### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic noun חֲזוֹת (chăzôwth, `{{H2379}}`) is defined as "a view; sight." It is derived from the Aramaic verb חֲזָא (chăzâ', `{{H2370}}`), which means "to see," "to behold," "to perceive," or "to have a vision." As a noun, חֲזוֹת (chăzôwth) would therefore denote the act of seeing, the object seen, or the faculty of sight. Its semantic range encompasses physical observation, appearance, or, more profoundly, a divine vision or revelation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
It is important to note that the Aramaic noun חֲזוֹת (chăzôwth, `{{H2379}}`) does not appear in any extant biblical text. While Strong's Concordance includes this lemma and defines it based on its root, it is not attested in the Aramaic portions of Daniel or Ezra, where its usage would be expected.
Despite its non-occurrence, its meaning is entirely derived from its active and well-attested verbal root, חֲזָא (chăzâ', `{{H2370}}`). This verb is found frequently in the Aramaic sections of Daniel and Ezra, providing insight into the conceptual space חֲזוֹת (chăzôwth) would occupy if it were present:
* **Divine Visions and Dreams:** In Daniel, חֲזָא (chăzâ', `{{H2370}}`) is predominantly used to describe the reception of prophetic visions or dreams. For instance, King Nebuchadnezzar "saw" (חֲזָא) a dream in [[Daniel 2:4]] and [[Daniel 4:10]]. Daniel himself "saw" (חֲזָא) visions in [[Daniel 7:1]], [[Daniel 7:2]], and [[Daniel 7:13]]. This usage underscores the role of "seeing" as a primary mode of divine revelation.
* **Physical Perception:** Less frequently, חֲזָא (chăzâ', `{{H2370}}`) can refer to literal physical seeing, as when Nebuchadnezzar's appearance was changed for those to "see" in [[Daniel 3:19]].
* **Contextual Implication:** Had חֲזוֹת (chăzôwth, `{{H2379}}`) appeared in the biblical text, it would likely have served as a noun referring to the "sight" or "vision" itself, particularly in the context of prophetic or divine encounters, mirroring the profound usage of its verbal root.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Aramaic Root:** חֲזָא (chăzâ', `{{H2370}}`): The direct verbal root of H2379, meaning "to see," "to behold," "to perceive," or "to have a vision." This verb is central to understanding the concept of divine revelation in the Aramaic portions of the Old Testament.
* **Aramaic Causative:** חֲוָא (chăwâ', `{{H2371}}`): Meaning "to show" or "to declare." This is the causative form (Aphel) of חֲזָא (chăzâ', `{{H2370}}`), indicating the act of causing someone to see or understand. This word is found in passages like [[Daniel 2:11]] and [[Daniel 3:31]] (KJV 4:2).
* **Hebrew Cognates:** The concept of "seeing" or "vision" is also robustly present in Hebrew:
* חָזָה (chāzâ, `{{H2372}}`): The Hebrew verbal equivalent of חֲזָא (chăzâ', `{{H2370}}`), primarily meaning "to see" or "to behold," especially in a prophetic sense. This verb is frequently used to describe the experiences of prophets (e.g., Isaiah "saw" a vision, [[Isaiah 1:1]]).
* חָזוֹן (chāzôn, `{{H2377}}`): A Hebrew noun meaning "vision," "revelation," or "prophecy." This is the most direct conceptual and often etymological parallel to what חֲזוֹת (chăzôwth, `{{H2379}}`) would represent in Hebrew. It typically refers to divine communications received through non-physical means.
* מַרְאֶה (mar'eh, `{{H4758}}`): A Hebrew noun meaning "sight," "appearance," or "vision." It can refer to what is physically seen or to a supernatural manifestation.
### Theological Significance
Although חֲזוֹת (chăzôwth, `{{H2379}}`) itself is not found in the biblical text, the theological significance of its root חֲזָא (chăzâ', `{{H2370}}`) and its Hebrew cognates is profound.
* **Divine Revelation:** The act of "seeing" in the biblical narrative, particularly in prophetic contexts, transcends mere physical perception. It signifies the reception of divine truth, a direct disclosure from God to humanity. This highlights God's initiative in making Himself and His will known.
* **Prophetic Authority:** Prophets like Daniel are characterized by their ability to "see" visions, which serves as the basis for their authority to speak on behalf of God. Their "sight" is a channel for God's message, not a product of human ingenuity.
* **God's Sovereignty:** The visions "seen" by Daniel, for instance, reveal God's ultimate sovereignty over human kingdoms and history. They unveil future events and the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom, demonstrating His omnipotence and purposeful plan.
* **The Unseen Made Manifest:** The concept embedded in the root חֲזָא (chăzâ', `{{H2370}}`) is that God makes the unseen, the future, or His divine reality, perceptible and comprehensible to His chosen servants, often through symbolic or profound "sights" or "views."
### Summary
The Aramaic noun חֲזוֹת (chăzôwth, `{{H2379}}`) is defined as "a view; sight," derived from the verb חֲזָא (chăzâ', `{{H2370}}`), "to see" or "to behold." While listed in Strong's Concordance, it is crucial to note that חֲזוֹת (chăzôwth, `{{H2379}}`) does not actually appear in any biblical text. Its meaning and potential theological weight are entirely inferred from its well-attested verbal root, חֲזָא (chăzâ', `{{H2370}}`), which is frequently used in the Aramaic portions of Daniel to describe the reception of divine visions and prophetic insights. This root, along with its Hebrew cognates like חָזָה (chāzâ, `{{H2372}}`) and especially חָזוֹן (chāzôn, `{{H2377}}`), underscores the profound biblical concept of "seeing" as a primary mode of divine revelation, through which God discloses His will, His plans, and His sovereign control over history to His chosen servants. Although H2379 itself is an un-attested lemma, its conceptual foundation is deeply embedded in the biblical understanding of God's active self-disclosure and the nature of prophetic experience.
TRV