(Aramaic) corresponding to שֵׁגָל; a (legitimate) queen; wife.
Transliteration:shêgâl
Pronunciation:shay-gawl'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic lemma שֵׁגָל (shêgâl, `{{H7695}}`) denotes a "queen" or "royal wife," specifically emphasizing a legitimate or principal consort within a monarchical household. Its base definition highlights a status distinct from that of concubines, implying a recognized and perhaps elevated position among the king's women. While the Strong's definition notes its Aramaic origin and correspondence to a similar Hebrew term, its usage in the biblical text firmly places it within the royal court context of the Neo-Babylonian Empire. The semantic range is thus confined to royal women of significant standing, often pluralized to refer to the collective body of such wives.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term שֵׁגָל (shêgâl, `{{H7695}}`) appears exclusively in the book of Daniel, specifically in chapter 5, where it is mentioned three times:
* [[Daniel 5:2]]: "Belshazzar, while he tasted the wine, commanded to bring the gold and silver vessels which Nebuchadnezzar his father had taken out of the temple which was in Jerusalem, that the king and his nobles, his wives [שֵׁגָל], and his concubines might drink from them."
* [[Daniel 5:3]]: "Then they brought the gold vessels that had been taken from the temple of the house of God which was in Jerusalem; and the king and his nobles, his wives [שֵׁגָל], and his concubines drank from them."
* [[Daniel 5:23]]: "But you have lifted yourself up against the Lord of heaven. They have brought the vessels of His house before you, and you and your nobles, your wives [שֵׁגָל], and your concubines have drunk wine from them. And you have praised the gods of silver and gold, bronze and iron, wood and stone, which do not see or hear or know; and the God who holds your breath in His hand and owns all your ways, you have not glorified."
In each instance, שֵׁגָל (shêgâl) is used in the plural and is consistently listed alongside "the king," "his nobles," and "his concubines." This consistent grouping reveals the hierarchical structure of the royal court and the specific role of these "wives" in public life, particularly in ceremonial or celebratory contexts. The repeated mention of their participation in drinking from the desecrated temple vessels underscores the pervasive nature of Belshazzar's sacrilege, implicating not just the king but his entire inner circle, including his principal royal consorts. This collective participation highlights the depth of the affront to divine holiness.
### Related Words & Concepts
While שֵׁגָל (shêgâl, `{{H7695}}`) is an Aramaic term, its conceptual space overlaps with several Hebrew words related to royal women and family. The most common Hebrew term for a queen or queen mother is מַלְכָּה (malkah, `{{H4436}}`), which can denote a reigning queen or a royal consort. The general Hebrew term for "wife" is אִשָּׁה (ishshah, `{{H802}}`). The distinction between שֵׁגָל (shêgâl) and פִּילֶגֶשׁ (pilegesh, `{{H6370}}`), "concubine," is crucial in Daniel 5, emphasizing the higher, more legitimate status of the *shêgâl* within the royal hierarchy. The context also invokes broader concepts of ancient Near Eastern monarchy, royal feasting, and the relationship between political power and religious piety (or impiety).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of שֵׁגָל (shêgâl, `{{H7695}}`) is not found in the inherent meaning of the word itself, but rather in its specific contextual placement within the dramatic narrative of Daniel 5. The participation of the king's *shêgâl* in the sacrilegious feast, where the sacred vessels of the Jerusalem temple are profaned, serves as a powerful symbol of Belshazzar's ultimate defiance against the God of Israel. Their presence underscores the comprehensive nature of the king's sin; it was not a solitary act but a pervasive corruption that extended to the highest ranks of his household. The immediate divine judgment that follows (the "handwriting on the wall") is thus presented as a response to this collective and profound affront to Yahweh's holiness. The *shêgâl* become unwitting participants in an act that precipitates the downfall of a kingdom, illustrating the far-reaching consequences of a monarch's disregard for divine authority and sacred things. Their inclusion highlights that the entire royal apparatus, not just the king, was implicated in the desecration and thus subject to the ensuing divine wrath.
### Summary
The Aramaic term שֵׁגָל (shêgâl, `{{H7695}}`) designates a "legitimate queen" or principal royal wife. Its sole occurrences in the biblical text are found in Daniel 5:2, 5:3, and 5:23, where it consistently refers to the plural "wives" of King Belshazzar. These royal women are depicted as active participants in the king's sacrilegious feast, drinking from the holy vessels plundered from the Jerusalem temple. The inclusion of the *shêgâl* in this act of profanity underscores the pervasive nature of Belshazzar's sin, demonstrating that his entire inner circle was complicit in the affront to God's holiness. The immediate divine judgment that follows this desecration highlights the severe consequences for those, including the royal household, who show contempt for the sacred and defy the authority of the Most High God.
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