Lexical Summary zeman: Time, season Original Word: זְמַן Strong's Exhaustive Concordance prepare (Aramaic) corresponding to zaman; to agree (on a time and place) -- prepare. see HEBREW zaman NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) corresponding to zaman Definition to agree together NASB Translation agreed together (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [זְמַן] verb denominative Hithpa`el agree together (ᵑ7); — Perfect3masculine plural Daniel 2:9 Qr הִזְדַּמִּנְתּוּן (D211, 2nd ed. 263 M§ 12 a; Kt Haph`el הַזְמִנְתּוּן, see ᵑ7Onk Exodus 5:14 D (2) 263, 403), followed by Infinitive לְמֵאמַר. Topical Lexicon Biblical settingThe only occurrence of זְמַן (Strong’s 2164) is Daniel 2:9, spoken by King Nebuchadnezzar to the Chaldean advisers after they request more opportunity to recount his forgotten dream. The king accuses them of stalling “until the situation changes” (Daniel 2:9), exposing their hope that the pressure of the moment might pass or that events might turn in their favor. The term therefore functions as an “interval,” “occasion,” or “window of opportunity” that mortals attempt to manipulate. Historical backdrop in Daniel Nebuchadnezzar’s court culture prized divination and astrology. Royal decrees were often irrevocable, yet time could sometimes weaken their enforcement. The advisers reason that if they can defer judgment, the monarch’s anger may cool or new distractions may arise. Against this cultural expectation, the king demands immediate proof of supernatural insight. The stage is thus set for Daniel to seek “mercies from the God of heaven concerning this mystery” (Daniel 2:18). Human schemes based on manipulating time collapse before the Lord’s direct revelation. Theological themes 1. Divine sovereignty over time Daniel later praises God who “changes times and seasons” (Daniel 2:21). The narrative juxtaposes human attempts to buy time (זְמַן) with God’s absolute authority to ordain and alter times. The single lexical use in verse 9 subtly reinforces the larger doctrine that no amount of temporal maneuvering can thwart the divine timetable. 2. Urgency of revelation The king’s ultimatum transforms זְמַן into a moment of crisis that requires immediate faith. Daniel responds not by appealing for delay but by seeking heavenly wisdom. The episode illustrates that revelatory truth is not bound by human scheduling; when God unveils mysteries, He supplies what is needed “in the time of need” (compare Hebrews 4:16). 3. Contrast between earthly and heavenly counsel The court sages rely on political calculation. Daniel depends on prayer and communal intercession (Daniel 2:17–18). The narrative warns against trusting in mere postponement and commends reliance on the Lord of history. Ministry implications • Preaching and teaching: The account counsels believers to avoid procrastination in spiritual matters. When conviction comes, today is the accepted time to act (2 Corinthians 6:2). Intertextual resonance Though זְמַן appears only here, Scripture is rich with cognate ideas: • Psalm 31:15 “My times are in Your hands.” These passages unite the Testaments in affirming that God, not man, governs the flow of history. Devotional reflection Nebuchadnezzar’s threat framed time as an adversary; Daniel’s trust transformed time into an arena for God’s glory. Every believer faces similar crossroads: either manipulate the moment for self-preservation or surrender the moment for divine revelation. Trusting the Lord of time brings clarity, courage, and the opportunity to witness His sovereignty displayed. Forms and Transliterations הִזְדְּמִנְתּוּן֙ הזדמנתון hiz·də·min·tūn hizdeminTun hizdəmintūnLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Daniel 2:9 HEB: [הַזְמִנְתּוּן כ] (הִזְדְּמִנְתּוּן֙ ק) לְמֵאמַ֣ר NAS: decree for you. For you have agreed together to speak KJV: decree for you: for ye have prepared lying INT: lying and corrupt prepare to speak before 1 Occurrence |
    |