(Aramaic) corresponding to דִּין; {judgement (the suit, justice, sentence or tribunal); by implication also strife}; judgement.
Transliteration:dîyn
Pronunciation:deen
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic noun H1780 (דִּין, *dîyn*) fundamentally signifies "judgment." Its semantic range extends beyond a mere legal decision to encompass the entire judicial process. This includes the act of judging, the verdict or sentence rendered, the legal case or dispute itself, and even the tribunal or court where judgment is administered. The base definition also notes an implication of "strife," suggesting that the term can refer to the contention or dispute that necessitates a legal resolution. As an Aramaic cognate, H1780 functions similarly to its Hebrew counterpart, `{{H1779}}` (דִּין), which also denotes judgment or legal process, and is derived from the verb `{{H1777}}` (דִּין), "to judge." Thus, H1780 carries the weight of authoritative decision-making within a legal or divine framework.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
H1780 appears exclusively in the Aramaic portions of the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Daniel and Ezra. Its occurrences consistently highlight themes of divine sovereignty and the administration of justice.
In Daniel, H1780 is found in the visionary chapters, particularly in Daniel 7, where it describes the eschatological divine court:
* [[Daniel 7:10]]: "The court sat in judgment, and the books were opened." Here, דִּין יְתִב (the judgment/court sat) clearly refers to a divine tribunal, emphasizing the solemn and authoritative setting where cosmic decrees are made.
* [[Daniel 7:22]]: "until the Ancient of Days came and judgment was given for the saints of the Most High." In this context, וְדִינָא יְהִב (and judgment was given) signifies a favorable verdict or vindication for God's people, demonstrating the redemptive aspect of divine judgment.
* [[Daniel 7:26]]: "But the court will sit, and his dominion will be taken away and completely destroyed forever." Again, וְדִינָא יִתִּב (and the judgment/court will sit) points to the ultimate divine judicial action that will dismantle oppressive earthly powers.
In Ezra, H1780 appears in the context of the Persian king Artaxerxes' decree concerning the administration of justice in the province Beyond the River:
* [[Ezra 7:26]]: "Whoever will not observe the law of your God and the law of the king, let judgment be executed upon him with all diligence, whether for death, or for banishment, or for confiscation of goods, or for imprisonment." Here, דִּין לֶהֱוֵא מִתְעֲבֵד (let judgment be executed) refers to the practical implementation of legal sentences, ranging from capital punishment to lesser penalties. This verse underscores the authority of both divine and royal law and the necessity of their enforcement.
Across these contexts, H1780 consistently denotes a formal, authoritative process of judgment, whether divine or human, leading to a definitive outcome.
### Related Words & Concepts
H1780 is closely related to its Hebrew cognates:
* `{{H1777}}` (דִּין, *dîyn*): The verbal root meaning "to judge, contend, plead a cause." This highlights the action inherent in the noun H1780.
* `{{H1779}}` (דִּין, *dîyn*): The Hebrew noun meaning "judgment, justice, controversy," which is semantically identical and often used interchangeably in biblical scholarship when discussing the broader concept of judgment.
Other significant related concepts include:
* `{{H4941}}` (מִשְׁפָּט, *mishpat*): A broader Hebrew term for "justice, judgment, custom, ordinance." While H1780 often refers to the *act* or *process* of judgment, *mishpat* encompasses the entire system of justice, including righteous decrees and the administration of law.
* `{{H6666}}` (צֶדֶק, *tsedeq*): "Righteousness, justice." This term speaks to the moral quality that undergirds true judgment.
* `{{H6310}}` (פֶּלֶל, *palal*): A verb often associated with intercession or arbitration, implying a role in mediating or discerning judgment.
The interplay between these terms illuminates the multifaceted nature of justice in the biblical worldview, encompassing divine decrees, human legal systems, and the moral imperative of righteousness.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H1780 is profound, particularly in its depiction of God as the supreme Judge. The visions in Daniel 7 portray a divine court in session, where God, the Ancient of Days, presides over the destinies of nations and individuals. This underscores:
1. **Divine Sovereignty:** God's ultimate authority over all earthly powers and historical events. No human kingdom or decree stands outside His ultimate purview.
2. **Cosmic Justice:** The assurance that all injustice will eventually be judged and righteousness will prevail. The "judgment given for the saints" in [[Daniel 7:22]] offers hope and vindication for the oppressed.
3. **Accountability:** Both human rulers and individuals are subject to God's final judgment. The execution of judgment in [[Ezra 7:26]] reflects an earthly delegated authority that is implicitly accountable to a higher, divine standard.
4. **Redemptive Purpose:** While judgment can be punitive, it also serves a redemptive purpose, clearing the way for the establishment of God's eternal kingdom and the vindication of His people. The dismantling of oppressive empires by divine judgment is a necessary precursor to the reign of the Son of Man.
Thus, H1780 points to a God who is not distant but actively engaged in history, ensuring that justice is ultimately rendered according to His perfect will.
### Summary
The Aramaic word H1780 (דִּין, *dîyn*) is a powerful term signifying "judgment" in its various legal and judicial senses, including the act of judging, the sentence, the court, and even the underlying dispute. Predominantly found in the Aramaic portions of Daniel and Ezra, its usage consistently highlights the administration of justice. In Daniel, it describes the awe-inspiring divine tribunal where God exercises ultimate sovereignty over human history and delivers both condemnatory and vindicating verdicts. In Ezra, it refers to the practical execution of legal decrees by human authorities, reflecting a delegated aspect of divine justice. H1780 is deeply connected to its Hebrew cognates `{{H1777}}` and `{{H1779}}`, and conceptually linked to broader biblical themes of justice (*mishpat*) and righteousness (*tsedeq*). Theologically, H1780 underscores God's role as the supreme and righteous Judge, who ensures cosmic justice, holds all powers accountable, and ultimately brings about His redemptive purposes through His sovereign decrees.
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