Strong's Hebrew: 8623. תַּקִּיף (taqqiph) -- strongerzzz

◄ 8623. taqqiph ►

Lexical Summary

taqqiph: stronger

Original Word: תַּקִּיף
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: taqqiyph
Pronunciation: tah-KEEF
Phonetic Spelling: (tak-keef')
KJV: mightier
NASB: stronger
Word Origin: [from H8630 (תָּקַף - overpower)]

1. powerful

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

mightier

From taqaph; powerful -- mightier.

see HEBREW taqaph

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from taqeph
Definition
mighty
NASB Translation
stronger (1).

Brown-Driver-Briggs

תַּקִּיף adjective mighty (Aramaic תַּקִּיף,

; — with מִן compare Ecclesiastes 6:10.

Topical Lexicon

Scope of the Term

The Aramaic adjective תַּקִּיף belongs to the broad family of Semitic words that describe power, might, and prevailing strength. Although no distinct occurrences of the precise lexical form catalogued as Strong’s 8623 appear in the canonical Hebrew (or Aramaic) text, cognate spellings of the same root dominate key scenes in the Book of Daniel, where divine strength is contrasted with the passing might of pagan kings. Because the semantic range overlaps Hebrew חָזָק and גִּבּוֹר, the term naturally supports biblical themes celebrating God’s unassailable rule and the believer’s dependence on His power.

Lexical Field and Semantics

1. Root idea: the capacity to prevail, overpower, or exercise dominion.
2. Cognate forms: the related adjective (occurring in Daniel) carries nuances such as “mighty,” “exceedingly strong,” or “irresistible,” stressing effectiveness rather than mere potential force.
3. Contrastive vocabulary: human kings are called “strong,” yet their strength fades before the God “who changes times and seasons” (Daniel 2:21).

Historical Setting of the Aramaic Usage

The Aramaic sections of Daniel (Daniel 2:4–7:28) reflect the language of the Babylonian and early Persian courts. There, the cognate adjective highlights three historical realities:

• Imperial arrogance: Nebuchadnezzar’s boasting centers on a kingdom he thinks “mighty” (Daniel 4:30).
• Divine supremacy: Daniel declares that the Most High performs “mighty wonders” (Daniel 4:3), exposing human strength as derivative.
• Eschatological conflict: the fourth beast is “exceedingly strong” (Daniel 7:7), but its terror is curtailed by the Ancient of Days.

Thus, the word’s courtroom and battlefield associations serve to magnify the sovereignty of God during Israel’s exile.

Literary-Theological Themes

1. God’s incomparable strength. In every scene where the cognate appears, divine power eclipses earthly might (Daniel 4:37; 6:27).
2. Judgment on pride. The same strength that sustains Daniel humbles arrogant rulers, teaching that “He does according to His will … and no one can restrain His hand” (Daniel 4:35).
3. Kingdom hope. The promised everlasting dominion (Daniel 4:3) anticipates the Messiah’s reign, connecting Old Testament expectation with Revelation’s declaration that “the kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ” (Revelation 11:15).

Doctrinal Implications

• Omnipotence: Scripture portrays God as the only One whose strength is inherent and unlimited (Isaiah 40:28-31).
• Providence: His prevailing power ensures the fulfillment of prophecy despite hostile empires (Daniel 7:26-27).
• Salvation: The same might that rescues Daniel prefigures the deliverance accomplished in Christ, “the power of God and the wisdom of God” (1 Corinthians 1:24).

Ministry and Pastoral Applications

1. Encouragement under pressure: Believers facing cultural or political hostility can echo Daniel’s confidence that God’s “mighty wonders” cannot be thwarted.
2. Humility before God: Leaders are warned against self-exaltation; true greatness rests in submission to the Lord’s sovereign strength.
3. Spiritual warfare: The church is exhorted to “be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power” (Ephesians 6:10), grounding practical discipleship in divine, not human, resources.

Related Vocabulary

• חָזָק – physical or moral strength (Joshua 1:9).
• גִּבּוֹר – heroic might, often of warriors (Psalm 24:8).
• דּוּנָמΙς (Greek) – inherent power, as in the Gospel’s saving potency (Romans 1:16).

All three converge in depicting God’s active, prevailing authority throughout redemptive history.

Summary

While Strong’s Hebrew 8623 itself is not attested in the Old Testament text, its cognate forms in Daniel illuminate the larger biblical witness to a God whose strength overrides kingdoms, humbles the proud, and secures His people. From exile to eschaton, the term underscores the enduring truth that “the Lord is my strength and my song, and He has become my salvation” (Exodus 15:2).

Links

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