נְמַר (ne.mar)
ne.mar
leopard
A:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:N-M
Word Overview
The Aramaic noun ne.mar refers specifically to a leopard, appearing only once in the Hebrew Bible at Daniel 7:6. In this vision, it describes the second beast rising from the sea, characterized by four wings and four heads. The term connects directly to its Hebrew counterpart, na.mer (H5246), which carries the same meaning across both languages.
Its singular usage in Daniel highlights the animal’s symbolic weight as a representation of swift, terrifying power. Translators consistently render it as "leopard," preserving the image of a predator known for speed and ferocity rather than brute strength alone. This choice aligns with the broader apocalyptic imagery where animals embody specific political or spiritual forces.
The word’s rarity underscores its precision in biblical literature. Where other beasts might signify general chaos, ne.mar points to a distinct kind of aggressive dominance. Its presence in Daniel 7 anchors the vision in tangible, recognizable nature, making the supernatural threat feel immediate and real to ancient readers.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
In Daniel’s haunting vision, the leopard appears not as a gentle creature but as a symbol of swift, terrifying power. With wings like a bird and four heads, this beast represents a kingdom defined by speed and aggressive dominance rather than brute strength alone. The imagery is designed to feel immediate and real, anchoring supernatural threats in tangible nature so that ancient readers could grasp the urgency of the times.
For your faith today, this word reminds us that God sees the rise of powerful forces before they fully unfold. While empires may seem swift and unstoppable, their authority is limited and temporary. The vision does not leave us in fear but points to a greater reality: dominion ultimately belongs to the Son of Man, who receives an everlasting kingdom.
When you face situations that feel chaotic or overwhelming, remember that God’s perspective is clear. He identifies the nature of these powers and has already secured the final victory. You can rest in the certainty that no swift predator or political shift can outlast the eternal reign of Christ.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- like/ a leopard1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- כִּ/נְמַ֔ר1×
Key Verses
-
Daniel 7:6
“After this I saw, and behold, another, like a leopard, which had on its back four wings of a bird. The animal also had four heads; and dominion was given to it.
This verse uniquely describes the leopard with bird wings and four heads, emphasizing its unnatural speed and fragmented authority as a symbol of aggressive dominance.