Lexical Summary yetsab: To set, to place, to stand firm Original Word: יְצַב Strong's Exhaustive Concordance truth (Aramaic) corresponding to yatsab; to be firm; hence, to speak surely -- truth. see HEBREW yatsab NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) corresponding to yatsab Definition to make certain, gain certainty NASB Translation exact meaning (1), know the exact meaning (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [יְצַב] verb Pa`el make certain, gain certainty (ᵑ7; compare Biblical Hebrew); — Pa`el Infinitive לְיַצָּבָא Daniel 7:19, with עַל concerning. Topical Lexicon Linguistic and Textual Setting The term יְצַב appears a single time in the Old Testament, in Daniel 7:19. It lies within the Aramaic portion of the book (Daniel 2–7), a section that records court narratives and apocalyptic visions addressed to international audiences of Daniel’s day. The form functions adjectivally, describing a quality of the fourth beast that “was greater” or “stood out” from the others. The word choice highlights conspicuous, surpassing terror rather than merely size, sharpening the dramatic contrast Daniel perceives among the successive empires symbolised by the beasts. Immediate Context in Daniel 7 Daniel says, “Then I desired to know the truth about the fourth beast, which was different from all the others, extremely terrifying, with iron teeth and bronze claws, which devoured, crushed, and trampled underfoot whatever was left” (Daniel 7:19). The solitary use of יְצַב intensifies the description: the fourth beast exceeds its predecessors in dread and destructive capacity. The term serves the literary purpose of focusing both Daniel’s attention and the reader’s concern on this final kingdom, preparing for the climactic appearance of the “little horn,” the judgment of the Ancient of Days, and the transfer of dominion to “the saints of the Most High” (Daniel 7:22). Theological Significance 1. Sovereignty of God: By portraying the fourth empire as uniquely formidable yet still subject to divine judgment, the narrative reinforces that earthly powers, however conspicuous, remain under God’s control. Historical Interpretation • Second-Temple Jewish writings (for example, 4 Ezra) recognised the fourth kingdom as Rome, stressing its unparalleled dominance, an idea underscored by the word יְצַב. Canonical Connections Although יְצַב itself is rare, its root idea of exceeding, conspicuous might resonates throughout Scripture: These parallels show a consistent biblical motif: human kingdoms that exalt themselves will be humbled by divine authority. Ministry and Discipleship Implications • Courage in the face of hostility: Believers reading Daniel 7 are reminded that today’s intimidating powers cannot eclipse God’s sovereignty. Homiletical and Teaching Suggestions 1. Contrast of Thrones: Preach Daniel 7 as a drama of two thrones—the conspicuous beastly power (signalled by יְצַב) versus the glorious, everlasting throne of the Ancient of Days. Questions for Further Study • How does the “exceeding” quality of the fourth beast illuminate New Testament warnings about the “man of lawlessness” (2 Thessalonians 2:3)? Conclusion Though only a single occurrence, יְצַב magnifies the climactic conflict between human arrogance and divine sovereignty. Its placement in Daniel 7:19 sharpens the portrayal of the fourth beast, framing the narrative arc that culminates in God’s final victory and the everlasting kingdom granted to His saints. Forms and Transliterations לְיַצָּבָ֔א ליצבא lə·yaṣ·ṣā·ḇā ləyaṣṣāḇā leyatztzaVaLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Daniel 7:19 HEB: אֱדַ֗יִן צְבִית֙ לְיַצָּבָ֔א עַל־ חֵֽיוְתָא֙ NAS: I desired to know the exact meaning of the fourth KJV: I would know the truth of INT: Then desired to know of beast 1 Occurrence |
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