אֻשַּׁרְנָא

a wall (from its uprightness)

Definition

The Aramaic noun אֻשַּׁרְנָא (ʼushsharnâʼ) refers specifically to a wall, particularly one that is upright, firm, or established. It appears only in the Aramaic portions of the book of Ezra, where it describes the physical walls of the Jerusalem temple being rebuilt after the exile. The word carries the connotation of a structure that is set in place or made firm, emphasizing stability and permanence. In both of its occurrences (Ezra 5:3, 5:9), it is used by Persian officials questioning the Jews about their authorization to rebuild this foundational structure.

Biblical Usage

This word is used exclusively in the Aramaic sections of the Old Testament, specifically in the book of Ezra. It appears twice in the context of official inquiry from the Persian provincial governor Tattenai. In Ezra 5:3, Tattenai asks, 'Who gave you a decree to build this house, and to finish this wall (אֻשַּׁרְנָא)?' In Ezra 5:9, the officials report back, asking about the decree for 'building the house, and finishing the walls (אֻשַּׁרְנָא).' Its usage is strictly administrative and architectural, referring to the temple's physical fortifications.

Etymology

אֻשַּׁרְנָא is an Aramaic word derived from a root corresponding to the Hebrew root אָשַׁר (ʼāšar, H833), which means 'to be straight,' 'to be right,' 'to go forward,' or 'to be prosperous.' This connection highlights the wall's primary characteristic of being upright, straight, and firmly established. The Aramaic form is a noun that specifically denotes the built structure resulting from this concept of firm establishment.

Semantic Range

While primarily an architectural term, the word's connection to the concept of being 'established' or 'made firm' can resonate with the theological theme of God establishing His dwelling place among His people. The rebuilding of the temple walls in Ezra symbolizes the restoration of God's ordained worship and the re-establishment of the community under His covenant after the exile. Understanding this Aramaic term enriches the reading of Ezra by highlighting the physical and spiritual re-establishment central to the post-exilic narrative.

In the ancient Near East, a city or temple wall was not merely a physical barrier but a symbol of security, identity, and political autonomy. The Persian officials' specific inquiry about the 'wall' (אֻשַּׁרְנָא) in Ezra 5:3, 5:9 reflects this cultural understanding. Rebuilding fortified walls without royal permission could be seen as an act of rebellion. Therefore, the question about the wall was a serious political and administrative concern, probing the legitimacy and intent of the Jewish rebuilding project under Persian rule.

חוֹמָה (chômâh, H2346) — The more common Hebrew word for a city wall or fortification, used throughout the Old Testament. שׂוּר (śûr, H7791) — A term for a wall, often of stone. כֹּתֶל (kôthel, H7023) — A wall, particularly of a building or house.

Word Details

Scripture References