### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **ʻăbîydâh**, represented by `{{H5673}}`, refers to **labor**, **business**, or **work**. It appears 6 times in 6 unique verses in the Bible. The term encompasses a range of activities, from physical construction to administrative duties, and is often translated as **affairs**, **service**, or **work**.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{H5673}}` is used in two primary contexts: governmental administration and sacred tasks. In the book of Daniel, it denotes the management of provincial **affairs**, as when Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego are set over the **affairs** of Babylon ([[Daniel 2:49]], [[Daniel 3:12]]). In Ezra, the term frequently refers to the physical **work** of rebuilding the house of God in Jerusalem, a project that was both a significant labor and a holy endeavor ([[Ezra 5:8]], [[Ezra 6:7]]). It is also used to describe the **service** of God performed by the priests and Levites once the temple was organized [[Ezra 6:18]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related Aramaic words provide a fuller picture of the context surrounding `{{H5673}}`:
* `{{H1124}}` **bᵉnâʼ** (to build): This verb is directly associated with the physical **work** `{{H5673}}` of the temple. The Jews were instructed to **build** this house of God in its place [[Ezra 6:7]].
* `{{H989}}` **bᵉṭêl** (to stop; cease, hinder): This word signifies the interruption of the **work**. The **work** of the house of God **ceased** due to an external command, highlighting the opposition faced by the builders [[Ezra 4:24]].
* `{{H6399}}` **pᵉlach** (to serve or worship): This term clarifies the nature of both sacred and secular duty. While the priests performed the **service** `{{H5673}}` of God, Daniel's companions refused to **serve** the king's gods, which was a point of conflict related to their administrative **affairs** [[Daniel 3:12]].
### Theological Significance
The use of `{{H5673}}` carries significant narrative weight, particularly in the post-exilic period.
* **Sacred vs. Secular Duty:** The word bridges the gap between civic responsibility and divine calling. The "affairs" of Babylon are a matter of royal appointment [[Daniel 2:49]], while the "work" of the temple is a divine mandate. The conflict arises when secular duties clash with the refusal to serve false gods [[Daniel 3:12]].
* **Perseverance in God's Work:** The story of the temple's reconstruction is central to the usage of this word. The "work" prospers in the hands of the builders [[Ezra 5:8]] but is also forced to cease due to opposition [[Ezra 4:24]]. This highlights a core theme of perseverance in carrying out God's plans.
* **Organized Worship:** The term is used not just for construction but for establishing the formal "service" of God, with priests and Levites set in their courses [[Ezra 6:18]]. This shows a progression from building a structure to implementing the worship it was designed for.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5673}}` **ʻăbîydâh** is a specific Aramaic term for **work**, **service**, or **affairs**. Though appearing only 6 times, it is central to the narratives of Daniel and Ezra, defining both the administrative duties within a foreign empire and the sacred labor of rebuilding and serving in the house of God. It illustrates the connection between physical labor, governmental responsibility, and the dedicated service required for organized worship.
TRV