Lexical Summary dibrah: Cause, manner, reason Original Word: דִּבְרָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance intent, sake (Aramaic) corresponding to dibrah -- intent, sake. see HEBREW dibrah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) corresponding to dibrah Definition a cause, reason NASB Translation order* (1), purpose (1). Topical Lexicon Term and General Sense דִּבְרָה (dibrah) designates “the matter,” “the reason,” or “the motivating cause” behind a statement, revelation, or decree. In both places where it appears, the word highlights why a divine communication is given rather than simply that it is given. Occurrences and Immediate Contexts • Daniel 2:30 – Daniel underscores that the unveiling of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream did not occur “by any wisdom that I possess beyond any other living man, but so that the king may know the interpretation and understand the thoughts of his mind”. The dibrah is the God–ordained purpose for the revelation: to confront the monarch with the contents of his own heart and to declare God’s plan for world empires. Theological Emphases 1. Divine Initiative and Purpose Dibrah reminds the reader that every revelation originates in God’s deliberate intention. Dreams, visions, and decrees in Daniel are not random; they serve specific covenant purposes—exalting the LORD’s sovereignty and urging repentance. 2. Humility of the Messenger Daniel’s use of dibrah deflects attention from personal prowess to God’s agenda. True prophetic ministry never promotes the prophet; it advances the divine cause. 3. Sovereignty over Nations In Daniel 4:17 the term is linked to an explicit theology of kingship: God raises up and puts down rulers. The “matter” is not merely Babylonian history but the universal reign of the Most High, a theme echoed throughout Scripture (Psalm 75:6-7; Romans 13:1). 4. Angelic Mediation The watchers or holy ones articulate the dibrah, illustrating that angelic beings serve God’s purposes and execute His decrees in the earthly realm (Hebrews 1:14). Historical Setting The Babylonian court scenes showcase exiled Judeans living under pagan authority. By revealing the dibrah behind events, God demonstrates His unbroken covenantal oversight even during exile, reassuring the faithful remnant that history remains under His command. Ministry Significance • Preaching and Teaching – Ministers draw from dibrah to stress that Scripture always carries a “why,” not merely a “what.” Application flows from grasping God’s intended purpose behind each text. Practical Applications 1. Cultivate Humility – Acknowledge that insight, ability, and opportunity are granted for God’s purposes, not personal acclaim (1 Corinthians 4:7). Related Biblical Themes • Revelation for Edification – Numbers 12:6; Amos 3:7. Summary דִּבְרָה spotlights the divine rationale behind prophetic disclosure and providential action. Whether unveiling a dream or issuing a heavenly verdict, God makes known His purposes so that the proud are humbled, His people are encouraged, and all creation recognizes His unrivaled sovereignty. Forms and Transliterations דִּבְרַ֡ת דִּבְרַת֙ דברת divRatLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Daniel 2:30 HEB: לָהֵ֗ן עַל־ דִּבְרַת֙ דִּ֤י פִשְׁרָא֙ NAS: [other] living man, but for the purpose of making KJV: but for [their] sakes that INT: but that the purpose forasmuch the interpretation Daniel 4:17 2 Occurrences |
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