(Aramaic) corresponding to סָבַל; to erect; strongly laid.
Transliteration:çᵉbal
Pronunciation:seb-al'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic term H5446 (סְבַל, *çᵉbal*) is understood primarily as a verbal root meaning "to erect" or "to be strongly laid." This foundational sense suggests stability, establishment, or the act of bringing something into a firm position. Crucially, it corresponds to the Hebrew root H5445 (סָבַל, *sābal*), which means "to bear," "to carry," or "to endure." While H5445 emphasizes the *act* of bearing or the *burden* itself, the Aramaic H5446 in its biblical occurrences appears exclusively in a derived nominal form, סִבְלִין (*sivlīn*), meaning "things borne," "gifts," "rewards," or "diversions." This semantic shift from a verbal root denoting erection/stability to a noun signifying items that are carried or presented reflects a natural progression: what is borne or brought can be considered substantial, established, or perhaps even a "foundation" of a relationship (as in gifts). Thus, its semantic range encompasses both the physical act of bringing and the nature of the items brought as something weighty or significant.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term H5446 occurs twice in the Aramaic portions of the book of Daniel, always in its plural nominal form, סִבְלִין (*sivlīn*):
* **[[Daniel 5:17]]**: In this passage, Daniel is confronted by King Belshazzar, who offers him "gifts" or "rewards" if he can interpret the mysterious writing on the wall. Daniel's response, "Let your gifts be to yourself, and give your rewards to another," uses סִבְלִין to refer to these material inducements. Here, the word denotes valuable items presented as compensation or honor. Daniel's rejection of these "things borne" underscores his spiritual integrity and his commitment to divine truth over worldly gain. The "strongly laid" aspect of the root might subtly imply the substantial nature of these offerings, which Daniel nevertheless dismisses.
* **[[Daniel 6:18]]**: This verse describes King Darius's anguish after Daniel is cast into the lions' den. It states that "no diversions" or "instruments of music" were brought before him, and he spent the night fasting. Here, סִבְלִין refers to forms of entertainment or comfort typically "borne" or brought to a king. Darius's refusal of these usual "things borne" highlights the depth of his distress and his profound concern for Daniel's fate. The word emphasizes the absence of customary pleasures, further illustrating the gravity of the situation.
In both instances, the word refers to items or activities that are brought or presented, whether as compensation or entertainment. The common thread is that these are "things borne" or "carried" for a specific purpose, aligning with the broader semantic field of H5445.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word is its Hebrew cognate, H5445 (סָבַל, *sābal*), which means "to bear," "to carry," "to lift," or "to endure." This Hebrew root often appears in contexts of carrying burdens, suffering hardship, or bearing responsibility. From H5445 is also derived the Hebrew noun H5447 (סֵבֶל, *sēvel*), meaning "burden" or "load."
While H5445 and H5447 typically refer to the act of bearing or the burden itself, the Aramaic H5446 (in its attested nominal form) refers to the *items* that are borne or carried. This distinction is crucial: H5445 focuses on the *process* or *state* of bearing, while H5446 focuses on the *objects* that are subject to that process. The core idea of something being "borne" or "brought" links these words, whether it's a heavy load, a gift, or an entertainment item. The underlying concept of "strongly laid" or "erected" for H5446 might suggest that these "things borne" are substantial, weighty, or established in some manner.
### Theological Significance
While H5446 does not carry profound theological weight in isolation, its specific occurrences in Daniel contribute significantly to the narrative's theological themes:
1. **Integrity and Divine Priority**: In [[Daniel 5:17]], Daniel's rejection of Belshazzar's "gifts" (H5446) powerfully illustrates his unwavering commitment to God. He prioritizes the revelation of divine truth over any worldly recompense or honor. This act exemplifies the principle that true servants of God are not motivated by material gain but by faithfulness to their calling. It underscores the contrast between the fleeting nature of human rewards and the eternal value of divine wisdom and righteousness.
2. **Human Anguish and Consequence**: In [[Daniel 6:18]], the king's refusal of "diversions" (H5446) highlights the depth of his remorse and anxiety. His inability to find comfort in the usual pleasures underscores the severe consequence of his decree and the profound impact of his actions on Daniel. The absence of these "things borne" for pleasure points to a soul burdened by its own folly, serving as a poignant human counterpoint to Daniel's steadfastness. It subtly suggests that true peace and comfort cannot be found in worldly "diversions" when one is spiritually troubled or faced with the consequences of injustice.
3. **Substance and Value**: The root meaning of "strongly laid" or "erected" might subtly infuse the nominal usage. The "gifts" offered to Daniel were substantial, and the "diversions" for Darius were established forms of comfort. Yet, both were deemed insignificant or undesirable in the face of higher spiritual realities (God's judgment, Daniel's fate). This highlights that true value and stability are not found in material possessions or fleeting pleasures, but in divine truth and righteous living.
### Summary
H5446 (סְבַל, *çᵉbal*) is an Aramaic term whose base meaning relates to "erecting" or being "strongly laid." However, in its two biblical occurrences in Daniel, it functions as a plural noun, סִבְלִין (*sivlīn*), denoting "things borne," specifically "gifts/rewards" ([[Daniel 5:17]]) and "diversions/entertainment" ([[Daniel 6:18]]). This usage aligns closely with its Hebrew cognate H5445 (סָבַל, *sābal*), which means "to bear" or "to carry." In Daniel, the word contributes to the narrative by highlighting Daniel's integrity in rejecting worldly gain and depicting King Darius's profound distress through his abstinence from customary comforts. While not a central theological term, its contextual use illuminates themes of divine priority, human responsibility, and the ultimate insignificance of worldly comforts in the face of spiritual truth.
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