Lexical Summary pum: Mouth Original Word: פֻם Strong's Exhaustive Concordance mouth (Aramaic) probably for peh; the mouth (literally or figuratively) -- mouth. see HEBREW peh NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) probably corresponding to peh Definition mouth NASB Translation mouth (5), mouths (1). Topical Lexicon Overview פֻם appears exclusively in the Aramaic portions of the Book of Daniel, always rendered “mouth.” In each scene it becomes a vivid emblem of power—human or bestial—either restrained by God or permitted to voice pride and threaten His people. The six uses trace a movement from arrogant royal speech (Daniel 4) to miraculous deliverance (Daniel 6) and finally to eschatological menace (Daniel 7). Occurrences and Narrative Setting 1. Daniel 4:31 – Nebuchadnezzar’s words of self-exaltation are still “in the king’s mouth” when judgment falls: “The kingdom has departed from you.” The mouth as a channel of pride Nebuchadnezzar’s self-congratulation (Daniel 4:31) and the little horn’s boasts (Daniel 7:8, 20) expose the perennial sin of exalting creature over Creator. Scripture consistently links boastful speech with impending judgment (Psalm 12:3; James 4:16). Daniel’s visions show that empires rise and fall at God’s decree; proud words cannot stave off divine verdict. The mouth as an opening God can seal The stone over the lions’ den (Daniel 6:17) parallels the divine sealing of the lions’ mouths (Daniel 6:22). Human authorities tried to silence Daniel’s witness, yet the Lord proved able both to free His servant and to restrain the predators. This anticipates later revelations that “the mouths of liars will be silenced” (Psalm 63:11) and foreshadows the empty tomb where another stone was rolled away. The mouth as an instrument of devouring judgment The bear-like beast in Daniel 7:5 holds ribs “in its mouth,” graphically depicting conquest. Later prophetic literature adopts similar imagery (Revelation 13:2). While terrifying, these scenes also reassure: ravenous powers operate only within limits set by heaven (Daniel 7:12, 26). Historical and literary significance All six texts appear in Imperial Aramaic, underscoring the international milieu of Jewish exile. By employing the quotidian term “mouth” in royal decrees, courtroom narratives, and apocalyptic visions, Daniel stitches everyday language to lofty theology: the God of Israel governs not only covenant Israelite speech (as in the Torah) but also the tongues of Gentile kings and symbolic beasts. Ministry applications • Humility in speech: Nebuchadnezzar’s downfall warns leaders and believers alike to guard the tongue (Proverbs 16:18; 1 Peter 5:5). Related biblical themes Silenced mouths before divine judgment (Romans 3:19), the creative and redemptive word of God (John 1:1), and the calling to confess Jesus as Lord (Romans 10:9-10) all converge upon the central truth that what issues from the mouth reveals the heart and determines destiny. Summary פֻם in Daniel is far more than a physical organ; it symbolizes the clash between finite pride and infinite sovereignty. Whether uttering boasts, issuing decrees, devouring prey, or being divinely shut, every mouth ultimately testifies that “the Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom He wishes” (Daniel 4:32). Forms and Transliterations בְּפֻ֣ם בְּפֻמַּ֖הּ בפם בפמה וְפֻם֙ וּפֻ֖ם ופם פֻּ֣ם פֻּ֥ם פם bə·p̄um bə·p̄um·mah beFum befumMah bəp̄um bəp̄ummah pum ū·p̄um uFum ūp̄um veFum wə·p̄um wəp̄umLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Daniel 4:31 HEB: ע֗וֹד מִלְּתָא֙ בְּפֻ֣ם מַלְכָּ֔א קָ֖ל NAS: [was] in the king's mouth, a voice KJV: [was] in the king's mouth, there fell INT: While the word mouth the king's A voice Daniel 6:17 Daniel 6:22 Daniel 7:5 Daniel 7:8 Daniel 7:20 6 Occurrences |