Lexical Summary ziv: Brightness, Splendor, Radiance Original Word: זִיו Strong's Exhaustive Concordance brightness, countenance (Aramaic) corresponding to Ziv; (figuratively) cheerfulness -- brightness, countenance. see HEBREW Ziv NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) corresponding to Ziv Definition brightness, splendor NASB Translation face (4), splendor (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs [זִיו] noun masculine brightness, splendour (ᵑ7 id., Syriac  , perhaps loan-word from Assyrian zîmu, chiefly of countenance, DlWB 252: Pr 152 NöZMG xl (1886), 732 JenZK ii. 43 BrockLex. Syr. 93); — suffix זִיוִי Daniel 4:33 splendour of royalty; זִוֵהּ Daniel 2:31 (of image); plural brightness of countenance: suffix זִיוַי Kt, זיויך Kt, זִיוָךְ Qr, Daniel 5:10, זִי֫וֺהִי Daniel 5:6,9. Topical Lexicon Root Meaning and Literary Setting זִיו (zîv) denotes brightness, radiance, or the visible splendor of a person or object. All six occurrences are found in the Aramaic portions of Daniel, a book that repeatedly contrasts the glory granted by God with the fragility of human pomp. Whether expressing the dazzling brilliance of a statue or the pallor that accompanies terror, זִיו captures the outward manifestation of an inner reality. Occurrences in Daniel 1. Daniel 2:31 – The prophet recounts Nebuchadnezzar’s dream: “You, O king, were watching, and there before you stood a great statue—an enormous, dazzling statue, awesome in appearance”. Here זִיו conveys the overwhelming, almost supernatural brilliance of the idol, underlining the human tendency to marvel at created splendor while remaining blind to the Creator. 3–5. Daniel 5:6, 5:9, 5:10 – Three rapid references describe Belshazzar’s face as his זִיו changes when the disembodied hand writes on the wall. The same term that earlier marked regal magnificence now depicts its collapse: “the king’s face grew pale and his thoughts alarmed him” (5:6). Theological Implications Splendor is derivative. When humans display זִיו, it is either granted by God (Daniel 4:36) or fleeting and superficial (Daniel 2:31; 5:6). In each narrative strand, the prophetic message is clear: “power and might are His” (Daniel 2:20), and all borrowed glory must eventually be relinquished or restored by divine decree. Contrast of Glory and Fear The same word describes opposite states—brilliance and blanching—showing that God can both bestow and remove radiance. Prideful monarchs who once shone before men are reduced to terror; humble servants who tremble before heavenly visions are later strengthened by grace (compare Daniel 10:8–19). Messianic and Eschatological Trajectory Daniel 7 introduces the Son of Man, whose eternal dominion eclipses all earthly kingdoms. The fading זִיו of Daniel’s own face anticipates the superior glory of the coming Messiah, later unveiled as “the radiance of God’s glory” (Hebrews 1:3). Thus the transient splendor of Daniel’s era prepares believers for the unfading splendor revealed in Jesus Christ. Historical and Cultural Notes In Near Eastern courts, external brightness symbolized authority. Daniel’s inspired use of זִיו both employs and subverts that convention, showing that genuine majesty resides not in Babylonian gold or Persian protocol but in the sovereignty of the Most High. The word’s Aramaic setting also highlights God’s universal rule over Gentile empires. Ministry and Practical Application 1. Humility before divine splendor: Nebuchadnezzar’s restoration (Daniel 4:36) invites leaders to acknowledge God as the source of their influence. Summary זִיו in Daniel functions as a literary spotlight, revealing who truly possesses lasting glory. Whether radiant or drained of color, every human face reflects a deeper spiritual condition before the God who “changes times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them” (Daniel 2:21). Those who bow to His sovereignty are promised a share in “an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade” (1 Peter 1:4), an eternal splendor far exceeding the brightest visions of ancient empires. Forms and Transliterations וְזִוִי֙ וְזִיוֵ֥הּ וְזִיוַי֙ וְזִיוָ֖יךְ וְזִיוֹ֖הִי וזוי וזיוה וזיוהי וזיוי וזיויך זִיוֹ֣הִי זיוהי veziVai veziVaich veziVeh veziVi veziYohi wə·zî·way wə·zî·wāyḵ wə·zî·wêh wə·zi·wî wə·zi·yō·hî wəzîway wəzîwāyḵ wəzîwêh wəziwî wəziyōhî zi·yō·hî ziYohi ziyōhîLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Daniel 2:31 HEB: דִּכֵּ֥ן רַ֛ב וְזִיוֵ֥הּ יַתִּ֖יר קָאֵ֣ם NAS: and of extraordinary splendor, was standing KJV: image, whose brightness [was] excellent, INT: This was large splendor extraordinary was standing Daniel 4:36 Daniel 5:6 Daniel 5:9 Daniel 5:10 Daniel 7:28 6 Occurrences |
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