Lexical Summary zeer: Crown, diadem, circlet Original Word: זְעֵיר Strong's Exhaustive Concordance little (Aramaic) corresponding to ze'eyr -- little. see HEBREW ze'eyr NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) corresponding to zeer Definition little, small NASB Translation little one (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [זְעֵיר] adjective little, small; — feminine singular קֶרֶן זְעֵירָה Daniel 7:8. Topical Lexicon Meaning and Nuance The Hebrew adjective זְעֵיר expresses smallness, minuteness, or insignificance when compared to surrounding realities. It carries the sense of something easily overlooked at first glance, yet capable of drawing attention once its true nature is revealed. Usage in the Prophetic Context Daniel 7:8 employs the word to describe a “little horn” that emerges among ten existing horns on the terrifying fourth beast. The Berean Standard Bible records: “While I was contemplating the horns, suddenly another horn, a little one, came up among them…” The adjective frames the horn’s initial appearance as inconspicuous, contrasting sharply with the horn’s later display of boastful arrogance and destructive power (Daniel 7:20–25). The inspired usage hints at a progression from modest beginnings to disproportionate influence—a pattern found elsewhere in Scripture (1 Samuel 17:33; Micah 5:2). Theological Emphases 1. Sovereign Contrast: God often allows seemingly minor actors to humble mighty empires (Judges 7:2–7; 1 Corinthians 1:27). The “little” horn ultimately receives divine judgment, reminding readers that human assessments of strength are provisional. Historical Implications Interpretations span Antiochus Epiphanes, later Roman emperors, and future antichrist figures. Regardless of view, the common thread is an initially obscure power that grows into open opposition to God’s people. The term זְעֵיר anchors this interpretation by highlighting the contrast between apparent insignificance and eventual dominance. Application for Ministry • Discernment: Leaders must weigh emerging cultural or political trends—even those that seem “little”—against biblical truth (Acts 17:11). Connections to the New Testament The pattern of a small beginning that grows into decisive influence recalls: Summary זְעֵיר spotlights God’s paradoxical dealings: what starts “little” can either blossom into blessing or swell into destructive arrogance. Daniel’s vision urges believers to exercise watchful faith, confident that the Most High rules over every horn, great or small. Forms and Transliterations זְעֵירָה֙ זעירה zə‘êrāh zə·‘ê·rāh zeeiRahLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Daniel 7:8 HEB: קֶ֣רֶן אָחֳרִ֤י זְעֵירָה֙ סִלְקָ֣ת [בֵּינֵיהֹון NAS: horn, a little one, came KJV: among them another little horn, before INT: horn another A little came among 1 Occurrence |
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