חֵסֶן

strength

Definition

The Hebrew noun חֵסֶן (chêçen) primarily denotes 'strength' or 'power,' specifically in the sense of might or dominion. In the Old Testament, it appears exclusively in the Aramaic portions of Daniel, where it describes the overwhelming power and authority granted by God to earthly rulers. In Daniel 2:37, it refers to the 'power' God gave to King Nebuchadnezzar, establishing his vast dominion. In Daniel 4:30, Nebuchadnezzar uses the word to boast of the 'power' of his own might in building Babylon, a prideful claim that leads directly to his humbling by God.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only twice in the Old Testament, both times in the Aramaic sections of the book of Daniel (Daniel 2:37 and 4:30). It consistently describes royal power or dominion. In Daniel 2:37, it is the divinely bestowed power that establishes a king's rule. In Daniel 4:30, it is used in the context of human arrogance, where a king attributes his great achievements to his own strength rather than to God's provision.

Etymology

חֵסֶן (chêçen) is an Aramaic noun derived from the root חסן (ḥsn), which conveys the idea of being strong or firm. It is cognate with the Hebrew verb חָסַן (ḥāṣan, H2631), meaning 'to be strong' or 'to store up wealth.' The semantic development moves from the basic concept of strength to the specific application of political power and dominion, as seen in its biblical usage.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it highlights the biblical theme that all earthly power and authority are ultimately derived from God. In Daniel 2:37, God is the source of the king's חֵסֶן. Conversely, Daniel 4:30 shows the danger of attributing this power to oneself, which is portrayed as prideful rebellion against God's sovereignty. Understanding this term enriches the reading of Daniel by clarifying that true strength is a divine grant, not a human possession.

In the ancient Near Eastern context, a king's 'strength' or 'power' (חֵסֶן) was not merely physical but encompassed his political authority, military might, and capacity to build monumental cities—all signs of divine favor in pagan cultures. Nebuchadnezzar's boast in Daniel 4:30 reflects this cultural view, where a ruler's achievements were seen as a direct measure of his personal power and the strength of his gods. The biblical narrative subverts this by attributing the source of such power solely to the God of Israel.

כֹּחַ (kōaḥ, H3581) — general term for strength, power, or ability, often physical. גְּבוּרָה (gᵊḇûrâ, H1369) — emphasizes might, especially in battle or heroic deeds. עֹז (ʿōz, H5797) — denotes strength, often with connotations of majesty or refuge. שָׁלְטָן (šālṭān, H7985) — Aramaic term for dominion or rulership, closely related in the context of Daniel.

Word Details

Scripture References