### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic lemma H8177 (שְׂעַר, transliterated as *sᵉʻar*) carries the primary and direct meaning of "hair" or "fur." As an Aramaic term, it serves as the precise equivalent to the more frequently occurring Hebrew word H8181 (שֵׂעָר), which also denotes "hair." Its semantic range is quite narrow, referring specifically to the filamentous epidermal growths found on humans or animals. There is no evidence within its biblical usage to suggest a broader metaphorical application beyond its literal sense.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of H8177 are limited to the Aramaic portions of the Book of Daniel, where its usage is highly significant in conveying divine power and majesty.
1. **[[Daniel 3:27]]**: In this pivotal passage, H8177 describes the hair of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego after their miraculous deliverance from the fiery furnace. The text emphatically states that "the hair of their head was not singed." This detail, though seemingly minor, underscores the complete and supernatural preservation wrought by God. It highlights the absolute inability of the intense flames to harm even the most delicate parts of their bodies, serving as irrefutable proof of divine intervention and protection for those who remain faithful.
2. **[[Daniel 7:9]]**: Here, H8177 is used in Daniel's vision to describe the Ancient of Days. The text states, "His hair was like pure wool." This imagery contributes to the awe-inspiring and majestic portrayal of God. The whiteness of "pure wool" symbolizes purity, antiquity, wisdom, and unblemished holiness. This description emphasizes the eternal nature and supreme authority of God, establishing Him as the ultimate judge and sovereign ruler over all creation and history.
In both contexts, while the word itself is simple, its application conveys profound theological truths about God's character and His interaction with humanity.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic relation to H8177 is its Hebrew counterpart, H8181 (שֵׂעָר), which shares the identical meaning of "hair." Beyond this direct lexical link, H8177 connects to broader biblical concepts associated with hair:
* **Divine Preservation:** As seen in [[Daniel 3:27]], the unburnt hair signifies God's complete power to preserve His servants from harm, even in the most extreme circumstances.
* **Divine Majesty and Purity:** The description of the Ancient of Days in [[Daniel 7:9]] uses hair as a visual metaphor for God's eternal wisdom, purity, and venerable authority. This resonates with other biblical descriptions of divine glory.
* **Signs of Age and Wisdom:** White hair is universally recognized as a sign of advanced age and often, accumulated wisdom, a concept powerfully applied to the eternal God in Daniel's vision.
* **Holiness and Consecration:** While not directly using H8177, the concept of hair is central to the Nazirite vow (e.g., [[Numbers 6]]), where uncut hair symbolizes a state of separation and dedication to God.
* **Mourning and Humiliation:** In various biblical contexts (e.g., [[Job 1:20]], [[Isaiah 15:2]]), tearing or shaving hair is a sign of intense grief, humiliation, or judgment.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H8177 is not derived from the word's intrinsic meaning alone, but from its specific, highly impactful occurrences within the Book of Daniel. In [[Daniel 3:27]], the word underscores God's miraculous power and unwavering faithfulness to those who trust Him. The preservation of the hair, a seemingly minor detail, serves as a powerful testament to the totality of divine protection, demonstrating God's ability to transcend natural laws for the sake of His people. This event reinforces the theme of God's sovereignty over creation and His active involvement in human affairs.
In [[Daniel 7:9]], H8177 contributes to the sublime portrayal of the Ancient of Days. The "hair like pure wool" is a symbolic representation of God's eternal nature, His unblemished holiness, and His ultimate wisdom as the supreme judge. This imagery evokes reverence and awe, establishing God's absolute authority and His role as the source of all justice and truth. The word, therefore, becomes a vehicle for conveying profound truths about God's character, His protective care, and His majestic dominion over all things.
### Summary
The Aramaic word H8177 (שְׂעַר) literally means "hair," serving as the direct counterpart to the Hebrew H8181. Though limited in its occurrences to the Book of Daniel, its usage is profoundly significant. In [[Daniel 3:27]], the unburnt hair of the three men in the fiery furnace powerfully illustrates God's miraculous preservation and absolute control over creation. In [[Daniel 7:9]], the description of the Ancient of Days with "hair like pure wool" contributes to a majestic portrayal of God's eternal nature, purity, and supreme wisdom. Thus, while a simple noun, H8177 functions as a crucial element in conveying deep theological truths about divine power, protection, and the awe-inspiring majesty of God.
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