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.
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.
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.
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.
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