### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew/Aramaic root ṭᵉʼêb (H2868) is a primitive root primarily signifying the state of being "glad" or "rejoicing." Its core meaning denotes an internal sense of pleasure, satisfaction, or contentment. Unlike some other terms for joy that might emphasize outward expression or boisterous celebration, ṭᵉʼêb appears to focus on a settled, positive disposition or a deep sense of well-being. It conveys a receptive and appreciative state, often in response to a favorable outcome or revelation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The root ṭᵉʼêb (H2868) is notably rare in the biblical text, appearing exclusively in the Aramaic portions of the book of Daniel. Its limited occurrences, however, are highly significant due to their specific contexts:
* **[[Daniel 2:48]]**: Following Daniel's successful interpretation of King Nebuchadnezzar's dream, the text states, "Then the king promoted Daniel and gave him many great gifts, and made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon and chief prefect over all the wise men of Babylon." The preceding clause, where ṭᵉʼêb appears, describes Nebuchadnezzar's reaction: he "was glad" (וְטָאֵב֙). This gladness is not merely relief but a profound satisfaction and appreciation for Daniel's wisdom, which he recognized as coming from the "God of gods and Lord of kings" [[Daniel 2:47]]. The king's gladness here is directly tied to the revelation of divine truth and the resolution of a profound mystery.
* **[[Daniel 5:10]]**: In the account of Belshazzar's feast and the writing on the wall, the queen mother enters and addresses the king. She refers to Daniel, stating, "Let not your thoughts trouble you or your face be pale. There is a man in your kingdom in whom is the spirit of the holy gods. In the days of your father, light and understanding and wisdom like the wisdom of the gods were found in him, and King Nebuchadnezzar, your father, your father the king, made him chief of the magicians, enchanters, Chaldeans, and astrologers." The immediate context where ṭᵉʼêb is found indicates the queen's reaction to the crisis: "The queen, because of the words of the king and his lords, came into the banqueting hall, and the queen spoke and said, 'O king, live forever! Let not your thoughts trouble you or your face be pale.'" Here, the queen's entrance and counsel indicate her attempt to alleviate Belshazzar's distress by reminding him of Daniel's past successes. The word ṭᵉʼêb describes her as "glad" or "pleased" to suggest this solution, demonstrating her confident and positive disposition regarding Daniel's ability to provide divine insight.
In both instances, the gladness conveyed by ṭᵉʼêb is a response to the manifestation of divine wisdom and insight through Daniel, leading to a positive and receptive attitude from the rulers.
### Related Words & Concepts
While ṭᵉʼêb (H2868) is unique in its Aramaic usage, it shares semantic space with several Hebrew terms for joy and gladness, though often with nuanced differences:
* **`{{H8055}}` (śāmaḥ)**: This is the most common Hebrew word for "rejoice" or "be glad," often expressing outward celebration, delight, or joy in a variety of contexts, including spiritual rejoicing in God.
* **`{{H1523}}` (gîl)**: Frequently translated as "rejoice" or "exult," often implying exuberant, ringing shouts of joy, particularly in a spiritual or eschatological context.
* **`{{H7442}}` (rānan)**: To "shout for joy" or "sing for joy," often with a strong vocal component of jubilation.
* **`{{H5970}}` (ʻālaṣ)**: To "exult" or "be jubilant," often conveying a sense of triumph or victory.
The distinction of ṭᵉʼêb (H2868) lies in its specific Aramaic context and its emphasis on an internal, appreciative gladness, particularly in response to wisdom and divine revelation, rather than a general, outward expression of joy or triumph. It describes a disposition of satisfaction and acceptance.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ṭᵉʼêb (H2868), despite its limited occurrences, is profound. In both instances in Daniel, the "gladness" described is a direct human response to the manifestation of God's sovereign wisdom and power.
* In [[Daniel 2:48]], Nebuchadnezzar's gladness is not merely political satisfaction but stems from the recognition that Daniel's God is supreme, capable of revealing deep mysteries. This gladness is therefore a step towards acknowledging divine authority and truth. It suggests that even pagan rulers, when confronted with undeniable divine revelation, can experience a positive, receptive emotional state that opens them to God's work.
* In [[Daniel 5:10]], the queen mother's gladness in suggesting Daniel as a solution highlights a hope for divine intervention and insight in a time of crisis. Her confidence in Daniel's God-given wisdom brings a sense of relief and optimism.
Thus, ṭᵉʼêb underscores that God's revelation, while often challenging or convicting, ultimately brings a form of gladness or satisfaction to those who encounter it. It points to the inherent goodness and desirability of divine truth, capable of evoking a positive response even from those outside the covenant community. This gladness is tied to the dawning of understanding and the recognition of God's unique power and knowledge.
### Summary
The Aramaic root ṭᵉʼêb (H2868) denotes a state of being "glad" or "rejoicing," emphasizing an internal sense of satisfaction and pleasure. Its rare but significant appearances are confined to the book of Daniel, specifically in [[Daniel 2:48]] and [[Daniel 5:10]]. In both contexts, ṭᵉʼêb describes the positive, receptive emotional state of powerful rulers (King Nebuchadnezzar and the queen mother) in response to Daniel's divinely-inspired wisdom and interpretation. This gladness is not merely superficial but stems from an encounter with divine truth and the recognition of God's sovereign power. Unlike more common Hebrew terms for joy, ṭᵉʼêb highlights a deep, appreciative satisfaction that arises from the revelation of God's mysteries, underscoring that divine truth, when revealed, can evoke a profoundly positive and acknowledging response from humanity.
TRV