Lexical Summary raz: Secret, mystery Original Word: רָז Strong's Exhaustive Concordance secret (Aramaic) from an unused root probably meaning to attenuate, i.e. (figuratively) hide; a mystery -- secret. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) of foreign origin Definition a secret NASB Translation mysteries (3), mystery (6). Brown-Driver-Briggs רָז noun masculineDaniel 2:18 secret (ᵑ7 id., Syriac ![]() ![]() ![]() Topical Lexicon Meaning and ScopeThe term רָז denotes a secret, mystery, or hidden matter that requires divine disclosure. It portrays truths inaccessible by human wisdom and therefore dependent on God for their unveiling. Occurrences and Narrative Setting רָז appears nine times, all within the Aramaic chapters of Daniel. Every use is tied to Nebuchadnezzar’s dream and to Daniel’s subsequent interpretation: • Daniel 2:18 The concentration of occurrences in a single episode highlights a literary and theological emphasis: God alone possesses and reveals the hidden. Divine Sovereignty over Hidden Knowledge Nebuchadnezzar’s court sages are exposed as powerless: “No wise man, enchanter, magician, or diviner is able to explain to the king the mystery he has asked about” (Daniel 2:27). In stark contrast, Daniel testifies, “There is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries” (Daniel 2:28). רָז thus becomes a key motif underscoring divine sovereignty over both history and human understanding. Revelation through Intercession and Worship Daniel’s approach to the mystery is instructive for ministry. He gathers his companions “to plead for mercy from the God of heaven concerning this mystery” (Daniel 2:18). The revelation comes in response to communal prayer and is followed by doxology (Daniel 2:20-23). The pattern—petition, revelation, praise—models a rhythm of prayerful dependence on God’s self-disclosure. Witness to the Nations When the mystery is revealed, its purpose exceeds Daniel’s personal safety. God uses the revelation to bear witness to Babylonian royalty: “Surely your God is the God of gods and Lord of kings and a revealer of mysteries” (Daniel 2:47). רָז therefore serves missional ends, demonstrating to pagan authorities that Israel’s God rules over earthly kingdoms. Prophetic Horizon The content of the revealed רָז encompasses the rise and fall of empires and the ultimate establishment of God’s everlasting kingdom (Daniel 2:44-45). The term functions prophetically, linking immediate circumstances to eschatological hope. Connection with New Testament Mysteries While רָז itself is Aramaic, its concept anticipates the New Testament “mystery” (Greek μυστήριον). Paul proclaims “the mystery that was hidden for ages” (Colossians 1:26) and now revealed in Christ. The continuity shows that Scripture presents one coherent theology of revelation: what is hidden remains so until God chooses to disclose it, ultimately culminating in the gospel. Pastoral and Devotional Implications 1. Humility before God’s knowledge: human intellect is insufficient without divine light. Summary רָז encapsulates the biblical theme that mysteries belong to God, yet He willingly reveals them to faithful servants for His redemptive purposes. From Babylon’s court to the cross and empty tomb, every unveiled secret magnifies the wisdom and sovereignty of the Lord. Forms and Transliterations רָ֖ז רָזִ֑ין רָזִ֔ין רָזַיָּ֛א רָזָ֖ה רָזָ֣ה רָזָ֥א רָזָ֥ה רָזָה֙ רז רזא רזה רזיא רזין rā·zā rā·zāh rā·zay·yā rā·zîn raz rāz raZa rāzā raZah rāzāh razaiYa rāzayyā raZin rāzînLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Daniel 2:18 HEB: שְׁמַיָּ֔א עַל־ רָזָ֖ה דְּנָ֑ה דִּ֣י NAS: this mystery, so KJV: this secret; that Daniel INT: of heaven concerning mystery this so Daniel 2:19 Daniel 2:27 Daniel 2:28 Daniel 2:29 Daniel 2:30 Daniel 2:47 Daniel 2:47 Daniel 4:9 9 Occurrences |