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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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