(Aramaic) corresponding to חַד; as card. one; as article single; as an ordinal, first; adverbially, at once; a, first, one, together.
Transliteration:chad
Pronunciation:khad
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic term `{{H2298}}` (חַד, *chad*) is a versatile numerical and grammatical particle, directly corresponding to the Hebrew `{{H259}}` (אֶחָד, *echad*). Its primary semantic range encompasses several facets:
1. **Cardinal Number:** Most commonly, it functions as "one," indicating a singular unit or entity.
2. **Indefinite Article:** It can serve as an indefinite article, similar to "a" or "an," designating an unspecified single item.
3. **Ordinal Number:** In certain contexts, it signifies "first," denoting primacy or initial position.
4. **Adverbial Usage:** When combined with prepositions or in specific constructions, it can convey the sense of "at once," "together," or "as one," emphasizing unity or simultaneity.
5. **Intensifier:** In idiomatic expressions, particularly with numbers, it can function as an intensifier, meaning "more" or "as much."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
As an Aramaic word, `{{H2298}}` is found exclusively in the Aramaic portions of the books of Daniel and Ezra. Its usage consistently reflects its core meanings:
* **Singularity/Indefinite Article:**
* In [[Daniel 2:9]], Nebuchadnezzar declares there is "one" (חַד) decree for his wise men, emphasizing the singular, unyielding nature of his command.
* [[Daniel 2:34]] describes a "stone" (אֶבֶן חֲדָה) cut without hands, highlighting its unique origin.
* [[Daniel 3:27]] notes that not a "hair" (שַׂעֲרָה חֲדָה) of the three men was singed, underscoring their complete preservation.
* In [[Ezra 4:8]], a "letter" (חַד אִגַּרְתָּא) is sent, simply referring to a single communication. Similarly, [[Ezra 4:12]] mentions "a city" (קִרְיְתָא חֲדָה), and [[Ezra 5:1]] refers to "one" prophet (חַד נְבִיאָה) Haggai and "one" prophet Zechariah.
* [[Ezra 6:2]] speaks of "one" palace (חַד בִּירְתָא) where a scroll was found.
* [[Ezra 6:17]] uses `{{H2298}}` in the compound "one hundred" (מְאָה חַד) rams, denoting a specific quantity.
* **Unity/Togetherness (Adverbial):**
* [[Daniel 2:35]] describes the iron, clay, bronze, silver, and gold being "together" (כַּחֲדָה - *kakhada*, lit. "as one") crushed and carried away by the wind, emphasizing their collective destruction.
* **Intensification (Idiomatic):**
* Perhaps the most nuanced usage is in [[Daniel 3:19]], where Nebuchadnezzar commands the furnace to be heated "seven times hotter than it was usually heated" (שִׁבְעָה חַד). Here, חַד acts as an intensifier, signifying "seven times *as much*" or "seven times *more*," conveying the king's extreme rage and the furnace's overwhelming heat.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word is its Hebrew counterpart, `{{H259}}` (אֶחָד, *echad*), which shares nearly identical semantic functions. Both terms are foundational for expressing numerical singularity, unity, and uniqueness in their respective languages. The concept of "one" in biblical thought often extends beyond mere enumeration to encompass:
* **Unity:** As seen in the divine nature (Deuteronomy 6:4, "The Lord our God, the Lord is one"), or the unity of a people.
* **Uniqueness:** Designating something as singular in its kind or unmatched.
* **Completeness/Totality:** Especially when combined with other numbers or in idiomatic expressions, indicating a full measure or extent.
* **Firstness/Primacy:** As an ordinal, signifying the beginning or preeminence.
### Theological Significance
While `{{H2298}}` is primarily a numerical and grammatical term, its theological significance emerges from the contexts in which it appears within the Aramaic portions of Scripture, particularly in Daniel's prophetic visions:
* **Divine Sovereignty and Uniqueness:** The "one stone" ([[Daniel 2:34]]) cut without hands, which crushes all earthly kingdoms, powerfully symbolizes the singular, unique, and divinely initiated nature of God's eternal kingdom. This "one" kingdom stands in stark contrast to the multiplicity and fragmentation of human empires, highlighting God's ultimate and undivided authority.
* **Decisive and Unalterable Decrees:** The "one decree" ([[Daniel 2:9]]) of the king, though earthly, foreshadows the unchangeable and singular nature of God's own decrees and purposes for history.
* **Overwhelming Judgment and Power:** The furnace heated "seven times hotter" ([[Daniel 3:19]]) by the king's command, though initially a human act of wrath, reflects the biblical motif of divine judgment as being complete and utterly overwhelming. It underscores the absolute power that can be wielded, whether by an earthly monarch or, ultimately, by God.
* **Unity in Judgment or Deliverance:** The image of the various elements of the statue being crushed "together" ([[Daniel 2:35]]) and carried away emphasizes a comprehensive and unified judgment upon all worldly powers. Conversely, the miraculous preservation of the three men in the furnace, not even a "hair" ([[Daniel 3:27]]) singed, highlights the singular and complete nature of God's protective power.
### Summary
`{{H2298}}` (חַד, *chad*) is an Aramaic term functioning as a cardinal "one," an indefinite article "a," an ordinal "first," and adverbially meaning "together" or "at once." It can also act as an intensifier, as seen in [[Daniel 3:19]]. Primarily found in Daniel and Ezra, its usage consistently denotes singularity, unity, and definiteness. Theologically, `{{H2298}}` contributes to themes of God's singular sovereignty, the decisive nature of His kingdom and decrees, the comprehensive scope of divine judgment, and the complete efficacy of His deliverance, all within the prophetic and historical narratives of the Aramaic biblical texts.
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