Lexical Summary achidah: Riddle, Enigma, Dark Saying Original Word: אֲחִידָה 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). 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. Ministry Reflections 1. Apologetics: Scripture demonstrates intellectual rigor that withstands scrutiny; believers may confidently engage academic settings. Related Biblical Themes • Joseph interpreting dreams in Egypt (Genesis 41). Practical Exhortations • Seek the Spirit’s illumination in Bible study (Ephesians 1:17-18). Key References Daniel 5; Proverbs 2:6; 1 Corinthians 2:10-16; James 1:5 Forms and Transliterations אֲחִידָ֜ן אחידן ’ă·ḥî·ḏān ’ăḥîḏān achiDanLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman'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 |