בְּדַר

בְּדַר

to scatter

Definition

The Hebrew verb בְּדַר (bᵉdar) means 'to scatter' or 'to disperse.' It appears only once in the Old Testament, in Daniel 4:14 (Aramaic portion), where it describes the divine command to chop down a great tree and 'scatter' its fruit, symbolizing the judgment and dispersal of Nebuchadnezzar's kingdom. As an Aramaic word used in the Hebrew Bible, its meaning aligns closely with the concept of forced separation or widespread distribution, often as an act of judgment or dismantling. There are no other biblical passages where this specific word carries a different sense.

Biblical Usage

This word is used exactly once in the entire Old Testament, in the Aramaic section of the Book of Daniel (Daniel 4:14). It occurs in the context of Nebuchadnezzar's dream, where a heavenly decree orders the felling of a great tree and the scattering of its fruit. The usage is prophetic and judicial, depicting the sudden and complete dismantling of a king's power and influence, scattering what was once gathered and ordered.

Etymology

בְּדַר (bᵉdar) is an Aramaic word, not a native Hebrew term. It is noted as a transposition (a reordering of consonants) corresponding to the Hebrew root פָּרַד (parad, H6504), which also means 'to separate' or 'to scatter.' This linguistic relationship highlights the shared semantic field between Aramaic and Hebrew, especially in the context of dispersion. The root conveys the idea of dividing or spreading things apart.

Semantic Range

Though used only once, this word carries theological weight in its context. It illustrates God's sovereign judgment over human kingdoms, specifically the humbling of the proud king Nebuchadnezzar. The act of 'scattering' symbolizes the removal of protection, order, and provision, leaving the subject exposed and dispersed. Understanding this Aramaic term enriches the reading of Daniel 4 by emphasizing the completeness and divine authority behind the decree of judgment. In the ancient Near Eastern context of Daniel, a great tree was a common symbol for a mighty king or empire (seen also in Ezekiel 31). The command to 'scatter' its fruit would be understood as a catastrophic loss of the king's wealth, progeny, and influence, effectively ending his dynasty. This imagery resonated with cultural understandings of royal power and its vulnerability to divine intervention. פָּרַד (parad, H6504) — The primary Hebrew root meaning to separate or scatter, often used for dividing people or things (e.g., Genesis 10:5). זָרָה (zarah, H2219) — To scatter or winnow, often used for dispersing people in judgment (e.g., Jeremiah 15:7). פּוּץ (puts, H6327) — To scatter or dash to pieces, frequently used for the dispersal of nations (e.g., Genesis 11:4).

Word Details