Daniel 2:5 in Hebrew
עָנֵ֤ה מַלְכָּא֙ וְאָמַ֣ר לְכַשְׂדָּיֵא מִלְּתָ֖א מִנִּ֣י אַזְדָּ֑א הֵ֣ן לָ֤א תְהֹֽודְעוּנַּ֨נִי֙ חֶלְמָ֣א וּפִשְׁרֵ֔הּ הַדָּמִין֙ תִּתְעַבְד֔וּן וּבָתֵּיכֹ֖ון נְוָלִ֥י יִתְּשָׂמֽוּן׃
Introduction to the Expression מִלְּתָא אַזְדָּא
Daniel 2:5 records King Nebuchadnezzar’s response to the Chaldeans when they were unable to interpret his dream. The phrase:
מִלְּתָ֖א מִנִּ֣י אַזְדָּ֑א – “The word from me is firm.”
This phrase plays a crucial role in understanding royal decrees and legal finality in the Aramaic portions of the Bible.
Understanding מִלְּתָא and אַזְדָּא
1. מִלְּתָא (Milta) – “Word, decree, matter”
– Derived from the Aramaic root מ־ל־ל (m-l-l), meaning “to speak, declare.”
– In this context, it refers to a royal edict or proclamation.
– The term is similar to the Hebrew דָּבָר (dāḇār), which carries the same dual meaning of “word” and “decree.”
2. אַזְדָּא (Azda) – “Firm, unchangeable, fixed”
– This term is unique to Aramaic biblical texts and denotes finality.
– The word conveys the irrevocability of the king’s decision, meaning it cannot be altered.
The Legal and Royal Significance of מִלְּתָא אַזְדָּא
1. Absolute Authority in Ancient Near Eastern Monarchies
– In ancient cultures, royal decrees were considered unchangeable laws.
– Similar language is used in Persian royal decrees (e.g., Esther 1:19, Daniel 6:9).
2. Emphasizing the King’s Power
– By stating מִלְּתָא אַזְדָּא, Nebuchadnezzar underscores his absolute control over his kingdom.
– The phrase demands strict compliance from the wise men under threat of execution.
3. Parallel Expressions in Aramaic and Persian Legal Traditions
– In Daniel 6:9, a similar phrase appears: דָּתָא דִי מַלְכָּא (“The law of the king”), reinforcing the irrevocable nature of royal commands.
– The concept of unalterable decrees later influenced Persian and Babylonian law.
The Significance of מִלְּתָא אַזְדָּא in Daniel 2:5
The phrase מִלְּתָא אַזְדָּא in Daniel 2:5 highlights the authoritative and irreversible nature of royal commands. This expression emphasizes the rigidity of Nebuchadnezzar’s rule, setting the stage for the dramatic tension in the narrative.
By using strong Aramaic legal terminology, the verse reflects the absolute power of ancient monarchs and the fear their decrees instilled.
