פֻּם (pum)
pum
mouth
A:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:N-M
Word Overview
The word pum is the Aramaic equivalent of the Hebrew peh, meaning "mouth." It appears in only three verses within the Book of Daniel, reflecting the shift in language from Hebrew to Aramaic that characterizes the middle section of this prophetic book. In these contexts, it refers to the physical organ used for speaking or eating.
Its usage is straightforward and literal, lacking the complex metaphorical weight sometimes found in Hebrew poetry. For instance, Daniel 4:30 uses it when the king boasts about his power, and Daniel 6:23 notes that no injury was found on him. The term serves a simple descriptive function, anchoring the narrative in concrete reality rather than abstract theology.
Translators consistently render pum as "mouth," maintaining clarity across languages. Its rarity in Scripture highlights the specific linguistic choice of the biblical authors, who switched to Aramaic for sections addressing international audiences or imperial settings. This single word bridges two major biblical languages while preserving a basic human concept.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word pum appears only in the Aramaic sections of Daniel, grounding the text in a literal sense of physical speech or consumption. In these visions, it describes the bear’s jaws or the arrogant horn’s boastful voice. This usage reminds us that words carry weight and consequence, whether they declare power or speak against God.
When we encounter such imagery, it invites reflection on how our own mouths function in daily life. Do our words build up or tear down? The biblical narrative consistently highlights the importance of aligning our speech with truth and humility. By observing these ancient symbols, we are encouraged to examine the intent behind what we say.
Ultimately, this term underscores the reality that human power is limited compared to divine authority. While kings and beasts may boast, God remains sovereign over all speech and action. This perspective offers comfort, reminding us that our trust should rest in the One who judges with justice and mercy.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ a mouth2×
- [were] in/ mouth/ its1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וּ/פֻ֖ם1×
- וְ/פֻם֙1×
- בְּ/פֻמַּ֖/הּ1×
Key Verses
-
Daniel 7:8
“I considered the horns, and behold, there came up among them another horn, a little one, before which three of the first horns were plucked up by the roots; and behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of a man, and a mouth speaking arrogantly.
This verse highlights the horn's mouth speaking arrogantly, contrasting human pride with divine sovereignty.
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Daniel 7:5
“Behold, there was another animal, a second, like a bear. It was raised up on one side, and three ribs were in its mouth between its teeth. They said this to it: ‘Arise! Devour much flesh!’
The bear’s mouth holding ribs illustrates the violent nature of the beast and its predatory intent.
-
Daniel 7:20
and concerning the ten horns that were on its head and the other horn which came up, and before which three fell, even that horn that had eyes and a mouth that spoke arrogantly, whose look was more stout than its fellows.
Here, the mouth is linked to the horn’s stout look, emphasizing the persistent arrogance of the figure described.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the word pum mean in Daniel?
Why is pum used instead of a Hebrew word?
How does pum differ from metaphorical uses of mouth?
Every Occurrence (3 verses across 1 books)
Daniel 3 verses
“Behold, there was another animal, a second, like a bear. It was raised up on one side, and three ribs were in its…
Daniel 7:8“I considered the horns, and behold, there came up among them another horn, a little one, before which three of the…
Daniel 7:20and concerning the ten horns that were on its head and the other horn which came up, and before which three fell, even…