(Aramaic) corresponding to חָזֶה; a breast; breast.
Transliteration:chădîy
Pronunciation:khad-ee'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word chădîy (`{{H2306}}`) is defined as "breast." It is explicitly noted as corresponding to the Hebrew term chāzeh (`{{H2373}}`), which also denotes the breast, particularly in the context of sacrificial offerings in the Pentateuch. The semantic range of chădîy appears to be narrow, referring specifically to this anatomical part of the body. Its usage in the biblical text confirms this focused meaning, without apparent metaphorical or extended senses beyond the literal.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term chădîy (`{{H2306}}`) appears only once in the biblical text, in the Aramaic portion of the Book of Daniel:
* **[[Daniel 2:32]]**: "This image's head was of fine gold, his breast and his arms of silver, his belly and his thighs of brass,"
In this solitary occurrence, chădîy describes the "breast" of the great image in King Nebuchadnezzar's dream. The dream's interpretation, provided by Daniel, reveals a sequence of world empires. The "breast and arms of silver" symbolize the kingdom that would succeed Babylon, specifically identified as the Medo-Persian Empire. The choice of silver, a metal inferior to gold (representing Babylon), prophetically indicates a kingdom of lesser glory but still significant power. The anatomical description is precise, contributing to the detailed visual prophecy of the statue.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct lexical relation is to the Hebrew word chāzeh (`{{H2373}}`), which also means "breast." While chădîy appears only once in a prophetic context, chāzeh is found numerous times, primarily in the Pentateuch, referring to the breast of sacrificial animals. For instance, the "wave breast" was a specific portion of the peace offering given to the priests ([[Exodus 29:26]], [[Leviticus 7:30-31]]). This connection underscores the shared anatomical meaning despite the linguistic distinction (Aramaic vs. Hebrew).
Conceptually, chădîy is part of the broader biblical vocabulary for human anatomy, but its unique significance in [[Daniel 2:32]] links it to the symbolism of body parts in prophetic visions. In Daniel's prophecy, different sections of the statue (head, breast, belly, legs, feet) represent successive world empires, demonstrating God's sovereign control over human history and the rise and fall of nations.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of chădîy (`{{H2306}}`) is not derived from its inherent meaning as an anatomical term, but entirely from its singular placement within the profound prophetic vision of Daniel 2. As part of the statue's depiction, the "breast of silver" serves as a divine revelation concerning the Medo-Persian Empire, which would succeed the Babylonian Empire.
This specific detail highlights several theological truths:
1. **Divine Foreknowledge and Sovereignty**: God, through His prophet Daniel, reveals future historical events with remarkable precision, demonstrating His absolute sovereignty over human kingdoms and the unfolding of history. The rise and fall of empires are not random but are part of God's overarching plan.
2. **Diminishing Glory of Earthly Kingdoms**: The progression from gold (Babylon) to silver (Medo-Persia) to bronze and iron signifies a decrease in the intrinsic value and glory of successive earthly empires when viewed from a divine perspective. This foreshadows the ultimate inferiority of all human kingdoms compared to the eternal and indestructible kingdom of God.
3. **Accuracy of Prophetic Revelation**: The fulfillment of this prophecy concerning the Medo-Persian Empire (which indeed conquered Babylon) affirms the reliability and trustworthiness of God's Word.
Thus, while chădîy is a simple anatomical term, its prophetic context elevates it to a significant element in a grand revelation of God's eternal dominion over temporal powers.
### Summary
The Aramaic word chădîy (`{{H2306}}`) literally means "breast," corresponding to the Hebrew chāzeh (`{{H2373}}`). Its sole biblical occurrence is in [[Daniel 2:32]], where it describes the "breast" of silver on Nebuchadnezzar's dream statue. In this crucial prophetic context, the silver breast symbolizes the Medo-Persian Empire, the kingdom destined to succeed Babylon. Theologically, chădîy plays a vital role in demonstrating God's meticulous foreknowledge and sovereign control over the succession of world empires, underscoring the diminishing glory of human kingdoms in contrast to His eternal dominion.
TRV