Lexical Summary netar: Natron, Lye Original Word: נְטַר Strong's Exhaustive Concordance keep (Aramaic) corresponding to natar; to retain -- keep. see HEBREW natar NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) corresponding to natar Definition to keep NASB Translation kept (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [נְטַר] verb keep (ᵑ7 Syriac; see Biblical Hebrew I. נצר, and (rarely) נָטַר); — Pe`al Perfect1singular מִלְּתָא בְּלִבִּי נִמְרֵת Daniel 7:28. Topical Lexicon Meaning and Concept נְטַר carries the idea of guarding, preserving, or keeping watch. In its singular Old Testament appearance the term describes an inward vigilance: an intentional safeguarding of prophetic revelation within the heart. Biblical Occurrence Daniel 7:28: “This is the end of the matter. I, Daniel, was deeply troubled by my thoughts, and my face grew pale, but I kept the matter to myself.” The word rendered “kept” translates נְטַר. The prophet does not merely remember; he actively watches over the vision, treating it as a sacred trust. Theological Significance 1. Stewardship of Revelation. Daniel’s act models the believer’s responsibility to guard what God reveals until the proper time for disclosure (compare Luke 2:19; Revelation 1:3). Historical Context Daniel received his visions during the Babylonian and early Persian empires, a tumultuous era for the exiled people of Judah. The Aramaic section of the book, including 7:28, addresses both Jews and Gentiles. By “keeping” the matter, Daniel preserves a message intended for future generations, ensuring its transmission beyond imperial courts to the wider covenant community. Practical Ministry Implications • Guarding the Heart. Proverbs 4:23 exhorts, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Daniel exemplifies this guarding by storing the vision within. Related Biblical Themes – Remembering and Meditating: Psalm 119:11; Psalm 63:6 – Watching and Praying: Matthew 26:41; Colossians 4:2 – Faithful Witness Under Pressure: Acts 4:20; 1 Corinthians 4:1–2 Summary Though occurring only once, נְטַר encapsulates a vital biblical principle: revelation is not merely received but guarded. Daniel’s example calls believers to vigilant stewardship of God’s word, coupling deep inward preservation with readiness for obedient action when the appointed moment arrives. Forms and Transliterations נִטְרֵֽת׃ נטרת׃ niṭ·rêṯ nitRet niṭrêṯLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Daniel 7:28 HEB: וּמִלְּתָ֖א בְּלִבִּ֥י נִטְרֵֽת׃ פ NAS: grew pale, but I kept the matter KJV: in me: but I kept the matter INT: the matter to myself kept 1 Occurrence |
    |