### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H1703 (דַּבָּרָה, dabbârâh) is defined as an "intensive" form derived from the root `{{H1696}}` (דָבַר), meaning "to speak," and closely related to the noun `{{H1697}}` (דָּבָר), meaning "word, speech, matter, thing." The intensive nature of H1703 suggests a "word" or "matter" that carries significant weight, importance, or decisiveness. While `{{H1697}}` (דָּבָר) has a broad semantic range encompassing everything from a spoken utterance to a historical event or a divine command, H1703 points to a particularly weighty or formalized "word" or "matter" that is deemed "right" or "pleasing."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
H1703 (דַּבָּרָה) is uniquely identified by Strong's Concordance in a single biblical verse: [[2 Chronicles 30:4]]. While the Masoretic Text in this verse reads הַדָּבָר (had-dāḇār), which is the common form `{{H1697}}`, Strong's assignment of H1703 suggests an interpretation of this specific instance as carrying an intensive force.
In [[2 Chronicles 30:4]], the context is King Hezekiah's proposal to celebrate the Passover in the second month, as the people were not ready to celebrate it in the first month according to the Law. The verse states: "And the matter was right in the eyes of the king and in the eyes of all the assembly." The "matter" (dābār) here refers to Hezekiah's significant decision and the subsequent plan for the Passover celebration.
The "intensive" nuance implied by H1703 highlights the profound importance and unanimous acceptance of this decision. It was not merely a casual "word" or "thing," but a weighty "matter" or "decree" that was deemed "right" (יָשַׁר, yashar) by both the king and the entire assembly. This approval was crucial for the restoration of proper worship and the spiritual renewal of the nation. The intensive form underscores the gravity and the positive reception of this particular "word" or "matter" that led to a pivotal moment in Israel's history.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most immediate and significant related word is `{{H1697}}` (דָּבָר, dābār), from which H1703 is derived as an intensive form. `{{H1697}}` is one of the most frequently occurring nouns in the Hebrew Bible, conveying a vast array of meanings:
* **Spoken Word:** A command, promise, message, or report.
* **Matter/Thing:** An affair, event, circumstance, or concern.
* **Divine Word:** God's commandments, decrees, or prophetic utterances, which carry ultimate authority and creative power.
The verbal root `{{H1696}}` (דָבַר, dāḇar) means "to speak, to say, to declare." All forms of dābār relate back to the fundamental act of communication and articulation. The intensive H1703 emphasizes a "word" or "matter" that is not only spoken or decided but is also weighty, significant, and met with approval or carries particular authority. Other related concepts include חֹק (choq, statute, decree) and מִצְוָה (mitzvah, commandment), especially when dābār refers to divine law.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H1703 (דַּבָּרָה), understood as an "intensive word" or "weighty matter," lies in its unique context within [[2 Chronicles 30:4]]. It points to the importance of human decisions and proposals that align with God's will and are met with divine and communal approval.
In the narrative of Hezekiah's reforms, the "matter" of celebrating the Passover, even if delayed, was a critical step towards national repentance and restoration. The fact that this "word" or "matter" was "right in the eyes of the king and in the eyes of all the assembly" signifies unity and a shared commitment to obedience. This suggests that when human leadership proposes actions that are righteous and seek to honor God, such "words" or "matters" are not only accepted by the community but are implicitly blessed by God.
Furthermore, the "intensive" nature of this "word" highlights the profound impact of collective agreement on a righteous path. It underscores the theological principle that unity in purpose, especially concerning worship and obedience to God's commands, is a powerful force that leads to spiritual renewal and divine favor. The "rightness" of this dabbârâh paved the way for a joyous and impactful Passover celebration, demonstrating the blessing that follows weighty decisions made in accordance with God's heart.
### Summary
H1703 (דַּבָּרָה, dabbârâh) is an intensive form of the common Hebrew word for "word" or "matter," `{{H1697}}` (דָּבָר). While its specific morphological form is rare in the Masoretic Text, Strong's Concordance identifies it in [[2 Chronicles 30:4]] to emphasize a particularly weighty, significant, or decisive "word" or "matter." In this sole biblical occurrence, H1703 describes King Hezekiah's proposal to celebrate the Passover, a "matter" that was deemed "right" and received with unanimous approval by both the king and the assembly. Theologically, H1703 underscores the importance and positive reception of human decisions and proposals that align with God's will, leading to communal unity and spiritual restoration. It signifies a "word" or "matter" of profound consequence, pivotal for divine blessing and national renewal.
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