אַרְעִית
𐤀𐤓𐤏𐤉𐤕
ʼarʻîyth
H773 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Bottom, base, or lower surface of an object or space, specifically indicating the lowest part or underside in spatial or architectural contexts. The term is used in Aramaic sections of the biblical text to denote the physical 'bottom' or 'base' of a structure or vessel.
Semantic Range
bottom, base, lowest part, underside (of a vessel, structure, or defined space)
Root / Etymology
From the Aramaic root א־ר־ע (ארע), closely related to the Hebrew root א־ר־ץ (ארץ), meaning 'earth, ground, land.' The form אַרְעִית is a feminine noun derived from this root, signifying 'that which pertains to the ground'—that is, the lowest part or bottom. It should not be confused with the Hebrew term אֶרֶץ which refers to 'land' or 'earth' in a broader sense.
Historical & Contextual Notes
אַרְעִית occurs exclusively in the Aramaic portions of the Hebrew Bible, specifically in Daniel 3:46 (Aramaic 3:93 in some traditions), referring to the bottom part of a furnace. Its usage aligns with the general Aramaic meaning of 'base' or 'lowest part.' This term does not appear in Hebrew sections, where עֵקֶב or תַּחְתִּית may be used for comparable senses. English translations often render it simply as 'bottom;' however, the Aramaic nuance includes both spatial and architectural connotations distinct from the Hebrew ארץ ('land, earth'). There is no significant semantic shift observed in its singular biblical occurrence, and the word is not attested in post-biblical Hebrew or later Jewish Aramaic literature. Traditional translations as 'bottom' are accurate but do not convey the architectural specificity apparent in the reference context.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
(Aramaic) feminine of אֲרַע; the bottom; bottom.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
ארע (ʾ-r-ʿ) — to be low, ground, earth, lie down
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H772 | אֲרַע | from the land |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H773-01 |
לְ/אַרְעִ֣ית | leareit | AR/Ncfsc |
the bottom | to base-of | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H773-01 |
Daniel 6:25 | לְ/אַרְעִ֣ית | leareit | AR/Ncfsc |
the bottom | to base-of |