נְטַר (ne.tar)
ne.tar
to keep
A:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:V
Word Overview
The Aramaic verb netar means to keep or guard, serving as the direct counterpart to the Hebrew natar found in the Old Testament. Its single occurrence appears in Daniel 7:28, where it describes the king’s reaction to the vision he has witnessed. In this context, the word conveys a sense of holding onto something carefully, suggesting that the content of the dream was significant enough to warrant preservation.
As an Aramaic form, netar reflects the linguistic shift in Daniel’s later chapters, where the text moves from Hebrew to the imperial language of the time. The meaning remains consistent with its Hebrew root: it is not merely passive observation but an active retention of memory or truth. This usage highlights how the biblical authors used the dominant language of their era to convey enduring spiritual realities.
The rarity of this word in Scripture underscores its specific function in Daniel’s narrative. By using netar, the text emphasizes the importance of remembering divine revelations across cultural and linguistic boundaries. The verb stands as a reminder that God’s messages are meant to be kept safe, regardless of the language in which they are recorded.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word netar, meaning to keep or guard, appears only once in Scripture within the Aramaic section of Daniel. In this single instance, it describes a posture of careful retention rather than casual listening. The king holds the vision’s details with deliberate attention, recognizing their weight and significance.
This rare usage reminds us that divine revelation demands active preservation. It is not enough to hear a message; we are called to guard it in our hearts. Such attentiveness allows God’s truths to shape our understanding even when circumstances seem confusing or troubling.
When life brings unclear visions or difficult questions, this word invites us to hold fast to what God has spoken. By keeping His promises close, we find stability amidst change, trusting that He remains faithful across every generation and language.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- I have kept1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- נִטְרֵֽת\׃\ \פ1×
Key Verses
-
Daniel 7:28
“Here is the end of the matter. As for me, Daniel, my thoughts troubled me greatly, and my face was changed in me; but I kept the matter in my heart.”
This verse shows the word describing Daniel’s active choice to guard the vision in his heart despite being troubled by its meaning.