עֲצַב

to afflict

Definition

The Hebrew verb עֲצַב (ʻătsab) means to afflict, grieve, or cause pain. In its single biblical occurrence in Daniel 6:20, it describes King Darius's emotional distress over Daniel being thrown into the lions' den. The word conveys a sense of deep, internal sorrow or anguish, often resulting from a troubling situation. While this Aramaic form appears only once, its related Hebrew root (H6087) carries similar meanings of pain, toil, or sorrow, as seen in passages like Genesis 3:16-17 and Psalm 56:5.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the Old Testament, in the Aramaic portion of the book of Daniel. In Daniel 6:20, it describes King Darius's emotional state: he is 'sore distressed' or 'greatly troubled' concerning Daniel. The context is a royal decree and its unintended consequence, highlighting the king's personal grief and regret. The usage emphasizes internal, emotional affliction rather than physical pain.

Etymology

This is an Aramaic verb corresponding to the Hebrew root עָצַב (ʻātsab, H6087). The root fundamentally means to hurt, pain, or grieve. Cognates in other Semitic languages also relate to labor, toil, or shaping (as in causing something to change form, which can be painful). In biblical Hebrew, the root can refer to both physical pain (e.g., childbirth in Genesis 3:16) and emotional grief (e.g., in Psalm 56:5).

Semantic Range

This word, though used only once, connects to the biblical theme of human grief and divine compassion. King Darius's distress in Daniel 6:20 mirrors God's own grief over human sin (as seen in Genesis 6:6, using a different Hebrew word). It reminds readers that even pagan rulers can experience godly sorrow, and it sets the stage for God's deliverance, showing that human anguish can precede divine intervention. Understanding this term enriches the reading of Daniel by highlighting the emotional gravity of the narrative.

In the ancient Near Eastern context, a king's emotional display was significant. For Darius to be openly described as 'sore distressed' (Daniel 6:20) indicates a profound personal crisis, as monarchs were typically portrayed as stoic and powerful. His distress over a subordinate breaks cultural norms of royal detachment, showing Daniel's exceptional value to him. The word reflects a culture where emotional pain from relational rupture or moral failure was deeply felt.

עָצַב (ʻātsab, H6087) — The direct Hebrew root, meaning to hurt, pain, or grieve, used more frequently (e.g., Genesis 3:16-17). יָגָה (yāgâ, H3013) — To grieve, suffer, often with a focus on the cause of sorrow. כָּאַב (kāʼab, H3510) — To feel pain, be in pain, often physical but sometimes emotional.

Word Details

Scripture References