Lexical Summary adargazar: Counselor, Adviser Original Word: אֲדרְגָּזֵר Strong's Exhaustive Concordance judge (Aramaic) from the same as 'iddar, and gzar; a chief diviner, or astrologer -- judge. see HEBREW 'iddar see HEBREW gzar NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) of foreign origin Definition a counselor NASB Translation counselors (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs [אֲדַרְגָּזַר] noun masculine counsellor (Persian loan-word = andarzaghar NöCOT Daniel 3:2 Tabari 462 AndrM 51 * Str42* Dr Scheftii. 57; MeyEntst. J. 25 questions, and thinks military title); — plural emphatic אֲדַרְגָָּֽןְרַיָּא Daniel 3:2,3.Topical Lexicon Occurrences in the CanonThe term appears twice, both in the Aramaic narrative of Daniel: • Daniel 3:2 In both verses the Berean Standard Bible renders it “counselors,” positioning these officers beside satraps, prefects, governors, treasurers, judges, magistrates, and “all the provincial officials” whom Nebuchadnezzar summons to the dedication of the golden image (Daniel 3:2–3). Administrative Function in the Babylonian Court “Counselors” represented a distinct advisory tier within the imperial bureaucracy. Their presence between “governors” and “treasurers” suggests a role bridging civil administration and royal policy, offering legal or strategic insight rather than merely executing orders. Similar multi-layered governmental lists appear in Persian records, supporting the historicity of Daniel’s description. Historical and Cultural Context Aramaic, the diplomatic language of the Neo-Babylonian and early Persian empires, preserves many loanwords for government offices. The listing of counselors alongside other officials reflects the cosmopolitan structure of Mesopotamian courts, where conquered elites were often drafted into advisory positions. Their authority derived from proximity to the throne rather than from provincial jurisdiction, making them key players in formulating edicts—such as the command to worship the golden statue. Relationship to the Narrative of Daniel 3 The counselors’ immediate compliance with Nebuchadnezzar’s summons highlights the unquestioning enforcement of royal idolatry. Their presence underscores the totality of the king’s demand: the entire administrative machine is mobilized against fidelity to the true God. When Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refuse to bow, they stand not only against the monarch but also against the collective pressure of every civil rank, counselors included. Thus, the office serves as a narrative foil, emphasizing the courage of the faithful remnant. Theological Significance 1. Human Counsel versus Divine Authority While earthly counselors promote Nebuchadnezzar’s idolatrous policy, the divine counsel vindicates the three Hebrews in the furnace (Daniel 3:24–25). The contrast foregrounds the supremacy of God’s wisdom over human politics (Psalm 33:10–11; Isaiah 40:13–14). 2. Integrity under Institutional Pressure The inclusion of counselors shows that compromise can originate in advisory circles, reminding leaders and believers alike that participation in governance must not eclipse allegiance to God (Acts 5:29). 3. Eschatological Foreshadowing The unified governmental opposition anticipates end-time scenarios where “all whose names have not been written in the Book of Life” worship the beast (Revelation 13:8). Daniel’s counselors thus prefigure future global coalitions against God’s people. Practical Ministry Reflections • Christians serving in advisory or governmental roles must evaluate counsel against scriptural truth, maintaining conscience even when careers are at stake (Proverbs 11:14; Colossians 3:17). Related Biblical Themes and Cross-References • God overturns the counsel of nations – Psalm 33:10–11 Summary Strong’s Hebrew 148 identifies a Babylonian advisory office instrumental in enforcing idolatry during the reign of Nebuchadnezzar. Though mentioned only twice, the term deepens the portrayal of an empire arrayed against covenant fidelity, contrasting fallible human counsel with God’s infallible purposes and offering enduring lessons for believers engaging the corridors of power. Forms and Transliterations אֲדַרְגָּזְרַיָּ֣א אֲדַרְגָּזְרַיָּא֩ אדרגזריא ’ă·ḏar·gā·zə·ray·yā ’ăḏargāzərayyā adargazeraiYaLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Daniel 3:2 HEB: סִגְנַיָּ֣א וּֽפַחֲוָתָ֡א אֲדַרְגָּזְרַיָּא֩ גְדָ֨בְרַיָּ֤א דְּתָבְרַיָּא֙ NAS: and the governors, the counselors, the treasurers, KJV: and the captains, the judges, the treasurers, INT: the prefects and the governors the counselors the treasurers the judges Daniel 3:3 2 Occurrences |
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