Lexical Summary sekal: Insight, understanding, prudence, wisdom Original Word: שְׂכַל Strong's Exhaustive Concordance consider (Aramaic) corresponding to sakal -- consider. see HEBREW sakal NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) corresponding to sakal Definition to consider, contemplate NASB Translation contemplating (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [שְׂכַל] verb Hithpe`el consider, contemplate (see Biblical Hebrew I. שׂכל); — Participle מִשְׂתַּכַּל Daniel 7:8 (ב of thing). Topical Lexicon Core IdeaStrong’s Hebrew 7920 שְׂכַל (in its Aramaic form) denotes deliberate, discerning contemplation. In Daniel 7:8 the prophet says, “While I was contemplating the horns…” (Daniel 7:8). The term is not a passing glance but a focused, reflective observation that seeks understanding of God’s revelation. Setting in Daniel 7:8 Daniel receives a panoramic vision of four beasts representing successive world empires. The climactic rise of the “little horn” unfolds only after Daniel gives careful, Spirit-led attention to the details. The verb underscores that prophetic insight often comes through patient, prayerful consideration rather than impulsive reaction (compare Daniel 7:16; Daniel 9:2–3). Relationship to Biblical Wisdom Though Aramaic, the root aligns with the Hebrew idea of “sakal”—prudent, God-centered wisdom (Joshua 1:7–8; Proverbs 16:20). Daniel’s example stands in the stream of biblical exhortations to ponder God’s works (Psalm 111:2), His law (Psalm 1:2), and the times (1 Chronicles 12:32). The link between contemplation and wisdom runs throughout Scripture: understanding precedes obedience, and obedience deepens understanding (John 7:17). Theological Themes 1. Revelation Requires Response Divine disclosure is given to be weighed, not merely witnessed (Habakkuk 2:1). Daniel’s “contemplating” opens the door to further insight about the Antichrist figure mirrored in the little horn (2 Thessalonians 2:3–4; 1 John 2:18). 2. Watchfulness in the Last Days Jesus echoes Daniel’s posture: “Be on the alert and pray” (Mark 13:33). Discerning believers are called to read world events through a biblical lens, testing spirits and ideologies (1 John 4:1–3). 3. Humility Before Mystery Daniel seeks understanding but remains dependent on heavenly interpretation (Daniel 7:15–16). Genuine contemplation acknowledges both the clarity and the limits of prophetic knowledge (Deuteronomy 29:29). Historical and Ministry Significance • Exiles in Babylon needed insight to stand firm amid hostile culture. Daniel’s example teaches modern believers in pluralistic societies to ground discernment in revelation rather than speculation. Practical Applications 1. Scripture Meditation: Practice slow, attentive reading, asking the Spirit to illuminate truth (Psalm 119:18). Summary שְׂכַל in Daniel 7:8 reminds believers that God grants understanding to those who linger before His Word, watch the unfolding of His purposes, and submit their insights to His sovereign interpretation. Careful contemplation remains a vital discipline for faithful life and witness until the kingdoms of this world become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ (Revelation 11:15). Forms and Transliterations מִשְׂתַּכַּ֨ל משתכל miś·tak·kal mistakKal miśtakkalLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Daniel 7:8 HEB: מִשְׂתַּכַּ֨ל הֲוֵ֜ית בְּקַרְנַיָּ֗א NAS: While I was contemplating the horns, INT: was contemplating become the horns 1 Occurrence |
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