(Aramaic) corresponding to סָעַד; to aid; helping.
Transliteration:çᵉʻad
Pronunciation:seh-ad'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic verb H5583 (סְעַד, *çᵉʻad*) carries the core meaning of "to aid," "to support," or "to help." It is explicitly noted as corresponding to the Hebrew verb `{{H5582}}` (סָעַד, *sāʿad*), which similarly denotes providing sustenance, upholding, or strengthening. The semantic range of çᵉʻad thus encompasses active assistance, whether physical, material, or moral, given to someone in need or engaged in a task. It implies a bolstering or reinforcing action, enabling the recipient to continue or succeed. Unlike passive support, çᵉʻad suggests a dynamic involvement in providing necessary resources or encouragement.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
As an Aramaic term, H5583 appears exclusively in the Aramaic portions of the book of Ezra, specifically in two significant contexts related to the rebuilding of the Jerusalem Temple:
1. **[[Ezra 5:2]]**: "Then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel and Jeshua the son of Jozadak arose and began to build the house of God which is in Jerusalem; and with them were the prophets of God *helping* them." Here, çᵉʻad describes the active participation of the prophets Haggai and Zechariah. Their "help" was not merely spiritual encouragement but likely involved practical assistance, prophetic guidance, and bolstering the morale of the builders in the face of opposition. This highlights a communal effort, where divine inspiration translates into tangible support for God's work.
2. **[[Ezra 6:22]]**: "And they kept the Feast of Unleavened Bread seven days with joy, for the LORD had made them joyful, and had turned the heart of the king of Assyria toward them to *strengthen* their hands in the work of the house of God, the God of Israel." In this instance, çᵉʻad is used to describe the effect of the Persian king's (Darius, referred to as king of Assyria in a broader sense) favorable decree. God supernaturally moved the king's heart to provide official support and resources, thereby "strengthening their hands" for the work. This demonstrates God's sovereign ability to orchestrate aid from unexpected sources, even from pagan rulers, for the fulfillment of His purposes.
In both occurrences, çᵉʻad denotes a crucial form of assistance that directly facilitates the progress of the temple's reconstruction, whether through direct human involvement or through divinely-influenced political action.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is its Hebrew cognate, `{{H5582}}` (סָעַד, *sāʿad*), which is much more frequent in the Old Testament. `{{H5582}}` often refers to sustaining life through food or drink (e.g., [[Judges 19:5]], [[Psalm 104:15]]) or providing general support and comfort (e.g., [[Psalm 18:18]], [[Psalm 37:24]]). The close semantic link between H5583 and `{{H5582}}` underscores a consistent biblical theme of divine provision and human interdependence in support.
Other Hebrew words that convey similar notions of help or strength include:
* `{{H5826}}` (עָזַר, *ʿāzar*): "to help," often in military or general assistance contexts.
* `{{H2388}}` (חָזַק, *ḥāzaq*): "to be strong," "to strengthen," frequently used for empowering someone for a task. The phrase "strengthen their hands" in [[Ezra 6:22]] echoes this concept, indicating the practical outcome of çᵉʻad.
* `{{H7760}}` (שָׁעַן, *shāʿan*): "to lean upon," "to rely," implying dependence and support.
These related terms collectively paint a picture of God's multifaceted provision for His people, often through the agency of others.
### Theological Significance
The occurrences of H5583 carry profound theological significance, particularly in the context of God's covenant faithfulness and providential care:
1. **Divine Enablement**: The word highlights that the successful rebuilding of the temple was not solely due to human effort but was profoundly aided by God. Whether through the prophetic encouragement in [[Ezra 5:2]] or the turning of a king's heart in [[Ezra 6:22]], God actively çᵉʻad His people, empowering them to fulfill His will. This demonstrates that God's work is accomplished through His enabling grace.
2. **Sovereignty Over All Powers**: The fact that God could move the heart of a powerful pagan king to "strengthen the hands" of His people ( [[Ezra 6:22]]) underscores His absolute sovereignty over all earthly rulers and nations. He uses even those outside the covenant community to achieve His purposes, providing aid from unexpected sources.
3. **Communal Support in God's Work**: The prophets çᵉʻad-ing the builders in [[Ezra 5:2]] illustrates the importance of mutual support within the community of faith. God often provides çᵉʻad through His servants, calling believers to actively assist and encourage one another in their shared tasks for the Kingdom.
4. **Reassurance of God's Presence**: For the returning exiles, the experience of being çᵉʻad-ed by God, both directly and indirectly, served as a powerful reassurance of His continued presence and faithfulness despite their past failures and present challenges. It affirms that God does not abandon His people but actively sustains them in their endeavors.
### Summary
The Aramaic verb H5583 (סְעַד, *çᵉʻad*), meaning "to aid," "to support," or "to help," succinctly captures the essence of active assistance provided in a context of need or task. Though appearing only twice in the biblical text, both instances in Ezra are highly significant. In [[Ezra 5:2]], it describes the prophets' direct help to the temple builders, while in [[Ezra 6:22]], it refers to God's providential turning of a king's heart to "strengthen the hands" of the exiles. This word, closely related to the Hebrew `{{H5582}}`, powerfully illustrates God's faithful provision and empowering presence. It reveals His willingness to çᵉʻad His people through both human and unexpected sovereign means, ensuring the accomplishment of His divine purposes and offering profound reassurance of His unwavering support for those engaged in His work.
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