lemma הֲדַּר extra dagesh, corrected to הֲדַר; (Aramaic) corresponding to הָדַר; to magnify (figuratively); glorify, honour.
Transliteration:hădar
Pronunciation:had-ar'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic verb `{{H1922}}` (hădar) carries the core meaning of "to magnify," "to glorify," or "to honor." It is the Aramaic equivalent of the Hebrew `{{H1921}}` (hadar), which shares a similar semantic range related to splendor, majesty, and respect. In the context of `{{H1922}}`, the magnification is not physical but figurative, referring to an elevation in esteem, reverence, or status. It denotes the act of attributing great worth, dignity, and awe to someone or something, particularly God. The term implies a recognition of inherent greatness and a volitional act of acknowledging and proclaiming that greatness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
As an Aramaic term, `{{H1922}}` is found exclusively in the Aramaic portions of the Book of Daniel. Its occurrences are notably concentrated in narratives involving pagan kings and their interaction with the God of Israel:
* **[[Daniel 4:2]] (Aramaic 4:3):** King Nebuchadnezzar, after recounting his dream and its interpretation, declares, "How great are His signs, and how mighty are His wonders! His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and His dominion endures from generation to generation." Here, `{{H1922}}` is used to express Nebuchadnezzar's profound awe and wonder at God's miraculous deeds, signifying a recognition of God's unparalleled power and sovereignty.
* **[[Daniel 4:34]] (Aramaic 4:37):** Following his period of madness and restoration, Nebuchadnezzar offers a profound testimony: "Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of Heaven; for all His works are true and His ways just, and He is able to humble those who walk in pride." This verse represents the culmination of Nebuchadnezzar's spiritual journey. The verb `{{H1922}}` (translated "honor") is used in parallel with "praise" and "extol," demonstrating a full and humble submission to God's supreme authority and righteousness. It signifies a public declaration of God's glory.
* **[[Daniel 5:23]]:** In stark contrast to Nebuchadnezzar, King Belshazzar is condemned for his failure to `{{H1922}}` God: "But you have lifted yourself up against the Lord of heaven... and you have not honored the God who holds your breath in His hand and owns all your ways." Belshazzar's deliberate refusal to honor God, despite being aware of God's power through Nebuchadnezzar's experience, leads to his swift judgment. This usage highlights the moral imperative to attribute due honor to the Creator.
Across these contexts, `{{H1922}}` consistently refers to the act of recognizing and proclaiming the supreme majesty and authority of God. It is often a response to God's powerful acts or a failure to acknowledge His dominion.
### Related Words & Concepts
The Aramaic `{{H1922}}` is intrinsically linked to its Hebrew counterpart, `{{H1921}}` (hadar), which means "to honor," "to adorn," or "to show respect," and its nominal form `{{H1926}}` (hadar), meaning "splendor," "majesty," or "honor." These terms collectively convey the concept of inherent dignity and the act of bestowing honor.
Other related concepts and words include:
* **Glory/Honor:** The Hebrew `{{H3519}}` (kavod), often translated as "glory" or "honor," signifies weightiness, importance, and reputation, frequently referring to God's manifest presence and majesty.
* **Greatness/Magnificence:** The Aramaic `{{H7213}}` (rebu), meaning "greatness" or "magnificence," is sometimes used in conjunction with `{{H1922}}`, as seen in [[Daniel 4:34]] where Nebuchadnezzar glorifies the "King of Heaven" whose "greatness" (rebu) is eternal.
* **Praise and Exaltation:** The act of glorifying God through `{{H1922}}` is often expressed through praise (`{{H7624}}` shĕbāḥ) and exaltation (`{{H7844}}` shĕphar), demonstrating a comprehensive act of worship and acknowledgment.
The semantic field surrounding `{{H1922}}` emphasizes the appropriate human response to divine revelation: a humble and reverent acknowledgment of God's unique and supreme position.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H1922}}` in Daniel is profound, particularly as it illuminates God's sovereignty over all nations and the universal call to acknowledge His glory.
1. **Divine Sovereignty and Revelation:** The use of `{{H1922}}` by Nebuchadnezzar underscores that God, through His signs and wonders, reveals His absolute power even to pagan rulers. This revelation compels recognition and honor. The transformation of Nebuchadnezzar from a proud monarch to one who `{{H1922}}` the King of Heaven illustrates God's ability to humble the proud and bring them to a place of worship and submission ([[Daniel 4:34]]).
2. **The Imperative to Honor God:** Belshazzar's condemnation for failing to `{{H1922}}` God ([[Daniel 5:23]]) despite knowing of God's power (through Nebuchadnezzar's testimony) highlights the moral culpability of those who refuse to acknowledge and honor the Creator. It emphasizes that ignorance is not always an excuse, and a deliberate rejection of God's glory incurs divine judgment.
3. **True Worship and Humility:** The act of `{{H1922}}` God is presented as a fundamental aspect of true worship and humility. It signifies a correct understanding of one's place before the Almighty and an appropriate response to His manifest works. It is not merely an intellectual assent but a profound, volitional act of attributing supreme worth to God.
4. **Universal Applicability:** Though found in the context of gentile kings, the message conveyed by `{{H1922}}` has universal applicability. It teaches that all people, regardless of their background or current beliefs, are called to acknowledge and honor the God of heaven, whose kingdom is everlasting and whose dominion endures forever.
### Summary
The Aramaic verb `{{H1922}}` (hădar) signifies "to magnify," "to glorify," or "to honor." Primarily found in the Book of Daniel, it describes the act of attributing supreme worth and reverence to God. Its usage in the narratives of Nebuchadnezzar and Belshazzar powerfully illustrates the theological imperative for all, even gentile rulers, to acknowledge and proclaim the sovereignty and majesty of the God of Israel. Nebuchadnezzar's journey culminates in his humble `{{H1922}}` of God, while Belshazzar's failure to do so leads to his downfall. Thus, `{{H1922}}` underscores the call to worship and submission, recognizing that true wisdom and well-being are found in honoring the King of Heaven.
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