Original Word: מָאן
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: ma'n
Pronunciation: mahn
Phonetic Spelling: (mawn)
KJV: vessel
NASB: utensils, vessels
Word Origin: [(Aramaic) probably from a root corresponding to H579 (אָנָה - befall) in the sense of an inclosure by sides]

1. a utensil

vessel

(Aramaic) probably from a root corresponding to 'anah in the sense of an inclosure by sides; a utensil -- vessel.

see HEBREW 'anah

Word Origin
(Aramaic) perhaps corresponding to anah
Definition
vessel, utensil
NASB Translation
utensils (4), vessels (3).

[מָאן] noun masculine^{Ezra 7:19} vessel, utensil (ᵑ7 מָ(א)ן, Syriac , so Christian-Palestinian Aramaic, Schulth^{Lex. 106}; Old Aramaic מאן, Phoenician מנן; possibly √ אנה, see Biblical Hebrew II. אנה, compare Lag^{BN 183} Buhl); — plural, vessels of temple at Jerusalem: emphatic מָאנַיָּא Ezra 5:14,15; Ezra 7:19; Daniel 5:23; construct מָאנֵי Daniel 5:2; Daniel 5:3; Ezra 6:5.

עמגִלָּה see גלל.

Linguistic and Canonical Scope

מָאן appears only in the Aramaic sections of Ezra and Daniel, seven times in all. In every occurrence it denotes the physical “vessels” taken from, or returned to, the temple in Jerusalem. Although the term is straightforward, Scripture uses it to anchor major historical turns and enduring theological lessons.

Historical Framework

1. Babylonian Plunder (circa 586 BC) – Nebuchadnezzar carried off the temple vessels when Jerusalem fell (implied in Ezra and Daniel and narrated in 2 Kings 25:13–17; 2 Chronicles 36:18).
2. Persian Restoration (538 BC and following) – Cyrus’ decree ordered the sacred items returned, a policy executed under Sheshbazzar and later reaffirmed by Darius and Artaxerxes (Ezra 5:14–15; 6:5; 7:19).
3. Babylon’s Final Night (539 BC) – Belshazzar’s profane use of the vessels sealed his judgment as the Medo-Persian forces took the city that very night (Daniel 5:2–3, 23).

Narrative Function in Ezra

Ezra’s record places the vessels at the center of the restoration program. Their return:
• Validated Cyrus’ edict as divine providence.
• Confirmed continuity between the pre-exilic and post-exilic worship of Israel.
• Supplied tangible proof that the God of Israel “stirs up the spirit” of pagan kings to accomplish His word (Ezra 1:1).

Ezra 6:5 captures the emphasis: “Furthermore, the gold and silver vessels of the house of God … are to be returned and brought to the temple in Jerusalem, where they belong, and deposited in the house of God.” The vessels thus become symbols of covenant fidelity and national identity.

Narrative Function in Daniel

Daniel 5 contrasts sharply with Ezra. Belshazzar commandeers the sacred vessels for a debauched banquet, mocking the God whose house they served. The text stresses the offense:

“Instead, you have exalted yourself against the Lord of heaven. The vessels from His house were brought to you …” (Daniel 5:23).

The divine response is immediate: the mysterious handwriting, Daniel’s interpretation, and Belshazzar’s death. The vessels operate here as witnesses to God’s holiness and His right to judge irreverence.

Theological Themes

1. Sanctity of Worship – Objects consecrated to the Lord retain that status wherever they go. Neither time nor distance diminishes their holiness (compare Leviticus 27:28).
2. Sovereignty over Kings – Whether Cyrus restoring or Belshazzar profaning, God directs history to honor His name (Proverbs 21:1).
3. Remnant Hope – The safe return of the vessels parallels the safe return of the exiles; both anticipate full covenant restoration.
4. Judgment and Mercy – The same items signal mercy to Judah (restored vessels) and judgment to Babylon (defiled vessels).

Typological and Prophetic Overtones

The New Testament gathers the imagery into the call for believers to be “vessels for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master” (2 Timothy 2:21). The undamaged survival of fragile temple implements across empires foreshadows the church’s preservation until the heavenly temple is unveiled (Revelation 21:22).

Practical Ministry Implications

• Treat what is consecrated—people, time, resources—with reverent stewardship.
• Expect God to reverse enemy triumphs; every stolen “vessel” can be reclaimed.
• Guard corporate worship from trivialization; Belshazzar’s lesson warns against blending holy and profane.
• Encourage exiles of any era: the Lord who tracked each cup and bowl will not lose sight of His people.

Key References

Ezra 5:14; Ezra 5:15; Ezra 6:5; Ezra 7:19; Daniel 5:2; Daniel 5:3; Daniel 5:23.

וּלְמָֽאנַיָּ֨א וּמָֽאנַיָּא֙ ולמאניא ומאניא לְמָאנֵי֙ למאני מָֽאנַיָּ֔א מָאנֵ֣י מָאנַיָּ֣א מאני מאניא lə·mā·nê ləmānê lemaNei mā·nay·yā mā·nê manaiYa mānayyā mānê maNei ū·lə·mā·nay·yā ū·mā·nay·yā ulemanaiYa ūləmānayyā umanaiYa ūmānayyāInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts