חֲיָא (cha.ya)
cha.ya
to live
A:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:V
Word Overview
The Aramaic verb cha.ya in Daniel simply means "to live." It appears only four times in the entire Hebrew Bible, all within the book of Daniel. In these passages, it describes the basic state of being alive or continuing to exist.
Its usage is straightforward and functional. For instance, when King Nebuchadnezzar decrees that those who do not worship his statue will be destroyed, he contrasts this fate with the alternative: "let them live" (Daniel 3:29). Here, the verb marks the difference between death and survival.
The word also carries a sense of enduring existence. In Daniel 4:31, the king declares that his kingdom has been restored to him, implying he will continue to reign and live. The term does not usually carry deep theological nuance about spiritual vitality; instead, it focuses on physical life or continued existence in a historical context.
Translators typically render it as "live" or "keep alive." This clarity helps readers understand the stark choices presented in Daniel’s narratives: either perish or remain in the state of living. The word anchors these dramatic stories in the simple, universal reality of life itself.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Aramaic word cha.ya appears only in the book of Daniel, where it simply means 'to live.' In a narrative filled with high stakes and life-or-death decisions, this verb marks the difference between destruction and survival. When Nebuchadnezzar decrees that those who worship his statue will be cut down, he offers an alternative: 'let them live' (Daniel 3:29). This is not just about biological existence; it is about the grace of continued time to witness God's power.
Even in moments of pride or fear, the desire to live remains a constant human thread. The king’s subjects greet him with 'O king, live forever' (Daniel 2:4), and the queen advises Belshazzar not to let his face change because he will 'live forever' (Daniel 5:10). These phrases remind us that life is a gift held in God's hands. He who raises up and puts down also chooses whom to keep alive.
For your faith, this word anchors our trust in the One who holds our days. Whether in safety or crisis, we are reminded that our breath comes from Him. It invites us to value every moment of life as a space to reflect His glory, knowing that true security rests not in our own strength but in His sovereign care over our existence.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- live!3×
- letting live1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- חֱיִ֔י2×
- מַחֵ֔א1×
- חֱיִֽי\׃1×
Key Verses
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Daniel 5:19
Because of the greatness that he gave him, all the peoples, nations, and languages trembled and feared before him. He killed whom he wanted to, and he kept alive whom he wanted to. He raised up whom he wanted to, and he put down whom he wanted to.
It demonstrates that the power to kill or keep alive rests entirely with God, who ultimately controls the fate of earthly rulers.
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Daniel 2:4
Then the Chaldeans spoke to the king in the Syrian language, “O king, live forever! Tell your servants the dream, and we will show the interpretation.”
Used in a formal greeting, it expresses the wish for enduring life and stability for the king, reflecting common court language of the time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Aramaic word cha.ya mean?
Why does this word only appear in Daniel?
How is cha.ya different from other Hebrew words for life?
Every Occurrence (4 verses across 1 books)
Daniel 4 verses
Then the Chaldeans spoke to the king in the Syrian language, “O king, live forever! Tell your servants the dream, and…
Daniel 3:9They answered Nebuchadnezzar the king, “O king, live for ever!
Daniel 5:10The queen by reason of the words of the king and his lords came into the banquet house. The queen spoke and said, “O…
Daniel 5:19Because of the greatness that he gave him, all the peoples, nations, and languages trembled and feared before him. He…