Lexical Summary peshar: give interpretations, interpretation Original Word: פְשַׁר Strong's Exhaustive Concordance make interpretations, interpreting (Aramaic) corresponding to pathar; to interpret -- make (interpretations), interpreting. see HEBREW pathar NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) a prim. root Definition to interpret NASB Translation give interpretations (1), interpretation (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [מְּשַׁר] verb interpret (a dream) (ᵑ7 id., Syriac  , perhaps Egyptian Aramaic פשר Lzb355 SAC100 (Arabic  loan-word, see Frä263); Assyrian pašâru); — Pe`al Infinitive לְמִפְשַׁר Daniel 5:16, accusative of congnate meaning with verb פִשְׁרִין Pa`el Participle active מְפַשַׁר Daniel 5:12, accusative חֶלְמִין. Topical Lexicon Meaning and Scope The term designates the interpretation, solution, or explanation of an obscure message, particularly one carrying divine significance. In Scripture it is never a mere intellectual exercise; it is the God-given ability to unlock what is otherwise inaccessible to human understanding. Canonical Occurrences Daniel 5:12 and Daniel 5:16 both appear in the narrative of Belshazzar’s feast. Each occurrence highlights Daniel’s Spirit-enabled capacity to provide the king with “the interpretation” of the mysterious handwriting on the wall. Historical Setting Nebuchadnezzar is gone; Belshazzar rules a shrinking Babylonian empire. Pagan diviners fail to decipher the cryptic words written by a divine hand (Daniel 5:8). Into that failure steps Daniel, whose reputation for “ability to interpret dreams, solve riddles, and explain enigmas” (Daniel 5:12) rests on decades of proven fidelity. The word thus emerges in a context where earthly wisdom collapses and heavenly revelation prevails. Theology of Revelation 1. Divine Initiative: God reveals; humans receive. The term underscores that spiritual insight is granted, not achieved (cf. Proverbs 25:2). Ministry Significance • Discernment: Pastors and teachers must rely on the Spirit to “rightly handle the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15), following Daniel’s model of careful, God-centered explanation. Christological Resonance Jesus Christ fulfills what Daniel prefigured: “Then beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, He explained to them what was written about Himself in all the Scriptures” (Luke 24:27). The risen Lord is the ultimate Interpreter, making known the mystery of redemption concealed in ages past (Ephesians 3:4-6). Practical Application for the Church 1. Seek illumination in prayer before study or proclamation of Scripture (Psalm 119:18). Summary The term points to the gracious act of God disclosing His mind through chosen servants. In Daniel it functions as a pivotal reminder that when human wisdom is exhausted, divine interpretation prevails, guiding God’s people, confronting the proud, and heralding the kingdom that cannot be shaken. Forms and Transliterations לְמִפְשַׁ֖ר למפשר מְפַשַּׁ֣ר מפשר lə·mip̄·šar lemifShar ləmip̄šar mə·p̄aš·šar mefashShar məp̄aššarLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Daniel 5:12 HEB: וּמַנְדַּ֡ע וְשָׂכְלְתָנ֡וּ מְפַשַּׁ֣ר חֶלְמִין֩ וַֽאַֽחֲוָיַ֨ת NAS: and insight, interpretation of dreams, KJV: and understanding, interpreting of dreams, INT: knowledge and insight interpretation of dreams explanation Daniel 5:16 2 Occurrences |
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