Lexical Summary chalaph: To pass, change, renew, sprout Original Word: חֲלַף Strong's Exhaustive Concordance pass (Aramaic) corresponding to chalaph; to pass on (of time) -- pass. see HEBREW chalaph NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) corresponding to chalaph Definition to pass (over) NASB Translation pass (4). Topical Lexicon Meaning and Usage חֲלַף (chalaf) in Biblical Aramaic conveys the idea of passing, elapsing, or moving on—especially of time. In Daniel 4 it expresses the divinely appointed duration of Nebuchadnezzar’s humiliation: “Let seven periods of time pass over him” (Daniel 4:16). The verb thus highlights God’s sovereign control over every “period” that unfolds in human history. Occurrences in Scripture 1. Daniel 4:16 – Judgment announced: seven times will pass. All four verses describe a single historical event, yet each occurrence reinforces a different stage—decree, vision, interpretation, and fulfilment—demonstrating Scripture’s consistency. Historical Background Daniel 4 records a royal proclamation by King Nebuchadnezzar after God temporarily removed his reason. Ancient Near-Eastern monarchs viewed themselves as near-divine, so a judgment that reduced a king to bestial existence was unparalleled. The “seven periods” (Aramaic עִדָּנִין) that had to “pass” underscored that the Most High rules over earthly kingdoms (Daniel 4:17). Babylon’s chronicles never contradict this account; rather, the temporary absence of the king from the public record during certain years is historically plausible. Theological Significance 1. Divine Sovereignty over Time: חֲלַף underscores that time is not cyclical fate but a linear, God-directed sequence. Each period “passes” only at His command (cf. Acts 17:26). Ministry Applications • Pastoral Counseling: Seasons of trial have a divinely set limit. Believers suffering prolonged affliction can be reminded that they too live under God-controlled times that shall “pass.” Intertextual Connections Though Daniel 4 is Aramaic, the Hebrew root with identical consonants appears in texts about change and renewal (Genesis 35:2; Job 14:14; Isaiah 40:31). This linguistic bridge links the passing of punitive seasons with the gracious prospect of renewal—culminating in the ultimate “times of refreshing” promised in Acts 3:19-21. Eschatological Resonance Just as a fixed period passed before Nebuchadnezzar’s restoration, so a determined span will elapse before Christ “restores all things” (Acts 3:21). חֲלַף therefore foreshadows the certainty and completeness of God’s redemptive calendar. Key Insight What passes is not random time but time divinely measured for judgment, repentance, and renewal—assuring readers that every season lies within the hands of the Most High who “changes times and seasons” (Daniel 2:21). Forms and Transliterations יַחְלְפ֣וּן יַחְלְפ֥וּן יחלפון yachleFun yaḥ·lə·p̄ūn yaḥləp̄ūnLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Daniel 4:16 HEB: וְשִׁבְעָ֥ה עִדָּנִ֖ין יַחְלְפ֥וּן עֲלֽוֹהִי׃ NAS: periods of time pass over KJV: times pass over INT: seven of time pass over Daniel 4:23 Daniel 4:25 Daniel 4:32 4 Occurrences |
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