Lexical Summary ir: a watcher, an angel Original Word: עִיר Strong's Exhaustive Concordance watcher (Aramaic) from a root corresponding to uwr; a watcher, i.e. An angel (as guardian) -- watcher. see HEBREW uwr NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) from a root corresponding to ur Definition waking or wakeful one NASB Translation watcher (2), watchers (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs עִיר noun masculine waking, or wakeful, one, i.e. angel (√עיר, compare Syriac  wake,  waking (PS2843), Jewish-Aramaic עִיר, Late Hebrew עֵיר adjective awake); — absolute ׳ע Daniel 4:10; Daniel 4:20; plural absolute עִירִין Daniel 4:14; Aq Symm. ἐγρήγορος; compare CharlesEnoch i. 5; xxxix. 12; also p. 356 Dron the passage; doubtful is the connection with Phoenician Zophesemim (EusebPraep. Evang. 10), i.e. צפי שמים watchers of heaven, as keeping watch over or spying out (ZimKAT 3. 629 JeremAtim Licht d. AO 63). עַל, עֵלָּא see עלה. עִלָּה see I. עלל. Topical Lexicon Occurrences in Scriptureעִיר (ʿîr) appears three times, all in Daniel 4: Daniel 4:13, Daniel 4:17, Daniel 4:23. In each instance the term is rendered “watcher” and is paired with “holy one,” describing a heavenly being who brings and announces divine judgment. Context within Daniel 4 Nebuchadnezzar’s second dream foretells his humbling. A “watcher, a holy one” descends, commands that the royal tree be cut down, and declares that “the Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom He wishes” (Daniel 4:17). The watcher functions as the emissary of the Most High, ensuring that the dream’s decree is executed and interpreted. Nature and Identity of the Watchers 1. Heavenly Messengers The term “watcher” emphasizes vigilance. Like other angelic beings, watchers stand in the presence of God, ready to carry out His orders (compare Psalm 103:20). Their holiness underlines purity and complete alignment with God’s will. 2. Witnesses to Divine Justice The plural “watchers” (Daniel 4:17) presents a council that affirms God’s sentence. The imagery echoes Job 1–2, where heavenly beings assemble before the LORD, highlighting the accountability of earthly rulers before a heavenly court. Theological Significance • Sovereignty of God: The watchers’ decree reveals that earthly power is contingent on God’s authority. Historical Context Daniel 4 is written in Aramaic, the lingua franca of the Babylonian court, and uses a term (עִיר) understood by that audience. In the Ancient Near East, royal courts believed in divine messengers. Scripture appropriates this concept, grounding it in monotheism rather than pagan pantheons. Relation to Angelology Watchers fit within the biblical hierarchy of angelic beings (Genesis 28:12; Isaiah 6:2–3; Revelation 5:11). Daniel 4 thus supplements other passages that detail specific angelic orders—cherubim, seraphim, archangels—by highlighting a class marked by vigilant oversight. Ministry Implications 1. Preaching and Teaching The account offers a vivid illustration of God’s supremacy over nations, useful for sermons on humility and repentance. 2. Pastoral Care Believers confronted with pride or power can be reminded that “the Most High is ruler over the realm of mankind” (Daniel 4:17). 3. Spiritual Warfare The watchers underscore that unseen forces are at work, affirming Ephesians 6:12 and encouraging vigilance in prayer. Practical Application for Believers • Humility: Like Nebuchadnezzar, every person must acknowledge heaven’s rule (Daniel 4:34–35). Correlation With New Testament Teaching The New Testament continues the theme of angelic observation and participation. Luke 2:13–14 shows a “multitude of the heavenly host” announcing Christ’s birth, and Revelation depicts angels administering end-time judgments, echoing the watcher’s role in Daniel. Conclusion עִיר highlights the reality of vigilant, holy angels who execute and proclaim God’s decrees. Their brief yet potent appearance in Daniel 4 reinforces divine sovereignty, demands human humility, and assures believers that heaven actively governs history for the glory of God. Forms and Transliterations עִ֣יר עִירִין֙ עיר עירין ‘î·rîn ‘îr ‘îrîn ir iRinLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Daniel 4:13 HEB: מִשְׁכְּבִ֑י וַאֲלוּ֙ עִ֣יר וְקַדִּ֔ישׁ מִן־ NAS: and behold, an [angelic] watcher, a holy one, KJV: and, behold, a watcher and an holy one INT: my bed and behold an watcher A holy from Daniel 4:17 Daniel 4:23 3 Occurrences |
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