### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **rabrᵉbân**, represented by `{{H7261}}`, is derived from the term רַבְרַב and refers to a **magnate**, **lord**, or **prince**. This term appears **8 times** in **8 unique verses**, exclusively within the book of Daniel, where it denotes high-ranking officials and nobles within the royal court.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H7261}}` is consistently used to identify the powerful figures surrounding the kings of Babylon. These **lords** are present at King Belshazzar's great feast [[Daniel 5:1]] and join him in drinking from the sacred vessels taken from the temple in Jerusalem [[Daniel 5:2-3]]. Their authority is significant, as their seal is used alongside the king's to secure the den where Daniel was cast [[Daniel 6:17]]. When divine judgment appears as writing on the wall, these **lords** are "astonied" along with their king [[Daniel 5:9]], and after Nebuchadnezzar's restoration, his **lords** and counsellors seek him out [[Daniel 4:36]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the context of these royal figures:
* `{{H1907}}` **haddâbâr** (a vizier; counsellor): This word appears with `{{H7261}}` in [[Daniel 4:36]], where Nebuchadnezzar's "counsellors and my **lords**" seek him, indicating they are part of the same advisory class.
* `{{H4430}}` **melek** (a king; king, royal): The **lords** `{{H7261}}` are always depicted in service to or in the presence of a **king** `{{H4430}}`, who holds authority over them ([[Daniel 5:1]], [[Daniel 6:17]]).
* `{{H4756}}` **mârêʼ** (a master; lord, Lord): This term creates a stark contrast, as the earthly **lords** `{{H7261}}` are shown to be in rebellion against the ultimate **Lord** `{{H4756}}` of heaven [[Daniel 5:23]].
* `{{H7313}}` **rûwm** (to be high actively, to rise or raise; extol, lift up): This verb describes the prideful action of the king who, along with his **lords** `{{H7261}}`, **lifted up** `{{H7313}}` himself against God [[Daniel 5:23]].
### Theological Significance
The use of `{{H7261}}` carries significant thematic weight in the book of Daniel.
* **Earthly Power and Transgression:** The **lords** of `{{H7261}}` represent the pinnacle of human authority within a pagan kingdom. Their participation in the desecration of holy temple vessels demonstrates the hubris and sin that can accompany such power [[Daniel 5:23]].
* **Witnesses to Divine Judgment:** Despite their high status, these **lords** are rendered powerless and "astonied" when faced with God's direct intervention [[Daniel 5:9]]. They serve as witnesses to the fact that earthly power structures are fragile and subject to divine authority.
* **Contrast with Divine Sovereignty:** The narrative explicitly contrasts the fallible earthly **lords** `{{H7261}}` with the supreme **Lord** `{{H4756}}` of heaven. The actions of Belshazzar and his court highlight the theme of human pride being humbled before God's ultimate sovereignty [[Daniel 5:23]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7261}}` **rabrᵉbân** is a specific term for the noble class within the Babylonian court. More than just a title, it functions within the book of Daniel to characterize the nature of earthly power—its grandeur, its capacity for defiance against God, and its ultimate subordination to divine judgment. The story of the king and his **lords** serves as a powerful illustration of the transient nature of human authority when contrasted with the eternal sovereignty of the Lord of heaven.
TRV