חֲסַן (cha.san)
cha.san
to possess
A:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:V
Word Overview
The Aramaic verb chasan, appearing in the Haphel stem, means to take possession of or acquire something. It is a rare word, found only twice in the Hebrew Bible, both occurrences located within the book of Daniel. In this context, it describes the act of securing or gaining control over land, people, or resources.
Its root connects to the Hebrew chasan (H2630), which carries the sense of hoarding or storing up wealth. While the Hebrew form often implies accumulating goods for oneself, the Aramaic usage in Daniel focuses on the broader action of taking possession. This distinction highlights how the same linguistic family can shift from private accumulation to public acquisition depending on the language and context.
Translators typically render this verb as "take possession" or "acquire," reflecting its concrete nature. The word underscores the tangible results of power and judgment in Daniel’s visions, where nations and rulers gain control over territories and populations. Its limited use emphasizes specific moments of transfer and ownership rather than general economic activity.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word chasan describes a concrete act of taking possession or securing control over something valuable. In the visions of Daniel, this verb highlights the definitive transfer of authority from earthly empires to God’s people. It is not merely about holding an object, but about entering into a lasting stewardship granted by divine judgment.
For your faith, this offers a steady assurance. While political powers rise and fall, the promise that the saints will possess the kingdom remains unshaken. This ownership is not seized by force but received as a gift of grace after judgment is rendered. It invites you to trust in God’s timing and justice rather than relying on your own strength to secure your future.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- they took possession of1×
- so/ they may take possession of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/יַחְסְנ֤וּן1×
- הֶחֱסִ֥נוּ1×
Key Verses
-
Daniel 7:18
But the saints of the Most High will receive the kingdom, and possess the kingdom forever, even forever and ever.’
This verse establishes the eternal nature of the saints' possession, contrasting temporary earthly rule with permanent divine inheritance.
-
Daniel 7:22
until the Ancient of Days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the Most High, and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom.
Here the verb marks the culmination of judgment, showing that possession is the direct result of the Ancient of Days' verdict.