(Aramaic) a primitive root; to bear in mind, i.e. hope; think.
Transliteration:çᵉbar
Pronunciation:seb-ar'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic root H5452 (סְבַר, *çᵉbar*) conveys the core meaning of "to bear in mind," which semantically expands to encompass "to think" and "to hope." As a primitive root, its essence points to an internal, cognitive, and often sustained mental activity. The nuance of "bearing in mind" suggests more than fleeting thought; it implies a deliberate consideration, an internal grappling with ideas, or an expectation held deeply within one's consciousness. In the biblical Aramaic context, particularly within the book of Daniel, this term highlights the profound intellectual and spiritual processing of information, revelation, or future prospects. It signifies both the active cognitive process of deliberation and the more passive posture of anticipation or hope, rooted in what is held in the mind.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The Aramaic verb H5452 appears only once in the biblical text, specifically in [[Daniel 7:28]]: "Hitherto is the end of the matter. As for me Daniel, my cogitations much troubled me, and my countenance changed in me: but I kept the matter in my heart." Here, the term is translated as "my cogitations" (אֲנָה דָּנִיֵּאל סְבָרַי סַגִּיא מְבַהֲלִין לִי), referring to Daniel's deep and unsettling thoughts or reflections. The context is Daniel's reception of the complex and awe-inspiring vision of the four beasts and the Ancient of Days, a revelation detailing successive earthly kingdoms and the ultimate establishment of God's eternal dominion. Daniel's "cogitations" are not casual musings but represent the profound mental and emotional impact of processing such a weighty prophetic vision. His physical reaction—his countenance changing—underscores the intense internal distress and the sheer burden of comprehending and internalizing these powerful, eschatological truths. This singular occurrence emphasizes the gravity and personal cost of engaging with divine revelation.
### Related Words & Concepts
While H5452 is an Aramaic root with a unique biblical occurrence, its semantic scope connects it to several significant Hebrew and Aramaic concepts related to thought, hope, and understanding.
* **Thinking/Meditating:** Hebrew equivalents include `{{H2803}}` (חָשַׁב, *ḥāšav*), meaning "to think, devise, reckon," and `{{H1875}}` (דָּרַשׁ, *dāraš*), "to seek, inquire, interpret," which can involve deep consideration and investigation. The Aramaic `{{H7479}}` (רַעְיוֹן, *raʿyôn*), denoting "thought" or "purpose," also shares conceptual space, though H5452 emphasizes the active, internal process of thinking rather than simply the thought itself.
* **Hope/Expectation:** Hebrew terms such as `{{H3176}}` (יָחַל, *yāḥal*), "to wait, hope," and `{{H8615}}` (תִּקְוָה, *tiqvâ*), "hope, expectation," resonate with the aspect of looking forward or holding something in mind with anticipation. In Daniel's experience, despite the troubling nature of his immediate thoughts, the ultimate divine plan revealed in the vision culminates in the hope of God's eternal kingdom.
* **Understanding/Knowledge:** The Aramaic `{{H1849}}` (דַּעַת, *daʿat*), "knowledge, understanding," signifies the intellectual grasp that Daniel sought and, to some extent, achieved through his profound "cogitations." The process of *çᵉbar* is a means by which one moves towards deeper *daʿat*.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of H5452 in [[Daniel 7:28]] carries profound theological significance, illuminating the human response to overwhelming divine revelation. Daniel's "cogitations" (סְבָרַי) are not merely intellectual exercises but a deep, internal wrestling with God's sovereign plan and the unfolding of history. This highlights several key theological insights:
1. **The Weight of Prophecy:** Divine truth, especially concerning future judgments and transformations, is not always easily assimilated. It can be profoundly unsettling and demand intense mental and spiritual processing from the recipient.
2. **The Human Mind's Engagement with God:** Even prophets, who receive direct revelation, are called to actively "bear in mind" and grapple with the implications of God's word. This underscores the necessity of contemplative engagement with Scripture and divine truth.
3. **The Burden of Knowledge:** Daniel's troubled thoughts reflect the inherent burden that often accompanies profound spiritual insight, particularly when it pertains to difficult or challenging future events. Yet, this internal processing is an essential part of the prophet's role in internalizing and faithfully conveying the divine message.
4. **Hope Amidst Turmoil:** While the immediate effect of these "cogitations" was distress, the broader context of Daniel 7 ultimately points to the triumphant establishment of God's eternal kingdom. This implies that even these troubling thoughts are part of a journey toward a hope-filled understanding of God's ultimate victory and the secure future of His people.
### Summary
The Aramaic word H5452 (סְבַר, *çᵉbar*) fundamentally means "to bear in mind," extending its semantic range to "to think" and "to hope." Its sole biblical occurrence in [[Daniel 7:28]] powerfully describes Daniel's intense "cogitations" following a profound prophetic vision. This singular usage underscores the deep mental and emotional engagement required to process divine revelation, highlighting the weighty nature of prophecy and the human mind's wrestling with complex spiritual truths. While causing Daniel distress, these internal reflections were crucial for internalizing God's message and ultimately point towards the hope found in His sovereign, unfolding plan. The word thus encapsulates the contemplative, and at times burdensome, nature of divine insight, leading to a deeper understanding and anticipation of God's eternal purposes.
TRV