Daniel 4:16 — Word Study
WLCלִבְבֵהּ֙ מִן־ אֲנָשָׁ֣א יְשַׁנּ֔וֹן וּלְבַ֥ב חֵיוָ֖ה יִתְיְהִ֣ב לֵ֑הּ וְשִׁבְעָ֥ה עִדָּנִ֖ין יַחְלְפ֥וּן עֲלֽוֹהִי׃
BSAthenʼĕdayin DanielDânîyêʼl thatdîy nameshum BelteshazzarBêlṭᵉshaʼtstsar be appalledshᵉmam△ momentshâʻâh onechad thoughtraʻyôwn to dismaybᵉhal to answerʻănâh kingmelek to sayʼămar BelteshazzarBêlṭᵉshaʼtstsar dreamchêlem interpretationpᵉshar notʼal to dismaybᵉhal to answerʻănâh BelteshazzarBêlṭᵉshaʼtstsar to sayʼămar lordmârêʼ lordmârêʼ dreamchêlem to hatesᵉnêʼ△ to hatesᵉnêʼ△ interpretationpᵉshar foeʻâr△ foeʻâr△
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| לִבְבֵהּ֙ | heart its | Noun common both singular construct, suffix |
| מִן־ | away from | Preposition |
| אֲנָשָׁ֣א | human the | Noun common both singular determined, particle |
| יְשַׁנּ֔וֹן | let it be changed | Verb, Piel, imperfect third person masculine plural |
| וּלְבַ֥ב | and [the] heart of | Conjunction, noun common both singular construct |
| חֵיוָ֖ה | an animal | Noun common, feminine singular absolute |
| יִתְיְהִ֣ב | let it be given | Verb third, person masculine singular |
| לֵ֑הּ | to it | Preposition, suffix |
| וְשִׁבְעָ֥ה | and seven | Conjunction |
| עִדָּנִ֖ין | times | Noun common, masculine plural absolute |
| יַחְלְפ֥וּן | let them pass | Verb, Qal, imperfect third person masculine plural |
| עֲלֽוֹהִי׃ | over it | Preposition, suffix |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | Let his mind be changed from that of a man, and let him be given the mind of a beast till seven times pass him by. |
| KJV | Let his heart be changed from man’s, and let a beast’s heart be given unto him; and let seven times pass over him. |
| ASV | let his heart be changed from man’s, and let a beast’s heart be given unto him; and let seven times pass over him. |
| YLT | his heart from man's is changed, and the heart of a beast is given to him, and seven times pass over him; |
| WEB | Let his heart be changed from man’s, and let an animal’s heart be given to him. Then let seven times pass over him. |
| BBE | Let his heart be changed from that of a man, and the heart of a beast be given to him; and let seven times go by him. |
Translations agree on the meaning of יְשַׁנּ֔וֹן — see How Translations Differ.
The main verb introduces the transformation, with two subordinate phrases detailing the nature of the change and the duration.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
verbבֵּלְטְשַׁאצַּר
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 4:16
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 — The Interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar's Dreamgenerated
Daniel 4:16 is part of a narrative where King Nebuchadnezzar recounts a troubling dream that reveals God's control over kingdoms. The dream foretells a time when the king will lose his sanity and live like an animal, emphasizing the theme of divine authority and the consequences of pride. This passage illustrates the dramatic shift in Nebuchadnezzar's condition as a result of God's decree, highlighting the importance of humility before God.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Daniel 4:32–33 | You will be driven away from mankind to live with the beasts of the field, and you will feed on grass like an ox. And seven times will pass you by, until you acknowledge that the Most High rules over the kingdom of mankind and gives it to whom He wishes.” |
| 2 | Isaiah 6:10 | Make the hearts of this people calloused; deafen their ears and close their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed. ” |
| 3 | Hebrews 1:11 | They will perish, but You remain; they will all wear out like a garment. |
| 4 | Mark 5:4–5 | Though he was often bound with chains and shackles, he had broken the chains and shattered the shackles. Now there was no one with the strength to subdue him. |
| 5 | Luke 8:27–29 | When Jesus stepped ashore, He was met by a demon-possessed man from the town. For a long time this man had not worn clothing or lived in a house, but he stayed in the tombs. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 10 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — יְשַׁנּ֔וֹן, ye.sha.Nongenerated
The verb יְשַׁנּ֔וֹן (ye.sha.Non) is a Piel form meaning 'to change' or 'to alter.' It conveys the idea of a significant transformation, particularly in the context of the king's heart and mind. This change is not merely superficial; it reflects a profound shift in identity and nature.
The Piel stem indicates an intensive action, suggesting that this change is deliberate and impactful. In this verse, it is used to express the alteration of Nebuchadnezzar's mental state from that of a man to that of a beast, underscoring the severity of the divine judgment.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
In this study, we refer to the Berean Standard Bible (BSB) as the base translation.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The structure of this verse revolves around three finite verbs: יְשַׁנּ֔וֹן (let it be changed), יִתְיְהִ֣ב (let it be given), and יַחְלְפ֥וּן (let them pass). Each verb governs its respective phrase, creating a clear sequence of actions that describe the transformation of the king's heart and the duration of this state.
The main clause is established with the first verb, followed by two subordinate clauses detailing what is to be given and the time period involved. This hierarchical structure emphasizes the significance of the king's transformation and the divine authority behind it.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates יְשַׁנּ֔וֹן with the Greek word καὶ, which serves as a conjunction. This choice indicates a continuation of thought rather than a direct translation, suggesting that the Greek translators may have emphasized the flow of the narrative over a strict word-for-word correspondence.
This approach shows a narrowing of focus on the transformation process, aligning with the overall theme of divine intervention in human affairs.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Daniel 4:16 describes a decree that changes the king's mind from human to beastly, indicating a time of madness until seven periods pass. This illustrates God's authority over kings and the consequences of pride.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
It signifies a transformation from rational thought to a state of irrationality, reflecting divine judgment.
The number seven often represents completeness or a full cycle, indicating a determined period for the king's condition.
This verse emphasizes that God has the power to alter the state of rulers, demonstrating His sovereignty over human affairs.
His experience serves as a warning against pride and a reminder of the importance of humility before God.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- What areas of my life need transformation, and how can I seek God's help in changing them?
- How can I remain humble and recognize God's authority in my life?
- In what ways do I see God's sovereignty at work in the world around me?
- How can I support others who may be struggling with pride or a lack of humility?
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Daniel 4:16 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleLet his heart be changed from man's,.... Not as to the substance, but as to the quality: and let a beast's heart be given unto him; from a human heart, let it be changed into a brutal one; let him be
Read John Gill on Daniel 4 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryLet his heart be changed from man's, and let a beast's heart be given unto him; and let seven times pass over him. Let his heart be changed from man's - "heart," understanding (Isaiah 6:10, "Make the heart of this people fat").
Read Robert Jamieson on Daniel 4 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleLet him live seven years as a beast in man’ s shape, among beasts of the field, let him become brutish, without human sense and understanding: and this appeared much also in his outward shape; nails like claws, and hair like feathers. Some think that he was truly changed into a beast, but this cannot be, for then the Chaldeans would never more have owned or restored him. Others judge that he was not changed at all but in appearance only to the beholders and in their fancies; but this is a false construction of God’ s works, when the Scripture saith it was truly done. It is probable he was mute, and bellowed only, that he went naked, and bowed, and ate grass among the beasts, with whom his…
Read Matthew Poole on Daniel 4 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsDaniel 4:16 Let his heart be changed from man’ s, and let a beast’ s heart be given unto him; and let seven times pass over him.Ver. 16. Let his heart be changed,] i.e., Obbrutescat, nihil humanum sapiat; a fearful judgment, and yet such as reprobates are usually delivered up to. And let a beast’ s heart be given him.] Let his fantasy and appetite be so changed, that, upon a strong imagination that he is a beast, he may have affections carrying him in all things to do accordingly. Little is said of this in human history. The Chaldee chronicles are lost. Alpheus (as he is cited by Eusebius) briefly saith that Nebuchadnezzar, rapt with madness, presently vanished out of the company of men…
Read John Trapp on Daniel 4 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(16) Here the metaphor of Dan 4:15 is entirely discontinued, and a man is mentioned. Seven times.—On the use of the number “seven” see Note on Daniel 3:19. The period intended by “time” is very uncertain: from the use of the word in Judges 17:10 it has been inferred that “years” are intended. This is purely conjectural. It is more probable that the word is used to signify some definite period of time, which, as appears from the words “over him,” was in some way marked out by the heavenly bodies. The word “time” is used by Daniel in the same sense (Daniel 7:25). (Comp. Daniel 12:7, where, however, a different word is employed.)
Read Charles John Ellicott on Daniel 4 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 16. Let his heart be changed] Let him conceive himself to be a beast, and act as such, herding among the beasts of the field. Let seven times pass over him.] Let him continue in this state for seven years. I knew a man who was thus changed in his heart - in his imagination. He believed himself to be a bear, and would imitate the ursal growl, c. and the case did not appear to be hypochondriacal. Whether he ever came to sound mind, I know not.
Read AdamClarke on Daniel 4 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges16. his heart] i.e. his intelligence: let him receive the understanding of a beast (imagine himself an animal). The heart, in Hebrew psychology, is the seat not (as commonly with us) of tender feeling (a ‘heartless’ man), but of the intellect: cf. Hosea 7:11, ‘a silly dove, without heart,’ i.e. without understanding, Jeremiah 5:21, ‘a foolish people, without understanding,’ lit. without heart. seven times] i.e. seven years: cf. Daniel 7:25, Daniel 12:7 (Heb. mτ‘ηd); Revelation 12:14 (καιρός). With ‘pass over,’ comp. 1 Chronicles 29:30.
Read Cambridge on Daniel 4 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleLet his heart be changed from man’s, and let a beast’s heart be given unto him - Here the same thing occurs in a more marked form, showing that some man was represented by the vision, and indicating
Read Albert Barnes on Daniel 4 →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
Let his mind be changed from that of a man, and let him be given the mind of a beast till seven times pass him by.
Let his heart be changed from man’s, and let an animal’s heart be given to him. Then let seven times pass over him.
Let his mind be changed from that of a man, and let him be given the mind of a beast till seven times pass him by.
Let his mind be altered from that of a human being, and let an animal’s mind be given to him, and let seven periods of time go by for him.
Tyndale line
Let his heart be changed from man’s, and let a beast’s heart be given unto him; and let seven times pass over him.
let his heart be changed from man’s, and let a beast’s heart be given unto him; and let seven times pass over him.
let his heart be changed from man’s and let a beast’s heart be given unto him; and let seven times pass over him.
Let his heart be changed from man's, and let a beast's heart be given to him; and let seven times pass over him.
Then Daniel (whose name was Belteshazzar) held his peace by the space of one houre, and his thoughts troubled him, and the King spake and said, Belteshazzar, let neither the dreame, nor the interpretation thereof trouble thee. Belteshazzar answered and saide, My lord, the dreame be to them that hate thee, and the interpretation thereof to thine enemies.
Strictly literal
Let his heart be changed from man's, and let a beast's heart be given unto him; and let seven times pass over him.
his heart from man's is changed, and the heart of a beast is given to him, and seven times pass over him;
his heart from man’s is changed, and the heart of a beast is given to him, and seven times pass over him;
(4:13) Let his heart be changed not to be human, and let a beast's heart be given unto him; and let seven times elapse over him.
Let his mind be changed from a man's mind, and let an animal's mind be given to him until seven years pass by.
From the Latin
Then Daniel, whose name was Baltassar, began silently to think within himself for about one hour: and his thoughts troubled him. But the king answering, said: Baltassar, let not the dream and the interpretation thereof trouble thee. Baltassar answered, and said: My lord, the dream be to them that hate thee, and the interpretation thereof to thy enemies.
Simplified
Let his mind become like that of an animal. Let him be like this for seven times.
Let his heart be changed from that of a man, and the heart of a beast be given to him; and let seven times go by him.
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 presents the verse as it appears in most traditional Hebrew manuscripts. The Septuagint matches only 6 of the 12 words directly, indicating a different word order and structure in the Greek translation. The Dead Sea Scrolls fragment 4Q115 contains partial restorations but aligns closely with the Masoretic Text, affirming the integrity of the Hebrew tradition.
לִבְבֵהּ֙ מִן־ אֲנָשָׁ֣א יְשַׁנּ֔וֹן וּלְבַ֥ב חֵיוָ֖ה יִתְיְהִ֣ב לֵ֑הּ וְשִׁבְעָ֥ה עִדָּנִ֖ין יַחְלְפ֥וּן עֲלֽוֹהִי׃
6 of the 12 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.
[אדין] [דניאל] [די] [שמ׳ה] בלטאשצר אשתומם
6 words of the verse are on this fragment — 1 partly restored, 4 supplied entire by an editor.
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 4:16
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.
לְבַב (leb-ab) means 'heart' and can also refer to the mind. It is an Aramaic term that corresponds to the Hebrew word for heart, לֵב (lev, H3824). The entries consistently define it as relating to the heart or mind.
לְבַב n.m. heart
base
H3825 לְבַב
3825 lbab leb-ab'
(Aramaic) corresponding to 3824:--heart.
see HEBREW for 03824
לְבַב (le.vav) — heart.
heart, mind
Aramaic of le.vav (לֵבָב "heart" H3824)
ANcbsc/Sp3ms — Noun common both singular construct · suffixANcbsc/Sp3ms
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)
AR — PrepositionAR
אֱנָשׁ (enash) refers to a man or human being, and can also denote mankind collectively. It is related to the Aramaic term for human, אֱנוֹשׁ (enosh). The entries consistently emphasize its meaning as a representation of humanity.
אֱנָשׁ n.m. man, mankind
base
H606 אֱנָשׁ
606 'enash en-awsh'
(Aramaic) or renash (Aramaic) {en-ash'}; corresponding to
582; a man:--man, + whosoever.
see HEBREW for 0582
אֱנָשׁ (e.nash) — man.
1) man, human being
2) mankind (collective)
Aramaic of e.nosh (אֱנוֹשׁ "human" H0582)
ANcbsd/Ta — Noun common both singular determined · particleANcbsd/Ta
שְׁנָא (shna') means to change or be altered, with various forms indicating different aspects of change, such as transformation or frustration. The word appears in Aramaic and is related to the Hebrew word for change, שָׁנָה (shanah). It encompasses a range of meanings from simple alteration to more complex transformations.
[שְׁנָא] vb. change
Pe. intrans. change, be changed
Pa. trans. change
Ithpa. be changed
Haph. trans. change, alter
base
H8133 שְׁנָא
8133 shna' shen-aw'
(Aramaic) corresponding to 8132:--alter, change, (be)
diverse.
see HEBREW for 08132
שְׁנָא (she.na) — to change.
1) to change, be altered, be changed
1a) (P'al) to change, be changed
1b) (Pael) to change, transform, frustrate
1b1) different (participle)
1c) (Ithpael) to be changed
1d) (Aphel) to change, alter
AVpi3mp — Verb · Piel · imperfect third person masculine pluralAVpi3mp
לְבַב (leb-ab) means 'heart' and can also refer to the mind. It is an Aramaic term that corresponds to the Hebrew word for heart, לֵב (lev, H3824). The entries consistently define it as relating to the heart or mind.
לְבַב n.m. heart
base
H3825 לְבַב
3825 lbab leb-ab'
(Aramaic) corresponding to 3824:--heart.
see HEBREW for 03824
לְבַב (le.vav) — heart.
heart, mind
Aramaic of le.vav (לֵבָב "heart" H3824)
AC/Ncbsc — Conjunction · noun common both singular constructAC/Ncbsc
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…
חֵיוָא (cheyva') is an Aramaic word meaning 'beast' or 'animal.' It derives from the root related to living things, specifically חַיָּה (chay.yah). The entries consistently define it as a type of animal without significant disagreement.
חֵיוָא, חֵיוָה n.f. beast
base
H2423 חֵיוָא, חֵיוָה
2423 cheyva' khay-vaw'
(Aramaic) from 2418; an animal:--beast.
see HEBREW for 02418
חֵיוָא (che.va) — beast.
beast, animal
Aramaic of chay.yah (חַיָּה "living thing" H2416C)
ANcfsa — Noun common · feminine singular absoluteANcfsa
an'-i-mal: See under the various names and also the general article on ZOOLOGY.
Animal
An organized living creature endowed with sensation. The Levitical law divided animals into clean and unclean, although the distinction seems to have existed before the Flood (Gen. 7:2). The clean could be offered in sacrifice and eaten. All animals that had not cloven hoofs and did not chew the cud were unclean. The list of clean and unclean quadrupeds is set forth in the Levitical law (Deut. 14:3-20; Lev. 11).
יְהַב (yhab) means to give or provide, and it can also imply laying foundations or being paid. It is derived from an Aramaic root and covers various forms, including giving, placing, and being given. The entries suggest a range of uses in contexts related to provision and payment.
יְהַב vb. give
Pe.
give
place, lay foundations
Pe‛îl, be given
Hithpe.
be given
be paid, of cost
base
H3052 יְהַב
3052 yhab yeh-hab'
(Aramaic) corresponding to 3051; -deliver, give, lay, +
prolong, pay, yield.
see HEBREW for 03051
יְהַב (ye.hav) — to give.
1) to give, provide
1a) (P'al)
1a1) to give
1a2) to place, lay (foundations)
1b) (Hithp'al)
1b1) to be given
1b2) to be paid
AVui3ms — Verb third · person masculine singularAVui3ms
וֹ (o) — him.
Personal object pronoun - suffix for propositions and verbs without an object: 3rd person masculine singular
AR/Sp3ms — Preposition · suffixAR/Sp3ms
שְׁבַע (H7655) means 'seven' and is noted as the Aramaic form of שֶ֫בַע (H7651). The entries confirm its singular meaning without additional nuances. It appears in contexts where the number seven is relevant.
[שְׁבַע], only שִׁבְעָה n.f. seven
base
H7655 שְׁבַע, שִׁבְעָה
7655 shib`ah shib-aw'
(Aramaic) corresponding to 7651:--seven (times).
see HEBREW for 07651
שִׁבְעָה (shiv.ah) — seven.
seven
Aramaic of she.va (שֶׁ֫בַע "seven" H7651)
AC/Acfsa — ConjunctionAC/Acfsa
sev'-'-n (shebha`; hepta).
See NUMBER.
Seven
This number occurs frequently in Scripture, and in such connections as lead to the supposition that it has some typical meaning. On the seventh day God rested, and hallowed it (Gen. 2:2, 3). The division of time into weeks of seven days each accounts for many instances of the occurrence of this number. This number has been called the symbol of perfection, and also the symbol of rest. “Jacob’s seven years’ service to Laban; Pharaoh’s seven fat oxen and seven lean ones; the seven branches of the golden candlestick; the seven trumpets and the seven priests who sounded them; the seven days’ siege of Jericho; the seven churches, seven spirits, seven stars, seven seals, seven vials, and many others, sufficiently prove the importance of this sacred number” (see Lev. 25:4;
The frequent recurrence of certain numbers in the sacred literature of the Hebrews is obvious to the most superficial reader, but seven so far surpasses the rest, both in the frequency with which it recurs and in the importance of the objects with which it is associated, that it may fairly be termed the representative symbolic number. The influence of the number seven was not restricted to the Hebrews; it prevailed among the Persians, ancient Indians, Greeks and Romans. The peculiarity of the Hebrew view consists in the special dignity of the seventh, and not simply in that of seen. The Sabbath being the seventh day suggested the adoption of seven as the coefficient, so to say, for their appointment of all sacred periods; and we thus find the 7th month ushered in by the Feast of Trumpets, and signalized by the celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles and the Great Day of Atonement; 7…
As from the beginning this was the number of days in the week, so it often has in Scripture a sort of emphasis attached to it, and is very generally used as a round or perfect number. Clean beasts were taken into the ark by sevens, Ge 7:1-24. The years of plenty and famine in Egypt were marked by sevens, Ge 41:1-57. With the Jews, not only was there a seventh day Sabbath, but every seventh year was a Sabbath, and after every seven times seven years came a jubilee. Their great feasts of unleavened bread and of tabernacles were observed for seven days; the number of animals in many of their sacrifices was limited to seven. The golden candlestick had seven branches. Seven priests with seven trumpets went around the walls of Jericho seven days, and seven times on the seventh day. In…
עִדָּן (iddan) refers to a set time or duration, specifically indicating a year. The entries consistently define it as a term for time, with a focus on both general duration and the specific measurement of a year.
עִדָּן n.m. time
base
H5732 עִדָּן
5732 `iddan id-dawn'
(Aramaic) from a root corresponding to that of 5708; a set
time; technically, a year:--time.
see HEBREW for 05708
עִדָּן (id.dan) — time.
1) time
1a) time (of duration)
1b) year
ANcmpa — Noun common · masculine plural absoluteANcmpa
[חֲלַף] vb. pass (over)
base
H2499 חֲלַף
2499 chalaph khal-af'
(Aramaic) corresponding to 2498; to pass on (of time):--pass.
see HEBREW for 02498
חֲלַף (cha.laph) — to pass.
1) to pass by, pass over
1a) (Pe) to pass by, pass over
AVqi3mp — Verb · Qal · imperfect third person masculine pluralAVqi3mp
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)
AR/Sp3ms — Preposition · suffixAR/Sp3ms