(Aramaic) or (shortened) גּוּחַ; (Aramaic), corresponding to גִּיחַlemma גּיחַ missing vowel, corrected to גִּיחַ; to rush forth; strive.
Transliteration:gîyach
Pronunciation:ghee'-akh
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic lemma גִּיחַ (gîyach), Strong's `{{H1519}}`, denotes the action of "to rush forth" or "to strive." Its semantic range primarily encompasses vigorous, forceful movement, particularly in the context of conflict or exertion. While the base definition also notes a shortened form גּוּחַ and a correspondence to the Hebrew גִּיחַ (`{{H1518}}`), which often refers to "bursting forth" or "issuing" (as in birth or gushing water), the Aramaic `{{H1519}}` specifically emphasizes the aggressive or contentious aspect of this forceful emergence. It conveys an active, determined, and often hostile engagement.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The Aramaic verb גִּיחַ (`{{H1519}}`) appears only once in the biblical text, making its singular context profoundly significant for understanding its meaning. This sole occurrence is found in the book of Daniel:
* [[Daniel 7:21]]: "I beheld, and the same horn *made war* with the saints, and prevailed against them, until the Ancient of Days came and judgment was given to the saints of the Most High, and the time came when the saints possessed the kingdom."
In this prophetic vision, the "little horn" is depicted as an oppressive power that actively opposes God's people. The phrase translated "made war" (יָתְהוּא גִּיחַ) uses `{{H1519}}` to describe the horn's aggressive and forceful striving against the saints. The context is one of intense spiritual and earthly conflict, where the horn's "rushing forth" or "striving" is directed in a hostile manner, leading to a period of prevailing over the saints. This single usage underscores the word's capacity to convey violent, determined opposition.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most immediate related term is its Hebrew cognate, גִּיחַ (`{{H1518}}`). While `{{H1518}}` is broader, encompassing the "bursting forth" of water, the pangs of childbirth, or even the sun's rising, it shares the core sense of forceful emergence. The Aramaic `{{H1519}}` appears to narrow this semantic field to the context of aggressive striving or conflict.
Other related concepts, though not direct lexical cognates, include:
* Verbs of conflict and struggle: Hebrew terms such as `{{H6148}}` (ʿāraq, "to strive, contend"), `{{H7378}}` (rîḇ, "to contend, strive"), or `{{H4421}}` (milḥāmāh, "war, battle") capture the essence of the "striving" aspect.
* Verbs of forceful onset or attack: Terms describing a sudden, aggressive movement, though `{{H1519}}` uniquely combines the idea of "rushing forth" with "striving" in a combative sense.
### Theological Significance
Despite its singular occurrence, the theological significance of גִּיחַ (`{{H1519}}`) in [[Daniel 7:21]] is profound. It vividly portrays the reality of spiritual warfare and the active, aggressive opposition that God's people face from hostile powers. The "little horn" does not merely exist; it *strives* and *rushes forth* in conflict against the saints, indicating a deliberate and forceful campaign of persecution.
This word highlights:
1. **The Nature of Opposition:** It reveals the active and violent nature of the forces arrayed against God's kingdom and His people in the eschatological drama. The "striving" is not passive but an intense, determined engagement.
2. **The Saints' Experience:** It acknowledges the very real suffering and oppression experienced by believers in the face of such aggressive powers, as the horn "prevailed against them."
3. **Divine Sovereignty:** Crucially, [[Daniel 7:21]] does not end with the horn's triumph. The verse immediately transitions to the coming of the "Ancient of Days" and the ultimate judgment and victory given to the saints. Thus, while גִּיחַ describes the intense struggle, it is set within a larger narrative of God's ultimate triumph and the establishment of His eternal kingdom. The striving of the enemy is real, but finite, and ultimately overcome by divine intervention.
### Summary
The Aramaic lemma גִּיחַ (`{{H1519}}`) carries the core meaning of "to rush forth" or "to strive," emphasizing forceful and often hostile engagement. Its sole biblical appearance in [[Daniel 7:21]] powerfully describes the aggressive "war-making" of the "little horn" against the saints, portraying a deliberate and intense spiritual conflict. While related to the Hebrew `{{H1518}}` (which denotes a broader "bursting forth"), `{{H1519}}` specifically highlights the contentious aspect of this forceful emergence. Theologically, this word underscores the reality of active opposition faced by God's people, yet it is situated within the overarching narrative of divine sovereignty and the ultimate triumph of the Ancient of Days over all adversarial forces.
TRV