(Aramaic) corresponding to רְעוּת; desire; pleasure, will.
Transliteration:rᵉʻûwth
Pronunciation:reh-ooth'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic term `{{H7470}}` (רְעוּת, *rᵉʻûwth*) carries the core semantic range of "desire," "pleasure," and "will." As an Aramaic cognate, it functions similarly to its Hebrew counterparts in expressing an inclination, a choice, or a deliberate purpose. The nuance within its meaning allows for expression of a personal longing or preference ("desire"), a sense of satisfaction or delight ("pleasure"), or a decisive intention or sovereign decree ("will"). The context of its usage is critical for discerning the precise shade of meaning, often highlighting the authoritative nature of the subject's inclination.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word `{{H7470}}` appears exclusively in the Aramaic sections of the Old Testament, primarily in the books of Ezra and Daniel. Its usage consistently pertains to the will, desire, or pleasure of a powerful figure, whether human or divine.
In Ezra, it describes the **will or pleasure of a king**:
* [[Ezra 5:17]]: Here, it refers to the king's decision regarding the rebuilding of the temple, "if it *pleases* the king." This signifies a royal decree or favorable disposition.
* [[Ezra 7:18]]: Artaxerxes grants Ezra authority, stating, "And whatever else *seems good* to you and your brothers to do with the rest of the silver and gold, you may do, according to the *will* of your God." While referring to the will of God, it is mediated through the king's allowance, indicating a sanctioned desire.
In Daniel, the term takes on profound theological significance, primarily referring to the **absolute and sovereign will of God**:
* [[Daniel 4:17]]: In the context of Nebuchadnezzar's dream and its interpretation, it states that "the Most High rules in the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he *will*." Here, `{{H7470}}` underscores God's supreme authority in determining earthly rulers.
* [[Daniel 4:35]]: This verse powerfully articulates God's unchallengeable sovereignty: "All the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and he does according to his *will* in the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand or say to him, 'What are you doing?'" This usage emphasizes God's irresistible purpose and unassailable power.
* [[Daniel 5:19]]: While describing Nebuchadnezzar's tyrannical power—"Whom he *would*, he killed, and whom he *would*, he kept alive; whom he *would*, he raised up, and whom he *would*, he brought low"—this human will is ultimately depicted as being under the sovereign hand of God, as the preceding verses in chapter 4 make clear.
Across these occurrences, `{{H7470}}` consistently denotes an authoritative and often unchallengeable inclination or decision, moving from the decree of an earthly monarch to the ultimate, divine prerogative.
### Related Words & Concepts
While `{{H7470}}` is specifically Aramaic, its semantic range overlaps significantly with several key Hebrew terms expressing will, desire, and pleasure. The most prominent parallels include:
* `{{H7522}}` (רָצוֹן, *ratson*): This Hebrew word frequently conveys "favor," "goodwill," "pleasure," or "will," often in the context of God's delight or purpose (e.g., Psalm 103:21, Isaiah 44:28). Both `{{H7470}}` and `{{H7522}}` can describe a sovereign's benevolent or decisive inclination.
* `{{H2656}}` (חֵפֶץ, *chephets*): Meaning "delight," "desire," or "purpose," this word also captures the idea of a strong inclination or a determined will, particularly God's (e.g., Isaiah 53:10, Psalm 1:2).
The conceptual connection lies in the expression of an authoritative subject's intention or preference. In the Aramaic sections, `{{H7470}}` serves to articulate these concepts within a different linguistic framework, particularly emphasizing the absolute nature of the will, whether human or divine, but ultimately subsumed under God's ultimate control.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H7470}}` is profound, especially as it is used to describe the will of God in the book of Daniel. It serves as a powerful declaration of divine sovereignty.
1. **Divine Sovereignty:** The most critical theological insight derived from `{{H7470}}` is the absolute and unchallengeable nature of God's will. In Daniel, it asserts that God acts according to His own counsel and purpose, both in the heavens and on earth, and no one can thwart His plans. This provides a theological framework for understanding history and human events as ultimately under divine orchestration.
2. **Comfort and Assurance:** For the exiles and those facing persecution, the affirmation that God does "according to his *will*" (Daniel 4:35) provides immense comfort. It assures believers that even in the face of tyrannical human power, God remains in control, and His ultimate purposes will prevail.
3. **Contrast with Human Will:** While `{{H7470}}` can describe the will of human kings (Ezra, Daniel 5:19), its use in Daniel 4:35 elevates God's will above all earthly power. It highlights the vast qualitative difference between fallible, often oppressive human will, and the perfect, just, and irresistible will of the Most High.
Thus, `{{H7470}}` is a key term for understanding the biblical emphasis on God's omnipotence and His active, purposeful involvement in the affairs of humanity.
### Summary
The Aramaic word `{{H7470}}` (רְעוּת, *rᵉʻûwth*) encompasses the meanings of "desire," "pleasure," and "will." Found exclusively in the Aramaic portions of Ezra and Daniel, it consistently refers to the authoritative inclination or decree of a powerful figure. While it can describe the will of earthly kings, its most significant theological usage is in the book of Daniel, where it powerfully articulates the absolute and irresistible sovereign will of God. It underscores God's ultimate control over all creation and human affairs, offering profound theological insights into divine power, purpose, and the unchallengeable nature of His decrees, providing comfort and assurance to the faithful that God's plan will ultimately be fulfilled.
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