(Aramaic) corresponding to רָגַז; {to quiver (with any violent emotion, especially anger or fear)}; provoke unto wrath.
Transliteration:rᵉgaz
Pronunciation:reg-az'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic verb H7265 (רְגַז, *rᵉgaz*) corresponds directly to the Hebrew `{{H7264}}` (רָגַז, *ragaz*), sharing a common semantic core. At its most fundamental level, rᵉgaz signifies "to quiver" or "to tremble." This core meaning extends into a broader semantic range encompassing various forms of intense agitation:
1. **Physical Trembling:** Indicating a bodily response to fear, shock, or intense emotion, causing one to shake or quake.
2. **Emotional Agitation:** Describing an internal state of disturbance, distress, or disquiet. This can manifest as fear, anxiety, or profound uneasiness.
3. **Anger or Wrath:** While not the primary sense in its direct biblical occurrences, the correspondence with `{{H7264}}` suggests a potential for expressing intense displeasure or indignation, sometimes in a causative sense ("to provoke unto wrath"). However, for H7265 specifically, the emphasis in context leans heavily towards internal distress rather than outward anger.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The Aramaic word H7265 appears only once in the biblical text, found in the Aramaic section of the book of Daniel:
* **[[Daniel 2:3]]**: "And the king said to them, 'I have had a dream, and my spirit is troubled [נִרְגָּזָה, *nirgaza*, a passive/reflexive form] to know the dream.'"
* In this pivotal passage, King Nebuchadnezzar's spirit is described as *nirgaza*. This signifies a state of profound internal agitation, disquiet, and distress. The king is not merely curious; he is deeply disturbed by a forgotten dream, so much so that his peace of mind is shattered. This disturbance is not presented as anger, but rather as an intense mental or spiritual turmoil that compels him to seek an interpretation. The word here highlights the king's vulnerability and lack of control over his own inner state, setting the stage for divine intervention through Daniel. The "troubling" of his spirit is the catalyst for the unfolding of God's prophetic revelation concerning the kingdoms of the world.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is its Hebrew cognate:
* **`{{H7264}}` (רָגַז, *ragaz*):** This Hebrew verb is frequently used to describe various forms of trembling and agitation. It can refer to:
* **Physical shaking:** As in the earth quaking ([[Psalm 77:18]]).
* **Emotional turmoil:** Such as being stirred up or agitated ([[Isaiah 14:9]]).
* **Anger or vexation:** Indicating a strong emotional response of indignation or wrath ([[2 Kings 19:27]]).
The Aramaic rᵉgaz in [[Daniel 2:3]] aligns most closely with the emotional agitation aspect of `{{H7264}}`, emphasizing internal distress rather than physical trembling or overt anger.
Other related concepts, though not direct cognates, include:
* **Fear/Dread:** `{{H6342}}` (פַּחַד, *pakhad*), `{{H3372}}` (יָרֵא, *yare'*) – These terms describe the emotion of fear, which is a component of the agitation expressed by rᵉgaz.
* **Distress/Trouble:** `{{H6693}}` (צָרַר, *tsarar*), `{{H6696}}` (צָרָה, *tsarah*) – These words capture the broader experience of being in a difficult or distressing situation, which can induce the state of rᵉgaz.
### Theological Significance
The single occurrence of H7265 in [[Daniel 2:3]] carries significant theological weight:
* **Divine Sovereignty Over Human Affairs:** The "troubling" of King Nebuchadnezzar's spirit underscores God's absolute sovereignty, even over the most powerful human rulers. God uses the king's internal disquiet as a divine instrument to initiate the revelation of His future plans. The king's inability to recall or understand his dream, and the subsequent agitation, highlights human limitations and dependence on divine wisdom.
* **Catalyst for Revelation:** The *rᵉgaz* of Nebuchadnezzar's spirit serves as a divinely orchestrated catalyst for the unfolding of prophecy. God permits and even instigates this internal turmoil to create a context where His power to reveal secrets is made manifest through Daniel, thereby exalting Himself and His chosen servant.
* **Contrast Between Human Turmoil and Divine Peace:** The agitated state of the king's spirit stands in stark contrast to the divine peace and order that God offers through His revelation. The resolution of the king's distress comes not from human wisdom or magical arts, but from the God of heaven, who alone can grant understanding and peace. This implicitly points to the ultimate source of true peace and knowledge.
### Summary
The Aramaic verb H7265 (רְגַז, *rᵉgaz*) signifies "to quiver," "to tremble," or "to be agitated." Its singular biblical occurrence in [[Daniel 2:3]] describes King Nebuchadnezzar's spirit as "troubled" or "deeply agitated" by a forgotten dream. This usage emphasizes a profound internal distress and disquietude, rather than a physical tremor or overt anger, though its Hebrew cognate `{{H7264}}` encompasses a broader range of meanings including physical shaking and wrath. Theologically, this word is crucial as it highlights human vulnerability and the divine orchestration of events. The king's rᵉgaz serves as a divinely appointed catalyst, demonstrating God's absolute sovereignty over human hearts and His use of human distress to pave the way for the unfolding of His prophetic plan and the revelation of His wisdom through His chosen servant, Daniel.
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