(Aramaic) a root corresponding to חָשַׁל; to weaken, i.e. crush; subdue.
Transliteration:chăshal
Pronunciation:khash-al'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic verbal root `{{H2827}}` (chăshal) carries the core meaning of "to weaken," "to crush," or "to subdue." It denotes an action of overwhelming force that results in the complete breaking, shattering, or subjugation of something or someone. The definition explicitly notes its correspondence to the Hebrew root `{{H2826}}` (ḥāšal), which similarly conveys the sense of beating, breaking, or crushing, often with destructive intent. This semantic range implies a violent and decisive act of reduction, where the object of the action is rendered powerless or annihilated. It is not merely to injure, but to utterly dismantle or dominate.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word `{{H2827}}` appears exclusively in the Aramaic portions of the Book of Daniel, where it is used five times. Its consistent application illuminates its powerful meaning:
* **Imperial Power and Destruction:** In the interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar's dream, the fourth kingdom is described as "strong as iron, inasmuch as iron crushes and shatters all things; and like iron that breaks in pieces, it will crush and break in pieces all the others" [[Daniel 2:40]]. Here, `{{H2827}}` vividly portrays the overwhelming, destructive, and comprehensive power of this future empire, which will utterly dominate and dismantle all that came before it.
* **The Fourth Beast:** The imagery is reinforced in Daniel's vision of the four beasts. The fourth beast, representing the same powerful kingdom, is described as having "great iron teeth; it devoured and broke in pieces and crushed what was left with its feet" [[Daniel 7:7]]. This description is repeated in Daniel's inquiry about the beast, emphasizing its terrifying and destructive nature [[Daniel 7:19]]. The angel's explanation further clarifies that this kingdom "shall devour the whole earth and tread it down and break it in pieces" [[Daniel 7:23]]. In these contexts, `{{H2827}}` underscores the brutal, all-consuming conquest and subjugation carried out by this formidable earthly power.
* **Physical Annihilation:** Beyond the metaphorical use for kingdoms, `{{H2827}}` is also used to describe a literal, physical act of destruction. In the account of Daniel in the lions' den, the king commanded that those who accused Daniel be thrown into the den. The text states, "And before they reached the bottom of the den, the lions overpowered them and crushed all their bones" [[Daniel 6:24]]. This usage demonstrates the word's capacity to convey a complete and violent physical breaking, leading to death.
Across these occurrences, `{{H2827}}` consistently denotes a forceful, often violent, act of breaking, subduing, or annihilating, whether of nations or individuals.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is its Hebrew cognate, `{{H2826}}` (ḥāšal), which also means to beat, break, or crush, reinforcing the core semantic field of violent reduction. Other related concepts and words in Aramaic and Hebrew include:
* **Devour:** Aramaic `{{H398}}` ('ăkal) and Hebrew `{{H398}}` ('ākal), often paired with "crush" to describe complete consumption or destruction (e.g., [[Daniel 7:7]]).
* **Break/Shatter:** Aramaic `{{H8439}}` (trā') and Hebrew `{{H7665}}` (shābar), which also convey the idea of breaking into pieces.
* **Tread down/Trample:** Aramaic `{{H7429}}` (rāmas) and Hebrew `{{H7429}}` (rāmas), often used in conjunction with crushing to denote complete subjugation and disrespect (e.g., [[Daniel 7:23]]).
* **Subdue/Conquer:** Concepts of dominion, overwhelming power, and the establishment of control over others.
These related terms collectively paint a picture of total victory, often achieved through overwhelming and destructive force.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H2827}}` in Daniel is profound, serving several key purposes:
* **Depiction of Earthly Power:** The word powerfully illustrates the terrifying and destructive nature of human empires and their pursuit of dominion. The "crushing" capacity of these kingdoms highlights their immense strength and their potential for brutality and subjugation, reminding the reader of the oppressive realities faced by God's people.
* **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment:** While earthly kingdoms possess immense "crushing" power, the visions in Daniel ultimately affirm God's absolute sovereignty. It is God who "removes kings and sets up kings" [[Daniel 2:21]]. The "crushing" power of these empires is permitted and even orchestrated by God as part of His divine plan and judgment. The ultimate "crushing" is reserved for God's eternal kingdom, which will "break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever" [[Daniel 2:44]]. This demonstrates that all earthly power, no matter how destructive, is finite and ultimately subject to God's will.
* **Eschatological Hope:** The imagery of the stone "crushing" the great image in Daniel 2 and the Son of Man's eternal kingdom "crushing" and superseding all earthly kingdoms in Daniel 7 provides a powerful message of eschatological hope. It assures the faithful that despite the present overwhelming power of oppressive forces, God's kingdom will ultimately triumph, bringing an end to all human tyranny and establishing an everlasting reign of righteousness.
* **Divine Justice:** In the case of Daniel 6, the "crushing" of the accusers by the lions serves as a vivid demonstration of divine justice, where the wicked receive the consequences of their malicious actions.
### Summary
The Aramaic word `{{H2827}}` (chăshal) denotes a forceful and complete act of "weakening," "crushing," or "subduing." Predominantly found in the Book of Daniel, it is primarily used to describe the overwhelming, destructive power of earthly empires, particularly the fourth kingdom, which is prophesied to "crush" and break in pieces all other kingdoms. In one instance, it describes the literal physical crushing of bones by lions, illustrating the word's capacity for conveying violent annihilation. Theologically, `{{H2827}}` serves to highlight the terrifying nature of human power, yet it ultimately underscores God's supreme sovereignty over all earthly kingdoms. It points to divine judgment and, most significantly, to the ultimate triumph of God's eternal kingdom, which will "crush" all human opposition and endure forever, offering profound hope in the face of temporal oppression.
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