### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **yᵉʻaṭ**, represented by `{{H3272}}`, means **to counsel; reflexively, to consult; counsellor, consult together**. It appears 3 times across 3 unique verses in the Bible. This term specifically refers to the act of giving or taking advice, particularly in a formal or official capacity within a royal or governmental setting.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{H3272}}` consistently appears in the context of a king's advisory body. In Ezra, it describes the king and his **counsellors** who freely offered silver and gold for the God of Israel [[Ezra 7:15]]. These same **counsellors** are also part of the authority sending Ezra to inquire about Judah and Jerusalem [[Ezra 7:14]]. The term is also used reflexively in the book of Daniel, where all the presidents, governors, princes, and captains have **consulted together** to establish a royal decree, highlighting a process of group deliberation [[Daniel 6:7]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the political and advisory context of `{{H3272}}`:
* `{{H1907}}` **haddâbâr** (counsellor): This term describes the individual who performs the action of counselling. In [[Daniel 6:7]], the **counsellors** are the ones who have **consulted together**.
* `{{H1240}}` **bᵉqar** (inquire, make search): This word describes a function of the counsellors. The king and his seven counsellors sent Ezra **to enquire** concerning Judah and Jerusalem [[Ezra 7:14]].
* `{{H5632}}` **çârêk** (president): This word denotes a high-ranking official, an "emir," who participated in the collective consultation. The **presidents** are listed first among the officials who **consulted together** to create a statute against Daniel [[Daniel 6:7]].
* `{{H6966}}` **qûwm** (establish, set up): This action is often the result of counsel. The officials in Daniel's time consulted together specifically **to establish** a royal statute [[Daniel 6:7]].
### Theological Significance
The function of `{{H3272}}` is primarily governmental, illustrating the structure of ancient Persian administration.
* **Collective Governance:** The word shows that royal decisions were not always made unilaterally. A broad council of officials, including presidents, princes, and captains, could **consult together** to formulate policy [[Daniel 6:7]].
* **Royal Mandate:** The king's **counsellors** act with his authority, participating in royal offerings [[Ezra 7:15]] and dispatching emissaries like Ezra to carry out specific missions on behalf of the kingdom [[Ezra 7:14]].
* **Legislative Process:** The act of consulting together is directly linked to the creation of binding law. In Daniel, the outcome of the consultation among the various officials was the establishment of a "royal statute" and a "firm decree" [[Daniel 6:7]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3272}}` provides specific insight into the mechanics of royal counsel in the Persian empire as recorded in Ezra and Daniel. It describes both the role of a **counsellor** and the collaborative action of consulting together. The term is intrinsically linked with the highest levels of government, where deliberation among a group of appointed officials leads to royal decrees, financial decisions, and official state inquiries.
TRV