose very seat of power is a consuming fire Daniel 7:9.
- Destructive Power: The word also represents the lethal and immediate consequence of opposing a king's decree, as seen when the flame from the furnace instantly kills the guards Daniel 3:22. This demonstrates its raw, physical power in the earthly realm.
In summary, H7631 is a rare but potent word. While it simply means flame, its limited usage is reserved for scenes of immense power. It is used to convey both the glorious, terrifying majesty of God's throne in a heavenly vision and the literal, deadly force of an earthly furnace, making it a key element in Daniel's fire-related imagery.
TRV