(Aramaic) corresponding to שָׁמַיִם; {the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies revolve)}; heaven.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **shâmayin**, represented by `{{H8065}}`, is the corresponding term for **heaven** or the sky. It appears **38 times** across **35 unique verses** in the Bible. The definition suggests a dual nature, alluding to both the visible arch in which the clouds move and the higher ether where celestial bodies revolve.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical Aramaic texts, `{{H8065}}` is frequently used to identify God's domain and authority, often in the title "God of **heaven**" [[Daniel 2:44]]. This title emphasizes His role as the one who sets up kingdoms [[Daniel 2:37]] and reveals secrets [[Daniel 2:28]]. The term also refers to the physical sky, the source of natural phenomena like the "dew of **heaven**" that fell upon Nebuchadnezzar [[Daniel 4:25]] and the dwelling place for the "fowls of the **heaven**" [[Daniel 2:38]]. In prophetic visions, it is the realm from which divine beings descend [[Daniel 4:13]] and where significant events unfold, such as the Son of man coming with the "clouds of **heaven**" [[Daniel 7:13]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the context and meaning of **shâmayin**:
* `{{H772}}` **ʼăraʻ** (the earth; by implication (figuratively) low; earth, interior): This word is frequently used in contrast with **shâmayin** to describe the full scope of God's creation and dominion, as seen in the phrase "God of **heaven** and earth" [[Ezra 5:11]] and His ability to work wonders "in **heaven** and in earth" [[Daniel 6:27]].
* `{{H2920}}` **ṭal** (dew (as covering vegetation); dew): This term is directly associated with **shâmayin** as its source. In the story of Nebuchadnezzar's humbling, his body was "wet with the **dew** of heaven" [[Daniel 5:21]], illustrating a physical manifestation of heavenly influence.
* `{{H5182}}` **nᵉchath** (to descend; causatively, to bring away, deposit, depose; carry, come down, depose, lay up, place): This action verb describes movement from the heavenly realm to the earthly one. In Daniel's vision, a "watcher and an holy one **came down** from heaven" [[Daniel 4:13]], signifying divine intervention.
* `{{H6050}}` **ʻănan** (a cloud (as covering the sky), i.e. the nimbus or thunder-cloud; cloud): Clouds are described as being "of **heaven**," serving as a vehicle for a divine figure in Daniel's apocalyptic vision [[Daniel 7:13]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H8065}}` is significant, highlighting God's supreme status and power.
* **Seat of Divine Authority:** The repeated title "God of **heaven**" establishes the sky as the symbolic throne of God's ultimate power. From this realm, He sets up eternal kingdoms [[Daniel 2:44]], gives dominion to earthly rulers [[Daniel 2:37]], and exercises His will over all creation [[Daniel 4:35]].
* **Origin of Divine Revelation:** **Shâmayin** is presented as the source of divine knowledge and communication. It is to the "God of **heaven**" that Daniel and his friends appeal for the revelation of secrets [[Daniel 2:18]], and from **heaven** that divine voices are sent to deliver messages [[Daniel 4:31]].
* **Mark of the True Creator:** The word is used as a clear dividing line between the true God and idols. The gods that have not made the **heavens** and the earth are destined to perish, establishing the Creator of **heaven** as the only one worthy of worship [[Jeremiah 10:11]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8065}}` **shâmayin** is a term rich with theological meaning, extending far beyond the physical sky. It serves as a designation for the realm of God's sovereign rule and the source of divine intervention in human affairs. Whether describing the "fowls of the **heaven**" [[Daniel 4:12]] or the establishment of an eternal kingdom by the "God of **heaven**" [[Daniel 2:44]], the word consistently points to the ultimate authority and creative power of God.
TRV