חֲשַׁב

to regard

Definition

The Hebrew verb חֲשַׁב (chăshab) means to regard, consider, or reckon something in a particular way. In its sole biblical occurrence in Daniel 4:35, it describes how God's will and actions are beyond human reproach or accountability—no one can 'regard' or 'call him to account.' This Aramaic form corresponds to the more common Hebrew root חָשַׁב (H2803), which carries a broader semantic range including to think, plan, devise, esteem, or impute. While the Aramaic usage here is specific, the underlying concept involves a mental judgment or valuation placed upon a person or action.

Biblical Usage

This specific Aramaic form of the word is used only once in the Old Testament, in Daniel 4:35. It appears in King Nebuchadnezzar's proclamation about the sovereignty of the Most High God. The context is a doxological statement emphasizing that God's dominion is absolute and his deeds are unquestionable; therefore, 'all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing' (ESV), and no one can successfully 'repute' or 'call to account' his actions. The usage is entirely within the Aramaic portions of the book of Daniel.

Etymology

This is the Aramaic form of the Hebrew root חָשַׁב (chāshab, H2803). The root fundamentally means to weave, plait, or fabricate in a physical sense, which evolved into the mental sense of devising, planning, counting, or esteeming. The Aramaic חֲשַׁב directly corresponds to this Hebrew verb, sharing the core idea of mental calculation or judgment. It is a common Semitic root found in related languages.

Semantic Range

Though used only once, this word contributes to a profound theological statement about God's nature. In Daniel 4:35, it underscores God's absolute sovereignty and transcendence. The truth that no one can 'regard' or 'call to account' the Almighty establishes a key doctrine of divine aseity—God is answerable to no one. Understanding this term enriches the reading of this passage by highlighting the complete inadequacy of human judgment before the Creator whose purposes are always righteous and beyond challenge.

In the ancient Near Eastern context, the ability to 'call to account' or question a ruler's actions was a privilege rarely extended to subjects. Nebuchadnezzar, as an absolute monarch, would have been unaccountable to his people. Using this concept for the divine King magnifies it infinitely: the God of Israel is the ultimate sovereign to whom all earthly power is subject and who is accountable to no created being. This contrasted with the capricious gods of Mesopotamian polytheism, who were often seen as subject to higher fates or councils.

חָשַׁב (chāshab, H2803) — The more common Hebrew root verb meaning to think, plan, esteem, or impute, with a wider range of biblical usage. זָכַר (zākar, H2142) — to remember, call to mind; focuses on recollection rather than evaluative judgment. רָאָה (rā'â, H7200) — to see, perceive; emphasizes visual or mental observation, not necessarily valuation.

Word Details

Scripture References