### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word H2376 (חֵזֵו, chêzêv) is derived from the root חֲזָא (chaza', `{{H2370}}`), meaning "to see" or "to behold." Consequently, chêzêv fundamentally denotes "a sight" or "a look." Its semantic range extends to encompass both ordinary physical perception and, more significantly, extraordinary or divinely granted perceptions. In its most prominent usage, it refers to a "vision," specifically a revelatory experience where something is seen that transcends normal human sight, often conveying a message or revelation from God. The term can also denote the "appearance" or "form" of something tangible, emphasizing what is outwardly visible.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term chêzêv appears exclusively in the Aramaic portions of the book of Daniel, occurring eight times. Its usage reveals two distinct, yet related, applications:
1. **Divine, Revelatory Visions:**
* In [[Daniel 2:28]], chêzêv is used in parallel with "dream" (חֵלֶם, chelem) to describe the "visions of your head" that King Nebuchadnezzar experienced, which revealed future events. This context firmly establishes chêzêv as a medium for divine revelation, distinct from ordinary dreams by its prophetic content and divine origin.
* Similarly, in [[Daniel 4:10]] and [[Daniel 4:13]], Nebuchadnezzar recounts the "visions of my head" that troubled him, which Daniel subsequently interpreted as a divine warning regarding the king's impending humiliation. Here, chêzêv clearly signifies a supernaturally imparted prophetic vision.
2. **Physical Appearance or Countenance:**
* In [[Daniel 5:2]], the word describes the "appearance" or "form" of the golden and silver vessels taken from the Jerusalem temple, which King Belshazzar commanded to be brought for his feast. This usage refers to the outward, visible aspect of an object.
* The term is then used repeatedly in [[Daniel 5:5]], [[Daniel 5:6]], [[Daniel 5:9]], and [[Daniel 5:24]] in connection with the mysterious hand that wrote on the wall. In [[Daniel 5:5]] and [[Daniel 5:24]], it refers to the "sight" or "appearance" of the fingers or hand itself, highlighting the terrifying physical manifestation. In [[Daniel 5:6]] and [[Daniel 5:9]], chêzêv describes the king's "countenance" or "appearance," which changed dramatically due to fear and inner turmoil upon witnessing the divine inscription. This illustrates how an internal state can be outwardly manifested and seen.
These contexts show chêzêv as a versatile term for "what is seen," ranging from profound spiritual insight to tangible physical manifestation.
### Related Words & Concepts
H2376 (chêzêv) is directly linked to its Aramaic root חֲזָא (chaza', `{{H2370}}`), which is the verb "to see, behold." This connection underscores the fundamental meaning of chêzêv as "a thing seen."
In Hebrew, several cognate terms share similar semantic fields:
* חָזָה (chazah, `{{H2372}}`): The Hebrew verb equivalent to Aramaic chaza', also meaning "to see," often used for prophetic vision.
* חָזוֹן (chazon, `{{H2377}}`): The direct Hebrew parallel to chêzêv in its "vision" sense, specifically referring to a prophetic vision or revelation.
* מַחֲזֶה (machazeh, `{{H4236}}`): A noun meaning "vision" or "appearance," often in a revelatory context.
* מַרְאֶה (mar'eh, `{{H4758}}`): A broad term for "sight," "appearance," or "vision," encompassing both physical and spiritual perceptions. This word often overlaps with the "appearance" sense of chêzêv in Daniel 5.
Collectively, these words and their underlying concepts revolve around divine communication, prophetic insight, and the various ways in which God makes Himself, His will, or His judgments "seen" or "manifest."
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of chêzêv primarily rests on its role in conveying divine revelation and demonstrating God's sovereignty.
1. **Divine Communication and Sovereignty:** In its use for "visions" in Daniel 2 and 4, chêzêv highlights God's active involvement in human history. He is the God "who reveals mysteries" ([[Daniel 2:28]]), communicating His plans and purposes even to pagan kings. These visions underscore God's absolute sovereignty over nations, their rise and fall, and the destiny of rulers. The content of Nebuchadnezzar's visions, interpreted by Daniel, reveals a meticulously orchestrated divine plan for the ages, demonstrating God's omniscience and omnipotence.
2. **Prophetic Authority:** Daniel's ability to interpret these chêzêv marks him as a true prophet, a vessel through whom God's hidden truths are made known. This stands in stark contrast to the inability of the Chaldean wise men, emphasizing that true understanding comes from divine wisdom, not human wisdom or occult practices.
3. **Manifestation of Judgment:** In Daniel 5, while chêzêv refers to the "appearance" of the vessels, the hand, and the king's countenance, it is still deeply embedded in a context of divine judgment. The chêzêv of the disembodied hand writing on the wall serves as a terrifying and immediate manifestation of God's impending judgment on Belshazzar. The king's changed chêzêv (countenance) is a visible sign of the profound fear and spiritual distress brought about by this divine encounter. This demonstrates that God's presence and judgment can be powerfully perceived through physical manifestations, evoking awe and terror.
### Summary
H2376 (חֵזֵו, chêzêv) is an Aramaic term meaning "a sight," "a look," or "a vision," derived from חֲזָא (chaza', `{{H2370}}`), "to see." In the book of Daniel, its usage is twofold: it primarily denotes **supernatural, revelatory visions** given by God to convey prophetic messages and reveal divine mysteries, as seen in the dreams and visions of Nebuchadnezzar ([[Daniel 2:28]], [[Daniel 4:10]], [[Daniel 4:13]]). Secondly, chêzêv refers to a **physical appearance or countenance**, such as the form of vessels or the visible change in a person's face, particularly in response to divine intervention or judgment ([[Daniel 5:2]], [[Daniel 5:5]], [[Daniel 5:6]], [[Daniel 5:9]], [[Daniel 5:24]]). Theologically, chêzêv underscores God's active sovereignty over human history, His direct communication of truth through extraordinary means, and the tangible impact of His presence and judgment on human experience.
TRV