נֶבְרְשָׁא

𐤍𐤁𐤓𐤔𐤀

nebrᵉshâʼ

H5043 noun

SILEX Entry

Root uncertain to shine, illuminate (proposed, not certain)

Definition

A source of light, especially an object designed to hold and display burning lamps. In Biblical Aramaic, refers to a lampstand or candelabrum, typically used to provide illumination in a room. The term may describe a single lamp or, in the plural, a multi-branched stand for multiple lamps, thus functioning as a chandelier or lampstand.

Semantic Range

lampstand, candelabrum, chandelier, stand for lamps, object for providing light

Root / Etymology

Root uncertain. Strong's suggests an unused root meaning 'to shine,' but there is no clear Hebrew or Aramaic verbal root attested for this form. Possibly connected by analogy to Hebrew נֵר (ner, 'lamp') and related terms for illumination with the addition of Aramaic derivational morphology, but this is not certain.

Historical & Contextual Notes

נֶבְרְשָׁא occurs only in Biblical Aramaic (Daniel 5:5, 5:10). The context describes an object providing illumination in the royal hall, likely a lampstand intended for several light sources (oil lamps). In these passages, the word is used to translate the royal luxury and ceremonial function of lighting in feasting or judicial settings. There was no monolithic design for such lampstands in the Persian period; materials and form could vary. The term is distinct from מְנוֹרָה (menorah), the standard Hebrew word for lampstand in Israelite ritual and Temple contexts. Later English versions sometimes render it as 'candlestick,' but this is anachronistic (candles were not used in ancient Mesopotamia or Israelite/Judean contexts). The function is analogous to a lampstand or candelabrum, but shape and design would depend on the cultural setting.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

(Aramaic) from an unused root meaning to shine; a light; plural (collectively) a chandelier; candlestick.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

נברש (n-b-r-sh) — shining, illumination (proposed)

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H5043-01 נֶבְרַשְׁתָּ֔/א neverasheta ANcfsd/Td lampstand the lampstand 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 total occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H5043-01 Daniel 5:5 נֶבְרַשְׁתָּ֔/א neverasheta ANcfsd/Td lampstand the lampstand