דְּחַל

דְּחַל

to slink, i.e. (by implication) to fear, or (causatively) be formidable

Definition

The Aramaic verb דְּחַל (dᵉchal) primarily means to fear or be afraid, often in the sense of being terrified or in awe of something formidable. In its causative form, it means to cause fear or to be dreadful, describing something that inspires terror. For example, in Daniel 2:31, the statue Nebuchadnezzar sees is described as 'dreadful' (דְּחִיל), emphasizing its terrifying appearance. In Daniel 6:26, the decree about God is that He is 'to be feared' (דָּחֲלִין), highlighting reverential awe. The word consistently conveys a strong emotional response to overwhelming power or majesty.

Biblical Usage

This word appears exclusively in the Aramaic portions of the book of Daniel, used six times. It describes both human fear of terrifying visions (Daniel 4:5, 7:7, 7:19) and the awe-inspiring nature of kings or divine decrees (Daniel 2:31, 5:19, 6:26). The usage patterns show it applied to supernatural revelations that cause dread and to proclamations that establish God or a king as an object of fear and respect.

Etymology

דְּחַל is an Aramaic verb corresponding to the Hebrew root זָחַל (zachal, H2119), which also means to fear or be afraid. The Aramaic form entered the biblical text during the exile period. Its semantic range in Aramaic closely mirrors the Hebrew concept of fear, encompassing both terror and reverential awe, and it developed specifically within the context of imperial and divine revelations in Daniel.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it captures the proper human response to divine sovereignty and revelation. In Daniel, it describes the fear induced by God's mysterious plans (Daniel 4:5) and the reverence due to His eternal kingdom (Daniel 6:26). Understanding דְּחַל enriches reading by highlighting that biblical 'fear' of God is not merely terror but includes awe and submission before His supreme power and majesty, a key theme in wisdom and apocalyptic literature. In the Aramaic-speaking court culture of the Babylonian and Persian empires, דְּחַל conveyed the dread inspired by absolute monarchs and their decrees, as seen in Daniel 5:19. This cultural context of imperial power was used to frame the even greater awe owed to the God of Israel. The modern concept of 'fear' often lacks this dimension of awe and formal reverence, which was intrinsic in the ancient Near Eastern understanding of confronting supreme authority. זָחַל (zachal, H2119) — The Hebrew equivalent, also meaning to fear or be afraid, used in poetic/prophetic texts. יָרֵא (yare', H3372) — The most common Hebrew verb for fear, with a broader range including reverence and moral awe. פַּחַד (pachad, H6342) — A Hebrew noun for dread or terror, often sudden fear.

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