Lexical Summary hadar: majesty Original Word: הֲדַר Strong's Exhaustive Concordance honor, majesty (Aramaic) from hadar; magnificence -- honour, majesty. see HEBREW hadar NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) from hadar Definition an honor, majesty NASB Translation majesty (3). Brown-Driver-Briggs [הֲדַר] noun [masculine] honour, majesty, of king; — emphatic הַדְרָא Daniel 5:18; suffix הַדְרִי Daniel 4:27; Daniel 4:33 (where Behrm plausibly (after Theod.) הַדְרֵת [ᵑ7 הֲדַר return]). Topical Lexicon Meaning and Scope Hadar denotes visible magnificence, royal dignity, and the public display of honor. It appears in the Aramaic portions of the Old Testament and captures the splendor that surrounds a throne, a kingdom, or any person to whom God has delegated authority. The term speaks of glory that can be seen and recognized, not merely acknowledged internally. Canonical Occurrences 1. Daniel 4:30 – Nebuchadnezzar boasts, “Is this not Babylon I have built as the royal residence by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?”. Historical Setting The Babylonian court was famed for its pomp, imposing architecture, and ceremonial grandeur. Hadar perfectly suits this milieu, where imperial propaganda equated earthly magnificence with divine favor. Yet the Book of Daniel frames that splendor within God’s higher sovereignty, clarifying that every vestige of royal glory is derivative and revocable. Theological Significance 1. Derived, Not Innate – In each occurrence, splendour is shown to come from God. When Nebuchadnezzar exalts himself, he loses everything; when he acknowledges the Most High, hadar returns (Daniel 4:36). Christological Foreshadowing Earthly rulers display temporary hadar; Christ embodies perfect and everlasting majesty. The glory that filled Solomon’s Temple and Babylon’s halls foreshadows the superior splendor of the risen Lord (Revelation 1:12–16; Hebrews 1:3). The contrast between borrowed Babylonian majesty and Christ’s intrinsic glory highlights His unique kingship. Pastoral Implications • Leadership – Any authority exercised in church, state, or family is a stewardship. Pride turns delegated honor into an idol; humility keeps it an offering to God. Practical Ministry Applications 1. Preaching – Daniel’s use of hadar offers a vivid illustration when exhorting rulers, employers, or parents about servant leadership. Related Biblical Themes and Cross-References • Hebrew hod (splendor): Proverbs 20:29; Isaiah 35:2 Summary Hadar in Daniel magnifies the truth that all human grandeur is granted by God, accountable to God, and ultimately meant to reflect God. Properly understood, it draws worshipers away from the fleeting glitter of worldly kingdoms to the everlasting splendor of the King of kings. Forms and Transliterations הַדְרִ֤י הַדְרִֽי׃ הדרי הדרי׃ וְהַדְרָ֔ה והדרה haḏ·rî hadRi haḏrî vehadRah wə·haḏ·rāh wəhaḏrāhLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Daniel 4:30 HEB: חִסְנִ֖י וְלִיקָ֥ר הַדְרִֽי׃ NAS: and for the glory of my majesty?' KJV: and for the honour of my majesty? INT: of my power the glory honour Daniel 4:36 Daniel 5:18 3 Occurrences |
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