### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **sᵉkal**, represented by `{{H7920}}`, means to **consider** or to be circumspect and intelligent. This term is exceptionally rare, appearing only **1 time** in a single verse in the entire Bible, highlighting a very specific type of focused observation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single use of `{{H7920}}` is found in [[Daniel 7:8]], where the prophet Daniel is interpreting a vision. He states, "I **considered** the horns." This act of considering is not a passive glance but an intentional, intelligent examination of the prophetic symbols before him. The word is used as Daniel focuses his attention on the appearance of a "little horn" which had "eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things," signifying that this new power was worthy of careful, circumspect thought.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related Aramaic words from its context in [[Daniel 7:8]] help clarify the scene Daniel is considering:
* `{{H1934}}` **hâvâʼ**: This word, meaning to exist or be, is used alongside `{{H7920}}` to form the phrase "I considered." It appears frequently in Daniel in a variety of applications, such as to "beheld" [[Daniel 7:9]] or to "sought" [[Daniel 6:4]], showing its versatility in describing states of being and action.
* `{{H431}}` **ʼălûw**: Meaning "lo!; behold," this word is used twice in [[Daniel 7:8]] to draw sharp attention to the prophetic events as they unfold, first when the little horn appears and again when its human-like features are described.
* `{{H4449}}` **mᵉlal**: This word means "to speak" and describes the action of the little horn's mouth **speaking** "great things," a key detail that Daniel considers [[Daniel 7:8]].
* `{{H5870}}` **ʻayin**: The horn possessed "**eyes** like the eyes of man" [[Daniel 7:8]], a feature that Daniel's consideration (sᵉkal) fastens upon. This word means an eye.
* `{{H6433}}` **pum**: This word for "**mouth**" is the source of the "great things" being spoken by the horn, a central part of the vision being considered [[Daniel 7:8]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H7920}}`, based on its sole appearance, is tied to the act of interpreting divine revelation.
* **Prophetic Contemplation:** The word is used exclusively in the context of a prophet actively analyzing a vision from God. It underscores the necessity of intelligent and circumspect thought when faced with symbolic, divine communication.
* **Discernment of Arrogance:** Daniel's "consideration" is directed at a power that is small but grows to be arrogant, with eyes and a mouth "speaking great things" [[Daniel 7:8]]. The use of `{{H7920}}` here points to the need for careful discernment of powers that display human-like intelligence and opposition to God.
* **Focus on Detail:** The act of considering is focused on specific, significant details of the vision—the uprooting of other horns, the eyes of a man, and the boastful mouth. This implies that spiritual understanding requires a close examination of the details God reveals.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7920}}` **sᵉkal** is a highly specific term whose meaning is entirely defined by its context in [[Daniel 7:8]]. It signifies a deep, intelligent consideration required to understand prophetic visions. It is not just seeing, but a focused, circumspect analysis of the details God presents, particularly when those details concern worldly powers that exhibit arrogance and opposition.
TRV