Original Word: חֲשַׁל
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: chashal
Pronunciation: khaw-shal'
Phonetic Spelling: (khash-al')
Definition: to weaken, crush
Meaning: The primary meaning of חֲשַׁל is "to weaken" or "to crush." It conveys the idea of causing something to lose strength or to be broken down.

Word Origin: This word is of Aramaic origin, used in the context of the Hebrew Bible.

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • The corresponding Greek entry in Strong's Concordance is G1150 (δαμάζω, damazo), which means "to tame" or "to subdue." While not a direct translation, it shares the thematic element of bringing something under control or reducing its power, similar to the weakening or crushing implied by חֲשַׁל.

Usage: The term is used in the context of describing the action of weakening or crushing, often in a metaphorical sense, to describe the diminishing of strength or power.

Context: • The Aramaic verb חֲשַׁל appears in the context of the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the book of Daniel. It is used to describe the act of weakening or crushing, often in a figurative sense. The term is employed to convey the idea of reducing strength or power, whether it be physical, political, or spiritual.
• In the Berean Standard Bible (BSB), Daniel 2:40 uses this term to describe the fourth kingdom in Nebuchadnezzar's dream: "Finally, there will be a fourth kingdom, strong as iron—for iron shatters and crushes all things—and like iron that crushes, it will shatter and crush all the others." Here, חֲשַׁל is translated as "crush," illustrating the overwhelming power and destructive capability of the kingdom.
• The use of חֲשַׁל in this context highlights the theme of divine sovereignty and the transient nature of earthly powers, as interpreted through the prophetic visions in the book of Daniel.

Word Origin
(Aramaic) corresponding to chashal
Definition
to shatter
NASB Translation
shatters (1).

[חֲשַׁל] verb shatter by a blow (Assyrian —ašâlu, shatter, perhaps thresh; Late Hebrew חָשַׁל Pi`el shatter: Jewish-Aramaic חֲשַׁל forge, hammer, Syriac forge, furbish; Buhl¹⁴ compare ᵑ7 חוּשְׁלָא barkley-groats (as pounded, beaten), and perhaps Assyrian —ûlu, barley; Nö^{M 135} compare Arabic thrust, drive away (Frey), ᵑ7 נַחְשׁוֺל storm (y sea; compare in English beaten, buffetted by waves; Assyrian loan-word Ba^{ZA ii. 117}), Syriac id.); —

Pe`al Participle active חָשֵׁל Daniel 2:40 (accusative of thing).

subdue

(Aramaic) a root corresponding to chashal; to weaken, i.e. Crush -- subdue.

see HEBREW chashal

וְחָשֵׁל֙ וחשל vechaShel wə·ḥā·šêl wəḥāšêlInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts