Lexical Summary eta: To wrap, envelop, cover Original Word: עֵטָא Strong's Exhaustive Concordance counsel (Aramaic) from y'at,; prudence -- counsel. see HEBREW y'at, NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) from yaet Definition counsel NASB Translation discretion (1). Topical Lexicon Meaning and Immediate ContextThe single occurrence of עֵטָא in the Old Testament appears in Daniel 2:14, where Daniel addresses Arioch “with wisdom and tact” (Berean Standard Bible). The term denotes sound counsel arising from thoughtful deliberation. Within the narrative it highlights the contrast between Nebuchadnezzar’s rash decree to execute all the wise men and Daniel’s measured, God-dependent response. Daniel’s use of עֵטָא becomes the turning point that delays judgment long enough for divine revelation to arrive (Daniel 2:16–18). Connection to the Wisdom Tradition Although Daniel’s book is written partly in Aramaic, the underlying concept embodied by עֵטָא harmonizes with the Hebrew wisdom literature: • Proverbs 11:14 – “Where there is no guidance, a people fall, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” Daniel demonstrates these principles in action. He neither panics nor capitulates but seeks God for supernatural insight (Daniel 2:17–19), embodying the ideal sage who marries prudent speech with steadfast faith. Biblical Theology of Counsel versus Rashness Scripture repeatedly juxtaposes godly counsel with impulsive or wicked decisions: • Saul’s hasty oath endangers Israel (1 Samuel 14:24–46). עֵטָא therefore aligns Daniel with a redemptive pattern in which wise, Spirit-shaped counsel preserves God’s people and advances His purposes. Ministry Significance 1. Dependence on Revelation Daniel’s counsel flows from prayerful reliance on God (Daniel 2:18). Authentic Christian leadership today likewise couples strategic thinking with intercession. 2. Respectful Engagement with Authority Daniel speaks courteously to a pagan official. His example encourages believers to address civil structures with “gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15) while remaining faithful to biblical convictions. 3. Crisis Management In life-and-death circumstances Daniel models calm persuasion, underscoring Proverbs 16:21: “The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant speech increases learning.” 4. Evangelistic Impact Daniel’s prudent words lead to Nebuchadnezzar’s acknowledgment that Daniel’s God “is the God of gods and Lord of kings” (Daniel 2:47). Wise counsel can open doors for testimony. New Testament Echoes The Greek New Testament often translates similar ideas with terms such as βουλή (counsel) and φρονίμως (prudently). Jesus commends shrewdness joined to innocence (Matthew 10:16), and Paul urges believers to “walk in wisdom toward outsiders” (Colossians 4:5). Daniel’s עֵטָא prefigures this balance of discernment and bold faith. Summary Though attested only once, עֵטָא encapsulates a vital biblical virtue: God-honoring counsel that blends insight, restraint, and dependence on divine revelation. Daniel’s deployment of such counsel rescues lives, reveals God’s sovereignty, and provides a timeless template for believers who seek to navigate complex cultural settings with wisdom rooted in Scripture. Forms and Transliterations עֵטָ֣א עטא ‘ê·ṭā ‘êṭā eTaLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Daniel 2:14 HEB: דָּנִיֵּ֗אל הֲתִיב֙ עֵטָ֣א וּטְעֵ֔ם לְאַרְי֕וֹךְ NAS: replied with discretion and discernment KJV: answered with counsel and wisdom INT: Daniel replied discretion and discernment to Arioch |
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