Original Word: נְהַר
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: nhar
Pronunciation: neh-HAR
Phonetic Spelling: (neh-har')
KJV: river, stream
NASB: river
Word Origin: [(Aramaic) from a root corresponding to H5102 (נָהַר - To flow)]

1. a river, especially the Euphrates

river, stream

(Aramaic) from a root corresponding to nahar; a river, especially the Euphrates -- river, stream.

see HEBREW nahar

Word Origin
(Aramaic) corresponding to nahar
Definition
a river
NASB Translation
river (15).

General Usage and Thematic Range

The noun נְהַר is employed in Ezra and Daniel to describe both a literal and a symbolic river. In Ezra it functions as a geopolitical marker—“the River” understood by the Persian bureaucracy as the Euphrates—whereas in Daniel it serves as an apocalyptic image issuing from the throne of God.

Geographical and Historical Context in Ezra

During the Persian period the Empire divided its western territories into the province עֲבַר־נַהֲרָא, “Beyond the River,” a district stretching from the Euphrates to the Mediterranean. Jerusalem thus lay inside a strategic border zone. Every occurrence of נְהַר in Ezra appears in official correspondence dealing with imperial oversight of this frontier:

• Ezra 4:10, 4:11, 4:16, 4:17 and 4:20: Letters from local officials warn Artaxerxes that Jerusalem’s fortification could threaten Persian control west of “the River.”
• Ezra 5:3 and 5:6: Governor Tattenai’s investigation of the Temple project is carried out in the name of “the province Beyond the River,” confirming that civil authority and Temple restoration intersect at the Euphrates border.
• Ezra 6:6 and 6:8: Darius’s decree restrains interference with the work and orders funding “from the royal revenues, the tribute of the province from Beyond the River”.
• Ezra 6:13: Compliance is immediate because the order carries weight “beyond the River.”
• Ezra 7:21 and 7:25: Artaxerxes empowers Ezra to draw on state coffers and appoint magistrates “across the River” to teach and enforce the Law of Moses.

These texts reveal a providential orchestration: imperial structures that once exiled Judah now finance its spiritual renewal. The same Euphrates that symbolized distance from the homeland becomes the channel through which God provides timber, silver, wheat, wine, oil, and legal authority for renewal in Jerusalem.

Visionary Usage in Daniel

Daniel 7:10 shifts the imagery from geography to the heavenly courtroom: “A river of fire was flowing and coming out from His presence.” The prophet sees judgment proceed with unstoppable force, just as the physical Euphrates shaped international boundaries. The fiery נְהַר underscores God’s holiness, the inevitability of His verdict, and the immutability of His kingdom (Daniel 7:14).

Doctrinal and Redemptive Themes

1. Divine Sovereignty over Nations: Whether channeling imperial funds (Ezra) or dispensing final judgment (Daniel), the river motif affirms that all earthly power is subordinate to God.
2. Boundary and Access: The Euphrates limits human authority; conversely, God’s fiery river grants the Ancient of Days unrestricted dominion.
3. Provision for Worship: Resources “from Beyond the River” enable the rebuilding of the Temple, prefiguring the full provision in Jesus Christ for a restored dwelling of God among His people.

Ministry Applications

• Intercessory Prayer: Like Ezra, believers may appeal to secular authorities, trusting God to turn rivers of political power toward His purposes (Proverbs 21:1).
• Holiness and Accountability: Daniel’s vision warns that every work will eventually pass through the river of fire; ministry must therefore be built with eternal materials (1 Corinthians 3:12-15).
• Mission beyond Borders: As God used the Trans-Euphrates treasury for kingdom work, modern ministries can expect Him to supply resources—sometimes through unexpected channels—for gospel advance.

Summary

נְהַר in the Old Testament carries a dual resonance: the literal Euphrates demarcating the stage on which Judah’s restoration unfolds, and the symbolic river of fire manifesting divine judgment and glory. Together these usages point to the Lord who governs empires, finances worship, and ultimately judges all creation from His throne.

נְהַ֣ר נַהֲרָ֑ה נַהֲרָ֔א נַהֲרָ֔ה נַהֲרָ֖ה נַהֲרָ֗ה נַהֲרָ֛ה נַהֲרָ֜ה נהר נהרא נהרה na·hă·rā na·hă·rāh nahaRa nahărā nahaRah nahărāh nə·har neHar nəharInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts