### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **qᵉrats**, represented by `{{H7170}}`, is used to **accuse**. It appears **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible. The term's definition carries a powerful figurative meaning: to "eat the morsels of" someone, or to chew him up through slander.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
This word appears exclusively in the book of Daniel, where it is used in a specific phrase combined with `{{H399}}` 'ăkal, which means to eat or devour. This pairing emphasizes the destructive and consuming nature of the accusation. It is first seen when certain Chaldeans came forward to **accused** the Jews [[Daniel 3:8]]. The word appears again when the king commands that the men who had **accused** Daniel be brought and cast into the den of lions [[Daniel 6:24]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related Aramaic words from the book of Daniel provide additional context:
* `{{H399}}` **ʼăkal** (accuse, devour, eat): This word is used literally to mean devour, as when a beast is commanded to **devour** much flesh [[Daniel 7:5]], but it is paired with `{{H7170}}` to create the idiom for slanderous accusation.
* `{{H6903}}` **qᵉbêl** (because, forasmuch as, therefore): This particle often introduces the reason or cause for an action. For example, Daniel's enemies could find no fault in him, **forasmuch** as he was faithful [[Daniel 6:4]]. It is used to introduce the accusation in [[Daniel 3:8]].
* `{{H3606}}` **kôl** (all, any, every, the whole): This word denotes totality and is used frequently to describe the scope of kingdoms and divine decrees. For instance, God's eternal kingdom will consume **all** other kingdoms [[Daniel 2:44]].
### Theological Significance
The use of `{{H7170}}` highlights several key concepts within the narrative of Daniel:
* **A Tool of Malicious Slander:** The vivid imagery of "chewing someone up" illustrates that these accusations were not simple reports of wrongdoing but were intended to destroy their targets. The Chaldeans sought the destruction of the Jews through their words [[Daniel 3:8]].
* **Accusation and Consequence:** The word appears in contexts that demonstrate a clear pattern of accusation and repercussion. Those who falsely **accused** Daniel ultimately suffered the very fate they had planned for him [[Daniel 6:24]].
* **Opposition to the Faithful:** In both instances, `{{H7170}}` is used by adversaries attempting to eliminate faithful servants of God. Accusation is the primary weapon wielded by those opposing Daniel and his companions.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7170}}` **qᵉrats** is a highly specific and illustrative term for accusation. Though used only twice, its pairing with the verb "to eat" provides a powerful metaphor for the consuming and destructive nature of slander. Its appearances in Daniel frame accusation as a key trial faced by the faithful, while also underscoring the theme of divine justice where accusers ultimately face the consequences of their actions.
TRV