מִלָּה

מִלָּה

a word, command, discourse, or subject

Definition

The Hebrew word מִלָּה (millâh) is an Aramaic loanword used in the Old Testament primarily to denote a 'word,' 'matter,' or 'thing.' In the book of Daniel, it often refers to a spoken utterance, such as a command from a king (Daniel 2:5, 2:9) or a statement of a dream (Daniel 2:5, 2:9). It can also signify the content or subject of discourse, as seen when Daniel seeks to understand the 'matter' of the king's dream (Daniel 2:15, 2:23). In some contexts, it carries the weight of a decree or official pronouncement, highlighting its use in formal, authoritative settings.

Biblical Usage

This word occurs exclusively in the Aramaic portions of the Old Testament, specifically in the book of Daniel, where it appears 22 times. It is used in contexts involving royal decrees, judicial proceedings, and divine revelations. For example, King Nebuchadnezzar demands his wise men tell him both the dream and its interpretation, using מִלָּה for the 'word' or 'matter' of the dream (Daniel 2:5, 2:9). Daniel later thanks God for revealing the 'secret' or 'matter' to him (Daniel 2:23). The usage consistently relates to spoken or communicated content, often with legal or authoritative overtones.

Etymology

מִלָּה (millâh) is an Aramaic word corresponding to the Hebrew מִלָּה (H4405), both meaning 'word' or 'speech.' It derives from a common Semitic root (m-l-l) associated with speaking or uttering. In Biblical Aramaic, it was adopted into the Hebrew text of Daniel, reflecting the linguistic context of the Babylonian exile. Its meaning aligns closely with its Hebrew counterpart, emphasizing verbal communication and the substance of what is said.

Semantic Range

In the book of Daniel, מִלָּה is significant for understanding divine communication and human authority. It appears in narratives where God reveals mysteries through dreams and interpretations, contrasting human decrees with divine wisdom. For instance, Daniel acknowledges God as the source of the 'word' or 'matter' revealed to him (Daniel 2:23), highlighting God's sovereignty over hidden knowledge. This enriches Bible reading by emphasizing that true understanding comes from God, even in contexts of earthly power and discourse. In the Aramaic-speaking culture of the Babylonian exile, מִלָּה was used in formal, often royal or legal, settings to denote commands, matters, or subjects of discussion. This reflects a society where spoken decrees held significant authority, and precise communication was vital in administrative and judicial contexts. The word's usage in Daniel mirrors the cultural importance of official pronouncements and the pursuit of wisdom in ancient Near Eastern courts. דָּבָר (dāḇār, H1697) — A more common Hebrew term for 'word,' 'thing,' or 'matter,' used broadly throughout the Old Testament, whereas מִלָּה is specific to Aramaic contexts. אִמְרָה (ʾimrâh, H565) — Often refers to a 'speech,' 'command,' or 'promise,' with a focus on uttered words, particularly in poetic and wisdom literature. פִּתְגָם (pitgām, H6599) — An Aramaic term for 'decree' or 'message,' used in Esther and Ecclesiastes, similar to מִלָּה but with a stronger emphasis on official edicts.

Word Details