Lexical Summary
pum: Mouth
Original Word: פֻם
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: pum
Pronunciation: poom
Phonetic Spelling: (poom)
KJV: mouth
NASB: mouth, mouths
Word Origin: [(Aramaic) probably for H6310 (פֶּה - mouth)]
1. the mouth (literally or figuratively)
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
pehDefinitionmouth
NASB Translationmouth (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.”
2. Daniel 6:17 – “A stone was brought and placed over the mouth of the den,” sealing Daniel’s apparent doom.
3. Daniel 6:22 – “My God sent His angel and shut the mouths of the lions,” reversing the verdict of men.
4. Daniel 7:5 – The second beast, like a bear, has “three ribs in its mouth,” symbolizing violent conquest.
5. Daniel 7:8 – The little horn possesses “a mouth that spoke words of arrogance,” prefiguring blasphemous world power.
6. Daniel 7:20 – Daniel lingers on that same horn, “with a mouth that spoke words of arrogance,” emphasizing its boastful character.
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).
• Confidence in persecution: Daniel 6 encourages prayerful trust when hostile powers attempt to “seal” our testimony; God can shut hostile mouths and open new avenues for His glory (Acts 4:29-31).
• Discernment in eschatology: The arrogant mouth of the little horn alerts the church to future antichristian rhetoric (2 Thessalonians 2:4), calling for steadfast hope in Christ’s ultimate victory.
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 wəp̄um
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