### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic term `{{H8579}}` (transliterated *tinyânûwth*) is derived from the root `{{H8578}}` (*tinyān*), which signifies "second" or "two." Consequently, the core meaning of `{{H8579}}` is "a second time" or "again." It functions as an adverb, emphasizing the repetition or subsequent occurrence of an action or statement. Its semantic range is quite narrow, primarily denoting numerical sequence in terms of recurrence, rather than a qualitative change or intensification. It points to a re-occurrence of a previous event or utterance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word `{{H8579}}` appears only once in the canonical Hebrew Bible, specifically within the Aramaic portions of the book of Daniel.
* **[[Daniel 2:7]]**: "They answered *again* and said, 'Let the king tell his servants the dream, and we will declare the interpretation.'"
In this solitary occurrence, `{{H8579}}` describes the Chaldean wise men's second response to King Nebuchadnezzar. After their initial plea for the king to reveal the dream in [[Daniel 2:4]], they *again* (תִּנְיָנוּת) reiterate their request. The context highlights their desperate and repeated attempts to avoid the king's impossible demand to both reveal and interpret his forgotten dream. The use of "again" underscores their persistence in a futile effort, setting the stage for the king's escalating anger and the ultimate demonstration of divine wisdom through Daniel. This single usage is purely descriptive, indicating a chronological repetition of an action.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the Aramaic numeral `{{H8578}}` (*tinyān*), meaning "second" or "two," from which `{{H8579}}` directly derives.
In Hebrew, several words convey similar concepts of repetition or sequence:
* `{{H8147}}` (*shênîyâ*): "a second time," "again," often used to denote repetition.
* `{{H8145}}` (*shênî*): The ordinal "second," which is the Hebrew parallel to `{{H8578}}`.
* `{{H5750}}` (*ʿôd*): A very common Hebrew adverb meaning "still," "yet," "again," or "more," denoting continuation or addition.
* `{{H6471}}` (*paʿam*): "time" or "occurrence," often used with numbers to indicate "one time," "two times," etc.
The concept of "again" or "a second time" is a fundamental aspect of narrative, marking progression, reiteration, or the re-establishment of a situation.
### Theological Significance
Given its singular occurrence in a descriptive, non-theological context, `{{H8579}}` itself carries no intrinsic theological significance. Its role is purely grammatical, indicating a repeated action.
However, the broader concept of actions occurring "again" or "a second time" holds considerable theological weight throughout Scripture:
* **Divine Patience and Opportunity:** God often gives humanity or individuals a "second chance" or calls them "again" (e.g., Jonah's second commission in [[Jonah 3:1]]). This demonstrates divine patience, grace, and persistent redemptive purpose.
* **Confirmation and Certainty:** Repetition can serve to confirm a truth or a divine decree, as seen in Pharaoh's dream being repeated to emphasize its certainty and divine origin ([[Genesis 41:32]]).
* **Human Stubbornness and Rebellion:** Conversely, actions repeated "again" can highlight human stubbornness, disobedience, or a persistent refusal to heed divine warnings or commands.
* In the context of [[Daniel 2:7]], the Chaldeans answering "again" underscores their repeated inability to meet the king's demand, thereby setting the stage for the divine intervention through Daniel. It emphasizes that human wisdom is insufficient for divine mysteries, thereby magnifying God's unique knowledge and power.
### Summary
The Aramaic word `{{H8579}}` (*tinyânûwth*) means "a second time" or "again," derived from the numerical root for "second." Its sole canonical occurrence is in [[Daniel 2:7]], where it describes the Chaldean wise men's repeated, yet futile, request to King Nebuchadnezzar. While the word itself is linguistically precise and limited in its semantic range, its use highlights the narrative progression and the persistence of the characters in the face of an impossible demand. Though lacking direct theological content, it contributes to the broader biblical theme of repetition, which can signify divine patience, confirmation, or human recalcitrance, ultimately pointing to God's unique sovereignty and wisdom in the narrative of Daniel.
TRV