Daniel 2:15 — Word Study
WLCעָנֵ֣ה וְאָמַ֗ר לְאַרְיוֹךְ֙ שַׁלִּיטָ֣א דִֽי־ מַלְכָּ֔א עַל־ מָ֥ה דָתָ֛א מְהַחְצְפָ֖ה מִן־ קֳדָ֣ם מַלְכָּ֑א אֱדַ֣יִן מִלְּתָ֔א הוֹדַ֥ע אַרְי֖וֹךְ לְדָנִיֵּֽאל׃
BSAWhyʻal is the decreedâth [law, sentence, or command] frommin the kingmelek [ruler, monarch] so harshchătsaph [hasty, urgent, or cruel] he askedʻănâh [responded, or said] Thenʼĕdayin AriochʼĂryôwk [the king's captain, or ruler] explainedyᵉdaʻ [made known, or declared] the situationmillâh [thing, or matter] to DanielDânîyêʼl [the prophet, or God's messenger]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| עָנֵ֣ה | [he was] replying | Verb, Qal, participle (active) masculine singular |
| וְאָמַ֗ר | and [he was] saying | Conjunction, verb qal participle (active) masculine singular |
| לְאַרְיוֹךְ֙ | to Arioch | Preposition, noun proper masculine |
| שַׁלִּיטָ֣א | captain the | Particle |
| דִֽי־ | of | Conjunction |
| מַלְכָּ֔א | king the | Noun common both singular determined, particle |
| עַל־ | on | Preposition |
| מָ֥ה | what? | Pronoun |
| דָתָ֛א | [is] decree the | Noun common both singular determined, particle |
| מְהַחְצְפָ֖ה | harsh | Verb, Hiphil, participle (active) feminine singular |
| מִן־ | from | Preposition |
| קֳדָ֣ם | before | Noun common, both singular construct |
| מַלְכָּ֑א | king the | Noun common both singular determined, particle |
| אֱדַ֣יִן | then | Adverb |
| מִלְּתָ֔א | matter the | Noun common feminine singular determined, particle |
| הוֹדַ֥ע | he made known | Verb, Hiphil, perfect third person masculine singular |
| אַרְי֖וֹךְ | Arioch | Noun proper masculine |
| לְדָנִיֵּֽאל׃ | to Daniel | Preposition, noun proper masculine |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | “Why is the decree from the king so harsh?” he asked. At this time Arioch explained the situation to Daniel. |
| KJV | He answered and said to Arioch the king’s captain, Why is the decree so hasty from the king? Then Arioch made the thing known to Daniel. |
| ASV | he answered and said to Arioch the king’s captain, Wherefore is the decree so urgent from the king? Then Arioch made the thing known to Daniel. |
| YLT | He hath answered and said to Arioch the king's captain, 'Wherefore [is] the sentence so urgent from before the king?' Then Arioch hath made the thing known to Daniel, |
| WEB | He answered Arioch the king’s captain, “Why is the decree so urgent from the king?” Then Arioch made the thing known to Daniel. |
| BBE | He made answer and said to Arioch, O captain of the king, why is the king's order so cruel? Then Arioch gave Daniel an account of the business. |
Where they part company is מְהַחְצְפָ֖ה — see How Translations Differ.
The sentence consists of a main clause followed by a prepositional phrase and a participial phrase, indicating the flow of dialogue and action.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
subjectאֲרְיוֹךְ
verbעֲנָה
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Daniel 2:15
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — Daniel's Inquiry to Ariochgenerated
Daniel 2:15 shows Daniel confronting a critical moment where he seeks to understand the harsh decree issued by King Nebuchadnezzar. This decree threatens the lives of the wise men of Babylon, including Daniel himself. Arioch, the king's captain, is tasked with executing this decree, but Daniel's response indicates his wisdom and tact in navigating this dangerous situation. The context highlights the tension between royal authority and the lives of the wise men, setting the stage for Daniel's eventual role in interpreting the king's dream.
Cross References
The Key Word — מְהַחְצְפָ֖ה, me.hach.tze.Fahgenerated
The Hebrew word מְהַחְצְפָ֖ה (me.hach.tze.Fah) is derived from the root חֲצַף (*chatsaph*), which means to be hasty or urgent. It conveys a sense of severity or harshness, often implying an abrupt or cruel nature. The parsing as a Hiphil participle indicates an active quality, suggesting that the decree is not merely harsh in nature but is actively imposing urgency or severity.
This word is used sparingly in the Hebrew Bible, appearing in contexts that emphasize suddenness or severity, thus reflecting the critical nature of the king's command in this scenario. The urgency implied by this word is significant, as it sets the tone for the interactions that follow.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, which uses the term harsh to convey the severity of the king's decree. The KJV and other translations also use harsh, maintaining the same sense.
Where translations differ is in the rendering of מְהַחְצְפָ֖ה. The ASV, LSV, and others opt for urgent, while the KJV and others prefer hasty. The BSB and KJV both agree on the term harsh, indicating a shared understanding of the decree's severity.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The main clause is governed by the verb עָנֵ֣ה, he replied, which introduces Daniel's inquiry. The structure includes a series of phrases that detail the subjects and objects involved, culminating in the explanation provided to Daniel.
The Hebrew word order emphasizes the urgency of the decree, with the participle מְהַחְצְפָ֖ה placed prominently, highlighting the severity of the king's command as the focal point of Daniel's question.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates the inquiry with the Greek word πικρῶς (G4090), meaning 'bitterly' or 'harshly.' This choice reflects a narrowing of the meaning, emphasizing the emotional weight of the decree rather than just its urgency.
This translation choice underscores the severity of the king's command, suggesting that it is not only urgent but also carries a bitter or cruel connotation.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Daniel 2:15 shows Daniel asking Arioch why the king's decree is so harsh. Arioch, who is in charge of the king's guard, explains the situation to Daniel, highlighting the urgency and severity of the command.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
Daniel is seeking to understand the reasoning behind the king's severe command, which threatens the lives of many wise men.
Arioch is the captain of the king's guard, tasked with executing the king's decree.
The word 'harsh' conveys the severity and urgency of the king's command, indicating that it is not just a simple decree but one that carries serious consequences.
Daniel's inquiry demonstrates his wisdom and tact in dealing with a dangerous situation, as he seeks to understand the decree rather than react impulsively.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- What can we learn from Daniel's approach to confronting authority?
- How do we respond when faced with urgent and harsh situations in our own lives?
- What role does communication play in resolving conflicts, as seen in Daniel's inquiry?
- In what ways can we seek understanding in difficult circumstances, like Daniel did?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
St. Jerome comments on this verse, noting Daniel's inquiry into the king's cruel decree and highlighting the wisdom of Daniel and his companions.
Verse 15. "And he inquired of him who had received authority from the king as to why so cruel a decree had gone forth from the presence of the king." Knowing that Daniel and the three youths possessed a knowledge and intelligence tenfold…Early Church Fathers on Daniel 2 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Daniel 2:15 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleAnd he answered and said to Arioch the king's captain,.... Or governor (m); over the persons before mentioned; either the king's guard or militia, or cooks or executioners: before, the manner in
Read John Gill on Daniel 2 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryHe answered and said to Arioch the king's captain, Why is the decree so hasty from the king? Then Arioch made the thing known to Daniel. Why is the decree so hasty?
Read Robert Jamieson on Daniel 2 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleSo hasty; so precipitate, to slay the innocent who were never called, who knew nothing of it-this appears plainly from these words, Then Arioch made the thing known to Daniel, , which was this, that the king had dreamed a strange dream that troubled him, that he had forgotten it, that he called all his wise men to show both the dream and interpretation, but they could not; therefore the king decreed the death of all the wise men in Babylon, and Daniel with his fellows among them, without saving the life of one of them, and he, viz. Arioch, had received command to execute it presently. Thus there was but a step between him and death.
Read Matthew Poole on Daniel 2 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsDaniel 2:15 He answered and said to Arioch the king’ s captain, Why [is] the decree [so] hasty from the king? Then Arioch made the thing known to Daniel.Ver. 15. Why is the decree so hasty from the king?] Daniel, though now in danger of his life, forgetteth not his old freedom of speech; and God so wrought, that the king, who was stiff to the magicians, was tractable to Daniel.
Read John Trapp on Daniel 2 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(15) So hasty.—Literally, why is this severe decree of the king? By this question Daniel wished Arioch to understand that after all the matter was not impossible, as the wise men had stated it to be.
Read Charles John Ellicott on Daniel 2 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges15. so hasty] harsh (Bevan). R.V. urgent, as A.V. itself has in Daniel 3:22. This is not, however, strong enough: in Syriac and the Targums the word and its cognates express the idea of bold, shameless, insolent. Cf. Theod. here, ἀναιδής (LXX. πικρῶς).
Read Cambridge on Daniel 2 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleHe answered and said to Arioch the king’s captain - The word “captain” - a different word from what occurs in Daniel 2:14, שׁליטא shallı̂yṭa' - denotes one who has rule or dominion; one who is
Read Albert Barnes on Daniel 2 →Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible14-16. Daniel, having been informed of the decree, addresses Arioch (Iri-Aku) the captain, or rather “chief executioner,” of the royal bodyguard — an officer well known from the inscriptions (tabihu)
Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Daniel 2 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
“Why is the decree from the king so harsh?” he asked. At this time Arioch explained the situation to Daniel.
He answered Arioch the king’s captain, “Why is the decree so urgent from the king?” Then Arioch made the thing known to Daniel.
“Why is the decree from the king so harsh?” he asked. Then Arioch explained the situation to Daniel.
He inquired of Arioch the king’s deputy, “Why is the decree from the king so urgent?” Then Arioch informed Daniel about the matter.
Tyndale line
He answered and said to Arioch the king’s captain, Why is the decree so hasty from the king? Then Arioch made the thing known to Daniel.
he answered and said to Arioch the king’s captain, Wherefore is the decree so urgent from the king? Then Arioch made the thing known to Daniel.
he answered and said to Arioch the king’s captain, Wherefore is the decree so urgent from the king? Then Arioch made the thing known to Daniel.
He answered and said to Arioch the king's captain, Why is the decree so hasty from the king? Then Arioch made the thing known to Daniel.
Yea, he answered and sayde vnto Arioch the kings captaine, Why is the sentence so hastie from the king? Then Arioch declared the thing to Daniel.
Strictly literal
he answered and said to Arioch the king's captain, Why is the decree so rigorous from the king? Then Arioch made the thing known to Daniel.
He hath answered and said to Arioch the king's captain, 'Wherefore [is] the sentence so urgent from before the king?' Then Arioch hath made the thing known to Daniel,
He has answered and said to Arioch the king’s captain, “Why [is] the sentence so urgent from before the king?” Then Arioch has made the thing known to Daniel,
He commenced and said to Aryoch the king's commander, Wherefore is the law so hasty from the king? Then made Aryoch the matter known to Daniel.
Daniel asked the king's commander, “Why is the king's decree so urgent?” So Arioch told Daniel what had happened.
From the Latin
And he asked him that had received the orders of the king, why so cruel a sentence was gone forth from the face of the king. And when Arioch had told the matter to Daniel,
Simplified
Daniel asked him, “Why would the king issue such a harsh decree?” So Arioch explained to Daniel what had happened.
He made answer and said to Arioch, O captain of the king, why is the king's order so cruel? Then Arioch gave Daniel an account of the business.
Word by word, the decisions they made
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text and the Septuagint largely agree in their wording for this verse, with 15 of the 18 words matched. The Septuagint's word order differs, but the core meaning remains consistent across both texts.
עָנֵ֣ה וְאָמַ֗ר לְאַרְיוֹךְ֙ שַׁלִּיטָ֣א דִֽי־ מַלְכָּ֔א עַל־ מָ֥ה דָתָ֛א מְהַחְצְפָ֖ה מִן־ קֳדָ֣ם מַלְכָּ֑א אֱדַ֣יִן מִלְּתָ֔א הוֹדַ֥ע אַרְי֖וֹךְ לְדָנִיֵּֽאל׃
15 of the 18 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Daniel 2:15
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
עֲנָה (anah) primarily means 'to answer' or 'to respond.' It is noted in various forms, including a P'al verb form that emphasizes making a reply. The word is linked to the Aramaic form corresponding to another Hebrew root. The entries do not provide significant disagreement.
[עֲנָה] vb. answer
base
H6032 עֲנָה
6032 `anah an-aw'
(Aramaic) corresponding to 6030:--answer, speak.
see HEBREW for 06030
עֲנָה (a.nah) — to answer.
1) to answer, respond
1a) (P'al)
1a1) to answer, make reply
1a2) to respond
Adj — Verb · Qal · participle (active) masculine singularAVqrmsa
אֲמַר (amar) means to say, tell, command, or speak. It is used in various contexts to express communication or declaration. The word is related to the Aramaic form and is linked to another Hebrew root, אָמַר (H0559). The entries consistently emphasize its verbal nature without significant disagreement.
אֲמַר 71 vb. say, tell, command
base
H560 אֲמַר say, tell, command
560 'amar am-ar'
(Aramaic) corresponding to 559:--command, declare, say,
speak, tell.
see HEBREW for 0559
אֲמַר (a.mar) — to say.
(P'al) to say, to speak, to command, to tell, to relate
Aramaic of a.mar (אָמַר "to say" H0559)
AC/Vqrmsa — Conjunction · verb qal participle (active) masculine singularAC/Vqrmsa
אַרְיוֹךְ (Aryowk) refers to a name of foreign origin, specifically associated with two Babylonians: a king of Ellasar mentioned in Genesis 14:1 and a chief executioner for Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 2:14. The name is interpreted to mean 'lion-like.'
אַרְיוֹךְ n.pr.m. king of Ellasar
base
אֲרְיוֹךְ n.pr.m. in Bab.
base
H746a אַרְיוֹךְ king of Ellasar H746b אֲרְיוֹךְ in Bab.
746 'Aryowk ar-yoke'
of foreign origin; Arjok, the name of two
Babylonians:--Arioch.
אַרְיוֹךְ (ar.yokh) — Arioch.
A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.14.1
§ Arioch = "lion-like"
the ancient king of Ellasar, ally of Chedorlaomer
אֲרְיוֹךְ (a.re.yokh) — Arioch.
A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Dan.2.14
§ Arioch = "lion-like"
the chief of the executioners for Nebuchadnezzar
Adj — Preposition · noun proper masculineAR/Npm
ar'-i-ok: ('aryokh):
(1) The name of the vassal king of Ellasar, under Chedorlaomer, king of Elam, and Amraphel, king of Shinar (Babylonia), who took part in the expedition against Sodom, Gomorrah and other states (Ge 14:1,9). Assyriologists generally, and probably rightly, identify Arioch with Eri-Aku (which see), king of Larsa, Ellasar being for Al-Larsa (now Sinqara in central Babylonia).
Texts Referring to the Reign of Arioch:
For an account of the expedition see AMRAPHEL, and for the Babylonian texts bearing upon the reign, see ERI-AKU. In Ge 14:1,9, where the names of the allied kings who marched against the Cities of the Plain are given, that of Arioch follows his more immediate suzerain, Amraphel, and not Chedorlaomer, who, however, appears to have been the real overlord…
Arioch
Lion-like, venerable. (1.) A king of Ellasar who was confederate with Chedorlamer (Gen. 14:1,9). The tablets recently discovered by Mr. Pinches (see CHALDEA) show the true reading is Eri-Aku of Larsa. This Elamite name meant “servant of the moon-god.” It was afterwards changed into Rimsin, “Have mercy, O moon-god.” (2.) Dan. 2:14.
(venerable). The king of Eliasar, one of the allies of Chedorlaomer in his expedition against his rebellious tributaries. (Genesis 14:1) (B.C. 1921-1912.) The captain of Nebuchadnezzar’s body-guard. (Daniel 2:14) etc. Properly Eirioch , or Erioch , mentioned in Judith 1:6 as king of the Elymaeans.
שַׁלִּיט (shalliyt) is an Aramaic word meaning 'mighty' or 'ruling.' It conveys the idea of having authority or mastery and can refer to a ruler or captain. The entries indicate that it encompasses both the abstract concept of permission and the concrete role of a leader.
שַׁלִּיט adj. having mastery, ruling
base
H7990 שַׁלִּיט
7990 shalliyt shal-leet'
(Aramaic) corresponding to 7989; mighty; abstractly,
permission; concretely, a premier:--captain, be lawful,
rule(- r).
see HEBREW for 07989
שַׁלִּיט (shal.lit) — ruling.
1) having mastery, having authority, ruling
1a) having or exercising mastery, ruling
1b) ruler (subst)
1c) having authority
1c1) it is authorised
AAabsd/Ta — ParticleAAabsd/Ta
kap'-tin: In the King James Version there are no fewer than 13 Hebrew words, and 4 different Greek words, which are rendered by this one English word. In the Revised Version (British and American) some of these are rendered by other English words, and so we find for "captain": "marshal" (Jer 27; Na 3:17), "prince" (1Sa 9:16), "governor" (Jer 51:23,18), while in the case of one of these Hebrew words a different construction is found altogether (Jer 13:21).
Captain
(1.) Heb. sar (1 Sam. 22:2; 2 Sam. 23:19). Rendered “chief,” Gen. 40:2; 41:9; rendered also “prince,” Dan. 1:7; “ruler,” Judg. 9:30; “governor,’ 1 Kings 22:26. This same Hebrew word denotes a military captain (Ex. 18:21; 2 Kings 1:9; Deut. 1:15; 1 Sam. 18:13, etc.), the “captain of the body-guard” (
As a purely military title, "captain" answers to sar in the Hebrew army and tribune in the Roman. The captain of the guard in (Acts 28:16) was probably the prefectus pratorio . Katsin , occasionally rendered captain, applies Sometimes to a military, (Joshua 10:24; Judges 11:6,11; Isaiah 22:3; Daniel 11:18) sometimes to a civil command, e.g. (Isaiah 1:10; 3:6) The captain of the temple, mentioned (Luke 22:4; Acts 4:1; 5:24) superintended the guard of priests and Levites who kept watch by night in the temple.
דִּי (diy) is an Aramaic word meaning 'that,' functioning as a relative conjunction and a preposition in various contexts. It can indicate relationships such as 'who,' 'which,' or 'because,' and is used in adverbial phrases. The entries highlight its role in connecting clauses and marking possession.
דִּי part. of relation, who, which, that, used also as mark of gen. and conj. that, because
base
H1768 דִּי
1768 diy dee
(Aramaic) apparently for 1668; that, used as relative
conjunction, and especially (with a preposition) in adverbial
phrases; also as preposition of:--X as, but, for(-asmuch +), +
now, of, seeing, than, that, therefore, until, + what
(-soever), when, which, whom, whose.
see HEBREW for 01668
דִּי (di) — that.
part of relation
1) who, which, that
mark of genitive
2) that of, which belongs to, that
conj
3) that, because
AC — ConjunctionAC
ov:
(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.
OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]
1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.
I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.
For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.
Lamentations 3:1.
The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.
Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.
That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.
Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…
מֶ֫לֶךְ (melek) means 'king' in Hebrew and is also noted in Aramaic. The entries confirm its singular meaning related to royalty, with no significant disagreement among the lexicons.
מֶ֫לֶךְ 178 n.m. king
base
H4430 מֶ֫לֶךְ
4430 melek meh'-lek
(Aramaic) corresponding to 4428; a king:--king, royal.
see HEBREW for 04428
מֶ֫לֶךְ (me.lekh) — king.
king
Aramaic of me.lekh (מֶ֫לֶךְ "king" H4428)
§ 1) king
Adj | Art — Noun common both singular determined · particleANcbsd/Ta
King
Is in Scripture very generally used to denote one invested with authority, whether extensive or limited. There were thirty-one kings in Canaan (Josh. 12:9, 24), whom Joshua subdued. Adonibezek subdued seventy kings (Judg. 1:7). In the New Testament the Roman emperor is spoken of as a king (1 Pet. 2:13, 17); and Herod Antipas, who was only a tetrarch, is also called a king (Matt. 14:9; Mark 6:22).
This title is applied to God (1 Tim. 1:17), and to Christ, the Son of God (1 Tim. 6:15, 16;
"a chief ruler, one invested with supreme authority over a nation, tribe or country." --Webster. In the Bible the word does not necessarily imply great power or great extent of country. Many persons are called kings whom we should rather call chiefs or leaders. The word is applied in the Bible to God as the sovereign and ruler of the universe, and to Christ the Son of God as the head and governor of the Church. The Hebrews were ruled by a king during a period of about 500 years previous to the destruction of Jerusalem, B.C. 586. The immediate occasion of the substitution of a regal form of government for that of judges seems to have been the siege of Jabesh-gilead by Nahash king of the Ammonites. (1 Samuel 11:1; 12:12) The conviction seems to have forced itself on the Israelites that they could not resist their formidable neighbor…
עַל (al) is a preposition meaning 'upon,' 'over,' or 'against.' It covers a range of uses, including direction, comparison, and causation. The entries indicate it can express relationships concerning location, purpose, or authority. There is a note that it corresponds to the Aramaic term related to another Hebrew word, עַל (H5921), but no significant disagreement among lexicons is noted.
עַל prep. upon, over, on account of, above, to, against
base
H5922 עַל
5922 `al al
(Aramaic) corresponding to 5921:--about, against,
concerning, for, (there-)fore, from, in, X more, of, (there-,
up-)on, (in-)to, + why with.
see HEBREW for 05921
עַל (al) — since.
1) upon, over, on account of, above, to, against
1a) upon, over, on account of, regarding, concerning, on behalf of
1b) over (with verbs of ruling)
1c) above, beyond (in comparison)
1d) to, against (of direction)
Adj — PrepositionAR
On
Light; the sun, (Gen. 41:45, 50), the great seat of sun-worship, called also Bethshemesh (Jer. 43:13) and Aven (Ezek. 30:17), stood on the east bank of the Nile, a few miles north of Memphis, and near Cairo, in the north-east. The Vulgate and the LXX. Versions have “Heliopolis” (“city of the sun”) instead of On in Genesis and of Aven in Ezekiel. The “city of destruction” Isaiah speaks of (19:18, marg. “of Heres;” Heb. ‘Ir-ha-heres, which some MSS. read Ir-ha-heres, i.e., “city of the sun”) may be the name given to On, the prophecy being that the time will come when that city which was known as the “city of the sun-god” shall become the “city of destruction” of the sun-god, i.e., when idolatry shall cease, and the worship…
(abode or city of the sun), a town of lower Egypt, called BETH-SHEMESH in (Jeremiah 43:13) On is better known under its Greek name Heliopolis. It was situated on the east side of the Pelusiac branch of the Nile, just below the point of the Delta, and about twenty miles northeast of Memphis. The chief object of worship at Heliopolis was the sun, whose temple, described by Strabo, is now only represented by the single beautiful obelisk, of red granite so feet 2 inches high above the pedestal which has stood for more than 4000 years, having been erected by Usirtesen, the second king of the twelfth dynasty. Heliopolis was anciently famous for its learning, and Eudoxus and Plato studied under its priests. The first mention of this place in the Bible is in the history of Joseph, to whom we read Pharaoh gave "to wife Asenath the daughter…
See HELIOPOLIS.
pain; force; iniquity
מָה (mah) is an interrogative and indefinite pronoun meaning 'what?' or 'whatever.' It can also express inquiries like 'how?' or 'why?'. The word is noted in both Hebrew and Aramaic contexts, with a range that includes various forms of questioning.
מָה, (מָא) pron.interr. and indef. what?
base
H4101 מָה, (מָא) pron. interr. and indef. what?
4101 mah maw
(Aramaic) corresponding to 4100:--how great (mighty), that
which, what(-soever), why.
see HEBREW for 04100
מָה (mah) — what?.
1) what, whatever
1a) what?
1b) whatever, what, whatsoever
1c) how?, why?, wherefore? (with prefixes)
APi — PronounAPi
דָּת (dath) is an Aramaic word meaning 'decree' or 'law.' It encompasses various types of laws, including those decreed by a king and divine laws. The entries consistently emphasize its legal connotations without significant disagreement.
דָּת n.f. decree, law
base
H1882 דָּת
1882 dath dawth
(Aramaic) corresponding to 1881; decree, law.
see HEBREW for 01881
דָּת (dat) — law.
1) decree, law
1a) a decree (of the king)
1b) law
1c) law (of God)
Adj | Art — Noun common both singular determined · particleANcbsd/Ta
The Hebrew word חֲצַף (*chatsaph*) is a primitive root meaning to shear or cut close. It conveys ideas of being hasty or urgent, and can also imply severity or insolence. The entries suggest a focus on harshness and urgency, but do not provide specific verse references.
[חֲצַף] vb. Haph. shew insolence, harshness
base
H2685 חֲצַף
2685 chatsaph khats-af'
(Aramaic) a primitive root; properly, to shear or cut close;
figuratively, to be severe:--hasty, be urgent.
חֲצַף (cha.tsaph) — be hasty.
(Aphel) to be urgent, harsh, show insolence
Adj — Verb · Hiphil · participle (active) feminine singularAVhrfsa
מִן (min) is a preposition meaning 'from' or 'out of,' and it covers a range of uses including source, reason, and comparison. It can indicate physical origin, temporal aspects, or causation. The entries agree on its various applications, with no significant disagreement noted.
מִן prep. from, out of, by, by reason of, at, more then
base
H4481 מִן
4481 min min
(Aramaic) corresponding to 4480:--according, after, +
because, + before, by, for, from, X him, X more than, (out)
of, part, since, X these, to, upon, + when.
see HEBREW for 04480
מִן־ (min) — from.
1) from, out of, by, by reason of, at, more than
1a) from, out of (of place)
1b) from, by, as a result of, by reason of, at, according to, (of source)
1c) from (of time)
1d) beyond, more than (in comparisons)
Adj — PrepositionAR
קֳדָם (qodam) primarily means 'before' or 'in front of.' It is used in various contexts, including indicating position or time. The entries indicate its Aramaic roots and its connection to another Hebrew word, קָדַם (H6924). Daniel 7:13 is specifically noted for its use.
[קֳדָם] 42 prep. before
base
H6925 קֳדָם, קְדָם
6925 qodam kod-awm'
(Aramaic) or qdam (Aramaic) (Daniel 7:l3) {ked-awm'};
corresponding to 6924; before:--before, X from, X I
(thought), X me, + of, X it pleased, presence.
see HEBREW for 0l3
see HEBREW for 06924
קֳדָם (qo.dam) — before.
1) before, in front of
1a) before
1b) from before
ANcbsc — Noun common · both singular constructANcbsc
be-for': The translation of a great variety of Hebrew and Greek words. "Haran died before (the English Revised Version "in the presence of," literally "before the face of") his father Terah" (Ge 11:28). To be "before" God is to enjoy His favor (Ps 31:22). "The Syrians before" (Isa 9:12 the Revised Version, margin "on the east," as "behind," owing to the position of Canaan, relative to Syria, implies the west).
מֶ֫לֶךְ (melek) means 'king' in Hebrew and is also noted in Aramaic. The entries confirm its singular meaning related to royalty, with no significant disagreement among the lexicons.
מֶ֫לֶךְ 178 n.m. king
base
H4430 מֶ֫לֶךְ
4430 melek meh'-lek
(Aramaic) corresponding to 4428; a king:--king, royal.
see HEBREW for 04428
מֶ֫לֶךְ (me.lekh) — king.
king
Aramaic of me.lekh (מֶ֫לֶךְ "king" H4428)
§ 1) king
ANcbsd/Ta — Noun common both singular determined · particleANcbsd/Ta
King
Is in Scripture very generally used to denote one invested with authority, whether extensive or limited. There were thirty-one kings in Canaan (Josh. 12:9, 24), whom Joshua subdued. Adonibezek subdued seventy kings (Judg. 1:7). In the New Testament the Roman emperor is spoken of as a king (1 Pet. 2:13, 17); and Herod Antipas, who was only a tetrarch, is also called a king (Matt. 14:9; Mark 6:22).
This title is applied to God (1 Tim. 1:17), and to Christ, the Son of God (1 Tim. 6:15, 16;
"a chief ruler, one invested with supreme authority over a nation, tribe or country." --Webster. In the Bible the word does not necessarily imply great power or great extent of country. Many persons are called kings whom we should rather call chiefs or leaders. The word is applied in the Bible to God as the sovereign and ruler of the universe, and to Christ the Son of God as the head and governor of the Church. The Hebrews were ruled by a king during a period of about 500 years previous to the destruction of Jerusalem, B.C. 586. The immediate occasion of the substitution of a regal form of government for that of judges seems to have been the siege of Jabesh-gilead by Nahash king of the Ammonites. (1 Samuel 11:1; 12:12) The conviction seems to have forced itself on the Israelites that they could not resist their formidable neighbor…
The Hebrew word אֱדַ֫יִן (*edayin*) is an Aramaic adverb meaning 'then' or 'thereupon.' It indicates a point in time, often used to refer to a sequence of events. The entries suggest it is derived from the word for 'then' in Hebrew, אָז (*az*).
אֱדַ֫יִן 57 adv. then, thereupon
base
H116 אֱדַ֫יִן
116 'edayin ed-ah'-yin
(Aramaic) of uncertain derivation; then (of time):--now,
that time, then.
אֱדַ֫יִן (e.da.yin) — then.
then, afterwards, thereupon, from that time
Aramaic of az (אָז "then" H0227A)
Adj — AdverbAD
מִלָּה (millah) refers to a 'word' or 'thing' in Hebrew, encompassing meanings such as command, discourse, or subject. It is derived from an Aramaic root and is used to denote utterances or matters of importance. The entries consistently highlight its application in various contexts, including commands and affairs.
מִלָּה n.f. word, thing
base
H4406 מִלָּה
4406 millah mil-law'
(Aramaic) corresponding to 4405; a word, command, discourse,
or subject:--commandment, matter, thing. word.
see HEBREW for 04405
מִלָּה (mil.lah) — word.
1) word, thing
1a) word, utterance, command
1b) thing, affair, matter
Adj | Art — Noun common feminine singular determined · particleANcfsd/Ta
mat'-er: This word being a very general term may express various ideas. the Revised Version (British and American) therefore frequently changes the reading of the King James Version in order to state more definitely the meaning of the context (compare Ex 24:14; 1Sa 16:18; 1Ki 8:59; 2Sa 11:19; Es 3:4; Ps 35:20; 64:5; Pr 16:20; 18:13). dabhar, and the Greek logos, both meaning "word," are very frequently translated by "matter." hule, "wood," is rendered "matter" in
יְדַע (yda) means 'to know' and encompasses various forms of knowledge and communication. It can refer to knowing something personally or causing someone else to know. The entries indicate its use in both Hebrew and Aramaic contexts, with a focus on the act of informing or teaching.
יְדַע vb. know
Pe. know
Haph. cause to know, inform
base
H3046 יְדַע
3046 yda` yed-ah'
(Aramaic) corresponding to 3045:--certify, know, make known,
teach.
see HEBREW for 03045
יְדַע (ye.da) — to know.
1) to know
1a) (P'al) to know
1b) (Aphel) to let someone know, communicate, inform, cause to know
Adj — Verb · Hiphil · perfect third person masculine singularAVhp3ms
אַרְיוֹךְ (Aryowk) refers to a name of foreign origin, specifically associated with two Babylonians: a king of Ellasar mentioned in Genesis 14:1 and a chief executioner for Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 2:14. The name is interpreted to mean 'lion-like.'
אַרְיוֹךְ n.pr.m. king of Ellasar
base
אֲרְיוֹךְ n.pr.m. in Bab.
base
H746a אַרְיוֹךְ king of Ellasar H746b אֲרְיוֹךְ in Bab.
746 'Aryowk ar-yoke'
of foreign origin; Arjok, the name of two
Babylonians:--Arioch.
אַרְיוֹךְ (ar.yokh) — Arioch.
A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.14.1
§ Arioch = "lion-like"
the ancient king of Ellasar, ally of Chedorlaomer
אֲרְיוֹךְ (a.re.yokh) — Arioch.
A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Dan.2.14
§ Arioch = "lion-like"
the chief of the executioners for Nebuchadnezzar
ANpm — Noun proper masculineANpm
ar'-i-ok: ('aryokh):
(1) The name of the vassal king of Ellasar, under Chedorlaomer, king of Elam, and Amraphel, king of Shinar (Babylonia), who took part in the expedition against Sodom, Gomorrah and other states (Ge 14:1,9). Assyriologists generally, and probably rightly, identify Arioch with Eri-Aku (which see), king of Larsa, Ellasar being for Al-Larsa (now Sinqara in central Babylonia).
Texts Referring to the Reign of Arioch:
For an account of the expedition see AMRAPHEL, and for the Babylonian texts bearing upon the reign, see ERI-AKU. In Ge 14:1,9, where the names of the allied kings who marched against the Cities of the Plain are given, that of Arioch follows his more immediate suzerain, Amraphel, and not Chedorlaomer, who, however, appears to have been the real overlord…
Arioch
Lion-like, venerable. (1.) A king of Ellasar who was confederate with Chedorlamer (Gen. 14:1,9). The tablets recently discovered by Mr. Pinches (see CHALDEA) show the true reading is Eri-Aku of Larsa. This Elamite name meant “servant of the moon-god.” It was afterwards changed into Rimsin, “Have mercy, O moon-god.” (2.) Dan. 2:14.
(venerable). The king of Eliasar, one of the allies of Chedorlaomer in his expedition against his rebellious tributaries. (Genesis 14:1) (B.C. 1921-1912.) The captain of Nebuchadnezzar’s body-guard. (Daniel 2:14) etc. Properly Eirioch , or Erioch , mentioned in Judith 1:6 as king of the Elymaeans.
דָּנִיֵּאל (Daniye'l) refers to the biblical figure Daniel, a prophet known for his interpretations of dreams during the Babylonian exile. His name means 'God is my judge.' Daniel is recognized as the fourth of the major prophets and is also called Belteshazzar. He is first mentioned in Ezra 8:2 and noted for his holiness, as acknowledged by Ezekiel.
דָּנִיֵּאל n.pr.m. Daniel (BH id.)
base
H1841 דָּנִיֵּאל
1841 Daniye'l daw-nee-yale'
(Aramaic) corresponding to 1840; Danijel, the Heb.
prophet:--Daniel.
see HEBREW for 01840
דָּנִיֵּאל, דָּנִאֵל (da.niy.yel) — Daniel.
A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Ezr.8.2
§ Daniel = "God is my judge"
1) the 4th of the greater prophets, taken as hostage in the first deportation to Babylon, because of the gift of God of the interpretation of dreams, he became the 2nd in command of the Babylon empire and lasted through the end of the Babylonian empire and into the Persian empire. His prophecies are the key to the understanding of end time events. Noted for his purity and holiness by contemporary prophet, Ezekiel
1a) also, 'Belteshazzar' (H01095 or H01096)
דָּנִיֵּאל, דָּנִאֵל (da.niy.yel) — Daniel.
A prophet living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Ezk.14.14; also called Belteshazzar at Dan.1.7; 2.26; 4.8,9,18,19; 5.12; 10.1;
Adj | N-proper — Preposition · noun proper masculineAR/Npm
dan'-yel (daniye'l, dani'-el, "God is my judge"; Daniel):
(1) One of the sons of David (1Ch 3:1).
(2) A Levite of the family of Ithamar (Ezr 8:2; Ne 10:6).
(3) A prophet of the time of Nebuchadnezzar and Cyrus, the hero and author of the Book of Daniel.
1. Early Life:
We know nothing of the early life of Daniel, except what is recorded in the book bearing his name. Here it is said that he was one of the youths of royal or noble seed, who were carried captive by Nebuchadnezzar in the third year of Jehoiakim, king of Judah. These youths were without blemish, well-favored, skillful in all wisdom, endued with knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability to stand in the king's palace. The king commanded to teach them the…
Daniel
God is my judge, or judge of God. (1.) David’s second son, “born unto him in Hebron, of Abigail the Carmelitess” (1 Chr. 3:1). He is called also Chileab (2 Sam. 3:3).
(2.) One of the four great prophets, although he is not once spoken of in the Old Testament as a prophet. His life and prophecies are recorded in the Book of Daniel. He was descended from one of the noble families of Judah (Dan. 1:3), and was probably born in Jerusalem about B.C. 623, during the reign of Josiah. At the first deportation of the Jews by Nebuchadnezzar (the kingdom of Israel had come to an end nearly a century before), or immediately after his victory over the Egyptians at the second battle of Carchemish, in the fourth year of the reign of…
(judgment of God). The second son of David, by Abigail the Carmelitess. (1 Chronicles 3:1) In (2 Samuel 3:3) he is called Chileab. (B.C. about 1051.) The fourth of ’the greater prophets." Nothing is known of his parentage or family. He appears, however, to have been of royal or noble descent, (Daniel 1:3) and to have possessed considerable personal endowments. (Daniel 1:4) He was taken to Babylon in "the third year of Jehoiakim" (B.C. 604), and trained for the king’s service. He was divinely supported in his resolve to abstain from the "king’s meat" for fear of defilement. (Daniel 1:8-16) At the close of his three years…
1. Called Belteshazzar by the Chaldeans, a prophet descended from the royal family of David, who was carried captive to Babylon, when very young, in the fourth year of Jehoiakim king of Judah, B. C. 606. He was chosen, with his three companions, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, to reside at Nebuchadnezzar’s court, where he received a suitable education, and made great progress in all the sciences of the Chaldeans, but declined to pollute himself by eating provisions from the king’s table, which would often be ceremonially unclean to a Jew, or defiled by some connection with idol-worship. At the end of their three years’ education, Daniel and his companions excelled all others, and received honorable appointments in the royal service. Here Daniel soon displayed his prophetic gifts in interpreting a dream of Nebuchadnezzar, by whom he was made governor of Babylon, and head of the learned…