Lexical Summary emthan: Truth, faithfulness, firmness Original Word: אֵמְתָּנִי Strong's Exhaustive Concordance terrible (Aramaic) from a root corresponding to that of mothen; well-loined (i.e. Burly) or mighty -- terrible. see HEBREW mothen NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originthe same as emethan, q.v. Brown-Driver-Briggs [אֵימְתָן D§ 35, 1 θ] adjective terrible (ᵑ7 אֵימְתָן, from אֵימְתָא = Biblical Hebrew אֵימָה, q. v. v אים); — feminine singular absolute אֵימְתָנִי (K§ 61, 5)) Daniel 7:7 (on form see PrätZMG lvi (1902), 156 NöBSSW 51, Anm. 3). Topical Lexicon Biblical Setting The word appears in Daniel’s night vision of the four beasts (Daniel 7:7) and describes the fourth creature as “frightening and terrifying”. The term intensifies the impression of dread beyond ordinary fear, marking this beast as uniquely horrible among the four. Character of the Fourth Beast 1. Exceeding Strength. The beast is “exceedingly strong,” with “large iron teeth” that crush and devour. The adjective underlines an overwhelming power that no human kingdom can restrain. Historical Perspective Conservative interpreters commonly see the fourth beast as a symbol of the Roman Empire, whose military proficiency, administrative reach, and persecution of the saints justified the language of dread. The Roman legions’ iron weaponry and systematic subjugation of conquered peoples align with the vision’s iron teeth and trampling feet. Even after the empire’s political collapse, its cultural and legal legacy continued, lending plausibility to the ten-horned, later-phase manifestations foreseen in the vision. Eschatological Significance Daniel 7:7–27 extends the imagery to the final Antichrist, represented by an eleventh horn that uproots three others. The same atmosphere of terror will characterize the last global regime (2 Thessalonians 2:3–4; Revelation 13:1–8). Thus the adjective not only describes ancient Rome but also anticipates the climactic apostasy and persecution preceding Christ’s return. In prophetic literature, terms of dread serve as moral foils: the darker the tyranny, the more glorious the coming of the Son of Man who receives everlasting dominion (Daniel 7:13–14). Theological Themes • Human kingdoms apart from God tend toward brutality (Psalm 2:1–3). Pastoral and Ministry Applications 1. Courage for Persecuted Believers. The term reminds the church that present tyrannies are neither unforeseen nor victorious; the Ancient of Days has already decreed their end. Intertextual Connections Daniel 7:19 repeats the note of terror, showing its centrality to the chapter. The composite beast of Revelation 13:2 combines features of Daniel’s four beasts and retains the aura of dread. Jesus alludes to Daniel’s prophecy in His Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24:15), tying the concept of end-time terror to His promise of deliverance. Summary Though the word occurs only once, it encapsulates the spiritual atmosphere of the final world power: calculated intimidation, unrivaled strength, and utter disregard for human life. Scripture sets this terror in stark contrast to the reign of the Son of Man, assuring believers that every empire inspiring such dread is destined to fall before the everlasting Kingdom of God. Forms and Transliterations וְאֵֽימְתָנִ֨י ואימתני veeimetaNi wə’êməṯānî wə·’ê·mə·ṯā·nîLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Daniel 7:7 HEB: ק) דְּחִילָה֩ וְאֵֽימְתָנִ֨י וְתַקִּיפָ֜א יַתִּ֗ירָא KJV: dreadful and terrible, and strong INT: fourth dreadful and terrible strong and extremely 1 Occurrence |
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