עִדָּן (id.dan)
id.dan
time
A:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 7 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew word iddan primarily denotes a specific period or season, often translating to "time" in English Bibles. It appears seven times in the Old Testament, with the majority of occurrences found in the book of Daniel. In this context, it usually refers to a defined duration rather than an abstract concept of time.
Lexical sources distinguish between iddan as a general span of time and other Hebrew terms for year or season. It frequently appears in prophetic visions where specific periods are measured out. For instance, Daniel uses it when discussing the length of tribulation or the timing of future events, grounding abstract prophecy in measurable chronological units.
This term carries weight in apocalyptic literature because it emphasizes God’s sovereignty over history. By specifying "times," the text assures readers that divine plans unfold within set boundaries. Translators often render it simply as "time" or "season," preserving the sense of a fixed interval appointed by God rather than random chance.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word iddan points to a specific, measured period rather than abstract time passing. In Daniel’s visions, it marks out fixed intervals where God remains in control. This assures us that history is not random but follows a divine schedule.
When we face uncertainty, this concept offers comfort. God sets the boundaries of our trials and the length of our seasons. We do not need to know the full timeline, only that He holds it. His sovereignty ensures that every appointed time serves His purpose.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- at/ time/ the2×
- a time2×
- times/ the1×
- time/ the1×
- and/ times1×
- and/ a time1×
- <the>/ time1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- עִדָּנָ֖/א2×
- עִדָּנַיָּ/א֙1×
- עִדָּֽן\׃1×
- עִדָּ֥ן1×
- וְ/עִדָּנִ֖ין1×
- וְ/עִדָּֽן\׃1×
- בְּ/עִדָּנָ֡/א1×
- בְ/עִדָּנָ֡/א1×
Key Verses
-
Daniel 2:21
He changes the times and the seasons. He removes kings and sets up kings. He gives wisdom to the wise, and knowledge to those who have understanding.
This verse highlights God's authority to set and change specific periods, showing He controls historical events.
-
Daniel 7:25
He will speak words against the Most High, and will wear out the saints of the Most High. He will plan to change the times and the law; and they will be given into his hand until a time and times and half a time.
Here the word defines a limited duration for oppression, emphasizing that suffering has a divinely appointed end.
-
Daniel 7:12
As for the rest of the animals, their dominion was taken away; yet their lives were prolonged for a season and a time.
It shows that even when power is removed, life continues for a set time, demonstrating God's patience and order.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does iddan mean in the Bible?
Why is this word important in Daniel?
How is iddan different from other words for time?
Every Occurrence (7 verses across 1 books)
Daniel 7 verses
The king answered, “I know of a certainty that you are trying to gain time, because you see the thing has gone from me.
Daniel 2:9But if you don’t make known to me the dream, there is but one law for you; for you have prepared lying and corrupt…
Daniel 2:21He changes the times and the seasons. He removes kings and sets up kings. He gives wisdom to the wise, and knowledge to…
Daniel 3:5that whenever you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe, and all kinds of music, you fall down…
Daniel 3:15Now if you are ready whenever you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe, and all kinds of music…
Daniel 7:12As for the rest of the animals, their dominion was taken away; yet their lives were prolonged for a season and a time.
Daniel 7:25He will speak words against the Most High, and will wear out the saints of the Most High. He will plan to change the…