תְּמַהּ
a miracle
Definition
The Hebrew word תְּמַהּ (tᵉmahh) refers to a 'wonder' or 'miracle'—specifically, a supernatural act that inspires awe and astonishment. In the book of Daniel, it describes the extraordinary signs and mighty deeds performed by God, such as the miraculous deliverance from the lions' den (Daniel 6:27) and the great wonders God has shown to King Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 4:2-3). As an Aramaic term used in the Hebrew Bible, it emphasizes divine intervention that is both marvelous and beyond human explanation, serving as a testament to God's supreme power.
Biblical Usage
This word appears exclusively in the Aramaic portions of the book of Daniel, where it is used three times to describe God's miraculous works. It occurs in contexts where kings publicly acknowledge God's sovereignty after witnessing supernatural events. For example, in Daniel 4:2-3, Nebuchadnezzar declares the 'signs and wonders' (אָת וְתִמְהִין) God has done, and in Daniel 6:27, Darius praises God for performing 'signs and wonders' (אָתִין וְתִמְהִין) in delivering Daniel. The usage consistently pairs with 'signs' (אָת) to highlight both the evidential and awe-inspiring nature of God's acts.
Etymology
Derived from an Aramaic root corresponding to the Hebrew תָּמַהּ (H8539), meaning 'to be astounded' or 'to marvel.' This root conveys a sense of wonder and astonishment, which evolved into the noun תְּמַהּ for the miraculous event itself. Cognates in Biblical Hebrew include תָּמַהּ (tamahh, H8539, 'to be astounded') and the related noun תִּמְהָה (timhah, H8541, 'wonder' or 'astonishment'), all sharing the core idea of overwhelming amazement at divine acts.
Semantic Range
תְּמַהּ is theologically significant as it points to God's active intervention in history, demonstrating His authority over nature and human affairs. In Daniel, these 'wonders' serve to validate God's sovereignty to pagan rulers, leading to public declarations of faith (Daniel 4:34-37, 6:26-27). Understanding this term enriches Bible reading by highlighting how miracles are not merely supernatural events but purposeful revelations of God's character, intended to inspire awe, faith, and recognition of His kingdom among all nations.
In the ancient Near Eastern context, miracles were often seen as displays of divine power that legitimized a god's authority. For Aramaic-speaking audiences in Babylon, תְּמַהּ would have resonated with cultural expectations of gods performing wonders, but in the Bible, it is uniquely applied to the one true God. Unlike modern views that might reduce miracles to mere anomalies, in its original setting, a תְּמַהּ was a direct, awe-inspiring act that demanded a response—often leading to worship or decree, as seen in the royal proclamations in Daniel.
פֶּלֶא (pele', H6381) — a more common Hebrew term for 'wonder,' often used in poetic and prophetic texts to describe God's extraordinary acts (e.g., Exodus 15:11). מוֹפֵת (mopheth, H4159) — typically translated 'miracle' or 'sign,' emphasizing the demonstrative aspect of God's power (e.g., Deuteronomy 34:11). נֵס (nes, H5251) — a 'banner' or 'sign,' often referring to a miraculous token or standard (e.g., Isaiah 11:10).
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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