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H3118 · Hebrew · Old Testament
חֱוָה
chevah
Verb (Aramaic)
To show/declare/make known

Definition

The Aramaic verb chevah means to show, to declare, to make known, to tell. It appears in the Aramaic sections of Daniel and Ezra, carrying the sense of revealing information — particularly divine revelation of mysteries (Daniel 2:4, 7:2).

Usage & Theological Significance

Chevah sits at the center of the biblical revelation motif in Daniel. When Nebuchadnezzar demands that his wise men both describe and interpret his dream, they respond that no one on earth can chevah such a thing — 'show this to the king' (Daniel 2:4). The word emphasizes that ultimate revelation comes from God alone. Daniel's ability to chevah (declare) the mystery glorifies not human wisdom but the 'God in heaven who reveals mysteries' (Daniel 2:28). This Aramaic concept underlies the New Testament's claim that Jesus is the ultimate revealer — the Word made flesh who declares (exegesato, John 1:18) the Father.

Key Bible Verses

Daniel 2:4 Then the astrologers answered the king, 'May the king live forever! Tell your servants the dream, and we will interpret it.'
Daniel 2:6 'But if you tell me the dream and explain it, you will receive from me gifts and rewards and great honor. So tell me the dream and interpret it.'
Daniel 2:9 If you do not tell me the dream, there is only one penalty for you. You have conspired to tell me misleading and wicked things, hoping the situation will change. So then, tell me the dream, and I will know that you can interpret it for me.'
Daniel 5:7 The king called out for the enchanters, astrologers and diviners to be brought and said to these wise men of Babylon, 'Whoever reads this writing and tells me what it means will be clothed in purple.'
Daniel 7:16 I approached one of those standing there and asked him the meaning of all this. So he told me and gave me the interpretation of these things.

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