(Aramaic) corresponding to חָסַן; to hold in occupancy; possess.
Transliteration:chăçan
Pronunciation:khas-an'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic verb `{{H2631}}` (חֲסַן - chăçan) corresponds directly to the Hebrew `{{H2620}}` (חָסַן - ḥāsan). Its fundamental meaning revolves around the concept of "holding in occupancy" or "possessing." This is not a transient or temporary holding, but rather implies a firm, secure, and established possession. The root often carries connotations of strength, firmness, or might, suggesting that the act of possessing or holding is done with power and authority, ensuring its permanence. Thus, chăçan denotes a secure grip, an enduring ownership, or an established control over something, often a realm or dominion.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
As an Aramaic word, `{{H2631}}` is exclusively found in the Aramaic portions of the book of Daniel, specifically within the prophetic visions concerning the end times and the establishment of God's kingdom.
1. **[[Daniel 7:18]]**: "But the saints of the most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom for ever, even for ever and ever." Here, `{{H2631}}` (וְיַחְסְנוּן - veyachsenun, a P'al imperfect) clearly denotes the future, secure, and eternal possession of the kingdom by God's holy people. It emphasizes the transfer of ultimate authority from the earthly, oppressive powers to the divine realm and its representatives.
2. **[[Daniel 7:22]]**: "...until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom." Again, `{{H2631}}` (וּמַלְכוּתָא הֶחֱסִנוּ - umalkuta hechesinu, a P'al perfect) describes the actualization of this divine promise. The saints, after a period of tribulation, are divinely empowered to take and hold the kingdom, signifying their ultimate vindication and triumph.
3. **[[Daniel 7:26]]**: "But the judgment shall sit, and they shall take away his dominion, to consume and to destroy it unto the end." This occurrence of `{{H2631}}` (יְהַחְסְנוּן - yehaḥsenun) is in the Haph'el (causative) stem. While the P'al stem means "to possess," the Haph'el here signifies "to cause to possess" or, more accurately in this context, "to cause to be dispossessed" or "to remove possession from." It describes the active act of judgment whereby the dominion of the beast (representing oppressive earthly powers) is forcibly taken away, leading to its complete destruction. This usage highlights the divine prerogative to grant and remove possession.
In these contexts, `{{H2631}}` underscores the profound shift in power and ownership from corrupt earthly empires to the righteous rule of God and His saints, both in terms of receiving possession and having it removed.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is its Hebrew cognate, `{{H2620}}` (חָסַן - ḥāsan), which means "to be strong," "to be mighty," or "to acquire, possess." This connection reinforces the idea that `{{H2631}}` implies possession that is secured by strength or divine power. Conceptually, `{{H2631}}` aligns with other biblical terms for "inheritance" or "possession," such as the Hebrew `{{H3423}}` (ירשׁ - yarash, "to inherit, take possession of") and `{{H5157}}` (נחל - nachal, "to inherit, obtain an inheritance"). However, `{{H2631}}` often carries a stronger nuance of firm, secure, and unassailable holding, particularly when referring to a kingdom or dominion. It is intrinsically linked to concepts of sovereignty, eternal rule, and divine prerogative.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H2631}}` is profound, particularly within the eschatological framework of Daniel's prophecies:
1. **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**: The use of `{{H2631}}` in both the P'al and Haph'el stems demonstrates God's absolute sovereignty. He is the one who grants the kingdom to the saints, and He is the one who causes the dominion of the wicked to be taken away. This highlights His ultimate control over human history and destiny.
2. **Eschatological Hope and Vindication**: The repeated declaration that the "saints shall possess the kingdom" (`{{H2631}}`) offers a powerful message of hope and vindication for God's people. Despite present suffering or oppression, their ultimate destiny is to share in God's eternal rule. This possession is not temporary but "for ever, even for ever and ever," emphasizing the eternal nature of God's kingdom.
3. **Contrast Between Earthly and Heavenly Rule**: The word sharply contrasts the temporary, violent, and ultimately doomed dominion of human empires (represented by the beasts) with the eternal, righteous, and divinely established rule of the saints. The secure "possession" by the saints underscores the qualitative difference between these two realities.
4. **The Nature of the Kingdom**: The kingdom possessed by the saints is not merely a spiritual concept but a tangible, authoritative rule. The verb `{{H2631}}` implies a real, secure, and enduring hold on this dominion, signifying the ultimate triumph of God's purposes on earth.
### Summary
The Aramaic verb `{{H2631}}` (חֲסַן - chăçan) signifies "to hold in occupancy" or "to possess securely." Primarily found in the book of Daniel, it plays a crucial role in describing the ultimate transfer of dominion. In its P'al form, it powerfully declares that the "saints of the Most High shall possess the kingdom forever" ([[Daniel 7:18]], [[Daniel 7:22]]), emphasizing their secure and eternal inheritance. In its causative (Haph'el) form, it describes the divine act of "taking away" the dominion of oppressive earthly powers ([[Daniel 7:26]]), highlighting God's judgment and sovereign control. `{{H2631}}` thus underscores the eschatological hope of the saints, the eternal nature of God's kingdom, and the absolute sovereignty of God in granting and removing all authority.
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