### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic lemma H5843 (ʻêṭâʼ) denotes "counsel" or "prudence." It is derived from the root יְעַט (yᵉʻaṭ), which signifies "to advise," "to consult," or "to deliberate." The core meaning of ʻêṭâʼ encompasses the act of giving advice, the substance of that advice, and the sound judgment or wisdom that underpins it. Its semantic range extends to include the outcome of deliberation, such as a plan, decision, or decree. It implies not merely information exchange, but a considered, often authoritative, recommendation or conclusion.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term H5843 appears exclusively in the Aramaic sections of the book of Ezra, consistently in contexts related to royal decrees and the administration of the Persian empire concerning the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem.
* **[[Ezra 4:15]]**: "that search may be made in the book of the records of your fathers, and you will find in the book of the records and know that this city is a rebellious city and harmful to kings and provinces, and that rebellion was stirred up in it of old, for which reason this city was laid waste. We make known to the king that if this city is rebuilt and its walls finished, you will then have no portion beyond the River." Here, ʻêṭâʼ is translated as "counsel" or "advice." The opponents of the Jews are providing King Artaxerxes with counsel, urging him to consult ancient records to find evidence of Jerusalem's rebellious past, thereby justifying the cessation of the Temple's rebuilding. It refers to the specific recommendation or argument presented to the king.
* **[[Ezra 4:19]]**: "So I issued a decree, and a search was made, and it was found that this city has risen against kings of old, and that rebellion and sedition have been stirred up in it. There have been mighty kings in Jerusalem who ruled over all the provinces beyond the River, and tribute, custom, and toll were paid to them. Now therefore, issue a decree to stop these men, that this city may not be rebuilt until a decree is issued by me." In this verse, ʻêṭâʼ again translates as "counsel" or "advice." The king, having confirmed the historical claims, acts upon the "counsel" previously given, issuing a decree to halt the construction. This usage highlights the authoritative nature of the counsel, leading directly to a royal edict.
* **[[Ezra 5:17]]**: "Now therefore, if it seems good to the king, let search be made in the king's treasury at Babylon, to see whether it is true that a decree was issued by King Cyrus to rebuild this house of God in Jerusalem. And let the king send us his decision concerning this matter." Here, ʻêṭâʼ is rendered as "counsel" or "decision." Tattenai, the governor of Trans-Euphrates, requests that King Darius send his "counsel" or "decision" regarding the validity of Cyrus's original decree to rebuild the Temple. This usage emphasizes ʻêṭâʼ as the outcome of royal deliberation, a definitive ruling or judgment.
In each instance, ʻêṭâʼ functions within the official sphere of governmental administration, underscoring the weight and formality of the advice or decision being rendered by or to the king.
### Related Words & Concepts
As an Aramaic term, H5843 is intimately connected to its Hebrew cognates and broader biblical concepts of wisdom, governance, and divine guidance.
* **Hebrew Root `{{H3289}}` (יָעַץ, *yaʻaṣ*):** This is the Hebrew equivalent of the Aramaic root from which H5843 is derived. It means "to advise," "to counsel," "to deliberate," or "to consult." The semantic range of ʻêṭâʼ is directly informed by this foundational root.
* **Hebrew Noun `{{H6098}}` (עֵצָה, *ʻēṣâ*):** This is the direct Hebrew cognate noun, meaning "counsel," "advice," "plan," or "purpose." It is widely used in the Old Testament, often referring to human counsel (e.g., [[Proverbs 11:14]]) or, significantly, to the divine counsel or purpose of God (e.g., [[Isaiah 46:10]]). The function of ʻêṭâʼ in Ezra parallels the more frequent use of ʻēṣâ in Hebrew texts, particularly in contexts of strategic planning or governmental decisions.
* **Concepts of Wisdom and Prudence:** The very nature of "counsel" implies the exercise of wisdom and prudence. The biblical emphasis on seeking and heeding wise counsel (e.g., [[Proverbs 15:22]]) resonates with the meaning of ʻêṭâʼ, which often refers to the kind of sound judgment expected from rulers and their advisors.
* **Royal Decrees and Administration:** The specific contexts in Ezra link ʻêṭâʼ directly to the processes of ancient Near Eastern kingship, where deliberation, consultation, and the issuance of authoritative decrees were central to governance.
### Theological Significance
While H5843 primarily describes human administrative processes, its theological significance emerges when viewed within the larger narrative of God's sovereign plan.
1. **Divine Sovereignty Over Human Counsel:** Even as human kings and their advisors offer and act upon ʻêṭâʼ, the biblical narrative consistently demonstrates God's overarching sovereignty. The various decrees and decisions, whether favorable or hostile to Israel, ultimately serve God's purposes for His people and the rebuilding of His Temple (e.g., [[Ezra 1:1-4]]). God's "counsel" (cf. `{{H6098}}` in [[Isaiah 46:10]]) stands supreme, often working through or even overruling human ʻêṭâʼ.
2. **The Importance of Wise and Righteous Counsel:** The events in Ezra highlight the impact of both malicious and righteous counsel. The ʻêṭâʼ of Israel's adversaries sought to thwart God's will, while the king's eventual ʻêṭâʼ (based on Cyrus's decree) facilitated it. This underscores the biblical value of seeking wisdom and discernment, particularly in leadership, and the moral implications of the counsel one gives or receives.
3. **God's Providential Guidance in History:** The unfolding of events, including the seeking and giving of ʻêṭâʼ by Persian officials, illustrates God's providential care. Even in what appear to be purely political or administrative decisions, God orchestrates circumstances to fulfill His covenant promises and bring about the restoration of His people, ultimately leading to the completion of the Temple.
### Summary
The Aramaic word H5843 (ʻêṭâʼ) signifies "counsel," "advice," or "prudence," stemming from a root meaning "to advise" or "to deliberate." Its occurrences in Ezra consistently refer to official, often royal, deliberation and the resulting decisions or decrees concerning the rebuilding of the Temple. It is closely related to the Hebrew `{{H6098}}` (ʻēṣâ) and embodies the concept of sound judgment in governance. Theologically, while ʻêṭâʼ describes human counsel, it implicitly points to the divine sovereignty that guides and overrules all human decisions, ensuring the fulfillment of God's ultimate plan, even through the administrative processes of foreign kings.
TRV