(Aramaic) from a root corresponding to קָטַר; a knot (as tied up), i.e. (figuratively) a riddle; also a vertebra (as if a knot); doubt, joint.
Transliteration:qᵉṭar
Pronunciation:ket-ar'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic noun H7001 (קְטַר, *qᵉṭar*) derives from a root meaning "to tie" or "to bind." Its primary literal sense is "a knot," referring to something physically tied or entangled. From this concrete understanding, the word extends semantically into figurative realms. It can denote a "riddle" or "an intricate problem," conceptualized as a mental "knot" that requires untangling or solving. This figurative usage emphasizes complexity, obscurity, or a perplexing situation. Furthermore, the definition includes anatomical references such as "vertebra" or "joint," envisioning these as "knots" or connecting points within the body. The nuance of "doubt" also emerges from the idea of something being "tied up" or unresolved, leading to uncertainty. Thus, H7001 encompasses physical entanglement, intellectual perplexity, and structural connection, all stemming from the core concept of binding.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The noun H7001 appears exclusively in the Aramaic portions of the Book of Daniel, specifically in [[Daniel 5:12]] and [[Daniel 5:16]]. In both instances, it is used in the plural (*qeṭarin*) and refers to "knots" in a figurative sense, signifying complex problems, riddles, or difficult questions.
In [[Daniel 5:12]], Queen Mother describes Daniel's unique ability to King Belshazzar: "because an excellent spirit, knowledge, and understanding to interpret dreams, explain riddles, and untie knots were found in this Daniel." Here, "untying knots" (מִתְשָׁרֵא קִטְרִין) is presented as a parallel skill to interpreting dreams and explaining riddles, highlighting Daniel's extraordinary wisdom and insight. The phrase underscores his capacity to resolve intricate intellectual or spiritual dilemmas that baffle others.
Similarly, in [[Daniel 5:16]], King Belshazzar addresses Daniel directly, reiterating the Queen Mother's commendation: "But I have heard concerning you, that you are able to give interpretations and untie knots." The king, desperate for an interpretation of the handwriting on the wall, acknowledges Daniel's reputation for solving perplexing matters. The inability of the Chaldean wise men to decipher the writing underscores the profound nature of these "knots," which only divinely-empowered wisdom can untangle. These occurrences firmly establish H7001 as a metaphor for profound mysteries or difficult problems requiring supernatural discernment.
### Related Words & Concepts
H7001 is closely related to the Aramaic verb `{{H7000}}` (קְטַר, *qᵉṭar*), meaning "to bind" or "to tie." This verbal root perfectly explains the noun's meaning of "knot." The verb `{{H7000}}` is used in [[Daniel 5:6]] where Belshazzar's "loins were loosed" (קִטְרֵי חַרְצֵהּ אֶשְׁתַּרּוּ), literally "the knots of his loins were untied," indicating a loss of strength or control due to fear. This demonstrates the direct conceptual link between the noun H7001 (knot) and its verbal root (to tie/untie).
The Hebrew cognate `{{H6999}}` (קָטַר, *qatar*) primarily means "to burn incense" or "to make smoke ascend," though some scholars also connect it to the idea of "binding" or "coiling" (like smoke). While not directly semantically aligned with H7001's "knot" meaning, it shares the common linguistic root.
Conceptually, H7001 is intertwined with themes of wisdom, understanding, and divine revelation. It stands in contrast to human limitations in comprehending divine mysteries. Related concepts include:
* **Discernment:** The ability to perceive and understand complex truths.
* **Interpretation:** The skill of explaining hidden meanings.
* **Mystery (רָז, *raz* `{{H7337}}`):** A secret or hidden matter, often divinely revealed, which is precisely the kind of "knot" Daniel is called to untie.
* **Knowledge (מַנְדַּע, *manda* `{{H4482}}`):** The intellectual grasp of facts and truths.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H7001 lies in its portrayal of God as the ultimate source of wisdom and the revealer of hidden things. The "knots" that Daniel is able to untie represent problems, riddles, and prophetic messages that are beyond human capacity to solve or comprehend. The Chaldean wise men, despite their worldly knowledge and magical arts, are utterly helpless before these divine "knots." This highlights the inadequacy of human wisdom when confronted with the mysteries of God.
Daniel's ability is explicitly attributed to an "excellent spirit" and divine knowledge ([[Daniel 5:12]]). This is not merely intellectual prowess but a divinely bestowed gift, underscoring that true understanding of God's ways and prophetic decrees originates solely from Him. The "untying of knots" becomes a powerful metaphor for God's sovereign power to unveil His plans and communicate His will, particularly through chosen vessels. It reinforces the biblical truth that "the secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever" [[Deuteronomy 29:29]], and that God "reveals deep and hidden things" [[Daniel 2:22]]. Thus, H7001 serves as a testament to God's omniscient nature and His purposeful revelation to humanity.
### Summary
The Aramaic word H7001 (קְטַר, *qᵉṭar*) literally means "a knot" and extends figuratively to denote a "riddle" or "an intricate problem." Its two occurrences in the Bible, both in Daniel 5, emphasize this figurative sense, describing Daniel's unique, divinely-empowered ability to "untie knots" – that is, to solve profound mysteries and interpret complex divine messages that baffle human wisdom. Rooted in the verb "to bind" (`{{H7000}}`), H7001 highlights the concept of entanglement, whether physical or intellectual. Theologically, its usage underscores God's supreme wisdom as the sole source of understanding for divine secrets, contrasting sharply with human limitations. Daniel's capacity to "untie knots" serves as a powerful illustration of God's power to reveal His will and bring clarity to otherwise inscrutable matters.
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