(Aramaic) a collateral root to one corresponding to חוּשׁ in the sense of readiness; to be necessary (from the idea of convenience) or (transitively) to need; careful, have need of.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **chăshach**, represented by `{{H2818}}`, relates to the concept of necessity. Its meaning can be translated as **to need** something or to be **careful** in a matter. It appears **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible, showing its specific and rare application. The word stems from a root implying readiness or convenience, which lends itself to these two distinct senses of need and carefulness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The two appearances of `{{H2818}}` in scripture highlight its dual meaning. In [[Ezra 6:9]], it is used to describe the material requirements for the temple, specifying that which the priests **have need of** for burnt offerings must be provided. This context points to a tangible, essential requirement for worship. In contrast, [[Daniel 3:16]] uses the word to express a lack of necessity. When facing King Nebuchadnezzar, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego declare they are not **careful** to answer him, indicating they feel no need or obligation to deliberate on a matter where their faith is absolute.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related Aramaic words provide a fuller context for the scenes where `{{H2818}}` is used:
* `{{H3809}}` **lâʼ** (not): This simple negation is crucial in [[Daniel 3:16]], where the men are "**not** careful" to answer. It is used frequently to express God's power and protection, as in the declaration that the kingdom of God shall "**not** be destroyed" [[Daniel 2:44]].
* `{{H4101}}` **mâh** (what?): This interrogative appears in [[Ezra 6:9]] to specify "**what**" is needed for the temple offerings. It is also used in exclamations of praise, such as "**How** great are his signs!" [[Daniel 4:3]].
* `{{H7960}}` **shâlûw** (a fault; error, [idiom] fail, thing amiss): This word is paired with `{{H3809}}` in [[Ezra 6:9]], commanding that the needed items be given "without **fail**." It signifies a mistake or error, as when Daniel's accusers could find no "**error** or fault" in him [[Daniel 6:4]].
* `{{H8421}}` **tûwb** (to come back; specifically (transitive and ellip.) to reply; answer, restore, return (an answer)): This is the action that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego feel no need to be careful about in [[Daniel 3:16]], as they prepare to **answer** the king. It is also used when the Jews **returned answer** about rebuilding the house of God [[Ezra 5:11]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H2818}}` is seen in the contrast between its two uses. It highlights what is necessary in the life of a believer.
* **Provision for Worship:** Its use in Ezra establishes that fulfilling the material **needs** of God's service is a righteous and important duty, one that can even be commanded by a secular ruler [[Ezra 6:9]].
* **Faith Above Prudence:** Its use in Daniel demonstrates that in moments of testing, the "need" for careful, diplomatic, or self-preserving speech is nullified by a higher commitment to God. The three men's refusal to be "careful" shows that their trust in God removes the necessity for worldly caution [[Daniel 3:16]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2818}}` is a specific term that, despite its infrequent use, draws a sharp line between different kinds of necessity. It affirms the importance of providing for the physical **needs** of worship and religious practice. At the same time, it illustrates a spiritual principle where faithfulness to God eliminates the **need** for careful deliberation or compromise in the face of a direct challenge to one's convictions.
TRV