### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The name **ʼĂryôwk**, represented by `{{H746}}`, is of foreign origin and identifies two Babylonian individuals named **Arioch**. It appears **7 times** across **6 unique verses** in the Bible, signifying figures of authority within foreign nations.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name **Arioch** refers to two distinct individuals in the biblical narrative. The first is a **king** `{{H4428}}` of Ellasar, mentioned as part of an alliance with other kings such as **Amraphel** `{{H569}}` and **Chedorlaomer** `{{H3540}}` ([[Genesis 14:1]], [[Genesis 14:9]]). The second, more prominent **Arioch** appears in the book of Daniel as the **captain** (`{{H7229}}`, `{{H7990}}`) of the Babylonian king's **guard** `{{H2877}}`. This **Arioch** was tasked with carrying out the royal **decree** `{{H1882}}` to **slay** `{{H6992}}` all the **wise men** `{{H2445}}` of Babylon [[Daniel 2:14]]. His role shifted when he was approached by **Daniel** `{{H1841}}`, whom he then **brought in** `{{H5954}}` before the **king** `{{H4430}}` to reveal the dream's **interpretation** `{{H6591}}` [[Daniel 2:25]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the role and actions of **Arioch**:
* `{{H4430}}` **melek**: This Aramaic word for **king** is central to Arioch's identity in the book of Daniel, as he serves the **king** of Babylon and is responsible for executing his commands [[Daniel 2:14]].
* `{{H1841}}` **Dânîyêʼl**: The prophet **Daniel** directly interacts with **Arioch**, answering him with **counsel** `{{H5843}}` and persuading him to halt the execution of the wise men [[Daniel 2:14]].
* `{{H2445}}` **chakkîym**: **Arioch's** primary mission from the king was to destroy the **wise** men of Babylon after they failed to interpret the king's dream [[Daniel 2:24]].
* `{{H6992}}` **qᵉṭal**: This Aramaic verb, meaning to **slay**, defines the stark nature of the royal command that **Arioch** was sent to carry out [[Daniel 2:14]].
* `{{H1882}}` **dâth**: As a royal officer, **Arioch** was the enforcer of the king's **decree**, a royal edict or statute that could not be easily rescinded [[Daniel 2:15]].
### Theological Significance
The narrative significance of **Arioch** is most evident in the book of Daniel.
* **Agent of Royal Decree:** **Arioch** functions as the direct instrument of the **king's** `{{H4430}}` absolute power. He is the one **ordained** `{{H4483}}` to carry out the lethal **decree** `{{H1882}}` to **destroy** `{{H7}}` the **wise men** `{{H2445}}` of Babylon [[Daniel 2:24]].
* **Pivot in the Narrative:** The encounter between **Arioch** and **Daniel** `{{H1841}}` marks a crucial turning point. **Arioch** is receptive to Daniel's wisdom, makes the situation **known** `{{H3046}}` to him, and becomes the conduit through whom Daniel is **brought in** `{{H5954}}` before the king, thereby preventing the slaughter ([[Daniel 2:15]], [[Daniel 2:25]]).
* **Dual Identity in Scripture:** The name **Arioch** is assigned to two different figures of foreign origin: first, a **king** `{{H4428}}` of Ellasar who is part of a military alliance [[Genesis 14:9]], and second, a high-ranking military officer in the Babylonian court [[Daniel 2:14]].
### Summary
In summary, **ʼĂryôwk** `{{H746}}` is a name associated with foreign authority, appearing as both a confederate **king** `{{H4428}}` in Genesis and a pivotal court official in Daniel. The latter **Arioch**, as captain of the guard, serves as a key link in the narrative, poised to execute a deadly command but ultimately facilitating the demonstration of God's wisdom through the prophet **Daniel** `{{H1841}}`. His story illustrates the intersection of human authority and divine purpose.
TRV