טְאֵב

to rejoice

Definition

The Hebrew verb טְאֵב (ṭᵉʼêb) means 'to rejoice' or 'to be glad,' expressing a state of joyful celebration or delight. In its single biblical occurrence in Daniel 6:23, it describes King Darius's overwhelming joy upon finding Daniel unharmed in the lions' den. While the word itself is rare, its meaning aligns closely with other common Hebrew terms for joy, emphasizing a spontaneous, heartfelt gladness often arising from relief or divine deliverance. No distinct alternate meanings are attested due to its limited usage.

Biblical Usage

טְאֵב appears only once in the Old Testament, in Daniel 6:23 (6:24 in some English versions). It is used in a narrative context where King Darius, after a night of fasting and worry, discovers that Daniel has been miraculously preserved by God. The verb captures the king's intense emotional response—a blend of relief, exultation, and gladness—following a moment of divine intervention. This singular usage in Aramaic portions of Daniel (though the word is Hebrew in origin) highlights a specific, celebratory reaction to God's saving power.

Etymology

טְאֵב is considered a primitive root in Hebrew, with no widely attested earlier derivations. It is a rare verb, and its etymology remains somewhat obscure, though it is traditionally linked to the concept of being good or pleasant, akin to the Hebrew טוֹב (ṭôb, 'good'). Cognates in other Semitic languages are uncertain, but the word's meaning clearly centers on joy or gladness, possibly evolving from an idea of experiencing something favorable or beneficial.

Semantic Range

Though used only once, טְאֵב theologically underscores joy as a response to God's deliverance. In Daniel 6:23, it illustrates how divine rescue—here, saving a faithful servant—elicits profound human rejoicing, even from a pagan king. This connects to broader biblical themes where joy follows God's acts of salvation (e.g., Psalm 51:12). Understanding this Hebrew term enriches reading by highlighting that biblical joy often arises not from circumstances alone, but from witnessing God's power and faithfulness in crisis.

In ancient Near Eastern culture, expressions of joy like טְאֵב were often public and demonstrative, especially among rulers. King Darius's rejoicing would have been seen as a significant, politically charged moment, affirming Daniel's God before the empire. Unlike modern, private conceptions of happiness, such joy in this context carried communal and religious weight, signaling divine favor and legitimizing authority. The word reflects a culture where emotional responses to the divine were integral to royal and social narratives.

שָׂמַח (śāmaḥ, H8055) — a more common verb for rejoicing, often used in communal or festive settings; גִּיל (gîl, H1523) — to exult or spin with joy, emphasizing intense, sometimes ecstatic celebration; עָלַז (ʿālaz, H5937) — to jump for joy, denoting lively, physical expression of gladness.

Word Details

Scripture References