לְחֶם
Definition
The word לְחֶם (lᵉchem) is an Aramaic noun meaning 'feast' or 'banquet.' It appears only once in the Bible, in Daniel 5:1, where King Belshazzar makes a great feast for a thousand of his lords. In this context, it refers to a large, formal meal or celebration, often involving royalty and significant political or social gatherings. While its Hebrew counterpart (לֶחֶם, H3899) more commonly means 'bread' or 'food' generally, this Aramaic form specifically denotes a ceremonial meal event.
Biblical Usage
This word is used exclusively in the Aramaic portions of the Old Testament, specifically in the book of Daniel. Its single occurrence is in Daniel 5:1, describing the lavish feast hosted by Belshazzar, which sets the stage for the dramatic appearance of the handwriting on the wall. The usage highlights a context of royal indulgence and divine judgment.
Etymology
לְחֶם is the Aramaic cognate of the Hebrew noun לֶחֶם (lechem, H3899), which primarily means 'bread' or 'food.' The Aramaic form corresponds directly, but in its biblical attestation, it narrows in meaning to denote a 'feast'—a significant meal event. This development reflects how shared Semitic roots can specialize in meaning within different dialects and contexts.
Semantic Range
Though appearing only once, this word is theologically significant as it introduces the scene of Belshazzar's feast in Daniel 5, a pivotal event demonstrating God's judgment on pride and idolatry. The feast represents human arrogance and the defilement of sacred vessels, contrasting with God's sovereignty. Understanding this term enriches the reading of Daniel by emphasizing the cultural and spiritual weight of the king's actions, which directly provoke divine intervention.
In the ancient Near East, a royal feast like Belshazzar's was not merely a meal but a major political and social event, displaying the king's power, wealth, and alliances. Such feasts often involved extensive hospitality, entertainment, and sometimes religious elements. The use of sacred vessels from the Jerusalem temple (Daniel 5:2-3) added a profound layer of sacrilege, showing contempt for the God of Israel, which would have been starkly understood in that cultural setting.
מִשְׁתֶּה (mishteh, H4960) — A Hebrew term for 'drinking feast' or 'banquet,' often used in Esther and Daniel, emphasizing celebration with wine. סְעוּדָה (sᵉʿudah) — A later Hebrew term for a meal or feast, not found in the biblical text but used in rabbinic literature.
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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