Lexical Summary keraz: To proclaim, to announce Original Word: כְּרַז Strong's Exhaustive Concordance make a proclamation (Aramaic) probably of Greek origin; to proclaim -- make a proclamation. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) denominative verb from karoz Definition to make proclamation NASB Translation issued a proclamation (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [כְּרַז] verb denominative Haph`el make proclamation (possibly directly dependent on κηρύξ (D§ 37, p. 146 (2nd ed. 183) Kl.c. M67*), but even then formed as denominative; compare ᵑ7 כְּרַו, Late Hebrew כָּרַז, Syriac  Aph`el, Ethpe`el, so Christian-Palestinian Aramaic, SchwIdioticon 46 SchulthLex.97); — Perfect3masculine plural הַכְּ רִ֫צוּ Daniel 5:29, with עַיל person concerning. כָּרְסֵא see כסא. Topical Lexicon Term Overview The word denotes the act of issuing a public decree or proclamation. Its solitary biblical appearance occurs in the Aramaic section of Daniel, where it marks the moment a royal announcement is broadcast throughout the Babylonian court. Biblical Occurrence and Context Daniel 5:29 records the climax of Belshazzar’s ill-fated feast. Confronted with the interpretation of the handwriting on the wall, the king attempts to honor Daniel: “Then Belshazzar commanded that Daniel be clothed in purple, a gold chain be placed around his neck, and a proclamation be issued that he should be the third ruler in the kingdom” (Berean Standard Bible). The proclamation conveyed both reward and rank, yet it arrived on the eve of Babylon’s fall, underscoring the fleeting nature of human authority. Historical Setting The banquet in Daniel 5 likely occurred in 539 BC, the night Babylon surrendered to the Medo-Persian forces under Cyrus the Great and Darius the Mede (Daniel 5:30–31). Royal proclamations were common instruments of Near-Eastern governance, often issued orally by heralds and recorded in writing. Here the proclamation ironically comes from a ruler whose power is being stripped away even as he elevates Daniel. Theological Significance 1. Divine Sovereignty over Human Decrees The narrative contrasts Belshazzar’s proclamation with God’s prior verdict: “God has numbered your kingdom and put an end to it” (Daniel 5:26). Earthly proclamations cannot overturn divine judgment. Daniel, faithful under successive regimes (Daniel 1:8; 6:4), receives public recognition. The moment illustrates Proverbs 22:29, where skill leads to service before kings. The honor bestowed is genuine yet transient; before dawn the kingdom changes hands. Scripture repeatedly sets human acclaim against the enduring kingdom of God (Psalm 145:13; Revelation 11:15). Practical Ministry Application • Proclamation is a spiritual discipline: preachers today stand as heralds of a far greater King (2 Timothy 4:2). Typological Insight Daniel, exalted after interpreting the mystery, foreshadows Christ, to whom “the mystery hidden for ages” is revealed (Colossians 1:26) and who is proclaimed “King of kings” (Revelation 19:16). As Daniel received purple and gold, Jesus was robed in mock purple (Mark 15:17) yet ultimately enthroned in glory (Philippians 2:9-11). Related Biblical Themes • Royal Heralds: Esther 3:12-15; Ezra 1:1. Key Points for Study and Teaching 1. Human proclamations possess real but limited authority; God’s word remains final. Forms and Transliterations וְהַכְרִ֣זֽוּ והכרזו vehachRizu wə·haḵ·ri·zū wəhaḵrizūLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Daniel 5:29 HEB: עַֽל־ צַוְּארֵ֑הּ וְהַכְרִ֣זֽוּ עֲל֔וֹהִי דִּֽי־ NAS: his neck, and issued a proclamation concerning KJV: his neck, and made a proclamation concerning INT: around his neck and issued concerning that 1 Occurrence |
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