(Aramaic) corresponding to בִּקְעָה; {properly, a split, i.e. a wide level valley between mountains}; plain.
Transliteration:biqʻâʼ
Pronunciation:bik-aw'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic term biqʻâʼ (H1236) corresponds directly to the Hebrew biqʻah (`{{H1237}}`). Its etymological root conveys the sense of "a split" or "a cleaving," which semantically extends to describe a geographical feature formed by a division in the landscape. Thus, its core meaning refers to a wide, level valley or plain, typically situated between mountains or elevated terrain. It signifies an open, expansive, and relatively flat area, distinct from narrow gorges or deep ravines. The emphasis is on spaciousness and accessibility, often implying suitability for settlement, agriculture, or large gatherings.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The Aramaic biqʻâʼ appears exclusively in the Book of Daniel, specifically in chapter 3, where it describes the location of Nebuchadnezzar's golden image:
* [[Daniel 3:1]]: "King Nebuchadnezzar made an image of gold, ninety feet high and nine feet wide, and set it up in the plain of Dura, in the province of Babylon." Here, the "plain of Dura" (biqʻâʼ of Dura) is presented as the vast, open expanse chosen for the erection of the colossal idol. The size of the image and the subsequent assembly of "satraps, prefects, governors, advisers, treasurers, judges, magistrates and all the other provincial officials" (v. 2) necessitate a large, accommodating space, which the biqʻâʼ provides.
* [[Daniel 3:30]]: The term is reiterated as the location where Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were promoted after their miraculous deliverance, confirming the same geographical setting for the preceding events.
In both instances, the biqʻâʼ serves as a public arena, a prominent stage for the king's display of power and, subsequently, for God's miraculous intervention. Its flatness and openness facilitate the gathering of a vast multitude, underscoring the public and undeniable nature of the events that transpired.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is its Hebrew counterpart, biqʻah (`{{H1237}}`), which carries the identical meaning of a wide, level valley or plain. Examples include the "plain of Jericho" ([[Deuteronomy 34:3]]) or the "valley of Lebanon" ([[Joshua 11:17]]). Both terms derive from a root signifying "to split" or "to cleave," illustrating how a plain can be perceived as land that has been opened up or split between higher geographical features.
Other Hebrew terms for geographical expanses include:
* ʻEmeq (`{{H6010}}`): Often refers to a deeper, more enclosed valley or glen, typically traversed by a stream.
* Nachal (`{{H5158}}`): Denotes a wadi or torrent-valley, often dry but prone to flash floods.
* Mishor (`{{H4334}}`): A level plain or plateau, also carrying connotations of straightness or uprightness.
While these terms share some semantic overlap with biqʻâʼ, the latter specifically emphasizes the broad, open, and flat nature of the terrain, making it particularly suitable for large-scale human activity, as seen in [[Daniel 3]].
### Theological Significance
The "plain of Dura" (biqʻâʼ of Dura) in [[Daniel 3]] is not merely a geographical detail but a crucible of theological significance. It represents the public stage where the ultimate authority is contested: Nebuchadnezzar's claim to universal worship versus the exclusive sovereignty of Yahweh. The king's choice of a vast biqʻâʼ for the idol's erection and the mandatory assembly highlights his desire for a public, undeniable display of his power and religious dominion.
However, this very public setting becomes the arena for God's counter-demonstration. The miraculous preservation of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace, witnessed by the assembled officials, transforms the biqʻâʼ from a place of idolatrous compulsion into a site of divine revelation. God's power is not hidden but openly displayed before the nations, challenging human pride and establishing His supreme authority. The biqʻâʼ thus symbolizes the world's stage where God's faithfulness is vindicated and His glory proclaimed, even in the face of immense human opposition.
### Summary
The Aramaic word biqʻâʼ (H1236) signifies a wide, level plain or valley, deriving from a root meaning "to split." Its sole occurrences in the biblical text are found in [[Daniel 3:1]] and [[Daniel 3:30]], referring to the "plain of Dura." This geographical setting is crucial to the narrative, serving as the expansive public arena where King Nebuchadnezzar erected his golden image and commanded universal worship. The biqʻâʼ in this context becomes the stage for a profound theological confrontation, highlighting both human idolatry and God's sovereign power. It underscores the public nature of the challenge faced by the three Hebrew exiles and the miraculous, undeniable deliverance wrought by God, demonstrating His supreme authority before all nations. Thus, biqʻâʼ encapsulates a place of both human defiance and divine triumph.
TRV