Lexical Summary ala: To ascend, to go up, to rise Original Word: עֲלַע Strong's Exhaustive Concordance rib (Aramaic) corresponding to tsela'; a rib -- rib. see HEBREW tsela' NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) corresponding to tsela Definition a rib NASB Translation ribs (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [עֲלַע] noun feminine rib (ᵑ7 Syriac; see Biblical Hebrew I. צלע, צֵלָע); — plural absolute עִלְעִין Daniel 7:5. [עֲלָת] see עלה. above Topical Lexicon Meaning and Imagery The noun depicts a literal “side,” yet within Daniel’s symbolic vision it conveys imbalance—one part elevated above the other. The picture of a lopsided bear suggests unequal strength inside a single power, setting the stage for a kingdom in which one component dominates. Biblical Setting In Daniel’s night vision “a second beast appeared, which looked like a bear. It was raised up on one side, with three ribs in its mouth between its teeth” (Daniel 7:5). The word in question translates the phrase “on one side,” giving texture to the bear’s posture and hinting that the beast’s ferocity is tied to its unequal composition. Historical Associations Most conservative interpreters align the bear with the Medo-Persian Empire. Historically, Persia grew to overshadow Media—an asymmetry vividly portrayed by the bear’s single lifted side. Cyrus the Great absorbed the Median realm and then pushed outward in three major conquests (often identified as Lydia, Babylon, and Egypt), reflected by the “three ribs.” The solitary use of the term highlights the uniqueness of this prophetic detail, centuries before the empire’s full rise. Theological Themes 1. Sovereignty of God: The bear “was raised up,” passively receiving power under divine appointment (compare Daniel 2:21). Ministry Applications • Assurance amid political change—God governs the tilt of kingdoms (Psalm 2:1-6). Related Motifs • Unequal horns of the ram (Daniel 8:3-4). Conclusion Though the word occurs only once, its placement in Daniel 7:5 enriches the prophecy’s portrayal of Medo-Persia and underscores a timeless truth: every imbalance among human powers is subject to the God whose kingdom “will never be destroyed” (Daniel 2:44). Forms and Transliterations עִלְעִ֛ין עלעין ‘il‘în ‘il·‘în ilInLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Daniel 7:5 HEB: הֳקִמַ֔ת וּתְלָ֥ת עִלְעִ֛ין בְּפֻמַּ֖הּ בֵּ֣ין NAS: and three ribs [were] in its mouth KJV: and [it had] three ribs in the mouth INT: raised and three ribs mouth between 1 Occurrence |
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