### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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]]).
### Theological Significance
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.
### Summary
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.