(Aramaic) corresponding to דָנִיֵּאל; Danijel, the Hebrew prophet; Daniel.
Transliteration:Dânîyêʼl
Pronunciation:daw-nee-yale'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic lemma דָּנִיֵּאל (Dânîyêʼl), Strong's `{{H1841}}`, directly corresponds to the Hebrew דָּנִיֵּאל (Dânîyêʼl), Strong's `{{H1840}}`. Both forms carry the same profound meaning: "God is my judge" or "My judge is God." This name is a compound of דָּן (dan, "judge") and אֵל (el, "God"). While `{{H1841}}` specifically denotes the Aramaic transliteration used in parts of the Book of Daniel, its semantic range is singularly focused on the person and character of the prophet Daniel. The name itself functions as a theological statement, encapsulating the prophet's life and mission, lived under the ultimate authority and righteous judgment of the Almighty.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The overwhelming majority of occurrences of `{{H1841}}` refer to the prophet Daniel, the central figure of the biblical book bearing his name. The Book of Daniel is unique in its linguistic composition, containing sections in both Hebrew and Aramaic. `{{H1841}}` is employed in the Aramaic portions (e.g., [[Daniel 2:4]] to [[Daniel 7:28]]) to refer to the same individual called `{{H1840}}` in the Hebrew sections.
Daniel's life is set against the backdrop of the Babylonian exile, where he served under several successive pagan kings. His narrative highlights:
* **Unwavering Faithfulness:** Daniel's steadfast commitment to God's law, even at great personal risk, is a recurring theme ([[Daniel 1:8]], [[Daniel 6:10]]). His refusal to defile himself with the king's food and his consistent prayer life exemplify his devotion.
* **Divine Wisdom and Interpretation:** God bestowed upon Daniel extraordinary wisdom and the ability to interpret dreams and visions, surpassing all the wise men of Babylon ([[Daniel 2:19-23]], [[Daniel 4:19-27]], [[Daniel 5:13-17]]). This gift positioned him as a key advisor to powerful rulers.
* **Prophetic Revelation:** Through Daniel, God revealed intricate details about the future of Gentile empires, the coming of the Messiah, and the eschatological culmination of history ([[Daniel 7:1-28]], [[Daniel 9:24-27]], [[Daniel 10:1-12:13]]). These prophecies are foundational to biblical eschatology.
* **Exemplar of Righteousness:** The prophet Ezekiel also references Daniel as a paragon of righteousness and wisdom, alongside Noah and Job ([[Ezekiel 14:14]], [[Ezekiel 14:20]], [[Ezekiel 28:3]]), attesting to his renowned character even during his lifetime.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is `{{H1840}}` (דָּנִיֵּאל), the Hebrew equivalent of the name, which refers to the same prophet. The name's etymology connects it to:
* דָּן (dan): A root signifying "judge" or "to judge," underscoring the concept of divine judgment and justice.
* אֵל (el): A common Semitic word for "God," emphasizing the divine nature and sovereignty of the God of Israel.
Beyond the name itself, the study of Daniel's life and book intersects with several profound biblical concepts:
* **Divine Sovereignty:** God's absolute control over human history, nations, and rulers.
* **Prophecy and Revelation:** The unfolding of God's future plans through divine communication.
* **Exile and Diaspora:** The experience of God's people living faithfully in a foreign land.
* **Messianic Hope:** The anticipation of a deliverer, particularly the "Son of Man" ([[Daniel 7:13-14]]) and the "Anointed One" ([[Daniel 9:25-26]]).
* **Eschatology:** The study of end times and God's ultimate kingdom.
* **Faithfulness and Integrity:** The demonstration of unwavering devotion to God amidst persecution and temptation.
### Theological Significance
The name `{{H1841}}` (Dânîyêʼl), "God is my judge," profoundly encapsulates the theological essence of the prophet's life and message.
* **God as Ultimate Judge:** Daniel's life is a testament to the belief that God is the supreme arbiter of justice. Even when facing unjust decrees or the whims of pagan kings, Daniel consistently acted as one whose ultimate allegiance and accountability were to God alone. This conviction empowered his faithfulness and gave him courage in the lion's den ([[Daniel 6:1-28]]).
* **Divine Sovereignty in History:** Through Daniel's interpretations of dreams and visions, the Book of Daniel powerfully asserts God's sovereign control over world empires and historical epochs. God raises up and brings down kings, and His eternal kingdom will ultimately prevail over all earthly powers ([[Daniel 2:44]], [[Daniel 7:13-14]]).
* **Revelation of God's Plan:** Daniel is a pivotal figure in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan, particularly regarding the timing of the Messiah's coming and the sequence of future events. His prophecies serve as a theological anchor for understanding God's purposeful direction of history toward His ultimate triumph.
* **Paradigm of Faithfulness:** Daniel's unwavering devotion in a hostile, idolatrous environment serves as a timeless example of how to live faithfully and righteously in a world that often opposes God's ways. His commitment to prayer, purity, and obedience, even at the cost of his life, underscores the call to radical discipleship.
### Summary
The Aramaic name `{{H1841}}` (Dânîyêʼl), meaning "God is my judge," is indelibly linked to the revered prophet Daniel, a central figure in the biblical narrative of the Babylonian exile. His life, meticulously documented in the book bearing his name, exemplifies profound faithfulness, divine wisdom, and unparalleled prophetic insight. Daniel's steadfastness in the face of immense pressure, his ability to interpret divine mysteries, and his reception of crucial revelations concerning future empires and the coming Messiah, all underscore the theological truth embedded in his name: that God is the ultimate sovereign and judge of all creation. The study of `{{H1841}}` thus leads to a deeper appreciation of God's providential control over history, His unwavering commitment to His people, and the enduring power of faith lived out under His righteous gaze.
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