(Aramaic) corresponding to חָשַׁב; to regard; repute.
Transliteration:chăshab
Pronunciation:khash-ab'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic verb H2804 (חֲשַׁב, *chăshab*) directly corresponds to the more common Hebrew verb `{{H2803}}` (חָשַׁב, *chashab*). Its core semantic range revolves around mental processes of evaluation and determination. The primary meanings include "to reckon," "to account," "to regard," "to repute," "to consider," and "to calculate" or "to devise." In its Aramaic occurrences, the emphasis often falls on how something or someone is *considered* or *esteemed*, particularly in relation to authority or value. It signifies the act of assigning a status, worth, or purpose through thought or decree.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Occurring exclusively in the Aramaic portions of the Old Testament, H2804 provides insight into the administrative and theological language of the Persian period.
One significant occurrence is found in [[Daniel 4:35]], within Nebuchadnezzar's testimony after his restoration: "And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?" Here, the phrase "reputed as nothing" (לָא חֲשִׁיבִין) powerfully conveys the absolute sovereignty of God in contrast to the utter insignificance of humanity when measured against His power and wisdom. It underscores that human beings, with all their plans and might, are ultimately inconsequential in challenging or comprehending the divine will. The context is one of humble submission to God's unchallengeable dominion.
Another notable instance is in [[Ezra 7:21]], where King Artaxerxes issues a decree regarding the provisions for the temple in Jerusalem: "And I, even I Artaxerxes the king, do make a decree to all the treasurers which are beyond the river, that whatsoever Ezra the priest, the scribe of the law of the God of heaven, shall require of you, it be done speedily." In this context, "shall require" (יִתְחֲשַׁב) carries the nuance of "to calculate" or "to determine what is needed," which then becomes a demand or a charge. This usage highlights the administrative aspect of the word, where a careful reckoning leads to an authoritative directive. It reflects a process of assessment and subsequent action.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is its Hebrew cognate, `{{H2803}}` (חָשַׁב, *chashab*), which shares the broad semantic field of thinking, reckoning, planning, and devising. Both verbs convey the mental activity of forming an opinion, making a calculation, or formulating a design.
Conceptually, H2804 connects to:
* **Sovereignty:** Especially in [[Daniel 4:35]], where God's actions are beyond human reckoning or challenge.
* **Valuation/Esteem:** How individuals or actions are considered or measured.
* **Planning/Calculation:** The deliberate process of determining needs or devising a course of action, as seen in [[Ezra 7:21]].
* **Humility:** The proper human posture before divine majesty, acknowledging one's "nothingness" in comparison.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H2804 is profound, particularly in its use in [[Daniel 4:35]]. This verse, employing H2804, serves as a cornerstone for understanding divine sovereignty. It declares that God is utterly incomparable, and all human power, wisdom, and status are "reputed as nothing" before Him. This truth humbles humanity, stripping away any pretense of self-sufficiency or ability to contend with the Almighty. It emphasizes that God's will is supreme, His actions are righteous, and His authority is absolute, requiring no human validation or explanation. This usage powerfully reinforces the biblical doctrine of God's unchallengeable dominion over all creation, both heavenly and earthly.
In [[Ezra 7:21]], while administrative, the word implicitly points to God's meticulous providence. Even through a pagan king, the resources for God's temple are "reckoned" and provided. This suggests that God's plans are carefully calculated and brought to fruition, even using secular means. It underscores that divine purposes are not haphazard but are precisely "accounted for" and executed.
### Summary
H2804 (חֲשַׁב, *chăshab*) is an Aramaic verb primarily meaning "to reckon," "to regard," "to repute," or "to calculate/demand." It is the Aramaic equivalent of the Hebrew `{{H2803}}` and appears in the Aramaic sections of Daniel and Ezra. Its usage in [[Daniel 4:35]] is particularly impactful, declaring humanity as "reputed as nothing" before God, thereby powerfully asserting God's absolute and unchallenged sovereignty. In [[Ezra 7:21]], it denotes the careful calculation and authoritative demand of resources. Theologically, H2804 serves to underscore God's incomparable majesty and unchallengeable authority, while simultaneously highlighting humanity's humble place before Him. It speaks to how things are considered or accounted for, particularly in the divine economy, emphasizing divine meticulousness and supreme control.
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