רָז

רָז

to attenuate, i.e. (figuratively) hide; a mystery

Definition

The Hebrew word רָז (râz) is an Aramaic loanword meaning 'secret' or 'mystery.' In the biblical context, it specifically refers to divine secrets or hidden things that God reveals to chosen individuals, particularly in the book of Daniel. For example, in Daniel 2:18-19, Daniel and his friends seek mercy concerning the 'secret' (רָז) of Nebuchadnezzar's dream, which God then reveals. The term emphasizes that certain knowledge is inaccessible to human wisdom alone and must be disclosed by God, as seen when Daniel tells the king, 'There is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries' (Daniel 2:28).

Biblical Usage

This word occurs exclusively in the Aramaic portions of the book of Daniel, where it is used eight times to describe divine mysteries or secrets. It appears in contexts where God reveals hidden knowledge about future events or interpretations of dreams to Daniel, such as the dream of the statue in Daniel 2:27-30 and the dream of the great tree in Daniel 4:9. The pattern shows that רָז is always something concealed that requires supernatural revelation to understand.

Etymology

רָז is borrowed from Aramaic, where it means 'secret' or 'mystery.' It likely derives from an unused root meaning to hide or conceal. Cognates appear in other Semitic languages, such as Syriac, with similar meanings. In biblical usage, the term was adopted into Hebrew during the post-exilic period, reflecting the influence of Aramaic as a common language.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it introduces the concept of divine mystery into the Old Testament, highlighting God's sovereignty in revealing hidden truths. It underscores that human wisdom is limited and that God alone unveils His plans, a theme later developed in the New Testament with the Greek word 'mystērion' (e.g., Romans 16:25-26). Understanding רָז enriches Bible reading by connecting God's revelations in Daniel to the broader biblical narrative of redemption and eschatology. In the ancient Near Eastern context, mysteries or secrets were often associated with divine communication through dreams, omens, or oracles, as seen in Babylonian and Persian cultures. However, in Daniel, רָז is distinctively tied to the God of Israel, contrasting with pagan divination by emphasizing that true revelation comes only from Yahweh, not human interpreters. This reflects a monotheistic worldview where God controls history and discloses His will to His servants. סוֹד (sôd, H5475) — a confidential matter or council, often human or divine intimacy; תַּעֲלוּמָה (ta'alumah, H8587) — something hidden or deep, but more general than divine mystery.

Word Details