Lexical Summary yaqqir: difficult, honorable Original Word: יַקִּיר Strong's Exhaustive Concordance noble, rare (Aramaic) corresponding to yaqqiyr -- noble, rare. see HEBREW yaqqiyr NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) corresponding to yaqqir Definition honorable, difficult NASB Translation difficult (1), honorable (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [יַקִּיר] adjective honourable, difficult; — 1 honourable, emphatic יַקִּירָא Ezra 4:10. 2 difficult (compare Biblical Hebrew כָּבֵד adjective 1 d), feminine singular יַקִּירָה Daniel 2:11. Topical Lexicon Textual Background The Aramaic adjective יַקִּיר occurs only twice in the Old Testament, both times within exilic-era Aramaic narratives (Ezra 4:10; Daniel 2:11). In Ezra it describes the “great and noble Osnappar” who repopulated Samaria; in Daniel it characterizes the king’s dream as an exceptionally “difficult” (rare, weighty) matter. These are strategically placed moments in which foreign power and imperial culture confront the purposes of the covenant God. Semantic Nuance and Range Derived from a root connoting value, weight, and rarity, יַקִּיר conveys more than social rank; it points to something or someone of exceptional worth. In Ezra 4:10 the term elevates Ashurbanipal (Osnappar) as a monarch of imposing stature, while in Daniel 2:11 it underscores the singular difficulty of Nebuchadnezzar’s demand. Thus the word can shade toward either “noble” in a personal sense or “rare, extraordinary” in relation to a task or object, but its core idea remains the same: what is יַקִּיר cannot be treated as common. Narrative Contexts and Historical Backdrop 1. Ezra 4:10—The post-exilic returnees face opposition from colonists transplanted by “the great and noble Osnappar.” The narrator’s use of יַקִּיר heightens the perceived might of the Assyrian king, accentuating the remarkable nature of Israel’s survival under such dominion. Theological Significance Because יַקִּיר marks what is precious or rare, its placement in texts about foreign kings ironically spotlights the greater majesty of the Lord. Ezra’s narrative shows that even “noble” empires operate under divine supervision (cf. Ezra 1:1). Daniel’s episode demonstrates that a matter deemed rare by men is routine to the God “who reveals mysteries” (Daniel 2:28). Together the occurrences affirm the sovereignty of God over what humans hail as exceptional. Christological and Ministry Implications The New Testament applies similar language of preciousness to Jesus Christ: “See, I lay in Zion a stone, a chosen and precious cornerstone” (1 Peter 2:6). The rarity and value hinted at by יַקִּיר find their ultimate expression in the incarnate Son, whose worth surpasses the nobility of kings and the difficulty of human dilemmas. Ministry that proclaims Christ as incomparable aligns with the biblical pattern of esteeming what God calls precious. Practical Application for the Believer • Regard God’s revelations—however rare or difficult—as treasures, not curiosities. Related Biblical Themes and Cross References Preciousness of God’s word: Psalm 19:10; Jeremiah 15:19 Preciousness of God’s people: Isaiah 43:4 Rarity of true wisdom: Proverbs 3:15; Job 28:18 Christ as the precious cornerstone: 1 Peter 2:4-7; Ephesians 2:20 In every instance, Scripture invites its readers to treasure what God values and to trust Him with what appears beyond human reach. Forms and Transliterations וְיַקִּירָ֔א ויקירא יַקִּירָ֔ה יקירה veyakkiRa wə·yaq·qî·rā wəyaqqîrā yakkiRah yaq·qî·rāh yaqqîrāhLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ezra 4:10 HEB: אָסְנַפַּר֙ רַבָּ֣א וְיַקִּירָ֔א וְהוֹתֵ֣ב הִמּ֔וֹ NAS: the great and honorable Osnappar KJV: the great and noble Asnappar INT: Osnappar the great and honorable and settled them Daniel 2:11 2 Occurrences |
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