Lexical Summary shappir: beautiful Original Word: שַׁפִיר Strong's Exhaustive Concordance fair (Aramaic) intensive of a form corresponding to Shaphiyr; beautiful -- fair. see HEBREW Shaphiyr NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) from a form corresponding to Shaphir Definition fair, beautiful NASB Translation beautiful (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs שַׁמִּיר adjective fair, beautiful; — of foliage Daniel 4:9; Daniel 4:18. Topical Lexicon Meaning and Thematic Significance The term expresses visible attractiveness or excellence, especially the kind that draws attention to the handiwork and favor of God. Throughout Scripture, beauty is never an end in itself; it serves either to display divine glory or to expose human pride when beauty is misappropriated. Occurrences in Daniel The word appears twice, both in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream of the great tree (Daniel 4:12; Daniel 4:21). Symbolism of Beauty in Scripture 1. Created Order – Genesis 2:9 notes trees that were “pleasing to the sight,” linking natural beauty to divine provision. Historical and Prophetic Insight Nebuchadnezzar’s flourishing empire was granted an almost Eden-like charm so that the watching nations might glorify God (Daniel 4:17). When the king turned that beauty into a monument to himself, the same vision stripped it away. The narrative therefore frames beauty as a stewardship: it is given for service, not self-indulgence. Christological Perspective The contrast between Nebuchadnezzar’s transient magnificence and the “beautiful and glorious” Branch (Isaiah 4:2) anticipates a perfect King whose splendor cannot be lost. Unlike the Babylonian tree that is cut down, the crucified and risen Christ is the tree of life whose leaves bring “healing of the nations” (Revelation 22:2). Practical Ministry Applications • Leadership – Any ministry that becomes renowned for excellence must regularly acknowledge God as the source lest admiration turn to idolatry. Pastoral Reflection Daniel’s narrative invites confession where God-given gifts have been claimed as personal trophies. It also offers hope: when Nebuchadnezzar finally “praised and glorified the King of heaven” (Daniel 4:37), his reason—and a measure of his royal splendor—was restored. Beauty redeemed by humility becomes a testimony to God’s enduring sovereignty and grace. Forms and Transliterations שַׁפִּיר֙ שפיר šap·pîr šappîr shapPirLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Daniel 4:12 HEB: עָפְיֵ֤הּ שַׁפִּיר֙ וְאִנְבֵּ֣הּ שַׂגִּ֔יא NAS: Its foliage [was] beautiful and its fruit KJV: The leaves thereof [were] fair, and the fruit INT: foliage beautiful fruit abundant Daniel 4:21 2 Occurrences |
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