(Aramaic) corresponding to קֶרֶץ in the sense of a bit (to 'eat the morsels of' any one, i.e.; chew him up (figuratively) by slander; [phrase] accuse.
Transliteration:qᵉrats
Pronunciation:ker-ats'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic term `{{H7170}}` (qᵉrats) carries a potent semantic range, rooted in a figurative extension of a literal concept. At its most basic, the underlying notion relates to a "bit" or "morsel," evoking the act of biting or chewing. However, the definition provided specifically highlights its use in the sense of "to 'eat the morsels of' any one," which is immediately clarified as a figurative expression for "chewing him up" through slander. Thus, the primary and practically exclusive biblical meaning of `{{H7170}}` is "to accuse," "to slander," or "to calumniate." This implies a malicious, verbal assault designed to undermine or destroy another's reputation, standing, or even life. The term signifies not merely a formal charge, but one delivered with hostile intent and often based on falsehood. While related in form to the Hebrew `{{H7169}}` (qerets), which denotes a "pinch" or "bite" (e.g., of an insect), the Aramaic `{{H7170}}` distinctively develops this "biting" imagery into the realm of destructive verbal accusation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The Aramaic word `{{H7170}}` appears exclusively in the book of Daniel, specifically in contexts involving false and malicious accusations against God's faithful servants.
1. **[[Daniel 3:8]]**: "Wherefore at that time certain Chaldeans came near, and accused the Jews."
In this passage, `{{H7170}}` describes the action of the Chaldean officials who "accused" (or "slandered") the Jewish exiles to King Nebuchadnezzar. Their accusation was that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego had not served the king's gods nor worshipped the golden image he had set up. This was a direct challenge to the king's decree and carried the penalty of death. The accusation was not merely a report but a hostile denunciation, designed to incite the king's wrath and bring about the downfall of the Jews, particularly those who stood firm in their faith.
2. **[[Daniel 6:24]]** (KJV 6:24, Heb/Aram 6:25): "And the king commanded, and they brought those men which had accused Daniel, and they cast them into the den of lions, them, their children, and their wives; and the lions had the mastery of them, and brake all their bones in pieces or ever they came at the bottom of the den."
Here, `{{H7170}}` refers to the satraps and administrators who "accused" Daniel. Their accusation stemmed from envy and an inability to find any fault in Daniel's conduct, leading them to devise a law that would trap him in his devotion to God. The accusation was a deliberate, premeditated act of treachery, aimed at destroying Daniel because of his unwavering integrity and favor with the king. The severity of the retribution meted out to these accusers underscores the grave nature of their malicious slander in the eyes of both the earthly king and, implicitly, divine justice.
In both instances, `{{H7170}}` highlights the peril faced by those who remain faithful to God in a hostile environment. The accusations are characterized by malice, falsehood, and an intent to harm, often leading to life-threatening situations for the accused.
### Related Words & Concepts
While `{{H7170}}` is an Aramaic term, its conceptual domain of accusation and slander connects it to several important Hebrew and Greek words and theological concepts:
* **Hebrew Counterparts**:
* `{{H7908}}` (satan): As a verb, "to act as an adversary," "to accuse." As a noun, "adversary," "accuser," most notably applied to the spiritual adversary, Satan.
* `{{H1681}}` (dibbah): "Slander," "evil report," "whispering campaign." Used for malicious rumors or false accusations (e.g., [[Numbers 14:36]], [[Proverbs 10:18]]).
* `{{H3966}}` (lashon ra): "Evil tongue," a phrase denoting slander or gossip, a pervasive theme in wisdom literature (e.g., [[Proverbs 6:17]], [[Psalm 34:13]]).
* `{{H5237}}` (nacar): "To act as a stranger," but also "to accuse" or "to treat as an enemy" (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 32:27]]).
* **Greek Counterparts (Thematic)**:
* `{{G1228}}` (diabolos): "Slanderer," "accuser." This is the primary term for the devil, who is portrayed as the "accuser of our brethren" in [[Revelation 12:10]].
* `{{G2645}}` (katalaleo): "To speak evil against," "to slander."
* `{{G1458}}` (egkalesis) / `{{G1459}}` (egkaleo): "Accusation" / "to accuse," often in a legal sense.
* **Related Concepts**: False witness, bearing false testimony, calumny, defamation, treachery, envy, and the destructive power of the tongue. The biblical emphasis on the sanctity of truth and the condemnation of deceit aligns directly with the negative portrayal of `{{H7170}}`.
### Theological Significance
The occurrences of `{{H7170}}` in Daniel carry profound theological weight, illuminating several key themes:
1. **The Reality of Malicious Opposition**: `{{H7170}}` starkly portrays the reality of human malice and the lengths to which individuals will go to harm the righteous. It serves as a reminder that faithfulness to God can provoke intense opposition from those who resent divine authority or human integrity. This opposition often takes the form of verbal assault, calumny, and false accusation.
2. **Divine Sovereignty and Vindication**: Despite the immediate danger posed by these accusations, both narratives in Daniel demonstrate God's ultimate sovereignty and His commitment to vindicate His faithful servants. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego are miraculously preserved from the fiery furnace, and Daniel from the lions' den. This illustrates that while the wicked may "chew up" the reputation or even attempt to destroy the lives of the righteous, God is the final arbiter of justice. He not only protects His own but also brings swift and severe judgment upon the accusers, as seen in the fate of Daniel's adversaries.
3. **Spiritual Warfare and the Accuser**: The concept of `{{H7170}}` resonates with the broader biblical theme of spiritual warfare, where the "accuser" (Satan, `{{G1228}}`) constantly levels charges against God's people before the divine throne ([[Revelation 12:10]]). The human acts of `{{H7170}}` in Daniel reflect this spiritual reality, highlighting how human agents can become instruments of the greater spiritual "accuser."
4. **The Power of Integrity**: Conversely, the accused individuals (the three young men and Daniel) exemplify unwavering integrity and faithfulness. Their steadfastness in the face of slander and persecution serves as a model for believers, demonstrating that truth and righteousness ultimately prevail over malicious falsehoods.
### Summary
The Aramaic term `{{H7170}}` (qᵉrats) is a vivid and specific word for malicious accusation or slander, derived from the figurative notion of "chewing up" or "eating the morsels of" someone's reputation. Its limited but impactful usage in the book of Daniel consistently depicts hostile, false charges leveled against faithful servants of God by envious or resentful adversaries. In both [[Daniel 3:8]] and [[Daniel 6:24]], `{{H7170}}` sets the stage for dramatic divine intervention, where God not only protects the accused but also brings decisive judgment upon the accusers. Theologically, `{{H7170}}` underscores the reality of malicious opposition to the righteous, the ultimate vindication of God's people by His sovereign hand, and the severe consequences of calumny. It stands as a powerful reminder of the destructive nature of false witness and the enduring truth that God defends those who walk in integrity.
TRV