תַּקִּיף
Definition
The Hebrew (Aramaic) word תַּקִּיף (taqqîyph) means 'mighty,' 'strong,' or 'powerful.' It describes overwhelming physical strength or political dominance, often in the context of military force or royal authority. In Daniel 2:40 and 7:7, it characterizes the terrifying, crushing power of kingdoms, particularly the fourth kingdom in Nebuchadnezzar's dream. In Ezra 4:20, it refers to the 'mighty kings' who historically ruled Jerusalem, emphasizing political might. The word consistently conveys a sense of formidable, unyielding power that imposes its will.
Biblical Usage
This word is used exclusively in the Aramaic portions of the Old Testament (Ezra and Daniel), all five times describing the supreme power of kings or kingdoms. It appears in historical narrative (Ezra 4:20), prophetic dream interpretation (Daniel 2:40, 2:42), and apocalyptic vision (Daniel 7:7). It is also used in a doxology praising God's eternal dominion (Daniel 4:3). The pattern shows it is a term for supreme, often intimidating, sovereign power.
Etymology
תַּקִּיף is an Aramaic word, the direct linguistic counterpart to the Hebrew adjective תַּקִּיף (H8623), which also means 'mighty' or 'strong.' It derives from the root תּקף (tqp), conveying the core idea of being or becoming strong, prevailing, or having power. This root is shared across Semitic languages, indicating a fundamental concept of strength.
Semantic Range
This word is theologically significant as it describes the kind of overwhelming earthly power that stands in contrast to God's ultimate sovereignty. In Daniel, these 'mighty' human kingdoms are ultimately judged and superseded by God's everlasting kingdom (Daniel 2:44, 7:9-14). Understanding this term enriches the reading of Daniel by highlighting the transient nature of even the most formidable human power when compared to the divine. Its use in Daniel 4:3 directly attributes this quality of 'might' to God Himself.
In its original context, 'taqqîyph' described the absolute, often brutal, military and administrative power of ancient Near Eastern empires (like Babylon and Persia). This strength was not abstract but was visibly expressed through conquest, monumental building projects (Ezra 4:20), and the ability to crush resistance. A modern reader might think of 'strong' in personal or economic terms, but this word specifically connotes imperial, coercive dominance.
חַיִל (chayil, H2428) — often 'army,' 'wealth,' or 'valiant,' focusing on resources or capability, not just raw power. כֹּחַ (koach, H3581) — 'strength,' 'force,' a more general term for physical or innate power. גָּבַר (gabar, H1396) — 'to be strong,' 'to prevail,' a verb emphasizing overcoming or being superior.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
Full methodology & sources →