### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **bûwth**, represented by `{{H956}}`, means **to lodge over night** or **pass the night**. It appears to be a denominative from the word for house or lodging. This term is exceptionally rare, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single biblical use of `{{H956}}` is found in a moment of great tension and distress. In the narrative of Daniel in the lions' den, the king, having sealed the den, returns to his palace and is said to have **passed the night** `{{H956}}` fasting [[Daniel 6:18]]. This context gives the word a specific connotation not of restful lodging, but of an anxious, sleepless vigil filled with worry.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of `{{H956}}` in its sole context is sharpened by the words used alongside it:
* `{{H2908}}` **ṭᵉvâth** (fasting): The king's night is explicitly connected to **fasting**, indicating his deep distress and supplication. He did not simply lodge; he endured the night in a state of self-denial and anxiety [[Daniel 6:18]].
* `{{H8139}}` **shᵉnâh** (sleep): The verse further clarifies the nature of this night by stating that the king's **sleep** went from him [[Daniel 6:18]]. This creates a direct contrast, showing that his "passing the night" was the opposite of a restful experience.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H956}}` is derived entirely from its singular, dramatic context.
* **Anxious Vigil:** The word marks a period of human anxiety in the face of divine power. The king's action of "passing the night" is characterized by his powerlessness and fear over the consequences of his decree against Daniel.
* **Human Distress vs. Divine Protection:** The king's troubled, sleepless night, described by `{{H956}}`, stands in stark opposition to the peace and divine protection afforded to Daniel in the den.
* **A Sign of Repentance:** The king’s restless night, combined with fasting, demonstrates a profound emotional and perhaps spiritual crisis, highlighting the impact of Daniel's unwavering faith on a powerful pagan ruler.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H956}}` is a term whose significance is defined entirely by its unique appearance in Scripture. While its base definition is a simple "to pass the night," its context in [[Daniel 6:18]] transforms it into a powerful descriptor of a sleepless, anxious, and pivotal night. It illustrates how even the rarest of words can carry immense narrative weight, painting a vivid picture of human distress when confronted with the sovereignty of God.
TRV