Original Word: נְבִזְבָּה
Part of Speech: Noun Feminine
Transliteration: nbizbah
Pronunciation: neh-beez-bah
Phonetic Spelling: (neb-iz-baw')
KJV: reward
NASB: reward, rewards
Word Origin: [(Aramaic) of uncertain derivation]

1. a largess

reward

(Aramaic) of uncertain derivation; a largess -- reward.

Word Origin
(Aramaic) of uncertain derivation
Definition
a reward
NASB Translation
reward (1), rewards (1).

נְבִזְבָּה noun feminine reward (so ᵑ7 (rare); probably Persian loan-word, Haug^{EW. Jahrb. 1853, 160} proposes Old Persian * niba³râ, presentation; but perhaps corrupt,see M⁷¹ *); — absolute ׳נ Daniel 2:6; plural suffix נְבָֽזְבְּיָתָךְ (al. ׳נְבַז, ׳נְבִז) Daniel 5:17.

Central Idea

This term points to a tangible reward offered by an earthly ruler as compensation for an extraordinary service. In both of its appearances the word sits at the crossroads between human largesse and divine revelation, highlighting the tension between temporal incentives and the wisdom that comes from God.

Occurrences in Scripture

1. Daniel 2:6 – King Nebuchadnezzar promises “gifts and rewards and great honor” to anyone who can recount and interpret his forgotten dream.
2. Daniel 5:17 – Daniel refuses Belshazzar’s promised gifts, declaring, “You may keep your gifts and give your rewards to someone else. Nevertheless, I will read the inscription for the king and tell him what it means.”

Historical Setting

Both scenes unfold in Babylon’s royal courts during the exile. In the first, pagan astrologers fail to deliver, while Daniel, endowed with divine insight, succeeds. In the second, the aged prophet once again provides God-given wisdom, this time on the eve of Babylon’s collapse. In each episode the offered reward symbolizes imperial power attempting to secure spiritual insight by material means.

Theological Significance

1. Divine Revelation Is Not for Sale

The contrast between Nebuchadnezzar’s lavish promises and Daniel’s humble dependency on God underscores that true revelation cannot be purchased. Wisdom “comes from the Almighty” (Job 22:12), rendering earthly payments superfluous.

2. Integrity over Incentive

Daniel’s refusal of Belshazzar’s gifts models the prophet’s unwavering integrity. His stance anticipates the apostolic attitude: “We are not peddlers of the word of God” (2 Corinthians 2:17). Scripture consistently exalts faithfulness above personal gain.

3. Earthly Gifts versus Eternal Reward

The fleeting nature of Babylon’s treasures stands in stark relief to the lasting honor God confers on His servants (1 Peter 5:4). The two passages subtly call readers to value eternal riches over temporal rewards.

Applications for Ministry

• Guard the purity of the message. Like Daniel, pastors and teachers must resist the temptation to tailor God’s word for personal advantage.
• Trust God’s provision. A ministry that relies on divine empowerment rather than human patronage reflects the pattern set in Daniel 2 and Daniel 5.
• Teach discernment about motives. Believers should examine whether their service seeks applause and reward or the glory of God alone.

Related Themes and Passages

• Wisdom that surpasses earthly power – Genesis 41:39; James 1:5
• Refusal of corrupt gain – 2 Kings 5:16; Acts 8:20
• Eternal versus temporal reward – Matthew 6:19-21; Hebrews 11:24-26

Summary

Used twice in Daniel, this word for royal reward becomes a literary device exposing the limits of human authority and the superiority of divine wisdom. It challenges every generation to prize God’s truth above material benefit and to rest in the assurance that the Lord Himself remains the ultimate rewarder of those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6).

וּנְבִזְבָּה֙ וּנְבָ֥זְבְּיָתָ֖ךְ ונבזבה ונבזביתך ū·nə·ḇā·zə·bə·yā·ṯāḵ ū·nə·ḇiz·bāh ūnəḇāzəbəyāṯāḵ ūnəḇizbāh uneVazebeyaTach unevizBahInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts