What was Syriack?
Syriack, mentioned in Daniel 2:4, is not a person but a reference to a language—specifically, the Aramaic language, which was commonly spoken across the Near East during the time of the Babylonian and Persian empires. The term “Syriack” (KJV) is an older English rendering for “Aramaic,” derived from the Hebrew word ארמית (Aramit), meaning “Aramean” or “pertaining to Aram.” In this context, “Syriack” signifies the point at which the Book of Daniel transitions from Hebrew to Aramaic in the original manuscripts.
This moment in Daniel 2:4 marks an important linguistic and narrative shift in the book. The verse reads in the King James Version:
“Then spake the Chaldeans to the king in Syriack, O king, live for ever…”
From this point through Daniel 7:28, the text is written in Aramaic, resuming in Hebrew in chapter 8. This change is intentional and significant for interpreting both the audience and the message of the text.
Biblical Context and References
- Daniel 2:4 is the only place in Scripture where the word “Syriack” (KJV) appears.
- The corresponding word in the Masoretic Text is Aramit, which also appears in Ezra 4:7, where correspondence was written “in Aramaic.”
- Cross-references to Aramaic usage include Jeremiah 10:11, a single Aramaic verse within a Hebrew book, likely preserved in its original spoken form to contrast the living God with lifeless idols.
- The use of Aramaic in Daniel aligns with the broader imperial context of the Babylonian and Medo-Persian Empires, where Aramaic functioned as a common diplomatic and administrative language.
Explanation of What Happened
In Daniel 2, King Nebuchadnezzar has a troubling dream that none of his wise men can interpret. The narrative begins in Hebrew, but when the Chaldeans respond to the king in his court language—“Syriack” or Aramaic—the text itself switches to that language. This Aramaic section covers events that pertain primarily to Gentile nations, such as the statue dream (Daniel 2), the fiery furnace (Daniel 3), Nebuchadnezzar’s humbling (Daniel 4), the writing on the wall (Daniel 5), Daniel in the lions’ den (Daniel 6), and Daniel’s vision of the four beasts (Daniel 7).
The use of Aramaic reflects the Gentile setting and characters involved. These chapters focus on God’s sovereignty over earthly kingdoms, often revealed to pagan rulers through miraculous signs, interpreted by God‘s servant, Daniel.
What It Means for Today’s Christians
The presence of Aramaic in Daniel reminds Christians of God‘s involvement not just in Israel‘s history but also among the nations. The shift to “Syriack” shows that God‘s Word and His sovereignty extend beyond the borders of His covenant people to influence empires and rulers. It also underscores the universality of God’s kingdom.
Moreover, the use of Aramaic, the lingua franca of the day, symbolizes God‘s desire to communicate His truth to all peoples. Just as Daniel interpreted God’s revelations to pagan kings, so the Church today is called to be an interpreter of God‘s truth to the nations, using language and methods that reach beyond cultural or religious boundaries.
How Syriack Points to Jesus and the Gospel
The transition to Aramaic within Daniel reflects a broader biblical trajectory: the revelation of God’s truth not only to Israel but also to the Gentiles. This pattern finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who ministered in Galilee of the Gentiles (Matthew 4:15-16) and spoke Aramaic Himself (e.g., Talitha cumi – Mark 5:41; Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani – Mark 15:34).
Jesus is the true and greater Daniel, who perfectly reveals God to all nations. Just as Daniel communicated divine truth in Aramaic to Gentile kings, so Jesus, the Word made flesh, communicates God’s truth in ways accessible to all peoples. The gospel is not restricted by language or ethnicity but is for all the nations (Revelation 7:9).
Broader Biblical Themes
1. God’s Sovereignty Over Nations
The use of Aramaic reflects God’s involvement in the affairs of Gentile kings. Daniel’s visions and interpretations consistently declare that all kingdoms are subject to God’s rule.
2. Language as a Tool of Divine Revelation
God uses common and accessible language to communicate His will. From Aramaic in Daniel to Greek in the New Testament, the Bible shows God‘s heart to make Himself known.
3. The Universality of God’s Kingdom
The switch to Aramaic hints at a coming age when God’s kingdom would encompass all people groups—fulfilled in Christ and expanded through the gospel to all nations.
4. Faithful Witness in Exile
Daniel’s ability to minister in a foreign language within a pagan court illustrates the believer’s call to be salt and light in a foreign culture while maintaining faithfulness to God.
Reflection Questions
- Why do you think God included portions of Scripture in different languages?
- How does Daniel‘s example challenge us to speak God’s truth in ways that reach the world around us?
- What can the switch to Aramaic teach us about God’s concern for the nations?
- In what ways are you proclaiming God‘s sovereignty in the “language” of your culture or context?
- How does the story of Daniel, written partly in Syriack, deepen your appreciation of Jesus‘ mission to reach all nations?
Summary: Syriack, an archaic term for the Aramaic language, marks a major literary and theological transition in the Book of Daniel. It points to God‘s desire to speak to all people and prefigures the universal nature of the gospel.