Lexical Summary chazoth: visible Original Word: חֲזוֹת Strong's Exhaustive Concordance sight (Aramaic) from chaza'; a view -- sight. see HEBREW chaza' NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) from chazah Definition sight, visibility NASB Translation visible (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs [חֲזוֺת K§ 55, 6 b) 2; read perhaps וּת#NAME?§ 61, 4 b), Anm.] noun feminine sight, visibility (see SchulthZAW xxii (1902). 165 f.); — suffix חֲווֺהֵתּ Daniel 4:8, 17. Topical Lexicon Meaning and nuance The noun conveys the idea of what is seen or looked upon—an “appearance,” “spectacle,” or “visible aspect.” In Daniel it is tied to the capacity of human eyes to behold something grand in scale, impressive in beauty, and far-reaching in influence. Occurrences in Scripture Daniel 4:11 and Daniel 4:20 (Aramaic section) use the term of the colossal tree in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream: “The tree grew large and became strong, and its top reached to the sky, and it was visible to the ends of the earth.” (Daniel 4:11) Literary setting The book of Daniel alternates between Hebrew narrative and Aramaic court records. In chapter 4 the Babylonian king recounts a dream that foretells his humiliation. The tree’s “appearance” (חֲזוֹת) dominates the entire scene, emphasizing worldwide visibility. The same word is repeated when Daniel interprets the dream (4:20), ensuring the reader links the symbol to its fulfilment in history. Historical significance Nebuchadnezzar’s Babylon stood at the height of its power and reach. Royal inscriptions and archaeological finds testify to extensive building projects, hanging gardens, and military campaigns. The dream’s immense, easily seen tree captures the international prominence of Babylon during the sixth century BC. When the Most High later reduces the king to living like a beast, the contrast between exalted appearance and humbled reality becomes stark. Theological themes 1. Divine sovereignty: What is visible to all the earth is still subject to the unseen God. The term underscores the difference between outward majesty and the divine prerogative to raise up or bring low (Daniel 4:35). Intertextual echoes • The tower of Babel (Genesis 11) sought a name “for ourselves” that would reach the heavens; the dream’s tree “reaches to the sky.” Both episodes end with God intervening. Ministry and preaching insights • Visibility without humility leads to downfall. Churches or leaders that focus on public image risk Nebuchadnezzar’s fate unless they cultivate repentance and gratitude (Daniel 4:34–37). Practical application Believers are called to display works that glorify God (Matthew 5:16), not themselves. The “appearance” of any ministry must point beyond itself to the Lord who alone is sovereign. When God blesses with growth and influence, Daniel 4 counsels immediate worship, gratitude, and dependence, ensuring that what people see leads them to the King of heaven “whose dominion is an everlasting dominion” (Daniel 4:34–35). Forms and Transliterations וַחֲזוֹתֵ֖הּ וחזותה vachazoTeh wa·ḥă·zō·w·ṯêh waḥăzōwṯêhLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Daniel 4:11 HEB: יִמְטֵ֣א לִשְׁמַיָּ֔א וַחֲזוֹתֵ֖הּ לְס֥וֹף כָּל־ NAS: to the sky, And it [was] visible to the end KJV: unto heaven, and the sight thereof to the end INT: reached to the sky and it visible to the end of the whole Daniel 4:20 2 Occurrences |
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