פְּשַׁר
an interpretation
Definition
פְּשַׁר is an Aramaic noun meaning 'an interpretation' or 'a solution,' specifically referring to the deciphering of dreams, visions, or enigmatic writings. In the biblical context, it denotes the divinely revealed explanation of a mystery that is beyond human understanding, as seen in Daniel's interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar's dream (Daniel 2:36). The word implies that the interpretation itself is a gift or revelation from God, not merely an intellectual exercise. Its usage is almost exclusively confined to the Aramaic portions of the book of Daniel, where it is central to the narrative of God revealing hidden things.
Biblical Usage
This word is used 26 times, exclusively in the Aramaic sections of the book of Daniel (Daniel 2:4-7:28). It appears consistently in the context of court officials demanding or Daniel providing the interpretation of the king's dreams and visions. For example, the magicians are asked to tell both the dream and its פְּשַׁר (Daniel 2:7), highlighting that the interpretation is inseparable from the divine message itself. The pattern shows it is a technical term for the authoritative, God-given explanation of supernatural mysteries to Gentile kings, demonstrating God's sovereignty.
Etymology
פְּשַׁר is an Aramaic noun derived from the root פְּשַׁר (H6590), meaning 'to interpret, to solve.' It is a cognate with the Hebrew verb פָּתַר (H6622, patar), which also means 'to interpret dreams.' The Aramaic form is used specifically in the context of the Babylonian court, indicating its adoption into the biblical text to reflect the historical and linguistic setting of the exile.
Semantic Range
This word is theologically significant as it underscores the biblical theme of divine revelation. In Daniel, true פְּשַׁר comes only from the God of heaven (Daniel 2:28), contrasting human wisdom and occult practices. It highlights God's sovereignty over nations and history, as He reveals the meaning of dreams that outline future kingdoms. Understanding this term enriches reading by showing that interpretation in the Bible is not guesswork but a revealed truth, pointing to God as the ultimate source of all wisdom and the unraveler of mysteries.
In the ancient Near Eastern cultural context, especially in Babylonian and Persian courts, the interpretation of dreams and omens was a highly valued professional art, often associated with magicians and astrologers. The book of Daniel uses this specific Aramaic term to engage with this world, but subverts it by showing that the true and reliable interpretation comes solely from the God of Israel, not from human techniques. This contrasted sharply with the common belief that interpretations could be mechanically derived or purchased.
פָּתַר (patar, H6622) — A Hebrew verb also meaning 'to interpret,' used specifically for dreams in Genesis and Judges. חָלַם (chalam, H2492) — A Hebrew verb meaning 'to dream'; the thing that requires a פְּשַׁר. בִּין (biyn, H995) — A Hebrew verb meaning 'to understand, discern'; a broader term for comprehension that can include interpreting situations.
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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