280. achidah
Lexical Summary
achidah: Riddle, Enigma, Dark Saying

Original Word: אֲחִידָה
Part of Speech: Noun Feminine
Transliteration: achiydah
Pronunciation: a-khee-dah'
Phonetic Spelling: (akh-ee-daw')
NASB: enigmas
Word Origin: [(Aramaic) corresponding to H2420 (חִידָּה - riddle), an enigma]

1. hard sentence

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
hard sentence

(Aramaic) corresponding to chiydah, an enigma -- hard sentence.

see HEBREW chiydah

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
(Aramaic) corresponding to chidah
Definition
a riddle
NASB Translation
enigmas (1).

Brown-Driver-Briggs
[אֲחִידָה] noun feminine riddle; — feminine plural absolute אֲחִידָן Daniel 5:12.

Topical Lexicon
Overview and Biblical Context

The Hebrew term אֲחִידָה appears once in the Old Testament, in Daniel 5:12, within the narrative of Belshazzar’s feast. It describes the “ability to solve enigmas” assigned to Daniel, highlighting a God-given capacity for unraveling mysteries that confounded Babylon’s sages.

Occurrence in Scripture

Daniel 5:12 records that Daniel was distinguished by “an extraordinary spirit, knowledge, and insight to interpret dreams, explain riddles, and solve complex problems”. The phrase “solve complex problems” renders אֲחִידָה.

Setting in Daniel 5

1. Crisis: The fingers of a human hand write an inscription on the palace wall (Daniel 5:5).
2. Futility of pagan wisdom: The king’s astrologers and diviners fail (Daniel 5:8).
3. Commendation of Daniel: The queen mother recounts Daniel’s prior service and singles out his ability with אֲחִידָה (Daniel 5:11-12).
4. Divine verdict: Daniel interprets the writing, declaring judgment on Babylon (Daniel 5:25-28).

Nature of Divine Wisdom and Revelation

The lone occurrence of אֲחִידָה links the word inseparably to revelation that originates with God. Daniel’s success is traced to “the Spirit of the holy gods” dwelling in him (Daniel 5:11), affirming that true insight is the gift of the Lord (Proverbs 2:6; James 1:5).

Contrast to Pagan Counsel

Babylon’s magi possessed worldly learning yet lacked spiritual discernment. Their impotence before אֲחִידָה underscores the limitation of human reason apart from divine illumination (1 Corinthians 1:20-25).

Historical and Literary Significance

• Authenticates Daniel’s historicity: The episode reflects accurate knowledge of Neo-Babylonian court protocol.
• Validates predictive prophecy: Daniel’s interpretation is fulfilled that very night as the Medo-Persian forces capture Babylon (Daniel 5:30-31).
• Illustrates covenant faithfulness: God honors His servant in exile, preserving the witness of Israel even in foreign courts.

Ministry Reflections

1. Apologetics: Scripture demonstrates intellectual rigor that withstands scrutiny; believers may confidently engage academic settings.
2. Pastoral counseling: Wisdom for life’s riddles is sought through prayer and Scripture rather than occult or secular substitutes.
3. Leadership: Like Daniel, Christian leaders exhibit integrity, clarity, and courage when interpreting “enigmas” in cultural, ethical, or doctrinal crises.

Related Biblical Themes

• Joseph interpreting dreams in Egypt (Genesis 41).
• Solomon’s gift of wisdom surpassing the sages of the East (1 Kings 4:29-34).
• Jesus’ use of parables to reveal truth to the humble and conceal it from the proud (Matthew 13:10-17).

Practical Exhortations

• Seek the Spirit’s illumination in Bible study (Ephesians 1:17-18).
• Test every “solution” by the clear teaching of Scripture (Acts 17:11).
• Cultivate excellence in secular vocations without compromising fidelity to God (Colossians 3:23).

Key References

Daniel 5; Proverbs 2:6; 1 Corinthians 2:10-16; James 1:5

Forms and Transliterations
אֲחִידָ֜ן אחידן ’ă·ḥî·ḏān ’ăḥîḏān achiDan
Links
Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
Daniel 5:12
HEB: חֶלְמִין֩ וַֽאַֽחֲוָיַ֨ת אֲחִידָ֜ן וּמְשָׁרֵ֣א קִטְרִ֗ין
NAS: explanation of enigmas and solving
KJV: and shewing of hard sentences, and dissolving
INT: of dreams explanation of enigmas and solving of difficult

1 Occurrence

Strong's Hebrew 280
1 Occurrence


’ă·ḥî·ḏān — 1 Occ.

279
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