Lexical Summary teqeph: Strength, power, force Original Word: תְּקֵף Strong's Exhaustive Concordance make firm, harden, become strong (Aramaic) corresponding to taqaph; to become (causatively, make) mighty or (figuratively) obstinate -- make firm, harden, be(-come) strong. see HEBREW taqaph NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) corresponding to taqeph Definition to grow strong NASB Translation became so proud (1), became strong (1), enforce (1), grew strong (1), grown strong (1). Topical Lexicon Biblical Occurrences The term appears five times, all within the narratives of Daniel (Daniel 4:11, 20, 22; 5:20; 6:7). In the first three texts the greatness of Nebuchadnezzar’s kingdom is pictured as a tree that “grew large and strong” (Daniel 4:11), its vigor towering until God cuts it down. In Daniel 5:20 the same word describes a king’s “spirit hardened in pride,” revealing how self-exaltation turns imagined strength into ruin. Finally, Daniel 6:7 shows administrators urging Darius to “enforce” an irrevocable decree, an exercise of political power that collides with Daniel’s higher loyalty to God. Theological Themes 1. Temporal versus sovereign power. The mighty tree and the iron-clad decree look unassailable, yet both yield to the Most High. The word consistently points to human power that is only provisional. Historical Context and Application Daniel prophesied to exiles surrounded by imperial power. The repeated use of the word reminds the faithful that no empire—Babylonian or Persian—can secure its throne apart from God. Believers today, likewise surrounded by political, cultural, or ideological pressures, are called to recognize the fleeting nature of earthly might and to anchor their confidence in the unchanging reign of God (Daniel 4:34-35). Lessons for Ministry • Leadership: True authority is exercised in humility. Pastors and elders avoid Nebuchadnezzar’s error by remembering that any influence entrusted to them is derivative. Christological Perspective Where human rulers wield coercive strength, Jesus embodies transcendent authority expressed in self-giving. Earthly kings demand worship; Christ, the true King, “emptied Himself” (Philippians 2:7). His resurrection vindicates the conviction that lasting dominion is secured not by force but by righteousness. Practical Reflections • Personal: In moments of influence or success, pause to echo Daniel’s confession, “He does as He pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth” (Daniel 4:35). Summary Every occurrence of the word in Daniel sets human strength against divine supremacy. Whether describing a flourishing empire, an arrogant heart, or a seemingly irrevocable law, Scripture presses the reader to see that real power belongs to God alone and is best displayed through humble dependence on Him. Forms and Transliterations וּלְתַקָּפָ֖ה וּתְקִ֑ף וּתְקֵ֑פְתְּ ולתקפה ותקף ותקפת תִּֽקְפַ֣ת תקפת tikFat tiq·p̄aṯ tiqp̄aṯ ū·lə·ṯaq·qā·p̄āh ū·ṯə·qê·p̄ət ū·ṯə·qip̄ uletakkaFah ūləṯaqqāp̄āh uteKefet uteKif ūṯəqêp̄ət ūṯəqip̄Links Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Daniel 4:11 HEB: רְבָ֥ה אִֽילָנָ֖א וּתְקִ֑ף וְרוּמֵהּ֙ יִמְטֵ֣א NAS: grew large and became strong And its height KJV: grew, and was strong, and the height INT: grew the tree and became height reached Daniel 4:20 Daniel 4:22 Daniel 5:20 Daniel 6:7 5 Occurrences |
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