(Aramaic) corresponding to דַּיָּן; {a judge or advocate}; judge.
Transliteration:dayân
Pronunciation:dah-yawn'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic noun H1782 (דַּיָּן, dayyān) signifies "a judge" or "an advocate." Its core meaning denotes one who arbitrates disputes, renders legal decisions, or pleads a cause. As an Aramaic term, it appears in the Aramaic portions of the Hebrew Bible. The Strong's definition explicitly states its correspondence to the Hebrew H1779 (דַּיָּן), which carries the identical meaning. This indicates a shared semantic field across the related Semitic languages, emphasizing the function of judicial authority. The term is derived from the verbal root H1777 (דִּין, dîn), meaning "to judge," "to contend," or "to plead," thereby firmly grounding dayyān in the act and process of judgment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The Aramaic H1782 occurs only once in the biblical text, found in [[Daniel 3:2]]. In this passage, dayyān is listed among a comprehensive array of high-ranking officials and administrators summoned by King Nebuchadnezzar for the dedication of the golden image he had erected. The verse reads: "Then Nebuchadnezzar the king sent to gather the satraps, the prefects, and the governors, the counselors, the treasurers, the judges, the magistrates, and all the officials of the provinces, to come to the dedication of the image which King Nebuchadnezzar had set up."
The inclusion of dayyān (translated as "judges") in this extensive list highlights their significant role within the hierarchical structure of the Babylonian empire. Their presence was deemed essential for such a monumental state event, underscoring their recognized authority in legal and administrative matters. While the context is purely secular and within a pagan empire, it demonstrates the universal need for, and recognition of, those who administer justice and maintain order within society. The term here functions as a title for a specific class of civil servants responsible for judicial functions.
### Related Words & Concepts
The Aramaic H1782 is deeply interconnected with several significant Hebrew terms, reflecting a broader linguistic and conceptual family:
* **H1779 (דַּיָּן, dayyān):** This is the direct Hebrew counterpart to H1782, also meaning "judge." The explicit correspondence noted in the Strong's definition underscores their semantic identity.
* **H1777 (דִּין, dîn):** The verbal root from which dayyān is derived, meaning "to judge," "to contend," "to plead." This root forms the conceptual basis for the role of a judge.
* **H1778 (דִּין, dîn):** A noun derived from the same root, meaning "judgment," "plea," or "cause." This term refers to the act or result of judging.
* **H8199 (שֹׁפֵט, shōphēṭ):** The more common Hebrew term for "judge," particularly in the context of Israel's judges (e.g., the Book of Judges). While dayyān (H1779/H1782) and shōphēṭ both denote a judge, dayyān often carries a more specific nuance of one who renders a legal decision, whereas shōphēṭ can also imply a ruler or deliverer.
The concept of "justice" (Hebrew: mishpat, H4941; tsedeq, H6664) is intrinsically linked to the role of the dayyān, as their function is to uphold and administer justice.
### Theological Significance
While H1782 appears in a non-sacred, Babylonian context, its theological significance is profound when considered within the broader biblical understanding of "judgment" and the role of "judges."
1. **God as the Ultimate Judge:** The very existence of a "judge" in human society, even a pagan one, points to a fundamental aspect of the divine character. God is repeatedly depicted in Scripture as the supreme and righteous Judge of all the earth (e.g., [[Genesis 18:25]], [[Psalm 7:11]], [[Psalm 96:13]]). He is the source of all true justice and the standard by which all judgment is measured.
2. **Human Judges as Agents of Divine Order:** In the Israelite context, human judges were appointed to administer God's law and uphold justice among the people, thereby acting as instruments of God's own righteous governance. Even in a foreign court, the dayyān fulfills a necessary role in maintaining societal order and resolving disputes, functions that ultimately reflect the divine order established by God.
3. **The Universality of Justice:** The appearance of dayyān in Daniel's Aramaic portion, referring to Babylonian officials, underscores the universal recognition of the need for an impartial arbiter. This speaks to a common grace, where even non-believing societies instinctively establish systems of justice, however imperfect, echoing the divine attribute of righteousness that is woven into the fabric of creation. The word, therefore, serves as a reminder that the concept of judgment is foundational to human existence and societal well-being, ultimately pointing to the divine source of all order and justice.
### Summary
The Aramaic noun H1782 (דַּיָּן, dayyān) precisely denotes "a judge" or "an advocate," mirroring its Hebrew counterpart H1779. Its sole biblical occurrence in [[Daniel 3:2]] places it within a list of prominent Babylonian officials summoned by King Nebuchadnezzar, highlighting the recognized and essential role of judicial authority in ancient Near Eastern societies. Derived from the verb H1777 ("to judge"), dayyān is intrinsically linked to the broader biblical concept of judgment and justice. Theologically, while appearing in a secular context, the term points to the universal human need for order and arbitration, ultimately reflecting the character of God as the supreme and righteous Judge. It subtly reminds us that even human systems of justice, however flawed, derive from and echo the perfect justice inherent in the divine nature.
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