### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **Kasday**, represented by `{{H3779}}`, refers to a **Chaldean** or an inhabitant of Chaldaea. The term also carries the specific implication of being a Magian or a professional astrologer. It appears **8 times** across **7 unique verses** in the Bible, exclusively within the book of Daniel.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H3779}}` is used in two primary contexts. It can identify a people or nationality, as when Belshazzar is called the "king of the **Chaldeans**" at the time of his death [[Daniel 5:30]]. More frequently, it designates a specific class of wise men serving the Babylonian king. These **Chaldeans** were summoned to interpret dreams and mysterious writings, but they consistently proved unable to do so ([[Daniel 2:10]], [[Daniel 4:7]]). They were part of a group that accused the Jews before the king [[Daniel 3:8]] and faced a decree of death when they failed to reveal and interpret Nebuchadnezzar's dream [[Daniel 2:5]].
### Related Words & Concepts
The **Chaldeans** are almost always mentioned alongside other groups of Babylonian wise men, forming a collective of royal advisors:
* `{{H826}}` **ʼashshâph** (astrologer): Defined as a "conjurer," this term is used for those who, along with the **Chaldeans**, were expected to reveal secrets to the king but could not [[Daniel 2:10]].
* `{{H2749}}` **charṭôm** (magician): This word describes a "horoscopist." Nebuchadnezzar appointed Daniel as master over the **magicians**, astrologers, **Chaldeans**, and soothsayers [[Daniel 5:11]].
* `{{H1505}}` **gᵉzar** (soothsayer): This term, also meaning to "cut out" or "determine," identifies a class of diviners. The **soothsayers** were summoned with the **Chaldeans** but were unable to make known the interpretation of the king's dream [[Daniel 4:7]].
### Theological Significance
The narrative weight of `{{H3779}}` is significant in establishing a central theme in the book of Daniel.
* **The Limit of Human Wisdom:** The **Chaldeans** represent the apex of worldly and occult knowledge in Babylon. Their repeated failure to interpret divine communications demonstrates the insufficiency of human wisdom when confronted with the secrets of God ([[Daniel 2:10]], [[Daniel 4:7]]).
* **A Foil for Divine Revelation:** The inability of the **Chaldeans** and their counterparts serves to elevate the power of God. Daniel explicitly states that the secret the king demands cannot be shown by wise men, astrologers, magicians, or soothsayers, setting the stage for God to reveal it through him [[Daniel 2:27]].
* **Political Influence:** Beyond their role as diviners, the **Chaldeans** also functioned as political agents within the court, using their position to bring accusations against the Jews [[Daniel 3:8]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3779}}` is a term with a dual focus, signifying both the people of Chaldaea and, more pointedly, the professional class of astrologers and wise men in the Babylonian court. Their primary function in the scripture is to serve as a dramatic contrast, highlighting the failure of the world's greatest wisdom and setting the stage for the revelation of God's supreme knowledge and power through his servants.
TRV