הַדָּבָר (had.da.var)
had.da.var
counselor
A:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun had-davar, translated as "counselor" or "minister," appears only twice in the Old Testament, both times within the book of Daniel (Daniel 11:34 and 11:35). In these contexts, it refers to a person who provides advice or holds an official administrative role within a royal court. The term highlights the function of guidance and service rather than a specific rank, describing individuals who assist in governance.
Its rarity in Scripture makes its usage in Daniel particularly notable. Here, the word describes those who offer support to the king during times of trouble. This limited occurrence suggests that the concept was understood but not frequently labeled with this specific term in other biblical narratives. The focus remains on the practical aspect of providing counsel and ministerial aid in a political setting.
Translators consistently render had-davar as "counselor" or "minister," reflecting its straightforward meaning. Unlike words that carry deep theological weight, this term is primarily descriptive of a social or political function. Its presence in Daniel underscores the importance of wise administration and support structures in ancient Near Eastern kingdoms.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word for counselor in Daniel describes those who stand beside leaders to offer guidance and support during difficult times. In the ancient world, having wise advisors was essential for navigating political storms and personal crises. This role highlights the value of community and shared wisdom, reminding us that we are not meant to face life's challenges alone.
When you encounter uncertainty or pressure, consider the comfort found in trustworthy counsel. Just as Daniel’s contemporaries relied on their advisors, believers today can lean on the wisdom of Scripture and the support of fellow Christians. This practical aspect of faith encourages us to seek help and offer it in return, fostering a spirit of mutual care.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to/ counselors/ his1×
- and/ [the] counselors of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- לְ/הַדָּֽבְר֗וֹ/הִי1×
- וְ/הַדָּבְרֵ֣י1×
Key Verses
-
Daniel 3:24
Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonished and rose up in haste. He spoke and said to his counselors, “Didn’t we cast three men bound into the middle of the fire?” They answered the king, “True, O king.”
This verse shows the king turning to his counselors for clarification after witnessing a miraculous event, highlighting their role in interpreting and explaining divine acts.
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Daniel 3:27
The local governors, the deputies, and the governors, and the king’s counselors, being gathered together, saw these men, that the fire had no power on their bodies. The hair of their head wasn’t singed. Their pants weren’t changed. The smell of fire wasn’t even on them.
Here the counselors gather with other officials to observe the outcome of the fiery furnace, demonstrating their function as witnesses to God's protective power.