### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **gᵉzar**, represented by `{{H1505}}`, carries a dual meaning related to both **cutting** and **divination**. It appears 6 times across 6 unique verses in the Bible. Its definition includes concepts such as to quarry or cut out, but it is also used to refer to a **soothsayer**.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the book of Daniel, `{{H1505}}` is used in two distinct contexts. First, it literally means to be **cut out** or quarried. This is seen in Nebuchadnezzar's dream, where a stone "was **cut out** without hands" [[Daniel 2:34]], a detail repeated when Daniel interprets the dream [[Daniel 2:45]]. The second usage of `{{H1505}}` is to denote **soothsayers**, a class of wise men in the Babylonian court. These **soothsayers** were summoned by the king to interpret dreams and writings, but were ultimately unable to do so ([[Daniel 4:7]], [[Daniel 5:7]]). They are consistently listed alongside magicians, astrologers, and Chaldeans as part of the king's counselors who failed where Daniel succeeded ([[Daniel 2:27]], [[Daniel 5:11]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words appear alongside `{{H1505}}`, defining the group of royal advisors in Babylon:
* `{{H2749}}` **charṭôm** (magician): Described as a horoscopist, this term refers to the magicians who were part of the king's council. They were repeatedly called upon with the soothsayers but failed to interpret divine secrets [[Daniel 4:7]].
* `{{H3779}}` **Kasday** (Chaldean): This term refers to an inhabitant of Chaldaea, often implying a professional astrologer. The Chaldeans are frequently mentioned as a distinct group of wise men alongside the soothsayers, unable to reveal the king's dream [[Daniel 2:10]].
* `{{H826}}` **ʼashshâph** (astrologer): Defined as a conjurer, this word identifies the astrologers summoned by the king. They appear in the same lists as soothsayers, highlighting the group of pagan diviners who were contrasted with Daniel [[Daniel 5:11]].
### Theological Significance
The narrative weight of `{{H1505}}` is found in its thematic role within the book of Daniel.
* **Contrasting Power:** The dual meaning of `{{H1505}}` creates a powerful contrast. While the **soothsayers** (dividers or determiners of fate) fail to understand God's plans, God himself is shown to be the one who can **cut out** and determine the course of kingdoms, as symbolized by the stone "cut out without hands" [[Daniel 2:45]].
* **Failure of Pagan Divination:** The repeated appearance of **soothsayers** as part of the group of Babylonian wise men underscores the inadequacy of human and pagan wisdom. They are consistently shown to be incapable of interpreting divinely-sent dreams and messages ([[Daniel 2:27]], [[Daniel 4:7]]).
* **Divine Sovereignty:** The use of `{{H1505}}` to describe the stone in Nebuchadnezzar's dream points directly to God's sovereign action in history. This act of being **cut out** is explicitly "without hands," signifying an event of purely divine origin, set apart from any human effort [[Daniel 2:34]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1505}}` is a multifaceted Aramaic term used exclusively in the book of Daniel. It functions both as a literal verb for being **cut out** and as a title for a **soothsayer**. This duality serves a key thematic purpose, contrasting the failed human attempts to determine the future with the sovereign power of God, who alone can **cut out** and shape the destiny of nations.
TRV