### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **tûwb**, represented by `{{H8421}}`, is a versatile term that means to **come back**, **reply**, **answer**, or **restore**. It appears **8 times** across **7 unique verses**, primarily in the books of Daniel and Ezra. The word's core function is to describe the act of returning, whether it be a physical object, a person's state of mind, or a verbal response.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H8421}}` is used in two primary ways. First, it signifies restoration. For King Nebuchadnezzar, his understanding and reason **returned** to him after a period of madness ([[Daniel 4:34]], [[Daniel 4:36]]). Similarly, a royal decree commanded that the temple vessels taken to Babylon be **restored** to their place in Jerusalem [[Ezra 6:5]]. Second, the word denotes the act of giving a reply or answer. Daniel **answered** the king's captain with wisdom [[Daniel 2:14]], and the Jewish elders **returned answer** by letter concerning the rebuilding of the temple [[Ezra 5:5]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related Aramaic words provide a fuller context for the actions associated with `{{H8421}}`:
* `{{H1946}}` **hûwk**: This word means to go or bring again. It is used alongside **tûwb** in the command to have the temple vessels **restored** `{{H8421}}` and **brought again** `{{H1946}}` to Jerusalem [[Ezra 6:5]].
* `{{H6032}}` **ʻănâh**: Meaning to answer or speak, this term is often paired with **tûwb**. In Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego **answered** `{{H6032}}` the king that they were not careful to **answer** `{{H8421}}` him on a certain matter [[Daniel 3:16]].
* `{{H6600}}` **pithgâm**: This noun for a word, answer, or decree often represents the substance of a reply. The Jews **returned** `{{H8421}}` us **answer** `{{H6600}}` explaining their work [[Ezra 5:11]], and in another case, a refusal to give an **answer** `{{H8421}}` concerned a specific **matter** `{{H6600}}` [[Daniel 3:16]].
### Theological Significance
The use of `{{H8421}}` carries significant weight within its narrative contexts, highlighting themes of divine intervention and faithful response.
* **Restoration and Worship:** The return of something lost is often a direct result of God's action. When Nebuchadnezzar's understanding **returned** `{{H8421}}` to him, his immediate response was to bless `{{H1289}}`, praise `{{H7624}}`, and honour `{{H1922}}` the most High God, acknowledging His sovereignty [[Daniel 4:34]]. The restoration of his kingdom followed [[Daniel 4:36]].
* **Answering as a Test of Character:** The act of replying, or choosing not to, serves as a crucial test of faith and wisdom. Daniel **answered** `{{H8421}}` a royal captain with "counsel and wisdom" [[Daniel 2:14]]. In contrast, the refusal of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to **answer** `{{H8421}}` King Nebuchadnezzar was a powerful statement of their unwavering loyalty to God over the king [[Daniel 3:16]].
* **Restoring Divine Order:** The command for the sacred vessels to be **restored** `{{H8421}}` to the temple in Jerusalem signifies more than a return of property. It represents the correction of a past sacrilege and the re-establishment of rightful worship [[Ezra 6:5]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8421}}` **tûwb** functions as a key Aramaic verb illustrating moments of pivotal change. It encapsulates both the physical and mental act of restoration, as seen in the return of Nebuchadnezzar's sanity and the temple's treasures, and the verbal act of giving an answer, which can be an expression of either wisdom or defiant faith. Whether describing a restored mind that turns to praise God or a faithful refusal to bow to earthly power, **tûwb** marks critical junctures where divine authority and human response intersect.
TRV