### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **chăzâʼ**, represented by `{{H2370}}`, is a foundational term for the act of seeing. Its definition includes to **gaze upon**, **behold**, **see**, and mentally, to **have (a dream)**. It appears 31 times across 29 unique verses, primarily in the prophetic and narrative sections of Daniel and Ezra. The word can denote simple observation, a customary state ("be wont"), or the profound experience of receiving a divine vision.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H2370}}` is overwhelmingly used to describe the reception of supernatural visions. Daniel repeatedly uses this term to introduce the content of his revelations, such as when he states, "I saw in my vision by night" [[Daniel 7:2]] or "I beheld till the thrones were cast down" [[Daniel 7:9]]. The word is also used for literal, astonishing sights, as when King Nebuchadnezzar exclaims, "I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire" [[Daniel 3:25]] or when he "saw the part of the hand that wrote" on the wall [[Daniel 5:5]]. A unique usage appears in [[Daniel 3:19]], where the furnace was to be heated seven times more than it "was wont" to be, applying the term to a usual state rather than an act of sight.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related Aramaic words provide a fuller context for the concept of seeing and revelation:
* `{{H2376}}` **chêzêv** (a sight; look, vision): This noun is the direct object of what is seen. It is frequently paired with `{{H2370}}`, as when Daniel "had a dream and visions of his head" [[Daniel 7:1]].
* `{{H2493}}` **chêlem** (a dream; dream): This term is often used alongside `{{H2370}}` to specify the nature of a nocturnal revelation. Nebuchadnezzar states, "I have seen a dream" [[Daniel 4:18]], and later asks Daniel for its interpretation.
* `{{H3046}}` **yᵉdaʻ** (to know): This word is used in a powerful contrast to `{{H2370}}` when describing the impotence of idols, "which see not, nor hear, nor know" [[Daniel 5:23]], highlighting that true perception belongs to the living God.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H2370}}` is centered on the theme of divine revelation.
* **Prophetic Insight:** The word is the primary verb through which God's prophetic plan is unveiled. Daniel's visions of the great beasts [[Daniel 7:7]], the stone cut without hands [[Daniel 2:34]], and the Son of Man coming with the clouds of heaven [[Daniel 7:13]] are all communicated through this act of seeing.
* **Witness to Divine Power:** Characters use `{{H2370}}` to bear witness to God's miraculous intervention. King Nebuchadnezzar "saw" a watcher descending from heaven [[Daniel 4:23]], and his counsellors "saw" that the fire had no power over the bodies of the three Hebrews [[Daniel 3:27]].
* **Critique of Idolatry:** The word serves as a dividing line between the living God and lifeless idols. The climax of Belshazzar's feast involves his praise of gods of metal, wood, and stone "which see not" [[Daniel 5:23]], immediately before he sees a divine hand writing his doom.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2370}}` is far more than a simple verb for physical sight. Concentrated in the book of Daniel, it is the key term for perceiving both divine miracles and prophetic mysteries. It illustrates the vast difference between the limited senses of humanity, the complete blindness of false gods, and the all-seeing, all-knowing power of the God of Israel who reveals His will through what He allows His servants to **see**.
TRV