(Aramaic) from צְבָא; properly, will; concretely, an affair (as a matter of determination); purpose.
Transliteration:tsᵉbûw
Pronunciation:tseb-oo'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word `{{H6640}}`, transliterated as *tsᵉbûw*, derives from the root `{{H6634}}` (צְבָא - tsᵉbâ'), which signifies "to wish," "to desire," or "to be pleased." Consequently, *tsᵉbûw* fundamentally denotes "will" in the sense of volition, determination, or intention. Its semantic range extends to "purpose," referring to an intended outcome or a decided plan, and "affair," understood as a matter or business that is subject to determination or decision. The core emphasis is on a deliberate, willed act or state.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
As an Aramaic term, `{{H6640}}` appears exclusively in the Aramaic sections of the Old Testament, specifically in the books of Ezra and Daniel. Its usage consistently highlights the concept of a determined will or purpose, whether human or divine:
* **Ezra 5:17**: Here, *tsᵉbûw* refers to the "pleasure" or "will" of King Darius concerning the decree of Cyrus regarding the rebuilding of the temple. It signifies the king's official decision or determination.
* **Ezra 7:18**: The term is used in the context of handling the remaining silver and gold, which is to be done "according to the will of your God." This instance clearly points to divine will as the guiding principle for action.
* **Daniel 4:17**: In Nebuchadnezzar's dream, the decree concerning his judgment is stated to be "by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will." Here, *tsᵉbûw* refers to God's sovereign will in establishing and removing rulers.
* **Daniel 4:32**: Continuing the theme from [[Daniel 4:17]], this verse reiterates that God "giveth it to whomsoever he will," emphasizing His absolute discretion and will in the affairs of human kingdoms.
* **Daniel 4:35**: This is perhaps the most profound usage, declaring God's absolute sovereignty: "And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?" Here, *tsᵉbûw* underscores God's unchallengeable, omnipotent will that governs all creation.
* **Daniel 5:19**: Describing Nebuchadnezzar's former power, it states, "whom he would he slew; and whom he would he kept alive; and whom he would he set up; and whom he would he put down." This illustrates a human king's formidable, though ultimately limited, will.
* **Daniel 6:7**: The term describes the collective "consultation" or "agreement" of the officials to establish a royal statute against Daniel. It signifies their unified will or determination.
Across these occurrences, *tsᵉbûw* is consistently associated with authority and the power to determine outcomes, most notably highlighting the supreme and unassailable will of God.
### Related Words & Concepts
The conceptual field of `{{H6640}}` intersects with several related terms and ideas in both Hebrew and Greek:
* **Hebrew Parallels**:
* `{{H7522}}` (רָצוֹן - *ratson*): Signifies "will," "favor," "pleasure," or "delight," often used for God's benevolent will or acceptance.
* `{{H2656}}` (חֵפֶץ - *chephets*): Denotes "delight," "desire," "pleasure," or "purpose," often overlapping with the volitional aspect of *tsᵉbûw*.
* **Greek Conceptual Equivalents (Septuagint/New Testament)**:
* `{{G2307}}` (θέλημα - *thelēma*): This is the most direct conceptual parallel, widely used in the New Testament to refer to "will," "desire," or "purpose," particularly God's will.
* `{{G1012}}` (βουλή - *boulē*): Means "counsel," "purpose," or "plan," often referring to a deliberate decision or intention.
* **Key Concepts**: The word `{{H6640}}` is intrinsically linked to concepts such as sovereignty, divine decree, human authority, intention, determination, and pleasure. It speaks to the power dynamic inherent in the exercise of will.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H6640}}` is profound, particularly in its application to God.
* **Divine Sovereignty**: The most striking theological implication is its emphatic assertion of God's absolute sovereignty. In Daniel, *tsᵉbûw* describes God's unchallengeable will over all creation, including the rise and fall of kingdoms and rulers. [[Daniel 4:35]] stands as a cornerstone of biblical theology, declaring that God "doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand." This underscores that God's purposes are ultimate and cannot be frustrated by any created being.
* **Divine Purpose**: God's will, as expressed by *tsᵉbûw*, is not arbitrary but purposeful. It reflects His deliberate and determined plan for history and for humanity. The events of the world, even the most chaotic, are ultimately subsumed under His overarching *tsᵉbûw*.
* **Human Will in Relation to Divine Will**: While the term is used for human rulers' decisions (e.g., [[Ezra 5:17]], [[Daniel 5:19]]), the narrative context often contrasts or subordinates human will to the supreme *tsᵉbûw* of God. The book of Daniel, in particular, highlights that even the most powerful human wills are ultimately subject to the divine will, which alone is truly irresistible.
* **Foundation for Trust**: The unchangeable nature of God's *tsᵉbûw* provides a theological foundation for trust and assurance. Believers can rest in the knowledge that God's determined purposes will prevail, regardless of earthly circumstances.
### Summary
The Aramaic word `{{H6640}}`, *tsᵉbûw*, fundamentally signifies "will" or "purpose," stemming from a root meaning "to desire" or "be pleased." Its occurrences in Ezra and Daniel consistently denote a determined intention or decision, whether originating from human authorities or, more significantly, from God. The most impactful use of *tsᵉbûw* is its application to divine sovereignty, particularly in [[Daniel 4:35]], where it powerfully asserts God's absolute and unchallengeable will over all creation and human affairs. This term thereby serves as a crucial descriptor of divine volition, ultimate authority, and the unfrustratable nature of God's eternal purposes.
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