כַּשְׂדַּי (kas.day)
kas.day
Chaldean
N:N--LGQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--LG
Word Overview
The Hebrew word kas.day refers to the Chaldeans, a people group associated with the region of Chaldea in lower Mesopotamia near the Persian Gulf. Derived from a root meaning "clod breakers," it originally described the inhabitants living along the lower Euphrates and Tigris rivers. In the biblical narrative, this term identifies both the geographical territory and its specific population.
While often used as an ethnic or national label, the word carries a distinct cultural weight in the book of Daniel. Here, it extends beyond geography to describe those considered the wisest in the land, serving as scholars and interpreters of dreams for the Babylonian court. This usage highlights their reputation for specialized knowledge rather than just their origin.
Although it appears only six times in Scripture, its concentration in Daniel underscores its importance. The term helps distinguish this specific group within the broader context of ancient Near Eastern powers, marking them as a people defined by both their land and their intellectual role in imperial administration.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word Chaldean appears in Scripture as both a geographical label and a title for those skilled in interpretation. In Daniel’s court, it described men who claimed wisdom through occult practices or astrological signs. When the king demanded his dream be revealed, these scholars admitted their limits, showing that human knowledge has boundaries.
This limitation points us toward a greater source of understanding. True insight comes not from secret arts but from God, who reveals mysteries to those who seek Him. The Chaldeans’ failure highlights our need for divine guidance in times of confusion or uncertainty.
When faced with challenges beyond our grasp, we can trust that God provides clarity. His wisdom surpasses all human schemes, offering peace and direction to those who rely on Him rather than their own limited understanding.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Chaldeans/ the3×
- to/ Chaldeans/ the1×
- and/ Chaldean1×
- Chaldeans1×
- Chaldean1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- לְ/כַשְׂדָּ/אֵ֔י1×
- כַּשְׂדָּאִין֙1×
- כַּשְׂדָּאִ֑ין1×
- כַּשְׂדָּ/אֵ֖י1×
- כַשְׂדָּאָֽ/ה\׃\ \פ1×
- כַשְׂדָּ/אֵ֤י1×
- וְ/כַשְׂדָּֽי\׃1×
Key Verses
-
Daniel 2:10
The Chaldeans answered the king and said, “There is not a man on the earth who can show the king’s matter, because no king, lord, or ruler has asked such a thing of any magician, enchanter, or Chaldean.
This verse shows the Chaldeans admitting they cannot reveal the king's dream, highlighting the limits of human wisdom compared to divine revelation.
-
Daniel 5:7
The king cried aloud to bring in the enchanters, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers. The king spoke and said to the wise men of Babylon, “Whoever reads this writing and shows me its interpretation shall be clothed with purple, and have a chain of gold about his neck, and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom.”
Here the Chaldeans are listed among those called to interpret writing on the wall, yet none succeed, underscoring that only God reveals such mysteries.
-
Daniel 2:5
The king answered the Chaldeans, “The thing has gone from me. If you don’t make known to me the dream and its interpretation, you will be cut in pieces, and your houses will be made a dunghill.
The king threatens the Chaldeans with death if they cannot disclose the dream, illustrating the high stakes placed on their supposed knowledge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the word Chaldean mean in the Bible?
Why are Chaldeans mentioned so often in Daniel?
How is the Chaldean view of wisdom different from biblical wisdom?
Every Occurrence (6 verses across 1 books)
Daniel 6 verses
The king answered the Chaldeans, “The thing has gone from me. If you don’t make known to me the dream and its…
Daniel 2:10The Chaldeans answered the king and said, “There is not a man on the earth who can show the king’s matter, because no…
Daniel 3:8Therefore at that time certain Chaldeans came near and brought accusation against the Jews.
Daniel 5:7The king cried aloud to bring in the enchanters, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers. The king spoke and said to the…
Daniel 5:11There is a man in your kingdom in whom is the spirit of the holy gods; and in the days of your father, light and…
Daniel 5:30In that night Belshazzar the Chaldean King was slain.