(Aramaic) from a root corresponding to חָשַׁךְ; the dark; darkness.
Transliteration:chăshôwk
Pronunciation:khash-oke'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic term H2816 (חֲשׁוֹךְ, *chăshôwk*) denotes "the dark" or "darkness." It is derived from a root corresponding to the Hebrew H2821 (חָשַׁךְ, *chashak*), meaning "to be dark" or "to grow dark." As a noun, H2816 specifically refers to the state or condition of an absence of light, encompassing not only literal obscurity but also metaphorical senses of hiddenness, mystery, or that which is concealed from human perception. Its semantic range is closely tied to its cognate Hebrew terms, emphasizing the concept of non-illumination or that which is veiled.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Remarkably, H2816 appears only once in the entire biblical corpus, found in the Aramaic portion of the book of Daniel.
* [[Daniel 2:22]]: "He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what is in the darkness (חֲשׁוֹךְ), and light dwells with him."
In this singular occurrence, the word chăshôwk is used to describe the realm of the unknown, the mysterious, and the concealed. The context is Daniel's prayer of praise to God after receiving the revelation of Nebuchadnezzar's dream and its interpretation. The phrase "what is in the darkness" stands in direct antithesis to "light dwells with him," highlighting God's unique and comprehensive knowledge. It does not necessarily imply moral darkness or evil, but rather that which is hidden from human understanding or beyond human discovery. God's ability to know "what is in the darkness" underscores His omniscience and His power to reveal what is otherwise inscrutable.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic relatives of H2816 are its Hebrew cognates from the same root:
* H2821 (חָשַׁךְ, *chashak*): The verb "to be dark," "to grow dark," "to hide." This verb is used to describe the darkening of the sun, the dimming of eyes, or the concealment of counsel.
* H2822 (חֹשֶׁךְ, *choshek*): The noun "darkness," which is the most common Hebrew word for darkness and carries a broad semantic range including literal darkness, spiritual darkness, ignorance, distress, and the realm of the dead.
The concept of "darkness" (whether H2816, H2822, or other terms) is often juxtaposed with "light" (e.g., H216 אוֹר, *'ôr*). This antithesis is fundamental in biblical theology, representing knowledge versus ignorance, revelation versus mystery, and divine presence versus absence. Related concepts include hiddenness, deep things, secrets, and divine revelation.
### Theological Significance
The solitary appearance of H2816 in [[Daniel 2:22]] carries profound theological weight. It serves as a powerful declaration of God's absolute omniscience and His role as the ultimate revealer. The "darkness" in this verse represents everything that is hidden, obscure, or incomprehensible to human wisdom and understanding – the "deep and hidden things." By stating that God "knows what is in the darkness," the text asserts that no secret, no mystery, no hidden truth is beyond His comprehension. This knowledge is not achieved through discovery or learning, but is inherent to His being, as "light dwells with Him." This implies that God is the very source and essence of knowledge and revelation, capable of illuminating the profoundest obscurities. This verse underscores divine sovereignty over all information and the dependence of humanity on God for true understanding, especially concerning future events and divine purposes. It offers comfort that even in the most bewildering circumstances, God remains fully aware and in control.
### Summary
The Aramaic word H2816 (חֲשׁוֹךְ, *chăshôwk*), meaning "darkness" or "the dark," is a unique and significant term appearing only once in the biblical text, in [[Daniel 2:22]]. In this solitary occurrence, it powerfully articulates the realm of the hidden, the unknown, and the mysterious. Its use in contrast with God, with whom "light dwells," emphasizes the divine attribute of omniscience: God alone possesses complete knowledge of all things, even those utterly concealed from human perception. Thus, H2816 highlights God's unparalleled ability to reveal "deep and hidden things," affirming His sovereignty over all knowledge and His nature as the ultimate source of truth and revelation.
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