(Aramaic) corresponding to דָּת; {a royal edict or statute}; decree, law.
Transliteration:dâth
Pronunciation:dawth
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic term *dâth* (`{{H1882}}`) primarily signifies a "royal edict or statute," a "decree," or a "law." Its semantic range specifically points to authoritative commands issued by a sovereign power, typically a king. Unlike the broader Hebrew term *torah* (`{{H8451}}`), which encompasses divine instruction and law, *dâth* in its biblical usage predominantly refers to human, governmental, or imperial legislation. It conveys the idea of a binding, unchangeable, and officially promulgated regulation. This word is exclusively found in the post-exilic books of Ezra, Daniel, and Esther, reflecting the Aramaic influence during the Persian period. While it can, in specific contexts like [[Ezra 7:26]], refer to the "law of God," its most common application is to the laws of earthly kings, particularly those of the Persian Empire.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of *dâth* illuminate its specific application within the historical narratives of the Second Temple period.
In the book of Ezra, *dâth* refers to the decrees of Persian kings concerning the Jewish people. For instance, [[Ezra 7:26]] speaks of the "law of God" and the "law of the king," indicating a dual authority that Ezra was to enforce. Here, *dâth* encapsulates both divine and human legislation, underscoring the king's recognition of God's law. In [[Ezra 8:36]], it refers to the "king's commissions," emphasizing the administrative and legal authority delegated by the monarch.
In Daniel, *dâth* is consistently used for the unchangeable laws of the Medes and Persians. [[Daniel 2:9]] highlights the king's decree (Nebuchadnezzar's) regarding the wise men who could not interpret his dream. Most notably, [[Daniel 6:8]], [[Daniel 6:12]], and [[Daniel 6:15]] repeatedly mention the "law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be altered." This usage underscores the absolute and irrevocable nature of imperial decrees, which even the king himself could not revoke once issued. This concept becomes central to Daniel's dilemma in the lions' den.
The book of Esther uses *dâth* more frequently than any other book, almost always referring to the laws of King Ahasuerus (Xerxes). It appears in contexts describing the king's absolute authority and the widespread impact of his edicts. Examples include [[Esther 1:8]] where the king's law prohibited compelling guests to drink, [[Esther 1:13]] referencing the "wise men who understood the times, for so was the king's custom toward all who knew law and justice," and [[Esther 1:19]] where a royal decree (dâth) is issued against Vashti. Crucially, Haman's plot against the Jews is based on their alleged failure to keep the king's laws ([[Esther 3:8]]), and Mordecai's counter-decree, also a *dâth*, allows the Jews to defend themselves ([[Esther 8:17]]). The narrative in Esther vividly portrays the life-and-death consequences of these royal *dâth*.
### Related Words & Concepts
The Aramaic *dâth* (`{{H1882}}`) stands in close relation to its Hebrew cognate *dâth* (`{{H1881}}`), which appears exclusively in the book of Esther and carries the same meaning of "law" or "decree."
It is important to distinguish *dâth* from other terms for law or command in the biblical lexicon. The most prominent contrast is with the Hebrew *torah* (`{{H8451}}`), which refers primarily to divine instruction, revelation, and the Mosaic Law. While *dâth* can, in rare instances, be applied to God's law ([[Ezra 7:26]]), its primary domain is human, royal legislation. Other related terms include *mishpat* (`{{H4941}}`), meaning "judgment," "justice," or "ordinance," which can refer to both divine and human legal principles, and *choq* (`{{H2706}}`), a "statute" or "decree," often with a more fixed or established connotation.
In the Aramaic portions, *dâth* can be compared with *ṭəʿēm* (`{{H2940}}`), which denotes a "decree" or "command," often with an emphasis on its issuance or order, and *pəthağəm* (`{{H6600}}`), referring to a "decree" or "word." While these terms share semantic overlap in denoting authoritative pronouncements, *dâth* specifically emphasizes the *binding nature* of a royal *statute* or *law*. The concept of "the law of the Medes and Persians that cannot be altered" ([[Daniel 6:8]]) is a key conceptual association with *dâth*, highlighting its irrevocable character.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of *dâth* lies primarily in its portrayal of human authority in relation to divine sovereignty. The pervasive presence of royal decrees (dâth) in Ezra, Daniel, and Esther underscores the reality of God's people living under foreign dominion. These books highlight the absolute power wielded by earthly kings, whose laws could determine the fate of nations and individuals.
However, even amidst the seemingly unchangeable and absolute nature of these human laws, the biblical narrative consistently demonstrates God's ultimate sovereignty. In Daniel, a royal *dâth* leads to Daniel's miraculous preservation in the lions' den, showcasing God's ability to intervene even when human law is unyielding. In Esther, the very mechanism of royal *dâth*—first Haman's decree of destruction, then Mordecai's counter-decree—becomes the means through which God orchestrates the salvation of His people. This illustrates divine providence working through, and even over, human legislative systems.
The unique phrasing in [[Ezra 7:26]], linking "the law of God" with "the law of the king," presents a theological tension and a call for obedience to both, insofar as they do not conflict. When they do conflict, as in Daniel's refusal to obey the *dâth* against prayer, the narrative affirms faithfulness to God above all human decrees. Ultimately, *dâth* serves as a powerful reminder that while human rulers establish laws, it is the Lord who establishes and overturns kingdoms, and His purposes will always prevail, even through the decrees of earthly monarchs.
### Summary
The Aramaic word *dâth* (`{{H1882}}`) refers specifically to a "royal edict or statute," a "decree," or a "law." Its usage is concentrated in the post-exilic books of Ezra, Daniel, and Esther, where it consistently denotes the authoritative and often unchangeable laws issued by Persian and Babylonian kings. While it can occasionally refer to God's law, its primary semantic focus is on human, governmental legislation. The biblical narratives extensively employ *dâth* to illustrate the absolute power of earthly rulers and the profound impact of their decrees on the lives of God's people. Theologically, *dâth* serves to highlight the tension between human authority and divine sovereignty, ultimately affirming that even the most unyielding human laws are subject to God's overarching plan and are often used by Him as instruments to achieve His redemptive purposes.
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