(Aramaic) from a root corresponding to that of עֵד; a set time; technically, a year; time.
Transliteration:ʻiddân
Pronunciation:id-dawn'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic noun עִדָּן (ʻiddân), transliterated as H5732, is derived from a root corresponding to the Hebrew עֵד (`{{H5707}}`). While עֵד often relates to "witness" or "perpetuity," עִדָּן specifically denotes a "set time" or "appointed time." Its semantic range extends to a general concept of "time," and more technically, it can refer to a "year." The emphasis is often on a fixed, determined, or decreed period or moment, highlighting a specific juncture within the flow of existence. Its Aramaic origin limits its occurrences to the Aramaic portions of the Old Testament, primarily the books of Daniel and Ezra.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
עִדָּן appears twelve times in the Old Testament, exclusively in the Aramaic sections of Daniel and Ezra.
In the book of Daniel, עִדָּן frequently underscores divine decree and prophetic timing:
* In [[Daniel 2:9]] and [[Daniel 2:16]], Daniel requests or is given "time" to interpret Nebuchadnezzar's dream, referring to an allotted period.
* In [[Daniel 3:6]] and [[Daniel 3:15]], it refers to the precise "hour" or moment when all are to bow before the golden image, emphasizing a critical, immediate point in time.
* Most notably, in [[Daniel 4:16]], [[Daniel 4:23]], [[Daniel 4:25]], and [[Daniel 4:32]], עִדָּן is used to describe the "times" (plural, עִדָּנִין) or "years" that Nebuchadnezzar would live as a beast, illustrating a divinely appointed duration of judgment. This usage directly aligns with the technical definition of "a year."
* In [[Daniel 7:12]], it refers to a "time and season" (duration) of life given to the beasts (kingdoms).
* Crucially, [[Daniel 7:25]] employs עִדָּן in the highly significant prophetic phrase "time, times and half a time" (עִדָּן וְעִדָּנִין וּפְלַג עִדָּן), denoting a specific, albeit symbolic, period of tribulation and the duration of the little horn's power.
In the book of Ezra, עִדָּן refers to a specific historical period:
* [[Ezra 5:3]] and [[Ezra 5:5]] use the phrase "at that time" (בַּהּ עִדָּנָא) to refer to the period when Tattenai, the governor, questioned the Jews about rebuilding the temple, setting the historical context.
Across these occurrences, עִדָּן consistently points to a determined or specific period, whether a fleeting moment, a set number of years, or a prophetically significant duration.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of "time" is rich in biblical Hebrew and Aramaic, with various words highlighting different nuances. While עִדָּן is Aramaic, its semantic field overlaps with several Hebrew terms:
* עֵת (`{{H6256}}`): A general term for "time," "season," or "occasion," often emphasizing an opportune or appropriate time.
* מוֹעֵד (`{{H4150}}`): An "appointed time," "fixed time," or "assembly," often used for religious festivals or divine appointments.
* יוֹם (`{{H3117}}`): "Day," but often used more broadly to signify a period of time (e.g., "the day of the Lord").
* In Aramaic, זְמָן (`{{H2166}}`) also denotes "time," "season," or "occasion," and often appears alongside עִדָּן in some contexts, though עִדָּן can carry a stronger sense of a fixed or decreed duration.
The use of עִדָּן in Daniel, particularly in its prophetic contexts, connects it to the broader biblical concept of divine sovereignty over history and the unfolding of God's predetermined plan.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of עִדָּן centers profoundly on God's absolute sovereignty over all of time. The consistent use of the word in Daniel underscores that human history, the rise and fall of kingdoms, periods of judgment, and the unfolding of prophetic events are not random but occur according to God's precise and predetermined עִדָּן.
1. **Divine Control over History:** The judgment upon Nebuchadnezzar, measured in "times" (years) of madness ([[Daniel 4:16]], etc.), is a powerful testament that even the most powerful earthly rulers are subject to God's appointed times. God determines the duration of their power and their humbling.
2. **Certainty of Prophetic Fulfillment:** The prophetic "time, times and half a time" in [[Daniel 7:25]] assures the reader that God's eschatological plan will unfold with precision. Despite the apparent chaos or the opposition of evil powers, God has a fixed עִדָּן for the climax of history and the establishment of His eternal kingdom. This instills confidence in the divine timetable.
3. **Urgency and Opportunity:** While עִדָּן often denotes extended periods, its use for a specific "hour" or "moment" for decision or obedience ([[Daniel 3:6]]) highlights that divine appointments can be immediate, requiring an instantaneous response. There are critical moments in which God's will must be acknowledged and obeyed.
Thus, עִדָּן serves as a theological anchor, reminding believers that God is not outside of time but actively orchestrates every moment and every era according to His sovereign will and purpose.
### Summary
The Aramaic term עִדָּן (`{{H5732}}`) signifies a "set time," "appointed time," "year," or general "time." Primarily found in the books of Daniel and Ezra, its usage highlights specific moments, durations of years, and crucial prophetic periods. In Daniel, עִדָּן emphasizes God's sovereign control over historical events, such as Nebuchadnezzar's judgment and the unfolding of eschatological prophecies, including the significant "time, times and half a time." Theologically, עִדָּן powerfully underscores that all events, from the rise and fall of kingdoms to the precise fulfillment of prophecy, occur according to God's predetermined and unchangeable divine timetable, affirming His ultimate authority over all of creation and history.
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