### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **zᵉban**, represented by `{{H2084}}`, means to **acquire by purchase** or to **gain**. As an Aramaic term corresponding to a Hebrew root, its use is specific and rare, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** within the biblical text.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single biblical appearance of `{{H2084}}` occurs in the book of Daniel. In a tense confrontation, the king accuses his wise men of deception, stating, "I know of certainty that ye would **gain** the time, because ye see the thing is gone from me" [[Daniel 2:8]]. Here, the word is used to describe a deliberate attempt to stall or buy time in response to the king's demand, highlighting the wise men's inability to answer him.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related Aramaic words from the same verse provide crucial context for the meaning of `{{H2084}}`:
* `{{H3046}}` **yᵉdaʻ** (to know): This word, used by the king, establishes his conviction. It means "to know" and is used in a great variety of senses, including observation and recognition [[Daniel 2:8]].
* `{{H3330}}` **yatstsîyb** (certainty): Reinforcing the king's accusation, this term means "fixed, sure; concretely, certainty," showing that the king has no doubt about the wise men's intentions [[Daniel 2:8]].
* `{{H2370}}` **chăzâʼ** (to gaze upon... see): This word explains the motivation for the wise men's stalling. They **see** that the king has forgotten the dream, a fact that drives their attempt to gain time [[Daniel 2:8]].
* `{{H4430}}` **melek** (a king): This term identifies the speaker as the **king**, the royal authority who perceives the attempt to gain time as a challenge to his command [[Daniel 2:8]].
* `{{H560}}` **ʼămar** (to say): Used for the king's declaration, this word means "to say" and is used with great latitude to command or declare [[Daniel 2:8]].
* `{{H6032}}` **ʻănâh** (to... respond): This word describes the king's initial response, meaning to "pay attention; by implication, to respond" [[Daniel 2:8]].
### Theological Significance
While not a central theological term itself, the singular use of `{{H2084}}` carries significant narrative weight within its context:
* **Human Strategy vs. Divine Revelation:** The attempt to **gain** time represents a purely human strategy based on delay and maneuvering. This stands in stark contrast to the divine revelation that Daniel later receives from God, which requires no such tactics.
* **Acquiring Time:** The idea of "acquiring" or "purchasing" time illustrates the desperation of those who lack true knowledge. The wise men's effort highlights the limits of human wisdom when faced with a supernatural mystery.
* **Setting the Stage for Truth:** The king's accusation that his advisors would **gain** time sets the stage for a demonstration of true power and knowledge. Their failure to do anything but stall makes Daniel's subsequent, God-given answer all the more profound.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2084}}` is a highly specific term whose sole appearance is pivotal to the narrative of Daniel 2. It captures the essence of human weakness and strategy in the face of a divine challenge. The act of trying to **gain** time underscores the inadequacy of worldly wisdom and creates the necessary backdrop for God to demonstrate His unparalleled ability to reveal truth without delay or deception.
TRV