(Aramaic) corresponding to דִּבְרָה; {a reason, suit or style}; intent, sake.
Transliteration:dibrâh
Pronunciation:dib-raw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic term `{{H1701}}` (dibrâh) is derived from a root related to "speaking" or "ordering," and its core meaning revolves around "reason," "purpose," or "intent." While the base definition also includes "suit" or "style," its biblical occurrences primarily emphasize the teleological aspect—the "why" behind an action or event. It denotes the underlying cause, motivation, or design. This semantic range aligns closely with its Hebrew counterpart, `{{H1700}}` (dibrâh), which similarly conveys "reason" or "sake." The connection to the broader root `{{H1696}}` (dāḇar), meaning "to speak" or "to arrange," suggests that the "reason" or "purpose" is often something articulated or inherently ordered.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H1701}}` appears twice in the Aramaic portions of the Book of Daniel, consistently conveying the sense of "intent" or "purpose."
1. **[[Daniel 2:30]]**: "But as for me, this secret has not been revealed to me because I have more wisdom than any living person, but for the intent that the interpretation may be made known to the king, and that you may understand the thoughts of your mind."
Here, Daniel clarifies that his ability to interpret Nebuchadnezzar's dream is not due to his own superior intellect. Rather, God revealed the secret "for the intent" (דִּבְרָה) that the king might receive the interpretation. This usage highlights divine purpose in revelation; God acts with a specific aim, which is to communicate truth and understanding to human leaders. The "intent" is God's, not Daniel's inherent wisdom.
2. **[[Daniel 4:17]]**: "This sentence is by the decree of the watchers, and the decision by the word of the holy ones, to the intent that the living may know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of mankind, and gives it to whomever He wishes, and sets over it the lowest of mankind."
In this context, the heavenly decree concerning Nebuchadnezzar's humbling is declared "to the intent" (דִּבְרָה) that all living beings might recognize God's absolute sovereignty over human kingdoms. The purpose of this severe judgment is didactic and revelatory: to demonstrate unequivocally that the Most High, not human rulers, ultimately governs the affairs of men. Again, `{{H1701}}` underscores the deliberate and purposeful nature of divine action in history.
In both instances, `{{H1701}}` functions as a conjunction or prepositional phrase indicating the *reason for* or *purpose of* a preceding statement or action, always pointing to a divine design.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related term is the Hebrew `{{H1700}}` (dibrâh), which is explicitly stated as its correspondence in the base definition. `{{H1700}}` also carries the meaning of "reason" or "sake," appearing in phrases like "for the sake of" or "on account of." Both terms stem from the broader verbal root `{{H1696}}` (dāḇar), "to speak, say, declare, command." This root is prolific in Hebrew and Aramaic, giving rise to words like `{{H1697}}` (dāḇār), which can mean "word," "thing," "matter," or "affair." The conceptual link is profound: a "reason" or "purpose" (dibrâh) is often the underlying "matter" or "word" that defines an action. It is the spoken or unspoken rationale. This connection highlights that divine purposes are not arbitrary but are rooted in God's deliberate counsel and decree.
### Theological Significance
Though infrequent, the use of `{{H1701}}` in Daniel carries significant theological weight. It profoundly emphasizes God's intentionality and sovereignty.
1. **Divine Purpose in Revelation**: In [[Daniel 2:30]], the word affirms that God reveals secrets not for human glorification, but for a specific divine purpose—to make His truth known. This underscores the teleological nature of divine communication; God speaks with an ultimate goal in mind.
2. **Divine Sovereignty in History**: [[Daniel 4:17]] powerfully asserts that God's actions in the realm of human governance are not random but are executed "to the intent" that His supreme rule be recognized. This highlights the theological conviction that even the rise and fall of empires serve a divine purpose, ultimately designed to declare God's unparalleled authority over all creation.
3. **God's Deliberate Action**: The consistent use of `{{H1701}}` to denote "intent" or "purpose" reinforces the biblical truth that God is not reactive but proactive; His plans are pre-determined, and His actions are always purposeful, leading toward the fulfillment of His will. There is no haphazardness in the divine economy.
### Summary
The Aramaic term `{{H1701}}` (dibrâh) primarily signifies "reason," "purpose," or "intent." Its two occurrences in the Book of Daniel serve to underscore the deliberate and teleological nature of God's actions. In [[Daniel 2:30]], it highlights God's purpose in revealing secrets—for the king's understanding. In [[Daniel 4:17]], it emphasizes that God's judgment on Nebuchadnezzar was "to the intent" that all living beings would acknowledge His supreme sovereignty. Closely related to the Hebrew `{{H1700}}` and the root `{{H1696}}` ("to speak"), `{{H1701}}` conveys that divine actions are not arbitrary but flow from a determined counsel, always aimed at fulfilling God's specific, sovereign will and revealing His glory.
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