Lexical Summary aqar: Barren, sterile Original Word: עֲקַר Strong's Exhaustive Concordance pluck up by the roots (Aramaic) corresponding to aqar -- pluck up by the roots. see HEBREW aqar NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) corresponding to aqar Definition to be rooted up NASB Translation pulled out by the roots (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [עֲקַר] verb denominative Hithpe`el be rooted up; — Perfect3plural (masculine ? see K§ 23, 2) אִתְעֲקַ֫רוּ Kt, feminine plural רָה- Qr, Daniel 7:8. [עָר], עריך see ערר. Topical Lexicon Canonical Settingעֲקַר appears a single time in the Old Testament, within Daniel 7:8, which records the prophet’s night vision of four beasts. In that vision, a “little horn” rises and “three of the first horns were uprooted before it” (Daniel 7:8). The verb paints a picture of forcible removal, emphasizing the sudden and complete displacement of established powers by an emergent, boastful authority. Imagery of Uprooting in Scripture Though עֲקַר itself is confined to Daniel 7:8, the motif of uprooting permeates Scripture. “See, I have appointed you today over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down” (Jeremiah 1:10) sets the pattern: God alone has the right to plant and to pull up. Jeremiah 12:14; 31:28; and Isaiah 40:24 reinforce the theme, while the New Testament echoes it—“Every plant that My heavenly Father has not planted will be pulled up by the roots” (Matthew 15:13). In each instance, uprooting signals decisive judgment that precedes either utter destruction or fresh planting. Prophetic Significance in Daniel Daniel’s “little horn” vision falls in the midst of apocalyptic revelations that track the rise and fall of empires (Daniel 2; 7). The uprooting of three horns symbolizes the sweeping away of prior sovereignties to make room for a blasphemous power that “speaks words against the Most High” (Daniel 7:25). By using the imagery of a plant torn from the earth, the text underscores the transience of even the mightiest kingdoms when confronted by the purposes of the Ancient of Days (Daniel 7:9–14). Historical and Eschatological Context Historically, interpreters have linked the three uprooted horns with specific kings or dynasties displaced by an aggressive successor. Whether viewed through a pre-Maccabean, Roman, or yet-future lens, the act of uprooting conveys both violence and finality. Eschatologically, it foreshadows the climactic removal of all rebellious authority when “the kingdom and dominion and greatness of the kingdoms under all heaven shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High” (Daniel 7:27). Intertextual Echoes 1. Divine Sovereignty: The Lord “uproots” nations (Jeremiah 18:7; Psalm 52:5), illustrating absolute control over history. Practical and Ministry Implications • Vigilance against Pride: The little horn’s arrogance and its subsequent judgment warn leaders and believers alike to reject self-exaltation (Proverbs 16:18). Devotional Reflection The singular use of עֲקַר distills a universal principle: what God plants endures, and what He uproots cannot stand. Personal security, ministry fruitfulness, and national destinies alike depend on remaining rooted in the fear of the Lord (Psalm 1:3; Colossians 2:7). Forms and Transliterations אֶתְעֲקַ֖רָה אתעקרה ’eṯ‘ăqarāh ’eṯ·‘ă·qa·rāh etaKarahLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Daniel 7:8 HEB: [אֶתְעֲקַרוּ כ] (אֶתְעֲקַ֖רָה ק) מִן־ NAS: horns were pulled out by the roots before KJV: horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, INT: horns of the first pluck up by the roots according before 1 Occurrence |
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