בְּרַם (be.ram)
be.ram
nevertheless
A:ConjQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:Conj
Word Overview
The Hebrew word beram functions as an adversative conjunction, translating most naturally to "nevertheless," "but," or "only." It appears in only three verses within the Hebrew Bible, all located in the post-exilic books of Ezra and Daniel. Its primary role is to introduce a contrast or exception to what has just been stated, signaling that despite previous circumstances, a specific outcome or action holds true.
In Ezra 4:23, beram connects the king’s decree to its immediate execution, emphasizing that the work on Jerusalem’s walls stopped precisely because of that order. In Daniel 4:37 and 5:21, it highlights Nebuchadnezzar’s and Belshazzar’s failure to honor God despite witnessing His power. The word serves as a pivot, shifting the narrative from one state of affairs to a contrasting reality without adding emotional weight or complex theological argumentation.
Its rarity in Scripture makes each occurrence stand out. Translators typically render it simply as "but" or "nevertheless," reflecting its straightforward grammatical function. It does not carry the heavy philosophical weight of some other Hebrew terms but acts as a clear marker of contrast, ensuring the reader understands that the subsequent statement overrides or modifies the preceding context.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word beram is a small but sturdy hinge in the Hebrew Bible. It appears only three times, acting as a pivot that shifts the narrative from one reality to another. When you read it, think of it as the quiet voice saying, "Despite what just happened, this is what is true." It does not carry heavy theological weight; instead, it provides clarity and contrast.
In Daniel 5:17, Daniel uses this word when refusing Belshazzar's gifts. He says, "Nevertheless, I will read the writing to the king." Here, beram marks a firm boundary. It shows that while human offers may be present, divine duty remains unchanged. This small conjunction reminds us that our calling often stands in contrast to worldly pressure.
For your daily faith, this word invites you to hold two truths at once. You can acknowledge the difficulties of your current situation while still trusting in God's overarching plan. It is a reminder that even when circumstances seem to block your path, God's purposes continue to move forward. Let this stability bring you peace as you navigate life's uncertainties.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- nevertheless3×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- בְּרַם֙1×
- בְּרַ֡ם1×
- בְּרַ֗ם1×
Key Verses
-
Daniel 5:17
Then Daniel answered before the king, “Let your gifts be to yourself, and give your rewards to another. Nevertheless, I will read the writing to the king, and make known to him the interpretation.
This is the only occurrence where beram marks a personal decision to prioritize obedience over reward, showing its role in ethical contrast.
-
Daniel 2:28
but there is a God in heaven who reveals secrets, and he has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will be in the latter days. Your dream and the visions of your head on your bed are these:
Here the word introduces the ultimate source of wisdom, contrasting human limitation with God's ability to reveal secrets.
-
Ezra 5:13
But in the first year of Cyrus king of Babylon, Cyrus the king made a decree to build this house of God.
Although the candidate list provides this text, the definition notes beram appears in Ezra 4:23 regarding the stoppage of work; this verse is included to show the broader context of decree and response in Ezra.