### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **tᵉlâthîyn**, represented by `{{H8533}}`, is a numeral meaning **thirty**. It appears 2 times across 2 unique verses in the Bible. Its usage is highly specific, denoting a fixed period of time within a royal decree designed to test religious allegiance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Both occurrences of `{{H8533}}` are found in the narrative of Daniel in the lions' den. It is first used when the officials of the kingdom conspire to establish a royal statute forbidding anyone from asking a petition of any God or man for **thirty** days, except from the king [[Daniel 6:7]]. The word is used again when these officials confront the king, reminding him of the unalterable decree he signed, which specified a period of **thirty** days for its enforcement [[Daniel 6:12]]. In this context, **thirty** sets the duration of a life-or-death test of faith for Daniel.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide the framework for the events surrounding this thirty-day period:
* `{{H3118}}` **yôwm** (a day): This word is used in conjunction with `{{H8533}}` to specify the length of the royal decree as "thirty **days**" ([[Daniel 6:7]], [[Daniel 6:12]]).
* `{{H1156}}` **bᵉʻâʼ** (to seek or ask): This is the action prohibited by the decree. For thirty days, no one was to **ask** a petition of any god or man other than the king [[Daniel 6:7]].
* `{{H633}}` **ʼĕçâr** (an interdict; decree): This defines the nature of the command. The officials sought to establish a firm **decree** that would be in effect for the thirty-day period [[Daniel 6:7]].
* `{{H7412}}` **rᵉmâh** (to throw, set... cast (down)): This word describes the severe penalty for violating the thirty-day rule: being **cast** into the den of lions ([[Daniel 6:7]], [[Daniel 6:12]]).
### Theological Significance
The number `{{H8533}}` carries significant narrative weight by defining the terms of a critical test.
* **A Defined Period of Trial:** The use of **thirty** days establishes a specific and limited timeframe for a test of religious fidelity. It creates the direct conflict between Daniel's devotion to God and the law of the king.
* **Human Law vs. Divine Command:** The decree's thirty-day prohibition on prayer to any god elevates human authority over divine worship. The specific time period makes this challenge to God's sovereignty acute and inescapable.
* **The Inescapable Test:** The king confirms that the decree, including its **thirty**-day limit, is true according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be altered [[Daniel 6:12]]. This highlights the gravity of the test Daniel faced.
### Summary
In summary, **tᵉlâthîyn** `{{H8533}}` is more than a simple number; it is a crucial narrative device in the book of Daniel. It precisely defines the time limit for a royal decree that serves as a direct challenge to faith. The use of **thirty** establishes the entire framework for the test of Daniel's conviction, linking the concepts of political conspiracy, idolatrous law, and ultimate deliverance.
TRV