### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word זְמָן (zᵉmân, `{{H2165}}`) is derived from the verbal root זָמַן (zāman), which signifies "to appoint," "to fix," or "to determine a time." Consequently, זְמָן primarily denotes an "appointed occasion," a "fixed time," or a "designated season." It refers to a specific, pre-determined period or point in time, rather than an abstract or unquantified concept of time. The nuance inherent in זְמָן is that of a time that has been set apart, either by divine decree or human arrangement, for a particular purpose or event. Its semantic range thus encompasses both a precise moment and a defined duration, always with the underlying sense of pre-determination.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word זְמָן is relatively rare in the Hebrew Bible, appearing exclusively in the Aramaic portions of the books of Daniel and Ezra, reflecting a later linguistic stratum. Its usage consistently reinforces the core meaning of an appointed or fixed time.
* In [[Daniel 2:16]], Daniel requests זְמָן from King Nebuchadnezzar to interpret the dream, indicating a specific, allotted period necessary for divine revelation and preparation.
* A pivotal theological statement is found in [[Daniel 2:21]], where it is declared that God "changes the זְמָן and seasons." Here, זְמָן refers to broader historical periods and the unfolding of divine providence, emphasizing God's absolute sovereignty over the course of history and the rise and fall of nations.
* In [[Daniel 3:7]] and [[Daniel 3:15]], זְמָן is used descriptively, "at that זְמָן," to pinpoint the exact moment when the command to worship the golden image was to be obeyed, or when the decision of the three young men regarding their faith was put to the test. This highlights זְמָן as a critical juncture.
* [[Daniel 7:12]] states that the other beasts were given "length of life for a זְמָן and a season," signifying a fixed, limited duration for their dominion, underscoring the temporary nature of earthly powers in contrast to God's eternal kingdom.
* Most significantly, in [[Daniel 7:25]], the "little horn" is prophesied to "intend to change זְמָן and law." This refers to an attempt to subvert divine order, both in terms of appointed times (such as festivals or prophetic periods) and divine statutes, emphasizing the anti-God nature of this power.
* In [[Ezra 5:3]], זְמָן again serves as a temporal marker: "At that זְמָן," referring to the specific period when Tattenai, the governor of Trans-Euphrates, questioned the authority for rebuilding the temple.
Across these occurrences, זְמָן consistently points to a time that is set, either by divine will or human arrangement, often with significant implications for prophetic fulfillment or historical events.
### Related Words & Concepts
To fully appreciate זְמָן, it is helpful to contrast it with other Hebrew words for "time":
* **Root זָמַן (zāman):** The verbal root from which זְמָן (`{{H2165}}`) is derived, meaning "to appoint," "to fix a time," or "to prepare." This connection underscores the pre-determined nature of זְמָן.
* **עֵת (ʿēt, `{{H6256}}`):** This is a more common and general term for "time," often referring to a suitable, opportune, or specific point in time, or a duration. While עֵת can imply an "appointed time" (e.g., [[Genesis 18:14]]), it often carries the nuance of 'the right time' or 'a season.'
* **יוֹם (yôm, `{{H3117}}`):** Primarily "day," but can also refer to a longer period, an age, or a specific point in time.
* **עוֹלָם (ʿôlām, `{{H5769}}`):** Denotes "eternity," "long duration," or an "age."
The distinction between זְמָן and עֵת is subtle but important: while both can refer to an appointed time, זְמָן in its Aramaic context in Daniel particularly emphasizes a *fixed* or *decreed* period, often with a strong eschatological or prophetic connotation. עֵת might be more about an opportune moment within the general flow of time.
In the Greek New Testament, similar concepts are conveyed by:
* **καιρός (kairos, `{{G2540}}`):** An opportune or appointed time, a fixed or definite time, often with a qualitative emphasis on its significance. This aligns closely with the sense of זְמָן in Daniel.
* **χρόνος (chronos, `{{G5550}}`):** General time, duration, or chronological sequence.
* **αἰών (aiōn, `{{G165}}`):** An age, eternity.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of זְמָן is profound, particularly in the book of Daniel:
* **Divine Sovereignty over History:** The most prominent theological implication is God's absolute and meticulous control over all history. The declaration in [[Daniel 2:21]] that God "changes the זְמָן and seasons" powerfully asserts that the unfolding of world events, the rise and fall of empires, and the progression of human history are not random but are precisely orchestrated according to God's sovereign will and pre-determined plan.
* **Prophetic Precision and Fulfillment:** In Daniel's prophetic visions, זְמָן often points to specific, divinely appointed periods for the fulfillment of prophecy. This emphasizes that God's prophetic word is not vague but concerns precise, pre-ordained epochs and events, leading ultimately to the establishment of His eternal kingdom. The concept of an "appointed time" is crucial for understanding biblical eschatology.
* **Human Accountability within God's Timetable:** While God is sovereign over זְמָן, human beings are called to respond within these appointed times. Daniel's request for זְמָן to interpret the dream illustrates human agency operating within God's overarching plan. Conversely, the command to worship the idol at a specific זְמָן highlights human accountability and the moral choices made during divinely permitted periods of testing or decision.
* **The Unchangeable Nature of God's Decrees:** The attempt by the "little horn" to "change זְמָן and law" [[Daniel 7:25]] underscores the inviolability of God's established order and His appointed times. Any attempt to alter these is an act of rebellion against divine authority, ultimately futile against the immutable purposes of God.
### Summary
The Hebrew word זְמָן (zᵉmân, `{{H2165}}`), derived from the root זָמָן ("to appoint"), denotes an "appointed occasion," "fixed time," or "designated season." Primarily found in the Aramaic sections of Daniel and Ezra, its usage consistently highlights specific, pre-determined periods. In Daniel, זְמָן carries significant prophetic and eschatological weight, emphasizing God's absolute sovereignty over historical epochs, the rise and fall of kingdoms, and the precise unfolding of His divine plan. It distinguishes itself from more general terms for time by stressing the element of divine appointment and the pre-ordained nature of events. Theologically, זְמָן powerfully underscores God's ultimate control over all creation and history, revealing that events unfold according to His precise, pre-determined timetable, and calling humanity to respond faithfully within these divinely appointed times.
TRV