טִין
clay
Definition
The Hebrew word טִין (ṭîyn) refers to clay, specifically a soft, moist earth used for pottery or as a building material. In its two biblical occurrences in Daniel 2:41 and Daniel 2:43, it describes the 'miry clay' that mixes with iron in the feet of the statue in Nebuchadnezzar's dream. This clay represents a fragile, unstable substance that weakens the strong iron, symbolizing a kingdom that is partly strong and partly brittle. The word emphasizes a substance that is pliable yet easily broken, contrasting with durable materials like iron.
Biblical Usage
This word is used exclusively in the Aramaic portions of the book of Daniel, specifically in the interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar's dream of a great statue. In both Daniel 2:41 and Daniel 2:43, it describes the 'miry clay' that mixes with iron in the statue's feet and toes, symbolizing a divided, unstable kingdom. The usage is metaphorical, depicting political or social fragility within a seemingly strong structure.
Etymology
טִין (ṭîyn) is an Aramaic word borrowed into Biblical Hebrew, likely related by interchange to the Hebrew word טִיט (ṭîṭ, H2916), which also means 'clay' or 'mud.' It shares a common Semitic root with words for clay or mortar, reflecting its use in ancient construction and pottery. The Aramaic origin aligns with its appearance in the Aramaic sections of Daniel.
Semantic Range
In Daniel's prophecy, טִין symbolizes human kingdoms that appear strong but are fundamentally unstable due to internal division or moral weakness, as seen in Daniel 2:41-43. This highlights the transient nature of earthly power compared to God's eternal kingdom, which will 'crush' such mixtures (Daniel 2:44). Understanding this metaphor enriches the reading of Daniel by emphasizing God's sovereignty over human history and the folly of relying on fragile political alliances.
In the ancient Near East, clay was a common material for pottery, bricks, and writing tablets, but 'miry clay' specifically referred to wet, slimy earth unsuitable for solid construction. This cultural understanding made it a potent metaphor for weakness and instability, as seen in Daniel's interpretation, where it contrasts with the strength of iron, representing a flawed mixture in a kingdom's foundation.
טִיט (ṭîṭ, H2916) — The more common Hebrew word for clay or mud, used in various contexts like pottery (Isaiah 41:25) or mortar (Exodus 1:14), whereas טִין is Aramaic and specifically denotes miry, unstable clay in Daniel.
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 →