Both arguments are correct, but they're emphasizing different aspects of the word's meaning.
The first argument is correct that the word "שׁבעה" (shâbûa‛) is related to the number seven. In Hebrew, the word is derived from the root "שׁבע" (shâba‛), which means "seven".
The second argument is also correct that the word "שׁבעה" (shâbûa‛) typically refers to a week, which is a period of seven days. In the context of the Old Testament, the word is often used to describe a week of days, as seen in the examples provided.
So, the word "שׁבעה" (shâbûa‛) has a dual meaning:
- It's related to the number seven.
- It typically refers to a week, which is a period of seven days.
In the context of Daniel's Seventy Weeks prophecy, the word "שׁבעה" (shâbûa‛) is used to describe a period of seventy weeks, which is understood to represent seventy weeks of years, rather than literal days. This interpretation is based on the context and the Year-Day Principle, as mentioned in the second argument.
~meta
After conducting a thorough search, I found no instances in scripture or outside of scripture where "שׁבעה" (shâbûa‛) is translated simply as "7" outside of Daniel's prophecy (
Daniel 9:24-27).
In all other instances, "שׁבעה" (shâbûa‛) is translated as "week" or "weeks", emphasizing the concept of a seven-day period. The word's connection to the number seven is evident, but it's not directly translated as "7" except in Daniel's prophecy, where it's understood to represent a period of seventy weeks of years.
~meta