### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **kᵉthâb**, represented by `{{H3792}}`, refers to **something written, i.e. a writing, record or book**. It can also mean prescribing or something written. It appears **12 times** across **12 unique verses** in the Bible, primarily in the books of Daniel and Ezra.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H3792}}` is used to denote official and consequential written documents. A prominent example is the supernatural **writing** that appeared on the wall during Belshazzar's feast. The king challenged his wise men to read this **writing** and show its interpretation, but they could not [[Daniel 5:7-8]]. This **writing** was a divine message of judgment, ultimately read by Daniel [[Daniel 5:17]]. The term is also used for a royal decree signed by King Darius, an unchangeable **writing** that Daniel knowingly defied to remain faithful to his God [[Daniel 6:8-10]]. In Ezra, it references the established procedures written in the book of Moses [[Ezra 6:18]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related Aramaic words clarify the function and context of a **kᵉthâb**:
* `{{H7560}}` **rᵉsham** (to record; sign, write): This verb is frequently paired with **kᵉthâb**, indicating the official act of creating or finalizing a written document. A decree is made official when a king **signed** the writing [[Daniel 6:9]], and the message on the wall is described as the **writing** that was **written** [[Daniel 5:25]].
* `{{H7123}}` **qᵉrâʼ** (to call out to... read): This word describes the primary action associated with a written text. The wise men of Babylon were commanded to **read** the writing on the wall [[Daniel 5:7]], and Daniel declared his ability to do so [[Daniel 5:17]].
* `{{H633}}` **ʼĕçâr** (an interdict; decree): This term often appears with **kᵉthâb** to specify the legal nature of the writing. King Darius signed the **writing** and the **decree**, making it a binding interdict [[Daniel 6:9]].
* `{{H5609}}` **çᵉphar** (a book; book, roll): This word for a larger collection of writings provides context for **kᵉthâb**. The ordinances for the priests and Levites were followed as it is **written** in the **book** of Moses [[Ezra 6:18]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H3792}}` is rooted in the power and permanence of the written word.
* **Binding Authority:** A **writing**, once signed by a monarch, becomes an unchangeable law, as seen with the decree of the Medes and Persians [[Daniel 6:8]]. It represents an authority that even a king cannot easily alter.
* **Divine Communication:** The term is used for a direct, written message from God, serving as a vehicle for judgment that transcends human wisdom and power [[Daniel 5:24]].
* **Foundation of Order:** It refers to the sacred text that governs religious life and practice, highlighting written scripture as the basis for worship and community structure as ordained by God [[Ezra 6:18]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3792}}` is a crucial term that defines a written text's role as a formal record, a binding legal decree, or a divine revelation. From royal edicts with life-or-death consequences to supernatural messages of judgment and foundational scriptural instructions, **kᵉthâb** consistently illustrates the immense weight and authority carried by the written word.
TRV