נְשַׁר (ne.shar)
ne.shar
eagle
A:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:N-M
Word Overview
The word nes̱har, found in Daniel 7:5, refers to a large bird of prey, specifically identified as an eagle or griffon-vulture. It serves as the Aramaic equivalent of the Hebrew neṣer (H5404), which carries the same meaning. In this single occurrence within the biblical text, it is used metaphorically to describe one of the four beasts rising from the sea.
The imagery evokes a creature with great wings and powerful talons, symbolizing the dominant, devouring nature of the empire represented by the beast. This usage aligns with the broader ancient Near Eastern understanding of such birds as apex predators, emphasizing strength and terror rather than gentleness or freedom.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
In Daniel's vision, the eagle represents a kingdom defined by sudden, overwhelming power. The imagery of wings being plucked reminds us that human strength is temporary. No matter how high an empire rises, it eventually faces limitation and judgment.
This passage offers comfort to those feeling overwhelmed by worldly forces. It shows that earthly dominance is not permanent. God remains sovereign over all history, bringing down the proud and establishing His eternal kingdom.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- an eagle1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- נְשַׁ֖ר1×
Key Verses
-
Daniel 7:4
“The first was like a lion, and had eagle’s wings. I watched until its wings were plucked, and it was lifted up from the earth and made to stand on two feet as a man. A man’s heart was given to it.
The plucking of the eagle's wings signifies the sudden loss of power and the humbling of a proud empire.