### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic lemma קְשׁוֹט (qᵉshôwṭ), corresponding to the Hebrew קֹשֶׁט (qōšeṭ) `{{H7186}}`, carries the primary meaning of "truth" or "fidelity." It denotes an inherent quality of reliability, accuracy, and unwavering integrity. Unlike some broader terms for truth, קְשׁוֹט emphasizes the steadfastness and trustworthiness of a statement, action, or character. It speaks to that which is firm, dependable, and free from deceit or error. While its usage is exceptionally rare, its presence in the biblical text underscores a profound aspect of divine character.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term קְשׁוֹט appears only once in the biblical corpus, found in the Aramaic section of the book of Daniel:
* **[[Daniel 4:37]]**: "Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, for all His works are קְשׁוֹט and His ways are justice; and those who walk in pride He is able to humble."
This singular occurrence is profoundly significant, serving as the climax of King Nebuchadnezzar's humbling experience and subsequent confession of God's sovereignty. After being stripped of his kingdom and sanity, living as an animal, and then restored, Nebuchadnezzar acknowledges the true God. His declaration that God's "works are קְשׁוֹט" means that all of God's actions, decrees, and dealings are utterly truthful, reliable, and consistent with His nature. They are not arbitrary, deceptive, or subject to change. Furthermore, "His ways are justice" complements this, indicating that God's methods and judgments are righteous and equitable. The king's confession highlights the absolute integrity and dependability of the divine King, contrasting sharply with the transient and fallible nature of human power and pride, which God is "able to humble." Thus, קְשׁוֹט here serves as a foundational attribute of God's character, revealed through His interaction with humanity and the course of history.
### Related Words & Concepts
The Aramaic קְשׁוֹט (qᵉshôwṭ) is directly related to the Hebrew קֹשֶׁט (qōšeṭ) `{{H7186}}`, which appears twice in the book of Proverbs, conveying a similar sense of "truth" or "uprightness" (e.g., [[Proverbs 22:21]]). Beyond this direct cognate, קְשׁוֹט resonates with several broader Hebrew concepts of truth and faithfulness:
* **אֱמֶת (emet) `{{H571}}`**: This is the most prevalent and comprehensive Hebrew term for "truth," encompassing faithfulness, reliability, firmness, and reality. While קְשׁוֹט emphasizes the inherent integrity, אֱמֶת often speaks to the verifiable reality and steadfastness of a person or statement.
* **צֶדֶק (tzedeq) `{{H6664}}`**: Meaning "righteousness" or "justice," this term is often paired with truth, as seen in [[Daniel 4:37]] where God's works are קְשׁוֹט and His ways are צֶדֶק. Divine truth is intrinsically linked to divine justice.
* **אֱמוּנָה (emunah) `{{H530}}`**: Denoting "faithfulness," "steadfastness," and "fidelity," אֱמוּנָה describes the enduring reliability of God and the expected trust of humanity. קְשׁוֹט speaks to the quality *of* truth, while אֱמוּנָה speaks to the *practice* of faithfulness.
Together, these terms paint a rich picture of God's character as one who is utterly true, just, and faithful in all His being and actions. קְשׁוֹט adds a specific nuance of inherent, unwavering integrity.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of קְשׁוֹט lies in its powerful declaration of God's absolute truthfulness and reliability. In a world often characterized by deceit, instability, and human pride, the affirmation that God's works are קְשׁוֹט provides a bedrock of certainty.
1. **Divine Character**: קְשׁוֹט is an essential attribute of God. It means that God is not merely true in what He says, but His very being, His actions, and His judgments are inherently true and without fault. This underpins the trustworthiness of His promises, His covenants, and His revealed word.
2. **Foundation of Justice**: The pairing of קְשׁוֹט with "justice" in [[Daniel 4:37]] is crucial. God's truth is not abstract; it is manifested in His righteous governance of the world. His judgments are always fair because they are rooted in His unchanging truth.
3. **Contrast to Human Fallibility**: Nebuchadnezzar's confession underscores the stark contrast between human pride and divine truth. Human power is fleeting and prone to error, but God's rule is founded on unassailable truth and righteousness. This humbling revelation leads to genuine worship.
4. **Basis for Trust**: For believers, the knowledge that God's works are קְשׁוֹט forms the very basis of faith and trust. One can rely completely on His word and His providential care, knowing He will always act consistently with His truthful nature.
### Summary
The Aramaic word קְשׁוֹט (qᵉshôwṭ) signifies "truth" or "fidelity," emphasizing an inherent quality of reliability and unwavering integrity. Though it appears only once in the biblical text, in [[Daniel 4:37]], its context is profoundly significant. It is part of King Nebuchadnezzar's climactic confession, where he declares that the works of the King of Heaven are קְשׁוֹט and His ways are justice. This singular usage powerfully asserts God's absolute trustworthiness, the inherent integrity of all His actions, and the steadfast nature of His divine rule. קְשׁוֹט highlights that God's truth is the immutable foundation of His character, providing a secure basis for human faith and worship in the face of human fallibility and pride.
TRV