(Aramaic) from a root corresponding to חָלַם; a dream; dream.
Transliteration:chêlem
Pronunciation:khay'-lem
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic term `{{H2493}}` (חֵלֶם, chêlem) directly corresponds to the Hebrew `{{H2492}}` (חָלַם, chalam), meaning "to dream," and its noun form `{{H2472}}` (חֲלוֹם, chalom), "a dream." Its primary semantic range is straightforward: a nocturnal vision or experience occurring during sleep. In the biblical context, particularly in the Book of Daniel where this Aramaic word is exclusively found, "dream" often carries a profound spiritual weight, signifying a medium through which God communicates divine revelation, prophecy, or warnings. It distinguishes itself from mere psychological phenomena by its clarity, symbolic nature, and the necessity of supernatural interpretation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
`{{H2493}}` appears exclusively in the Aramaic portions of the Book of Daniel. Its usage is central to understanding the prophetic messages conveyed through Nebuchadnezzar's experiences:
* **Nebuchadnezzar's First Dream (Daniel 2):** The term is introduced and used extensively in [[Daniel 2:1]], [[Daniel 2:2]], [[Daniel 2:3]], [[Daniel 2:4]], [[Daniel 2:5]], [[Daniel 2:6]], [[Daniel 2:7]], [[Daniel 2:8]], [[Daniel 2:9]], [[Daniel 2:10]], [[Daniel 2:19]], [[Daniel 2:26]], [[Daniel 2:28]], [[Daniel 2:36]], [[Daniel 2:45]]. Here, King Nebuchadnezzar is troubled by a dream (`{{H2493}}`) whose content and meaning elude him. The inability of his own wise men to recall or interpret the dream highlights the supernatural origin of the vision and the unique divine wisdom bestowed upon Daniel. Daniel's success in both revealing the dream's content and providing its interpretation underscores God's control over the events of history and His chosen method of revealing His future plans.
* **Nebuchadnezzar's Second Dream (Daniel 4):** `{{H2493}}` reappears in [[Daniel 4:5]], [[Daniel 4:8]], [[Daniel 4:9]], [[Daniel 4:18]], [[Daniel 4:19]], [[Daniel 4:26]]. This dream, concerning a majestic tree that is cut down, serves as a prophetic warning to Nebuchadnezzar regarding his impending humiliation and subsequent restoration. Again, the dream is portrayed as a direct divine communication, requiring supernatural insight for its understanding. In both instances, the dreams are not merely psychological events but instruments of God's sovereign will and prophetic revelation concerning world empires and the ultimate establishment of His eternal kingdom.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Hebrew Cognates:** The most direct relation is to the Hebrew verbal root `{{H2492}}` (חָלַם, chalam), "to dream," and the common Hebrew noun `{{H2472}}` (חֲלוֹם, chalom), "dream." These words are functionally synonymous with `{{H2493}}` in their respective linguistic contexts, reflecting a shared concept of a nocturnal vision.
* **Modes of Divine Revelation:** `{{H2493}}` belongs to a broader category of divine communication in the Bible, which includes:
* Visions (`{{H2376}}` חָזוֹן, chazon; `{{G3706}}` ὅραμα, horama): Often more vivid and conscious than dreams, though the lines can sometimes blur.
* Prophetic utterances (`{{H5030}}` נְבוּאָה, nevu'ah): Direct verbal messages from God.
* Theophany/Angelophany: Direct appearances of God or His messengers.
* **Interpretation:** The concept of "interpretation" (Aramaic `{{H6622}}` פֶּשֶׁר, pesher) is inextricably linked to `{{H2493}}`. A dream from God often requires a divinely gifted interpreter, as seen in the roles of Joseph and Daniel, emphasizing that the meaning is not self-evident but divinely bestowed.
### Theological Significance
The use of `{{H2493}}` in Daniel carries profound theological weight:
* **Divine Sovereignty:** The dreams communicated through `{{H2493}}` powerfully demonstrate God's absolute sovereignty over all earthly kingdoms and human affairs. He initiates these dreams in the mind of a pagan king and holds the exclusive key to their interpretation, revealing His overarching plan for history and the ultimate triumph of His kingdom.
* **Medium of Prophetic Revelation:** Dreams, in these contexts, are presented as a legitimate and potent channel of divine revelation. They are not random occurrences but purposeful communications from God, serving to foretell future events and to establish God's control over the unfolding of human history.
* **Superiority of Divine Wisdom:** The narrative starkly contrasts the impotence of Babylonian wisdom (magicians, enchanters, astrologers) with the supernatural wisdom granted to Daniel. This highlights that true understanding of God's purposes and the future comes not through human intellect or occult practices, but solely through divine revelation and the Spirit of God.
* **God's Engagement with All Nations:** God's communication through `{{H2493}}` to a pagan monarch like Nebuchadnezzar underscores His active engagement with all nations, not just Israel. He reveals His plans to Gentile rulers, often for the sake of His people and to demonstrate His universal dominion.
### Summary
The Aramaic term `{{H2493}}` (חֵלֶם, chêlem) denotes a "dream," specifically as it functions within the Book of Daniel. While semantically akin to its Hebrew counterparts, its occurrences are uniquely tied to the prophetic narratives of Daniel, particularly the dreams of King Nebuchadnezzar. These dreams are presented as divinely initiated communications, serving as a primary conduit for God's sovereign revelation concerning future world empires and the ultimate establishment of His eternal kingdom. The word `{{H2493}}` thus encapsulates a significant theological truth: God's active involvement in human history, His absolute control over all earthly powers, and His consistent use of various means, including dreams, to disclose His divine purposes and demonstrate the unparalleled superiority of His wisdom.
TRV