Lexical Summary taqqiph: strong, mighty Original Word: תַּקִּיף Strong's Exhaustive Concordance mighty, strong (Aramaic) corresponding to taqqiyph -- mighty, strong. see HEBREW taqqiyph NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) corresponding to taqqiph Definition strong, mighty NASB Translation mighty (2), strong (3). Brown-Driver-Briggs [תַּקִּיף] adjective strong, mighty; — feminine singular absolute תַּקִּיפָה, of kingdom, Daniel 2:40 (like iron), Daniel 2:42; אָ֯ Daniel 7:7, of beast; masculine plural absolute תַּקִּיפִין, of kings Ezra 4:20, God's wonders Daniel 3:33. Topical Lexicon Lexical Range and Thematic Overview The Hebrew adjective תַּקִּיף (taqqîp) surfaces five times in the Old Testament. In every case it denotes exceptional power—whether political, military, or divine. Its appearances cluster in the Persian period narrative of Ezra and the exilic visions recorded in Daniel. Together they form a composite portrait: earthly empires rise with formidable strength, yet the only power that endures without limit is the kingdom of God. Occurrences and Contextual Flow 1. Ezra 4:20 The Mighty Kings of Jerusalem (Ezra 4:20) Opponents of the post-exilic return cite history to halt temple reconstruction: “There have also been mighty kings over Jerusalem, who ruled over all the region beyond the River” (Ezra 4:20). Here תַּקִּיף recalls the Davidic-Solomonic zenith when Jerusalem’s sovereignty extended to the Euphrates. Ironically, the accusers affirm the city’s former greatness even as they try to suppress its restoration. The text hints that genuine strength is not self-made; it stems from covenant faithfulness. The Iron Kingdom in Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream (Daniel 2:40, 2:42) Daniel interprets the statue’s iron legs: “There will be a fourth kingdom, strong as iron, for iron shatters and crushes all things” (Daniel 2:40). The same term reappears regarding the mixed material of the toes: “the kingdom will be partly strong and partly brittle” (Daniel 2:42). The prophetic pattern illustrates that human empires, though brutally effective, carry within themselves the seeds of fragmentation. Strength detached from righteousness inevitably fractures. Divine Sovereignty Praised by Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 4:3) After humiliation and restoration, the Babylonian monarch exalts the Most High: “How great are His signs, how mighty His wonders! His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom” (Daniel 4:3). The single use of תַּקִּיף for God Himself elevates the word beyond geopolitical might. The king who once embodied oppressive power now confesses that true might belongs to the everlasting dominion of the Lord. The Terrifying Fourth Beast (Daniel 7:7) Daniel’s night vision of four beasts culminates in one “terrifying, dreadful, and exceedingly strong” (Daniel 7:7). The adjective underscores unprecedented ferocity, prefiguring a climactic world power and its persecution of the saints. Yet even this formidable empire is “given over to burning fire” (Daniel 7:11), assuring readers that no earthly strength can nullify divine decree. Intertestamental and Prophetic Implications Jewish expectations in the Second Temple period drew heavily on Daniel’s imagery. The word תַּקִּיף became a cipher for successive Gentile dominions, reinforcing hope for the Messianic kingdom that would eclipse every rival power. New Testament writers echo the theme: “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet” (Romans 16:20), affirming that the greatest might still rests with the Lord. Ministry Applications • Discernment: Scripture invites believers to distinguish between transient human strength and the unassailable power of God. By tracing תַּקִּיף across these passages, one sees a consistent biblical message: worldly might rises and falls, but the Lord’s kingdom alone stands eternally strong. Forms and Transliterations וְתַקִּיפָ֜א ותקיפא תַּקִּיפִ֗ין תַקִּיפִ֑ין תַקִּיפָ֔ה תַקִּיפָ֖ה תקיפה תקיפין takkiFah takkiFin ṯaq·qî·p̄āh taq·qî·p̄în ṯaq·qî·p̄în ṯaqqîp̄āh taqqîp̄în ṯaqqîp̄în vetakkiFa wə·ṯaq·qî·p̄ā wəṯaqqîp̄āLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ezra 4:20 HEB: וּמַלְכִ֣ין תַּקִּיפִ֗ין הֲווֹ֙ עַל־ NAS: that mighty kings have ruled KJV: There have been mighty kings INT: kings mighty have ruled over Daniel 2:40 Daniel 2:42 Daniel 4:3 Daniel 7:7 5 Occurrences |
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