זְמָן

זְמָן

Definition

The Hebrew word זְמָן (zᵉmân) primarily means a set, appointed, or fixed time. It refers to a specific, predetermined moment or period, often one established by divine or royal decree. In the book of Daniel, it frequently denotes the time set for a specific event, such as the appointed time for prayer (Daniel 6:10) or the time set by God for the fulfillment of His plans (Daniel 2:21). In Ezra 5:3, it refers to the official time or season when the authorities came to investigate the rebuilding of the temple.

Biblical Usage

This word appears exclusively in the Aramaic portions of the Old Testament (Ezra and Daniel). Its usage consistently carries the sense of an appointed or official time. In Daniel, it is often linked to divine sovereignty over history (Daniel 2:21) and to decrees, whether from a king (Daniel 3:7) or from God Himself. A key pattern is its use in contexts of obedience to a set schedule, such as Daniel's regular prayer times (Daniel 6:10, 13).

Etymology

זְמָן is an Aramaic noun derived from the root זְמַן (zᵉman), meaning 'to appoint, designate, or summon.' It is a cognate of the Hebrew word מוֹעֵד (H4150, môʿēd), which also means an appointed time or meeting. The Aramaic form entered the biblical text specifically in the post-exilic books, reflecting the linguistic context of the Persian period.

Semantic Range

זְמָן is theologically significant as it underscores God's sovereignty over time and history. In Daniel, it emphasizes that all events, especially those concerning kingdoms and divine judgment, occur at God's appointed time (Daniel 2:21, 4:36). This concept reassures believers that God's plans are precise and purposeful, enriching the reading of prophetic literature with the confidence that God works according to His perfect schedule. In the Persian cultural context of Ezra and Daniel, an appointed time (zᵉmân) often carried official, legal, or royal authority. Decrees and rituals were performed at fixed times, reflecting an ordered society. This differs from a vague modern understanding of 'time'; for the biblical authors, this word implied a specific, binding moment established by a higher power, whether human or divine. עֵת (H6256, ʿēt) — A more general Hebrew term for time, occasion, or season, often used in a broader sense than a fixed appointment. מוֹעֵד (H4150, môʿēd) — An appointed time, festival, or meeting, often used for sacred assemblies and God's designated feasts. יוֹם (H3117, yôm) — Primarily means 'day,' a specific unit of time, but not necessarily an appointed moment.

Word Details