The Aramaic word tᵉmahh, represented by H8540, refers to a miracle or wonder. It appears 3 times across 3 unique verses in the Bible. This term is used exclusively in the book of Daniel to describe mighty, supernatural acts performed by God that serve as powerful demonstrations of His sovereignty.
In its biblical usage, H8540 is always paired with the word for "signs" to describe God's miraculous works. King Nebuchadnezzar, after his restoration, felt compelled "to shew the signs and wonders that the high God hath wrought toward me" Daniel 4:2. This highlights how these events serve as a testimony to God's power. The term is part of a declaration of praise, exclaiming, "how mighty are his wonders!" Daniel 4:3. It is also used to affirm God's ability to intervene on behalf of his people, as He is the one who "worketh signs and wonders in heaven and in earth" to rescue Daniel Daniel 6:27.
Several related words provide a fuller context for the meaning of H8540:
- H852 ʼâth (a portent; sign): This word is used in direct parallel with tᵉmahh in every one of its scriptural appearances. Together, "signs and wonders" form a comprehensive phrase for God's miraculous interventions (Daniel 4:2, Daniel 4:3, Daniel 6:27).
- H5648 ʻăbad (to do, make, prepare, keep, etc.; [idiom] cut, do, execute, go on, make, move, work): This is the action verb used to describe the creation of wonders. God is the one who "worketh signs and wonders" Daniel 6:27 and has "wrought" them for Nebuchadnezzar Daniel 4:2.
- H8624 taqqîyph ({powerful}; mighty, strong): This adjective directly modifies tᵉmahh to emphasize the immense power of God's miraculous acts, as declared in the praise, "how mighty are his wonders!" Daniel 4:3.
The theological significance of H8540 is centered on the revelation of God's character and power.
- Divine Testimony: Wonders are not random events but are purposeful acts intended to serve as a public testimony. Nebuchadnezzar's desire to "shew the signs and wonders" demonstrates their role as evidence of God's work Daniel 4:2.
- Sovereign Intervention: The use of the word underscores God's ability to intervene directly in human affairs and nature. He is praised as the one who "worketh signs and wonders in heaven and in earth" to achieve his purposes, such as delivering Daniel Daniel 6:27.
- Awe and Praise: These mighty acts are so profound that they evoke a response of awe and worship. The exclamation about how "mighty are his wonders" is a direct result of witnessing God's power Daniel 4:3.
In summary, H8540 is a specific Aramaic term that captures the essence of a divine miracle. While its usage is rare, its appearance in the book of Daniel is significant, consistently highlighting God's mighty acts. Paired with "signs," it describes the irrefutable evidence of God's sovereignty and His power to act within creation, prompting praise and recognition from even the most powerful earthly kings.
TRV