### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **sᵉʻar**, represented by `{{H8177}}`, is the term for **hair**. Though it appears only **3 times** across **3 unique verses**, its usage in the book of Daniel is highly descriptive and symbolic. It serves as a visual marker for divine majesty, miraculous protection, and human degradation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical occurrences, `{{H8177}}` is used to paint vivid pictures. In a divine vision, the **hair** of the Ancient of days is described as being like pure wool, signifying wisdom and holiness [[Daniel 7:9]]. It is also used to emphasize the totality of God's deliverance when, after being cast into the fiery furnace, not a single **hair** of the heads of the three men was singed [[Daniel 3:27]]. Conversely, it illustrates King Nebuchadnezzar's humiliation, as during his period of madness his **hairs** were said to have grown like eagles' feathers [[Daniel 4:33]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related Aramaic words provide context for the meaning of **sᵉʻar**:
* `{{H7217}}` **rêʼsh** (chief, head, sum): This word is used in conjunction with **sᵉʻar** to specify the location of the hair, as in "the hair of his **head**" ([[Daniel 7:9]], [[Daniel 3:27]]).
* `{{H6015}}` **ʻămar** (wool): This term is used in a simile to describe the appearance of the hair of the Ancient of days, comparing it to pure **wool** [[Daniel 7:9]].
* `{{H5403}}` **nᵉshar** (eagle): Nebuchadnezzar's overgrown hair is compared to the feathers of an **eagle**, highlighting his wild and animalistic state [[Daniel 4:33]].
* `{{H2953}}` **ṭᵉphar** (nail): This word appears in the same passage as Nebuchadnezzar's overgrown hair, noting that his **nails** grew like the claws of birds [[Daniel 4:33]].
### Theological Significance
The symbolic weight of `{{H8177}}` is drawn entirely from its context in the book of Daniel.
* **Divine Majesty:** The description of the hair of the Ancient of days as being like pure wool conveys a sense of eternal purity, wisdom, and majesty [[Daniel 7:9]].
* **Miraculous Preservation:** That not a single **hair** was harmed by the fire serves as a powerful testament to God's absolute power to protect his faithful servants from any harm [[Daniel 3:27]].
* **Symbol of Judgment:** For Nebuchadnezzar, the uncontrolled growth of his **hair** becomes an outward sign of his inner pride being brought low, representing his descent from a great king to a man living like a wild beast [[Daniel 4:33]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8177}}` is a specific and impactful Aramaic word. Despite its infrequent use, it plays a key role in three significant narratives within Daniel. It powerfully illustrates how a physical attribute like **hair** can be used to symbolize contrasting spiritual conditions: the holiness of God, the complete protection of the faithful, and the profound humiliation of a prideful king.
TRV