The Aramaic word shᵉnâh, represented by H8139, corresponds to the Hebrew word for sleep. It is a very rare term, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse within the biblical text, making its single usage highly specific.
The sole appearance of H8139 is in the book of Daniel, describing King Darius's state of mind after he has been forced to cast Daniel into the lions' den. The verse recounts that the king returned to his palace, where he spent the night fasting and refused entertainment. In this context of deep distress and anxiety, the text notes that "his sleep went from him" Daniel 6:18, highlighting the king's profound turmoil.
Several other Aramaic words in the same verse provide a fuller picture of the king's troubled night:
- H956 bûwth (to lodge over night; pass the night): This word establishes the time frame of the king's distress, indicating that he passed the night in this agitated state Daniel 6:18.
- H2908 ṭᵉvâth (hunger (as twisting); fasting): This describes the king's deliberate act of fasting, which, alongside his lack of sleep, emphasizes his severe emotional response Daniel 6:18.
- H5075 nᵉdad (to depart; go from): This verb is used directly with H8139 to show that sleep did not simply elude the king, but actively went from him, as if fleeing Daniel 6:18.
The significance of H8139 is found entirely in its narrative function. It serves as a powerful indicator of a character's inner state.
- Physical Manifestation of Distress: The loss of sleep is used to physically manifest the king's extreme anxiety and regret over the events concerning Daniel Daniel 6:18.
- Narrative Tension: By showing the king's sleepless night, the text builds tension and underscores the gravity of Daniel's situation, contrasting the king's powerlessness with Daniel's faith.
In summary, H8139 is a specific Aramaic term for sleep whose single use in scripture is notable. Its appearance in Daniel 6:18 is not part of a broad theological doctrine but serves a crucial narrative purpose, effectively conveying the depth of a king's anguish and distress through the simple, relatable experience of a sleepless night.
TRV