(Aramaic) or חֲזָה; (Aramaic), corresponding to חָזָה; to gaze upon; mentally to dream, be usual (i.e. seem); behold, have (a dream), see, be wont.
Transliteration:chăzâʼ
Pronunciation:khaz-aw'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic verb `{{H2370}}` (chăzâʼ) is a foundational term for perception, directly corresponding to the Hebrew `{{H2372}}` (chāzâ). Its primary semantic core revolves around the act of "seeing" or "beholding," implying a direct and often attentive gaze. Beyond mere physical sight, `{{H2370}}` extends into the realm of mental and spiritual perception. This includes "to dream" or "to have a vision," signifying a profound, often divinely-imparted, form of insight. Furthermore, the term can convey an impersonal sense, meaning "to seem" or "to appear," and even "to be usual" or "to be wont," describing how things are customarily perceived or understood. Thus, its range encompasses literal observation, prophetic revelation, and the subjective or customary appearance of things.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
As an Aramaic verb, `{{H2370}}` predominantly appears in the Aramaic portions of the books of Daniel and Ezra.
In the book of Daniel, `{{H2370}}` is a pivotal term for describing the reception of divine revelation through visions and dreams:
* **Prophetic Visions:** Daniel frequently uses `{{H2370}}` to introduce his visionary experiences. For example, [[Daniel 2:28]] speaks of God revealing secrets through dreams, and Daniel himself states, "I saw" (`{{H2370}}`) in his night visions ([[Daniel 4:10]], [[Daniel 7:2]], [[Daniel 7:4]], [[Daniel 7:6]], [[Daniel 7:7]], [[Daniel 7:9]], [[Daniel 7:11]], [[Daniel 7:13]]). This usage underscores the supernatural origin and profound nature of the insights granted to the prophet.
* **Direct Observation:** The word can also denote physical sight, as when King Nebuchadnezzar exclaims, "I see (`{{H2370}}`) four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire" ([[Daniel 3:25]]). This demonstrates its capacity for literal, immediate perception.
* **Appearance/Seeming:** In [[Daniel 4:18]], Nebuchadnezzar describes his dream, saying it "seemed (`{{H2370}}`) good" to him, illustrating the sense of appearance or subjective impression.
In the book of Ezra, `{{H2370}}` is employed in a more administrative and legal context:
* **Investigation/Examination:** The term is used in the sense of "to search" or "to examine records." For instance, in [[Ezra 4:15]], the request is made for a search to "be made (`{{H2370}}`)" in the book of records concerning Jerusalem. Similarly, [[Ezra 5:17]] uses it in the context of searching the royal archives to verify a decree. Here, `{{H2370}}` signifies a diligent and purposeful act of looking for information, crucial for legal and historical verification.
Across these contexts, `{{H2370}}` consistently points to an act of perception, ranging from passive observation to active inquiry, and from human sight to divine revelation.
### Related Words & Concepts
The closest linguistic and conceptual relative to `{{H2370}}` is its Hebrew cognate, `{{H2372}}` (chāzâ). This Hebrew term also carries the primary meaning of "to see" or "to behold," and is frequently used in the context of prophetic vision (e.g., "the vision which Isaiah saw"). The close semantic overlap between `{{H2370}}` and `{{H2372}}` highlights a shared biblical understanding of divine communication through visual revelation.
Other related Hebrew words for "seeing" include:
* `{{H7200}}` (ra'ah): A very general term for "to see," "to perceive," or "to understand."
* `{{H5027}}` (nābaṭ): Implies "to look intently," "to gaze," often with a specific purpose or focus.
Conceptually, `{{H2370}}` is inextricably linked to:
* **Prophecy and Revelation:** Especially in Daniel, it is the means by which God's hidden truths and future plans are unveiled.
* **Divine Sovereignty:** The content of the visions seen through `{{H2370}}` often reveals God's ultimate control over earthly kingdoms and historical events.
* **Discernment and Understanding:** Whether in prophetic or administrative contexts, "seeing" with `{{H2370}}` often leads to deeper comprehension or verification of truth.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H2370}}` is profound, particularly within the prophetic framework of Daniel.
* **Channel of Divine Revelation:** The frequent use of `{{H2370}}` to describe Daniel's visions establishes it as a primary conduit through which God communicates His will and future purposes to humanity. It underscores the active role of God in initiating and conveying revelation, distinguishing these "sightings" from mere human speculation or imagination. The visions are not conjured but "seen" as given by God.
* **Confirmation of God's Sovereignty:** The detailed and often complex visions "seen" by Daniel, which depict the rise and fall of empires and the ultimate establishment of God's eternal kingdom, serve as powerful affirmations of God's absolute sovereignty over history. The ability to "see" these future events demonstrates God's foreknowledge and His ultimate control over all earthly powers.
* **Call to Discernment:** While `{{H2370}}` points to the clarity of divine revelation, the need for interpretation (as seen in Daniel's reliance on angelic messengers) implies that "seeing" God's truth requires spiritual discernment and understanding. The administrative use in Ezra also highlights the importance of "seeing" or verifying facts for justice and order.
* **The Reality of God's Kingdom:** The visions culminating in the "Son of Man" coming with the clouds of heaven, whom Daniel "saw" ([[Daniel 7:13]]), point to the ultimate, tangible reality of God's eternal kingdom that will supersede all earthly kingdoms. This "seeing" provides hope and assurance of God's ultimate triumph.
### Summary
The Aramaic verb `{{H2370}}` (chăzâʼ), cognate with the Hebrew `{{H2372}}`, is a versatile term for "to see" or "to behold." Its semantic range extends from literal physical observation to profound mental and spiritual perception, including "to dream" or "to have a vision," and even to "seem" or "be customary." In the book of Daniel, `{{H2370}}` is critically employed to denote the reception of divine revelation through prophetic visions and dreams, emphasizing God's communication of His sovereign plan and future events. In Ezra, it takes on a more practical sense of "to examine" or "to search," particularly in legal and administrative contexts. Theologically, `{{H2370}}` is significant for highlighting God's chosen method of revelation, His absolute sovereignty over history, and the importance of discerning truth, whether through direct prophetic insight or diligent examination of records. It underscores that God's truth is meant to be "seen" and understood by His people.
TRV