### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **shᵉkach**, represented by `{{H7912}}`, means to **discover** or **find**. Its root suggests the disclosure of something previously covered or forgotten. It appears **18 times** across **15 unique verses**, primarily in the books of Daniel and Ezra, where it is used for both literal and figurative discoveries.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H7912}}` is used to describe the act of locating people, objects, and information. It appears in contexts of deliberate searching, such as when Arioch **found** a man from the captives of Judah to interpret the king's dream [[Daniel 2:25]] or when a historical record was **found** in the palace at Achmetha [[Ezra 6:2]]. It is also used in relation to character assessment. Daniel's adversaries sought to **find** occasion against him but could **find** no error or fault `{{H7844}}` because he was faithful [[Daniel 6:4]]. Ultimately, after his trial in the lions' den, no hurt was **found** on Daniel, and his **innocency** `{{H2136}}` was **found** before God ([[Daniel 6:22]], [[Daniel 6:23]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related Aramaic words clarify the process and result of "finding":
* `{{H1156}}` **bᵉʻâʼ** (to seek or ask): This often precedes the act of finding. The presidents and princes **sought** `{{H1156}}` to **find** `{{H7912}}` an occasion against Daniel [[Daniel 6:4]].
* `{{H1240}}` **bᵉqar** (inquire, make search): This describes the investigation that leads to a discovery. A command is given for a **search** `{{H1240}}` to be made in the book of records, where one will **find** `{{H7912}}` information about a city's history [[Ezra 4:15]].
* `{{H3046}}` **yᵉdaʻ** (to know): This is often the outcome of finding something. After a search is made and it is **found** that a city has a history of rebellion, this truth is then **known** ([[Ezra 4:15]], [[Ezra 4:19]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H7912}}` is significant, often tied to divine judgment and revelation.
* **Moral Verdict:** The word is used to deliver a spiritual or moral assessment. In the writing on the wall, King Belshazzar is weighed in the balances and **found** wanting [[Daniel 5:27]], signifying God's judgment against him. Conversely, **innocency** `{{H2136}}` was **found** in Daniel before God [[Daniel 6:22]].
* **Divine Endowments:** God-given qualities are "found" in individuals. In Daniel, an excellent spirit, knowledge `{{H4486}}`, understanding `{{H7924}}`, and **wisdom** `{{H2452}}` were **found** ([[Daniel 5:11]], [[Daniel 5:12]], [[Daniel 5:14]]).
* **Irrevocable Judgment:** The absence of finding something demonstrates the totality of divine action. After the stone strikes the great image, its pieces are carried away by the wind so that no place was **found** for them, signifying complete destruction [[Daniel 2:35]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7912}}` moves beyond a simple physical act of discovery. It serves as a key term in narratives of political intrigue and divine intervention, highlighting the process of seeking and uncovering truth. Whether searching for historical records, assessing a person's character, or revealing a divine verdict, **shᵉkach** illustrates the moment of revelation where what was hidden—be it an object, a fault, or a spiritual truth—is brought to light.
TRV