עֲמַר
wool
Definition
The Hebrew noun עֲמַר (ʻămar) specifically means 'wool,' referring to the soft, fibrous hair from sheep or other animals used for textiles. In its single biblical occurrence in Daniel 7:9, it describes the hair of the 'Ancient of Days' as being 'like pure wool,' emphasizing whiteness and purity. This Aramaic-derived term corresponds directly to the more common Hebrew word for wool, צֶמֶר (tsemer, H6785), and carries the same concrete, material sense. No other nuanced meanings or extended senses are attested for this particular form in the biblical text.
Biblical Usage
This word appears only once in the entire Old Testament, in the Aramaic portion of the book of Daniel. It is used in Daniel 7:9 within a prophetic vision to describe the hair of the divine figure called the 'Ancient of Days.' The usage is purely descriptive, employing wool as a simile ('like pure wool') to convey an attribute—specifically, brilliant whiteness—of the heavenly being. There are no other contextual patterns, as it is a hapax legomenon (a word occurring only once).
Etymology
The word עֲמַר (ʻămar) is an Aramaic noun borrowed into the biblical text. It corresponds directly to the classical Hebrew noun צֶמֶר (tsemer, H6785), which is the standard term for 'wool' used throughout most of the Hebrew Old Testament. Both words share a common Semitic root conveying the concept of wool or fleece. The use of the Aramaic form in Daniel reflects the linguistic context of the later exilic period when Aramaic was a lingua franca.
Semantic Range
While the word itself simply means 'wool,' its sole biblical use in Daniel 7:9 is theologically significant. The description of the Ancient of Days with hair 'like pure wool' is a key image in apocalyptic literature, symbolizing divine antiquity, wisdom, purity, and glory. This visual detail contributes to the majestic and awe-inspiring portrayal of God's eternal sovereignty and judgment. Understanding this concrete simile enriches the reader's perception of the prophetic vision's imagery.
In the ancient Near East, wool was a primary material for clothing, textiles, and trade. White wool, specifically, was often associated with purity, prestige, and ritual cleanliness. The simile in Daniel 7:9 draws on this cultural understanding—pure, white wool was visually striking and valuable. The image would immediately communicate notions of unsullied brilliance and honor to the original audience, enhancing the description of the divine figure's majestic and venerable appearance.
צֶמֶר (tsemer, H6785) — The standard Hebrew word for 'wool,' used frequently throughout the Old Testament (e.g., Leviticus 13:47-48, Deuteronomy 22:11), whereas עֲמַר is its Aramaic counterpart used only in Daniel.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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