The Aramaic word ʼănaç, represented by H598, is used figuratively to mean to distress; trouble. It appears just 1 time in 1 unique verse, making its single usage highly specific and context-dependent. Its meaning corresponds to the Hebrew word אָנַס.
The sole biblical appearance of H598 is found in the book of Daniel. King Nebuchadnezzar is speaking to Daniel, whom he calls Belteshazzar and the "master of the magicians." The king expresses his confidence in Daniel's unique, divinely-given ability by stating, "no secret troubleth thee" Daniel 4:9. This use of the word in the negative highlights that Daniel is not distressed by mysteries that would perplex or overwhelm an ordinary person.
The context of this word is enriched by several surrounding Aramaic terms:
- H7328 râz: a mystery; secret. This is the object that fails to trouble or distress Daniel, establishing the theme of hidden knowledge.
- H7229 rab: {abundant}; captain, chief, great, lord, master, stout. This is the title King Nebuchadnezzar gives to Daniel, acknowledging his high rank among the wise men Daniel 4:9.
- H6591 pᵉshar: an interpretation; interpretation. The king's ultimate goal is to hear the "interpretation" of his dream, a task for which Daniel is uniquely qualified because he is not troubled by the secret Daniel 4:9.
- H560 ʼămar: {to say (used with great latitude)}; command, declare, say, speak, tell. This verb frames the king's command for Daniel to "tell" him the dream and its meaning Daniel 4:9.
The thematic significance of H598 is found in its sharp contrast:
- Divine Peace vs. Worldly Distress: The word is used to describe a state that Daniel does not experience. This lack of being troubled sets him apart, implying that a divine connection provides peace in the face of confounding secrets.
- Qualification for Revelation: Daniel's freedom from being distressed H598 by a secret H7328 is presented as a direct result of "the spirit of the holy gods" being within him Daniel 4:9. This suggests that spiritual clarity is a prerequisite for understanding divine revelation.
- Mastery Over the Unknown: The king's statement affirms that Daniel possesses a mastery that transcends human skill. While other magicians would be troubled, Daniel's spiritual endowment allows him to face the mystery without distress.
In summary, ʼănaç H598, though appearing only once, offers a key insight into the nature of divine wisdom in the book of Daniel. Its use in Daniel 4:9 powerfully illustrates that the ability to interpret God's mysteries is accompanied by a profound peace that keeps one from being distressed by what is hidden from the world. The word frames Daniel's ability not as a product of intellect, but as a gift of the spirit.
TRV