### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **chăshôwk**, represented by `{{H2816}}`, means **darkness**. Its significance is concentrated in a single, powerful appearance in the book of Daniel. Appearing just **1 time** in **1 unique verse**, it is used to describe a domain that is fully known and penetrated by God's omniscience.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole instance of `{{H2816}}` is found in [[Daniel 2:22]]. In this verse, Daniel is extolling God's power to reveal mysteries. The passage states that God "knoweth what is in the **darkness**," directly contrasting this with the fact that "the light dwelleth with him." Here, **darkness** represents what is hidden, concealed, and inaccessible to human understanding, yet perfectly clear and known to God.
### Related Words & Concepts
The context of `{{H2816}}` in [[Daniel 2:22]] links it to several key Aramaic words that define God's revelatory power:
* `{{H1541}}` **gᵉlâh** (reveal): This verb describes God's action of uncovering what is hidden. God is a "revealer of secrets" [[Daniel 2:47]], and it is He who "revealeth the deep and secret things" [[Daniel 2:22]].
* `{{H5994}}` **ʻămîyq** (deep): This word, meaning profound or unsearchable, is paired with "secret things" and describes the nature of what God reveals from the darkness [[Daniel 2:22]].
* `{{H5642}}` **çᵉthar** (secret thing): Meaning to conceal, this term describes things that are hidden, which God alone can reveal [[Daniel 2:22]]. It is also used to describe the destruction of the house of God [[Ezra 5:12]].
* `{{H3046}}` **yᵉdaʻ** (know): This word is central, as it states God's relationship to the darkness. He "knoweth what is in the darkness" [[Daniel 2:22]], emphasizing His omniscience.
* `{{H5094}}` **nᵉhîyr** (light): This is the direct antithesis of darkness in the passage. It is described as "illumination, i.e. (figuratively) wisdom" and is said to dwell with God [[Daniel 2:22]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H2816}}` is derived entirely from its singular, powerful context.
* **Metaphor for the Unknown:** **Darkness** serves as a metaphor for everything that is hidden, secret, and incomprehensible to humanity. It represents the "deep and secret things" mentioned in the same verse [[Daniel 2:22]].
* **Realm of God's Omniscience:** The passage asserts that this **darkness** is not a barrier to God. His knowledge penetrates it completely, as "he knoweth what is in the darkness" [[Daniel 2:22]]. This underscores the boundlessness of divine knowledge.
* **Contrast with Divine Nature:** The term is placed in direct opposition to **light** `{{H5094}}`, which "dwelleth with him." This contrast highlights that while God's nature is one of light and wisdom, He still has complete authority and understanding over the realm of darkness and secrecy.
### Summary
In summary, **chăshôwk** `{{H2816}}` is a term whose importance is defined by its specific theological context rather than its frequency. Its lone appearance in [[Daniel 2:22]] powerfully illustrates the concept of divine omniscience. It is not merely the absence of physical light, but a symbol for all that is secret and unknown to humankind, a realm that is nonetheless fully known and revealed by God, with whom all **light** dwells.
TRV