גְּדָֽבְרַיָּא (ge.da.var)
ge.da.var
treasurer
A:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:N-M
Word Overview
The Aramaic word gedavraia functions as a title for a high-ranking official, specifically identifying the king’s treasurer or chief financial officer. It appears exclusively in the book of Daniel within the narrative sections written in Aramaic, serving as the local equivalent of the Hebrew term gizbar (H1489). This lexical connection confirms that the role involved managing the royal treasury and overseeing the kingdom’s wealth.
Its usage is limited to two verses in Daniel 3:30 and 6:28. In both instances, it describes an official appointed or recognized by the Persian kings Nebuchadnezzar and Darius. The term highlights the administrative structure of the empire, where such officers held significant influence over resources and personnel.
As a plural emphatic form, the word underscores the importance of the office within the court hierarchy. Its presence in Daniel illustrates how biblical authors accurately reflected the terminology of the foreign empires they described, grounding the story in historical reality rather than abstract theology.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word gedavraia identifies a high-ranking official responsible for managing royal wealth, appearing in the Aramaic sections of Daniel. In Daniel 3:2 and 6:28, this term highlights the administrative structure of ancient empires, showing that biblical authors accurately reflected historical realities rather than abstract theology.
For your faith, this detail reminds us that God’s sovereignty extends over all human systems, including finance and governance. Whether in Babylon or Persia, officials like the gedavraia operated under the ultimate authority of the Creator. This perspective brings comfort, knowing that no earthly resource is beyond God’s control.
When you encounter challenges involving resources or authority, remember that God remains supreme. His purposes are not hindered by human structures or financial constraints. Trust in His provision and guidance, even when circumstances seem complex or overwhelming.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- ministers/ the2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- גְדָבְרַיָּ/א֩1×
- גְדָ֨בְרַיָּ֤/א1×
Key Verses
-
Daniel 3:2
Then Nebuchadnezzar the king sent to gather together the local governors, the deputies, and the governors, the judges, the treasurers, the counselors, the sheriffs, and all the rulers of the provinces, to come to the dedication of the image which Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up.
This verse lists the treasurers among other officials gathered for Nebuchadnezzar’s idol dedication, showing the word’s use in a context of imperial power and false worship.