The Aramaic word shibʻâh, represented by H7655, means seven or seven times. According to its base definition, it can denote the "sacred full one," a week, or an indefinite number. It appears 6 times across 6 unique verses in the Bible, primarily in contexts of appointed time and intensity.
In the biblical narrative, H7655 is used to define specific quantities and durations. When Nebuchadnezzar was enraged at Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, he commanded that the furnace be heated "one seven times more" than usual Daniel 3:19, using the number to express extreme intensity. The term is most frequently associated with the period of Nebuchadnezzar's humbling, where it is prophesied four times that "seven times" would pass over him until he acknowledged God's sovereignty (Daniel 4:16, Daniel 4:23, Daniel 4:25, Daniel 4:32). The word also appears in a governmental context, describing the king's "seven counsellors" who sent Ezra to Jerusalem Ezra 7:14.
Several related Aramaic words provide a fuller context for the use of H7655:
- H5732 ʻiddân (time): This word is consistently paired with H7655 to signify a set duration. In the prophecies concerning Nebuchadnezzar, the phrase "seven times" (Daniel 4:16, Daniel 4:25, Daniel 4:32) uses H5732 to establish a specific period of divine judgment.
- H2298 chad (one): This term for one or first is used directly alongside H7655 to emphasize the magnitude of Nebuchadnezzar's command to heat the furnace "one seven times more" Daniel 3:19. It establishes a single, intensified measure.
The symbolic weight of H7655 is evident in its application.
- A Measure of Divine Judgment: The number is used repeatedly to mark the full, preordained length of Nebuchadnezzar's madness. The passing of "seven times" represents the complete duration required for him to be humbled before the most High (Daniel 4:25, Daniel 4:32).
- Completeness and Intensity: The base definition of H7655 as the "sacred full one" is reflected in its usage. Heating a furnace seven times more suggests heating it to its maximum, or a complete, intensity Daniel 3:19.
- Fullness in Counsel: The mention of "seven counsellors" of the king points to a complete advisory body, reflecting a structure of fullness in a royal court Ezra 7:14.
In summary, H7655 carries a meaning beyond its simple numerical value. It consistently signifies a concept of fullness or completeness. Whether marking the full duration of a divine judgment, the complete intensity of a furnace's heat, or the full roster of a king's advisors, shibʻâh functions within the Aramaic portions of Scripture to denote a specific and significant measure.
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