(Aramaic) corresponding to עָתִיד; prepared; ready.
Transliteration:ʻăthîyd
Pronunciation:ath-eed'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic term `{{H6263}}` (ʻăthîyd) is derived from a root signifying "to be ready" or "to be prepared." Its fundamental meaning encompasses a state of readiness, whether physical, mental, or dispositional. It denotes something that is set, arranged, or made fit for a specific purpose, event, or future action. The definition provided indicates a direct correspondence to the Hebrew word `{{H6262}}` (ʻāthîd), suggesting a shared semantic field across the two closely related Semitic languages. This core meaning implies not merely existence, but a proactive or passive state of being poised for what is to come.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
As an Aramaic word, `{{H6263}}` appears exclusively in the Aramaic portions of the Book of Daniel, specifically in chapter 3. Its two occurrences offer distinct yet related contextual nuances:
1. **[[Daniel 3:15]]**: "Now if you are ready (`{{H6263}}`) to fall down and worship the image which I have made, good."
* Here, `{{H6263}}` speaks to a *readiness of will* or a *disposition*. King Nebuchadnezzar is inquiring about the willingness of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to comply with his decree. It signifies their internal preparedness or inclination to perform the act of worship. The implied choice highlights human agency and the readiness of heart to either conform or resist.
2. **[[Daniel 3:19]]**: "Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury, and the expression of his face was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego; therefore he commanded that the furnace should be heated seven times more than it was usually heated (`{{H6263}}`)."
* In this instance, `{{H6263}}` refers to a *physical state of preparation*. The furnace was to be made ready, or prepared, to an extreme degree of heat. It emphasizes the intensity of the impending ordeal, highlighting that the instrument of judgment was not merely hot, but meticulously and excessively prepared for its destructive purpose. This use underscores the severity of the king's wrath and the extraordinary nature of the trial faced by the three men.
Together, these occurrences demonstrate the versatility of `{{H6263}}` to describe both an internal, volitional readiness and an external, physical state of being prepared.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic relation to `{{H6263}}` is its Hebrew counterpart, `{{H6262}}` (ʻāthîd), which also carries the meaning of "ready," "prepared," or "future." This correspondence underscores the shared conceptual space of preparedness and futurity in both languages.
Other related concepts include:
* **Preparedness**: The general state of being ready for action or an event, whether through planning, training, or inherent disposition.
* **Provision**: The act of supplying or making available what is needed, often implying a prior state of preparation.
* **Anticipation**: The act of looking forward to something, which often necessitates being ready for it.
* **Destiny/Future**: As preparation inherently looks forward, the concept of what is "to come" or "destined" is closely linked.
* **Willingness**: Particularly in the context of [[Daniel 3:15]], the readiness to act is tied to one's volition and compliance.
Contrasting concepts would include suddenness, unpreparedness, or being caught unawares.
### Theological Significance
Though appearing only twice, the theological significance of `{{H6263}}` within the narrative of Daniel 3 is profound.
1. **Human Readiness in Faith**: In [[Daniel 3:15]], the king's demand for the three men to be "ready" to worship highlights the critical moment of decision. Their refusal demonstrates their *unpreparedness* to compromise their faith, underscoring a theological principle: true believers are not "ready" to bow to idols, but are rather prepared to stand firm in their convictions, even unto death. This speaks to the readiness of the heart for obedience to God above all earthly authority. Their unreadiness to worship the idol was, in fact, a profound readiness to honor God.
2. **Divine Sovereignty Amidst Prepared Opposition**: The "prepared" furnace in [[Daniel 3:19]] emphasizes the extreme nature of the trial. The meticulous preparation of the instrument of destruction serves to magnify the miraculous deliverance. Even when human adversaries meticulously prepare for evil, God's power transcends and overrides their most "ready" instruments. This passage powerfully illustrates God's sovereignty, demonstrating that no human preparation, however thorough or malicious, can thwart His divine will or overcome His protective power over His faithful servants. The very readiness of the furnace served to showcase God's greater power.
More broadly, the concept of "preparedness" in Scripture often relates to God's providential ordering of events (He prepares the way, He prepares a table, He prepares a place) and humanity's call to be spiritually prepared for His coming or for trials.
### Summary
The Aramaic word `{{H6263}}` (ʻăthîyd) signifies "prepared" or "ready," encompassing both a state of internal disposition and external physical arrangement. Its two occurrences in Daniel 3 vividly illustrate these nuances: the *readiness of will* demanded by King Nebuchadnezzar from the three Jewish exiles to worship an idol, and the *physical preparedness* of the superheated furnace intended for their execution. Theologically, `{{H6263}}` underscores the crucial human choice to be "ready" for God's purposes rather than human decrees, and powerfully demonstrates God's sovereign power to overcome even the most meticulously "prepared" instruments of human opposition. Though limited in occurrences, its contextual depth in Daniel 3 provides significant insight into themes of faithfulness, divine power, and human choice.
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