### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **Babel**, represented by `{{H895}}`, refers to **Babylon**, a term that encompasses both the city and the Babylonian empire. It appears **25 times** across **21 unique verses** in the Bible, establishing it as a significant center of political and military power in the biblical narrative.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{H895}}` is consistently portrayed as the heart of the Babylonian empire. It is the royal seat of kings like Nebuchadnezzar, who boasted of building "great **Babylon**" for his own majesty [[Daniel 4:30]], and Belshazzar [[Daniel 7:1]]. The city served as an administrative hub, often referred to as "the province of **Babylon**," where key figures like Daniel were appointed to positions of authority [[Daniel 2:48]]. It was also the destination for the people of Judah who were carried into exile by Nebuchadnezzar [[Ezra 5:12]], and the place where the treasures from the temple in Jerusalem were stored [[Ezra 6:5]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide further context for the role of **Babylon**:
* `{{H5020}}` **Nᵉbûwkadnetstsar** (Nebuchadnezzar): As the powerful **king** of **Babylon**, he is the central human figure associated with its might, responsible for setting up the golden image in the province of **Babylon** [[Daniel 3:1]] and carrying the people away from Jerusalem [[Ezra 5:12]].
* `{{H4083}}` **mᵉdîynâh** (province): This word highlights **Babylon's** function as an administrative district within the larger empire. Daniel was made a ruler over the whole **province** of **Babylon** [[Daniel 2:48]], and his companions were set over its affairs [[Daniel 2:49]].
* `{{H2445}}` **chakkîym** (wise): The "**wise** men of **Babylon**" were the kingdom's intellectual and spiritual advisors. The kings repeatedly called upon them for interpretations, but they were unable to reveal God's secrets, a task left to Daniel ([[Daniel 2:12]], [[Daniel 5:7]]).
* `{{H3390}}` **Yᵉrûwshâlêm** (Jerusalem): **Babylon** is often set in direct contrast to **Jerusalem**. The vessels of God's house were taken from **Jerusalem** to **Babylon**, and the decree for their return was a pivotal moment [[Ezra 6:5]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H895}}` is profound, representing a nexus of human power and divine judgment.
* **Center of Worldly Power:** **Babylon** symbolizes the peak of human empire and pride. Nebuchadnezzar's boastful claim over the city [[Daniel 4:30]] and his erection of a massive golden image there [[Daniel 3:1]] epitomize this theme.
* **Place of Exile:** The city serves as the location of divine judgment, where the people of Judah were carried away after their fathers "had provoked the **God** of **heaven** unto wrath" [[Ezra 5:12]].
* **Stage for Divine Sovereignty:** Despite its might, **Babylon** is the backdrop against which God's superior power is demonstrated. God protects his servants from the decrees of its kings and reveals mysteries that its famed **wise** men cannot solve ([[Daniel 2:18]], [[Daniel 2:48]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{H895}}` is far more than a geographical name. It stands as the archetypal human empire, defined by its power, administration, and pride. Within the biblical narrative, **Babylon** functions as both an instrument of God's judgment through exile and the stage upon which His ultimate sovereignty over all earthly kingdoms is decisively revealed.
TRV