Lexical Summary achavah or achavayah: Brotherhood, kinship, fellowship Original Word: אַחֲוָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance showing (Aramaic) corresponding to 'achvah; solution (of riddles) -- showing. see HEBREW 'achvah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) corresponding to achvah Definition a declaring NASB Translation explanation (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [אַחֲוָיָה] noun feminine a declaring (properly Infinitive Aph`el, K§ 60. 1)); — construct אַחֲוָיַת אֲחִידָן Daniel 5:12 the declaring of riddles (compare לְהַגִּיד הַחִרדָה Judges 14:14f., Bev). Topical Lexicon Overviewאַחֲוָה (Strong’s 263) surfaces once in the Hebrew Scriptures—Daniel 5:12—yet its single appearance opens a window onto the divine gift of disclosure: the Spirit-enabled capacity to “explain mysteries”. The term is bound up with God’s desire to unveil what is hidden, to make plain what human wisdom cannot reach. Textual Occurrence Daniel 5:12 records the queen mother’s commendation of Daniel during Belshazzar’s impious feast: “Because an extraordinary spirit, knowledge, and insight, and the ability to interpret dreams, solve enigmas, and explain mysteries were found in this Daniel… let Daniel be summoned, and he will give the interpretation.” Here אַחֲוָה designates Daniel’s God-given ability to articulate the meaning and implications of cryptic matters that baffle pagan sages. Historical Setting The Babylonian court prized dream interpretation and riddle-solving, yet its most learned men failed before the handwriting on the wall. Daniel—taken captive as a youth, trained in Babylonian lore, but steadfast in covenant loyalty—stands as the Lord’s chosen expositor amid a proud empire. אַחֲוָה marks the turning point: when human systems collapse, God raises a faithful witness to declare His verdict. Theological Themes 1. Revelation over speculation Pagan magicians sought truth through omens; Daniel receives insight directly from “the God in heaven who reveals mysteries” (Daniel 2:28). אַחֲוָה underscores the superiority of divine revelation. 2. Sovereignty and judgment The mystery Daniel explains announces Belshazzar’s imminent fall. God not only reveals; He rules (Daniel 5:21). The word therefore links revelation with accountability. 3. Spirit-empowered witness The “extraordinary spirit” framing Daniel’s ability anticipates the outpouring of the Holy Spirit who “will guide you into all truth” (John 16:13). The Old Testament hints at the fuller New Testament reality. Ministry Implications • Expository calling Pastors and teachers follow Daniel’s pattern: rely on God’s Spirit to clarify Scripture, discerning both meaning and application. The pulpit is no place for conjecture; it is the arena for Spirit-wrought אַחֲוָה. • Cultural engagement Daniel spoke into a pluralistic, hostile environment yet maintained integrity. Believers today are likewise tasked with explaining God’s mysteries—above all, “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27)—to a secular age. • Intercessory posture Daniel sought the Lord before declaring to the king (Daniel 2:17-19). Authentic אַחֲוָה grows out of prayerful dependence, not mere intellect. Christological Connections Jesus embodies and surpasses Daniel’s role. He proclaims, “Nothing is hidden that will not be revealed” (Luke 8:17), and He is Himself the final revelation of God (Hebrews 1:2). At Emmaus, He “explained to them what was written in all the Scriptures concerning Himself” (Luke 24:27), performing the ultimate act of אַחֲוָה by unveiling the Gospel’s mystery. Practical Application 1. Seek illumination—ask God for the Spirit’s light before studying or teaching. Related Scriptures Daniel 2:27-30; Daniel 5:16; Amos 3:7; Proverbs 1:5-6; Luke 24:45; 1 Corinthians 2:10-13; Colossians 1:26-28; 1 Peter 3:15 Forms and Transliterations וַֽאַֽחֲוָיַ֨ת ואחוית vaachavaYat wa’aḥăwāyaṯ wa·’a·ḥă·wā·yaṯLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Daniel 5:12 HEB: מְפַשַּׁ֣ר חֶלְמִין֩ וַֽאַֽחֲוָיַ֨ת אֲחִידָ֜ן וּמְשָׁרֵ֣א NAS: of dreams, explanation of enigmas KJV: of dreams, and shewing of hard sentences, INT: interpretation of dreams explanation of enigmas and solving 1 Occurrence |
    |