Lexical Summary chatsaph: To be insolent, to be presumptuous, to act arrogantly Original Word: חֲצַף Strong's Exhaustive Concordance hasty, be urgent (Aramaic) a primitive root; properly, to shear or cut close; figuratively, to be severe -- hasty, be urgent. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) a prim. root Definition to show insolence or harshness NASB Translation urgent (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs חֲצַף verb Haph`el shew insolence, harshness (Late Hebrew חצף Hiph`il act insolently, so ᵑ7 Aph`el; Syriac Topical Lexicon Meaning and Thematic Focus חֲצַף conveys the idea of something harsh, severe, or urgent—language that intensifies a decree or command and highlights its perilous implications for those under its power. When this adjective appears, the narrative shifts from routine court life to a moment of crisis demanding immediate attention or response. Occurrences in Daniel 1. Daniel 2:15 describes Nebuchadnezzar’s order to execute the Babylonian wise men: “He said to Arioch the king’s officer, ‘Why is the decree from the king so harsh?’ Then Arioch explained the matter to Daniel.” The severity of the edict frames Daniel’s subsequent appeal to God for revelation, underscoring the contrast between the king’s impulsive wrath and the Lord’s wise, measured sovereignty. Historical and Cultural Context Ancient Near-Eastern monarchs, claiming divine sanction, often issued immediate and irreversible pronouncements. Babylonian legal texts reveal that disobedience to a king could be met with ruthless punishment, and royal prerogative was executed without delay (cf. Esther 3:12–15). In this setting, Daniel’s calm inquiry (Daniel 2:15–16) and the three Hebrews’ steadfast confession (Daniel 3:16–18) stand out as counter-cultural acts of faith grounded in the conviction that the Most High rules over the kingdoms of men (Daniel 4:17). Theological Significance • Human Severity vs. Divine Authority – חֲצַף exposes the insufficiency of earthly power. Nebuchadnezzar’s harsh edicts cannot thwart God’s purposes (Daniel 2:47; 3:28–29). Practical Ministry Insights • Wise Engagement – Like Daniel, believers facing hostile mandates can seek clarification, demonstrate respect, and pursue peaceful solutions without compromise (Daniel 2:14–16; Romans 12:18). Related Biblical Parallels • Proverbs 20:2 “A king’s wrath is like the roar of a lion; whoever provokes him forfeits his own life.” These texts, together with Daniel’s narrative, teach that while rulers may act with harsh haste, the Lord remains the ultimate refuge and vindicator of His people. Conclusion חֲצַף serves as a literary spotlight on the fragile absolutes of human authority and the abiding faithfulness of God. In every era, followers of Christ can take heart: no decree, however severe, can overrule the purposes of the Sovereign King who rescues, protects, and honors those who honor Him. Forms and Transliterations מְהַחְצְפָ֖ה מַחְצְפָ֔ה מהחצפה מחצפה machtzeFah maḥ·ṣə·p̄āh maḥṣəp̄āh mə·haḥ·ṣə·p̄āh mehachtzeFah məhaḥṣəp̄āhLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Daniel 2:15 HEB: מָ֥ה דָתָ֛א מְהַחְצְפָ֖ה מִן־ קֳדָ֣ם NAS: from the king [so] urgent? Then KJV: [is] the decree [so] hasty from INT: what is the decree hasty according from Daniel 3:22 2 Occurrences |
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be audacious); — Participle feminine מַחְצְפָה (K§ 33, 2 e))