### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic term tᵉbar (`{{H8406}}`) is directly correlated with the Hebrew verb shavar (`{{H7665}}`), meaning "to break," "shatter," or "crush." Its core semantic range encompasses both the state of being broken or fragile and the act of breaking something. The definition "to be fragile (figuratively)" highlights its capacity to describe an inherent weakness or susceptibility to being shattered. It conveys a sense of fragmentation, loss of integrity, or complete destruction, often implying a violent or decisive rending.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
As an Aramaic word, tᵉbar (`{{H8406}}`) is found exclusively in the Aramaic portions of the Old Testament, specifically within the book of Daniel. Its usage in Daniel is highly significant for understanding the prophetic narrative:
* **[[Daniel 2:42]]**: "And as the toes of the feet were partly iron and partly clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong and partly fragile (broken)." Here, tᵉbar describes the inherent weakness and instability of the final earthly kingdom represented by the feet and toes of Nebuchadnezzar's statue. The mixture of iron and clay signifies an internal lack of cohesion, rendering the kingdom susceptible to division and collapse. The term emphasizes the brittle, easily fractured nature of this power.
* **[[Daniel 2:45]]**: "Inasmuch as you saw that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it broke (tᵉbar) in pieces the iron, the bronze, the clay, the silver, and the gold..." In this context, tᵉbar denotes the decisive and destructive action of the stone, which represents God's eternal kingdom. The stone "breaks" the previous world empires into fragments, signifying their utter annihilation and replacement. This usage highlights the overwhelming power of the divine kingdom to dismantle all human opposition.
In both instances, tᵉbar underscores the transient and vulnerable nature of human power structures in contrast to the enduring sovereignty of God.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic relation to tᵉbar (`{{H8406}}`) is its Hebrew equivalent, shavar (`{{H7665}}`). Shavar is extensively used throughout the Hebrew Bible to describe various forms of breaking: breaking objects (e.g., [[Exodus 32:19]]), breaking bones ([[Psalm 34:20]]), breaking covenants ([[Jeremiah 11:10]]), and even the breaking of the heart ([[Psalm 51:17]]). This shared semantic field emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the concept of "breaking" in biblical thought, encompassing physical, social, and spiritual dimensions.
Conceptually, tᵉbar relates to themes of:
* **Fragility and impermanence:** Highlighting the transient nature of earthly power and human constructs.
* **Divine judgment and destruction:** As seen in the stone breaking the statue, it signifies God's ultimate power to dismantle opposing forces.
* **Sovereignty:** The act of breaking demonstrates a superior power's control and ultimate triumph.
* **Fragmentation and ruin:** The result of being broken, leading to a state of disarray or non-existence.
### Theological Significance
The theological import of tᵉbar (`{{H8406}}`) in Daniel is profound, serving as a key descriptor in the prophetic narrative concerning the rise and fall of empires and the establishment of God's eternal kingdom.
1. **The Fragility of Earthly Power:** The use of tᵉbar in [[Daniel 2:42]] powerfully communicates the inherent weakness and ultimate instability of all human kingdoms. Despite their outward show of strength (iron), their admixture with "clay" renders them fundamentally "fragile" or "broken." This serves as a theological commentary on human hubris and the futility of building lasting power apart from God. No human empire, however vast, can achieve true permanence or invincibility.
2. **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment:** In [[Daniel 2:45]], tᵉbar depicts the decisive action of God's kingdom. The stone, "cut out without hands" (signifying divine origin), "breaks" all previous world empires. This act of breaking is not merely destruction but a divinely orchestrated judgment, demonstrating God's absolute sovereignty over human history and His power to bring down all that opposes His will. It underscores the biblical truth that earthly powers are ultimately subject to divine decree.
3. **The Unbreakable Nature of God's Kingdom:** The shattering of the human kingdoms by the stone stands in stark contrast to the eternal nature of God's kingdom, which "shall never be destroyed" ([[Daniel 2:44]]). The very act of breaking by tᵉbar serves to highlight the invincibility and permanence of God's reign, which will not be tᵉbar itself but will endure forever.
### Summary
The Aramaic word tᵉbar (`{{H8406}}`), equivalent to the Hebrew shavar (`{{H7665}}`), signifies "to be broken," "fragile," or "to break." Its occurrences in Daniel are pivotal for understanding the eschatological vision. In [[Daniel 2:42]], it describes the inherent "fragility" of the final human kingdom, emphasizing its internal weakness and susceptibility to collapse. More dramatically in [[Daniel 2:45]], tᵉbar portrays the decisive act of God's eternal kingdom "breaking" and utterly consuming all preceding earthly empires. Theologically, tᵉbar serves as a powerful symbol of the transient and vulnerable nature of human power in contrast to the absolute and enduring sovereignty of God. It highlights divine judgment over human pride and the ultimate triumph of God's unbreakable and eternal kingdom over all temporal and fragmented earthly realms.
TRV