Original Word: הַדָּבָר
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: haddabar
Pronunciation: had-daw-bar'
Phonetic Spelling: (had-daw-bawr')
Definition: The word, the matter, the thing
Meaning: a vizier

counselor

(Aramaic) probably of foreign origin; a vizier -- counsellor.

Word Origin
(Aramaic) of foreign origin
Definition
counselor, minister
NASB Translation
counselors (1), high officials (3).

[הַדָּבַר] noun masculine counsellor, minister (Persian loan-word; original form and meaning dubious, compare Andr^{M 60*} Mey^{Entst. J. 23} Dr^{Daniel 3:24}); — plural emphatic הַדָּֽבְרַיָּא Daniel 6:8; construct הַדָּֽבְרֵי Daniel 3:27; suffix הַדָּֽבְרַי Daniel 4:33, ר֫וֺהִי- Daniel 3:24. — see גְּדָֽבְרַיָּא.

Word Origin: Derived from the Aramaic root דָּבַר (dāḇar), which is related to the Hebrew דָּבָר (dāḇār), meaning "word" or "matter."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • G1413: δορυφόρος (doryphoros) • A term used to describe a bodyguard or attendant, often in a royal context, reflecting a position of trust and proximity to power.
• G3175: μεριμνάω (merimnaō) • While not a direct equivalent, this term involves the concept of care or concern, which can be related to the responsibilities of a vizier in managing the affairs of state and advising the king.

The role of a vizier, as depicted in the biblical context, underscores the importance of wisdom, integrity, and loyalty in leadership positions, serving as a model for governance that aligns with divine principles.

Usage: The term is used in the context of ancient Near Eastern governance, particularly in the Aramaic sections of the Old Testament, to denote a position of significant authority and responsibility within a royal court.

Context: The term הַדָּבָר (haddāḇār) appears in the Aramaic portions of the Old Testament, specifically in the book of Daniel. It refers to a high-ranking official or vizier, a role that involves advising the king and managing state affairs. This position is akin to that of a prime minister or chief counselor, reflecting the hierarchical structure of ancient Near Eastern courts. The vizier was often entrusted with significant administrative duties and wielded considerable influence over the kingdom's political and economic matters. In the book of Daniel, the role of such officials is highlighted in the narratives that describe the interactions between Daniel and the Babylonian and Persian courts, illustrating the importance of wise and faithful counsel in governance.

הַדָּֽבְרַ֥י הַדָּֽבְרַיָּ֣א הדברי הדבריא וְהַדָּבְרֵ֣י והדברי לְהַדָּֽבְר֗וֹהִי להדברוהי had·dā·ḇə·ray had·dā·ḇə·ray·yā haddāḇəray haddāḇərayyā haddaveRai haddaveraiYa lə·had·dā·ḇə·rō·w·hî ləhaddāḇərōwhî lehaddaveRohi vehaddaveRei wə·had·dā·ḇə·rê wəhaddāḇərêInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts