שְׂכַל (se.khal)
se.khal
to contemplate
A:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:V
Word Overview
The Aramaic verb se.khal appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, found in Daniel 7:8. In this context, it means to look at something closely or to contemplate a vision. The text describes the little horn speaking boastfully against the saints, and the phrase indicates that its eyes were open, observing these events with intent focus.
This word is an Aramaic form related to the Hebrew root for prudence or understanding. While the Hebrew version often implies gaining wisdom through reflection, this specific Aramaic usage in Daniel emphasizes a visual and mental engagement with what is being seen. It suggests that the figure in the vision is not merely looking, but actively processing the scene before him.
Its rarity makes this single occurrence significant. By using a term linked to discernment, the text highlights the contrast between divine insight and human arrogance. The horn’s contemplation is not wise reflection but a calculated observation of power, underscoring the tension between earthly authority and heavenly sovereignty in Daniel’s apocalyptic vision.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word se.khal appears just once in Scripture, found in Daniel 7:8. It describes the little horn having eyes like those of a man, watching and observing with intent focus. This is not a passive glance but an active, calculating look. The text uses this rare term to show how earthly power scrutinizes its surroundings, seeking advantage rather than wisdom.
For your faith, this offers a sobering contrast. While the arrogant horn uses its sight for self-advancement and arrogance, God calls us to contemplate His works with humility. We are invited to look at the world not to manipulate it, but to understand God’s sovereignty over history. This shift in perspective helps us trust that even when power seems dominant, God remains on the throne.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- considering1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מִשְׂתַּכַּ֨ל1×
Key Verses
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Daniel 7:8
“I considered the horns, and behold, there came up among them another horn, a little one, before which three of the first horns were plucked up by the roots; and behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of a man, and a mouth speaking arrogantly.
The word describes the little horn's calculating gaze, contrasting human arrogance with divine oversight.