לְבַשׁ

Definition

The Aramaic verb לְבַשׁ (lᵉbash) means 'to clothe' or 'to put on garments.' It specifically refers to the act of dressing someone in a particular item of clothing, often with connotations of honor, authority, or a change in status. In its three biblical occurrences in Daniel 5, it is used in the context of royal decrees where King Belshazzar promises to 'clothe' a person in purple and a chain of gold as a reward for interpreting the mysterious handwriting on the wall (Daniel 5:7, 16, 29). This act of clothing is a public bestowal of high rank and privilege within the Babylonian court.

Biblical Usage

This word is used exclusively in the Aramaic portions of the Book of Daniel. All three instances (Daniel 5:7, 5:16, 5:29) occur in the same narrative context: King Belshazzar's feast. The usage pattern is formulaic, appearing as part of the king's identical, failed promise to reward the interpreter of the divine message. It is always used in the passive participle form ('he will be clothed'), emphasizing the royal gift being conferred upon the recipient.

Etymology

לְבַשׁ is the Aramaic cognate of the Hebrew verb לָבַשׁ (labash, H3847), which also means 'to clothe, put on, wear.' The root is common across Semitic languages. In this specific biblical context, the Aramaic form is used because Daniel 2:4b–7:28 is written in Aramaic, the imperial language of the time, reflecting the court setting of the narrative.

Semantic Range

While the act of clothing is practical, in Daniel 5 it carries significant theological weight. The king's offer to 'clothe' someone in honor stands in stark contrast to the true source of authority and judgment, which is God alone. The promised garments of human royalty are powerless before the divine judgment pronounced by the handwriting (Daniel 5:26-28). This highlights the theme that earthly honors and status are transient and ultimately subordinate to God's sovereign decree. Understanding this enriches the reading by underscoring the futility of Belshazzar's offer in the face of impending divine judgment.

In the ancient Near East, and particularly in the Babylonian/Persian court context of Daniel, clothing was a powerful symbol of social rank, office, and favor. Being clothed by the king in specific garments like purple and with a gold chain was a formal, public act of appointment to high office (similar to Genesis 41:42 in Joseph's story). It was not merely about providing attire but about transferring authority and visibly altering a person's social identity before the court.

לָבַשׁ (labash, H3847) — The direct Hebrew equivalent, used broadly for putting on garments. עָטָה (ʿatah, H5844) — Often means to wrap or cover oneself, sometimes used for putting on a cloak or mantle.

Word Details

Scripture References