אַחֲוָה
solution (of riddles)
Definition
The Hebrew noun אַחֲוָה (ʼachăvâh) specifically means 'solution' or 'interpretation,' particularly in the context of solving riddles or explaining mysteries. It appears only once in the Old Testament, in Daniel 5:12, where it describes Daniel's unique ability to interpret dreams, solve riddles, and explain difficult problems. This word denotes a clear, authoritative explanation that resolves an enigma, moving from confusion to understanding. While its primary sense is the act of making something known or clear, its singular biblical usage ties it directly to divine revelation through a gifted interpreter.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only once in the entire Old Testament, in Daniel 5:12. In this context, Queen Belshazzar tells the king that Daniel possesses the ability to give 'interpretations' (אַחֲוָה), specifically for solving riddles and explaining enigmatic signs. The usage is highly specialized, occurring within the Aramaic portions of Daniel and in the narrative of a royal court facing a divine mystery (the writing on the wall). It describes a form of wisdom that goes beyond human cleverness to access divine insight.
Etymology
The word אַחֲוָה (ʼachăvâh) is an Aramaic loanword used in the Hebrew Bible, corresponding to the Hebrew root חוה (ḥ-v-h), which carries the sense of 'to tell,' 'to declare,' or 'to make known.' Its Aramaic origin is noted in Strong's, and it is directly related to the Hebrew noun אַחְוָה (H262), which also means 'declaration' or 'showing.' The development of meaning focuses on the act of revealing or explaining something that was previously hidden or unclear.
Semantic Range
This word is theologically significant as it points to the concept of divine revelation and interpretation. In Daniel 5:12, it highlights that true understanding of mysteries comes from God, who grants wisdom to His servants. Daniel's ability to provide the 'solution' (אַחֲוָה) contrasts with the failure of the Babylonian wise men, underscoring that human wisdom is insufficient without God's illumination. Understanding this term enriches reading by emphasizing that God is the ultimate source of clarity for life's enigmas and that He reveals truth through chosen vessels.
In its original setting, the ability to solve riddles and interpret dreams was highly valued in ancient Near Eastern courts, often associated with magicians and diviners. However, the biblical use in Daniel subverts this: the 'solution' (אַחֲוָה) comes not from occult practices but from the God of Israel. This contrasts with the surrounding pagan culture, where such interpretations were sought through human or demonic wisdom. The word captures a moment where divine wisdom invades and supersedes the cultural norms of Babylonian mystery-solving.
פֵּשֶׁר (pēsher, H6591) — Aramaic term for 'interpretation' of dreams, used in Daniel; more common in the book. חָלֹום (ḥālōm, H2472) — Hebrew for 'dream,' the thing being interpreted. בִּין (bîn, H995) — Hebrew verb 'to understand' or 'to discern,' relating to the cognitive aspect of interpretation.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
Full methodology & sources →