(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.
Transliteration:chăshach
Pronunciation:khash-akh'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic lemma חֲשַׁח (chăshach), Strong's number `{{H2818}}`, carries the fundamental meaning of "to be necessary" or "to need." Its etymological root is described as collateral to a Hebrew root corresponding to חוּשׁ (chush), which conveys the sense of "readiness" or "haste." This connection suggests that what is "needed" or "necessary" often implies a state of urgency, convenience, or immediate requirement. The semantic range of chăshach thus extends from an objective necessity or requirement (something that *must* be done or provided) to a subjective need or desire (something one *has need of*). It can also denote the absence of something needed, or the cessation of a need, as implied by translations like "fled" or "departed" in certain contexts where a need (e.g., for sleep) is no longer present or met. The term encompasses both the state of requiring something and the thing that is required.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word חֲשַׁח (chăshach) appears exclusively in the Aramaic portions of the Old Testament, specifically in the books of Daniel and Ezra. Its usage consistently reflects the core meaning of necessity or need, though with nuanced applications:
* **[[Daniel 2:16]]**: After King Nebuchadnezzar's troubling dream, Daniel approaches the king, stating that he "needed" (חֲשַׁח) time to interpret the dream. Here, the word signifies a personal, urgent requirement for a specific resource (time) to fulfill a critical task. It highlights Daniel's reliance on divine revelation, which requires a period of prayer and seeking God.
* **[[Daniel 3:16]]**: In their defiant stand before Nebuchadnezzar, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego declare, "We have no need (חֲשַׁח) to answer you in this matter." This powerful statement asserts their unwavering faith and rejection of idolatry. The term here conveys a complete lack of necessity or obligation to engage in further debate or defense, implying their conviction that God's will is supreme and their decision is final. It signifies a profound spiritual independence from earthly compulsion.
* **[[Daniel 6:18]]**: Regarding King Darius's distress over Daniel in the lion's den, the text states, "no entertainment was brought before him, and his sleep fled (חֲשַׁח) from him." While often translated as "fled" or "went from him," the underlying sense of chăshach here can be understood as sleep ceasing to be necessary or present for him due to his deep anxiety. The need for sleep was overridden by his distress, or sleep itself was no longer a present reality. This reflects a state where a natural human need is disrupted or absent due to overwhelming circumstances.
* **[[Ezra 6:8]]**: In King Darius's decree concerning the rebuilding of the temple, he commands that the expenses be paid "what is needed" (חֲשַׁח) from the royal treasury. This usage denotes a clear, official, and material necessity. The word here refers to the specific resources and funds required for a divinely ordained project, emphasizing the king's provision for God's work.
* **[[Ezra 7:20]]**: King Artaxerxes instructs Ezra regarding the vessels for the house of God, stating, "Whatever else is needed (חֲשַׁח) for the house of your God, which you may have occasion to provide, you may provide it from the royal treasury." Similar to Ezra 6:8, this again refers to material provisions and necessities for the temple service, highlighting royal support and divine provision channeled through human authority.
### Related Words & Concepts
The connection of `{{H2818}}` to the Hebrew root חוּשׁ (chush), meaning "to hasten" or "to be quick," suggests an underlying idea of urgency or immediate relevance. What is "needed" is often something that is required promptly or without delay.
Conceptually, חֲשַׁח aligns with broader biblical themes of:
* **Divine Provision**: As seen in Ezra, God orchestrates the provision of resources, even through pagan kings, for the fulfillment of His purposes. The "need" is met by divine decree.
* **Human Dependence**: Daniel's need for time or the king's inability to sleep underscore human limitations and dependence on factors beyond immediate control.
* **Divine Sovereignty**: The declaration of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego ("no need to answer") points to a higher allegiance where human authority is rendered unnecessary when it conflicts with God's will.
* **Necessity of Obedience**: The "needs" for the temple (Ezra) are not arbitrary but are essential for the proper worship and service commanded by God.
Other related Aramaic words might include those dealing with royal decrees or commands, such as טְעֵם (ṭeēm, `{{H2942}}`), "decree" or "command," which often outlines what is "needed" or "required."
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of חֲשַׁח (chăshach) lies primarily in its portrayal of divine sovereignty and the nature of human and divine "needs."
Firstly, the word highlights God's meticulous care for His people and His temple. The "necessities" for the temple in Ezra are not left to chance but are explicitly commanded and provided for by kings, demonstrating God's ability to move the hearts of rulers to accomplish His will. This underscores God as the ultimate provider who ensures that His purposes lack nothing that is "needed" for their fulfillment.
Secondly, the usage in Daniel reveals the profound spiritual truth that when one is fully committed to God, certain worldly "needs" or pressures become irrelevant. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego's declaration, "We have no need to answer you," is a powerful testament to radical faith. Their ultimate reliance was on God, making any human defense or compromise unnecessary. This speaks to the sufficiency of God in the face of human threats and the freedom that comes from absolute trust.
Finally, even the distress of King Darius, where "sleep fled from him" (i.e., sleep was not present or necessary due to his anguish), subtly points to the disruptive power of divine judgment or the weight of divine decree on human affairs. The very necessities of life can be altered or removed by the hand of God or by the consequences of actions that defy Him.
### Summary
The Aramaic word חֲשַׁח (chăshach, {{H2818}}`) fundamentally means "to be necessary" or "to need." Found exclusively in Daniel and Ezra, it describes both concrete material requirements (for the temple, [[Ezra 6:8]], [[Ezra 7:20]]) and abstract personal needs (Daniel's need for time, [[Daniel 2:16]]). Most profoundly, it conveys a powerful theological statement in [[Daniel 3:16]], where the faithful declare they have "no need" to compromise their convictions before human authority, asserting God's ultimate sufficiency. Even the absence of a natural human need, like sleep ([[Daniel 6:18]]), can be conveyed by this term, indicating a state where something ordinarily required is no longer present or relevant. Across its occurrences, חֲשַׁח consistently points to the concept of necessity, whether divinely ordained, humanly experienced, or spiritually transcended, affirming God's sovereign control over all provisions and circumstances.
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