Lexical Summary negad: Before, in front of, opposite, against Original Word: נְגַד Strong's Exhaustive Concordance issue (Aramaic) corresponding to nagad; to flow (through the idea of clearing the way) -- issue. see HEBREW nagad NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) corresponding to nagad Definition to stream, flow NASB Translation flowing (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [נְגַד] verb stream, flow (ᵑ7 נְגַד, Syriac  draw along, lead, ᵑ7 also intransitive move along Isaiah 30:24, flow Deuteronomy 33:13,22, נַגְדִּין streams Isaiah 44:4 +); — Pe`al Participle Daniel 7:10 נְהַר דִּי נגֵד וְנָפֵק מִןקֳֿדָמוֺהִי. Topical Lexicon Biblical ContextThe single occurrence of the Aramaic verb translated “was flowing” (Daniel 7:10) appears in the sweeping throne‐room vision granted to Daniel. Within that scene, the Ancient of Days takes His seat while “…a river of fire was flowing, coming out from His presence. Thousands upon thousands attended Him, and myriads upon myriads stood before Him. The court was convened, and the books were opened.” The verb depicts continuous, unstoppable movement—an ever-proceeding torrent from the throne itself. Imagery of Divine Majesty Fire in Scripture consistently symbolizes God’s holiness, purity, and judicial power (Exodus 3:2; Deuteronomy 4:24; Hebrews 12:29). The use of a verb portraying ceaseless motion intensifies the image: God’s holiness is not static light but an active, living stream that proceeds from His very being. The scene anticipates final judgment; holiness issues forth, touching every created thing, and setting the courtroom context for the opening of the books. The River Motif in Scripture 1. Eden’s headwaters (Genesis 2:10) provided life. Daniel’s fiery river belongs in this canon of “throne rivers,” but here the element is fire rather than water. The imagery conveys that the same sovereign throne that gives life also dispenses judgment. The dual river theme highlights the indivisible attributes of God: mercy and justice, grace and truth. Historical and Cultural Background In ancient Near Eastern royal iconography, rivers issuing from a throne could symbolize the king’s life-giving benefaction or judgments extending throughout his realm. Daniel’s use of the motif subverts pagan claims by locating ultimate authority in the Ancient of Days. The prophet writes in Aramaic—then the diplomatic lingua franca—underscoring that this vision speaks to every nation, not Israel alone. The nonstop outflow signals that divine jurisdiction never lapses. Eschatological Significance The flowing fire announces the final assize that silences earthly kingdoms (Daniel 7:11–14). By depicting judgment as something that is already flowing before the court is even called to order, Daniel insists that history moves under the present, active sovereignty of God. New Testament writers echo the thought: • “Our God is a consuming fire” (Hebrews 12:29). Daniel’s verb, therefore, strengthens confidence that ultimate justice is neither delayed nor uncertain; it is continually proceeding until the appointed day when it will be fully revealed. Theological Reflections 1. God’s holiness is dynamic, not passive. His purity actively confronts impurity. Connections with New Testament Revelation John’s Apocalypse draws heavily on Daniel. The “books” (Daniel 7:10) anticipate the “books” opened in Revelation 20:12. The continuous verb for “flowing” in Daniel undergirds John’s certainty that final judgment is as sure as a river already in motion. Additionally, Revelation 15:2 pictures a sea of glass “mixed with fire” before the throne, an apparent thematic blend of Daniel’s fiery river and Ezekiel’s crystal expanse. Implications for Ministry • Proclamation: Preaching must present both the grace that issues life and the holiness that demands repentance, reminding hearers that judgment is neither hypothetical nor escapable. Practical Application 1. Examine life under the illuminating fire of God’s Word (Psalm 119:105; Hebrews 4:12). Though the verb appears only once, its placement at the heart of Daniel’s prophetic panorama gives it far-reaching resonance. The ongoing movement it conveys assures believers that God’s holiness and justice are relentlessly active, even as His mercy prepares a river of life for all who trust in the Lamb. Forms and Transliterations נָגֵ֤ד נגד nā·ḡêḏ naGed nāḡêḏLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Daniel 7:10 HEB: דִּי־ נ֗וּר נָגֵ֤ד וְנָפֵק֙ מִן־ NAS: of fire was flowing And coming KJV: stream issued and came forth INT: forasmuch of fire was flowing and coming from |
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