Lexical Summary arka: Length, prolongation Original Word: אַרְכָּא Strong's Exhaustive Concordance lengthening, prolonged (Aramaic) or narkah (Aramaic) {ar-kaw'}; from 'arak; length -- lengthening, prolonged. see HEBREW 'arak NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originsee arkah NASB Translation extension (1), prolonging (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs אַרְכָֿה (BaerDan 4:24 K§ 54, 3. 2) noun feminine a lengthening, prolonging (ᵑ7); — of time Daniel 4:24; Daniel 7:12. Topical Lexicon Biblical Setting and Context The word occurs twice in the Aramaic chapters of Daniel, always describing a divinely granted extension of time. In each scene the reprieve lies entirely at the Lord’s discretion, emphasizing both His patience and His sovereign control over history. Use in Daniel 4:27 Daniel pleads with Nebuchadnezzar, “Break away from your sins by doing what is right and from your iniquities by showing mercy to the needy. Perhaps there will be an extension of your prosperity” (Daniel 4:27). The warning links the king’s continued stability to repentance and social righteousness. What appears to be a political future is actually a moral issue: God prolongs the monarch’s peace so that he might humble himself before judgment falls. Use in Daniel 7:12 During the vision of the four beasts, Daniel reports, “As for the other beasts, their dominion had been removed, but an extension of life was granted to them for a time and a season” (Daniel 7:12). Though their authority is already stripped away, the empires themselves are permitted to exist a while longer. The interval serves God’s redemptive purposes, marking the difference between the loss of power and the final end. Theological Themes 1. Divine Forbearance. In both verses God withholds full judgment, giving space for repentance (compare Romans 2:4; 2 Peter 3:9). Historical Insights Nebuchadnezzar enjoyed twelve months of respite before his downfall (Daniel 4:29). Likewise, historical Babylon, Persia, and Hellenistic realms lingered after their dominance ended, reflecting Daniel 7:12. Their survival without sovereignty illustrates how the term functions: empires continue only as long as God wills. Prophetic Dimensions The postponed termination of the beasts parallels the current age: evil powers, legally defeated by Christ’s cross (Colossians 2:15), still operate until their allotted season closes. The word therefore underscores the certainty of final judgment while accounting for the present tension between victory proclaimed and victory consummated. Ministry and Discipleship Applications • Urgency. Extended time is a mercy meant to lead to repentance, not complacency. Related Passages Genesis 6:3; Jeremiah 18:7–10; Proverbs 10:27; Revelation 20:3. Forms and Transliterations אַרְכָ֖ה ארכה וְאַרְכָ֧ה וארכה ’ar·ḵāh ’arḵāh arChah vearChah wə’arḵāh wə·’ar·ḵāhLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Daniel 4:27 HEB: הֵ֛ן תֶּהֱוֵ֥א אַרְכָ֖ה לִשְׁלֵוְתָֽךְ׃ NAS: in case there may be a prolonging of your prosperity.' KJV: it may be a lengthening of thy tranquillity. INT: case may be prolonging tranquillity Daniel 7:12 2 Occurrences |
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