The Aramaic word shᵉnâʼ, represented by H8133, means to alter, change, or be diverse. It appears 21 times across 21 unique verses, primarily in the book of Daniel. The word is used to describe a wide range of transformations, from the altering of laws and the passage of time to changes in a person's physical appearance or fundamental nature.
In biblical narrative, H8133 is used to illustrate concepts of power and authority. God is the one who ultimately "changeth the times and the seasons" Daniel 2:21, demonstrating his sovereignty. In contrast, an antagonistic kingly power "think to change times and laws" Daniel 7:25 in an act of rebellion. The term also describes visible transformations, such as King Nebuchadnezzar's visage being "changed" with fury Daniel 3:19 and King Belshazzar's countenance being "changed" with fear Daniel 5:6. It is also used in its adjectival sense to describe the prophetic beasts in Daniel's vision, which are "diverse one from another" Daniel 7:3, with the fourth beast being uniquely "diverse from all the beasts that were before it" Daniel 7:7.
Several related words provide context for the act of changing or being different:
- H5709 ʻădâʼ (alter, depart, pass (away), remove, take (away)): This word often appears alongside H8133, emphasizing the removal or departure of a current state. God "changeth" times and "removeth" kings Daniel 2:21, and the law of the Medes and Persians "altereth not" Daniel 6:8.
- H1882 dâth (a royal edict or statute): This is frequently the object that is either subject to change or protected from it. An enemy power seeks to "change" laws Daniel 7:25, and kings establish decrees that cannot be "changed" Daniel 6:8.
- H5732 ʻiddân (a set time; technically, a year): This word for time is directly affected by the power to change. God "changeth the times" Daniel 2:21, and Nebuchadnezzar's heart is "changed" while seven "times" pass over him Daniel 4:16.
- H1763 dᵉchal (dreadful, terrible): The fourth beast in Daniel's vision is described as both "diverse" H8133 and "dreadful" H1763, linking its uniqueness to the fear it inspires (Daniel 7:7, Daniel 7:19).
The theological weight of H8133 is significant, highlighting key contrasts between divine and human power.
- Sovereign Authority: The ability to "change" times, seasons, and rulers is presented as a definitive mark of God's supreme power over all creation and human history Daniel 2:21.
- Unalterable Will: The word is used negatively to reinforce permanence. Decrees from Darius and Artaxerxes are protected from being "altered" (Ezra 6:11, Daniel 6:8), establishing a parallel to God's own immutable purposes, such as his plan for Daniel that could not "be changed" Daniel 6:17.
- Prophetic Uniqueness: When used as "diverse," the word marks entities of great prophetic importance. The distinct nature of the fourth beast signals its unparalleled role and impact on the world (Daniel 7:7, Daniel 7:23).
- Human Frailty and Judgment: The word often describes the physical reaction of powerful kings to divine revelation or judgment, as their countenances are "changed" by fear, revealing their vulnerability before God (Daniel 5:6, Daniel 5:9, Daniel 5:10).
In summary, H8133 is a dynamic word that captures the essence of transformation, authority, and distinction. From God's sovereign power to alter the course of history to the unchangeable nature of a royal decree, and from a king's fearful expression to a uniquely terrifying beast in a vision, shᵉnâʼ illustrates the profound impact of change. It serves as a crucial term for understanding the themes of power, law, and prophecy within the Aramaic portions of Scripture.
TRV