The Aramaic word dᵉchal, represented by H1763, is a term used to convey fear, to be formidable, or to make afraid. It appears 6 times across 6 unique verses, with all occurrences found in the book of Daniel. Its usage encapsulates both the internal feeling of fear and the external quality of a person or vision being dreadful or terrible.
In the biblical narrative, H1763 is used to describe the awesome and fear-inspiring nature of visions and powerful entities. In Nebuchadnezzar's dream, the great image is described as having a form that was terrible Daniel 2:31. Similarly, the fourth beast in Daniel's vision is characterized as dreadful and terrible Daniel 7:7, a description so profound that Daniel later inquires specifically about this "exceeding dreadful" beast Daniel 7:19. The term also describes a direct emotional response, as when Nebuchadnezzar states, "I saw a dream which made me afraid" Daniel 4:5. This fear is directed toward both human authority, as people feared before the king Daniel 5:19, and divine authority, as Darius decrees that men should fear before the God of Daniel Daniel 6:26.
Several related Aramaic words clarify the meaning of dᵉchal:
- H2112 zûwaʻ (to shake (with fear); tremble): This word often appears alongside H1763 to describe the physical reaction to fear. It is used to show people who "trembled and feared" before a powerful king Daniel 5:19 and in the decree that men "tremble and fear" before God Daniel 6:26.
- H574 ʼêmᵉtânîy (terrible): This adjective is paired with dᵉchal to amplify the description of a formidable power. The fourth beast in Daniel's vision is described as both dreadful and terrible Daniel 7:7, emphasizing its fearsome nature.
- H1934 hâvâʼ (to exist; be, become): As a common Aramaic verb, it is used to establish a state of being. It is used in the phrases where people were trembling and fearing, indicating an ongoing state of reaction to power (Daniel 5:19, Daniel 6:26).
The theological weight of H1763 is significant within the context of the book of Daniel.
- Fear of Earthly vs. Divine Power: The word is used to describe the fear inspired by formidable earthly powers, such as the king Daniel 5:19 and the terrifying beasts representing kingdoms Daniel 7:7. However, this is contrasted with the proper fear due to God, as commanded by Darius's decree Daniel 6:26.
- Response to Prophetic Revelation: Fear is presented as a natural response to divine revelation. The image in the dream was terrible Daniel 2:31, and Nebuchadnezzar's dream "made me afraid" Daniel 4:5, showing that encounters with the supernatural are awe-inspiring and unsettling.
- Characterizing Anti-Godly Power: The most intense descriptions using H1763 are reserved for the prophetic beasts, particularly the fourth beast, which is "exceeding dreadful" Daniel 7:19. This highlights the terrifying nature of worldly power that stands in opposition to God's kingdom.
In summary, H1763 is a focused Aramaic term from the book of Daniel that captures the essence of overwhelming awe and fear. It is applied to supernatural visions, terrifying prophetic symbols of worldly empires, and the response of humanity to both mighty kings and the living God. The word dᵉchal effectively distinguishes between the terror inspired by destructive earthly power and the reverential fear that is rightfully directed toward the eternal God whose kingdom shall not be destroyed.
TRV