### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic term גַּף (gaph, `{{H1611}}`) denotes "wing." Its primary semantic range is narrow, referring specifically to the anatomical appendage used for flight, most commonly associated with birds or winged creatures. The Strong's definition notes its correspondence to a Hebrew term, which is most readily identified with כָּנָף (kānāph, `{{H3671}}`), also meaning "wing" or "extremity." While the Hebrew kānāph can extend metaphorically to concepts like the "skirt of a garment," "corner," or "protection" (as in "under God's wings"), the Aramaic gaph as it appears in the biblical text maintains a more literal and direct meaning of a physical wing, though always within a highly symbolic context.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word gaph (`{{H1611}}`) appears exclusively in the Aramaic portions of the Book of Daniel, specifically within the visionary prophecies of Daniel chapter 7.
* In [[Daniel 7:4]], gaph describes the "eagle's wings" of the first beast, which resembles a lion. The imagery of eagle's wings signifies immense speed and predatory power, characteristic of the Babylonian Empire. The subsequent plucking of these wings and the beast being made to stand on two feet like a man, receiving a human mind, denotes a loss of this swift, predatory nature and perhaps a period of humbling or transformation for the kingdom.
* In [[Daniel 7:6]], gaph refers to the "four wings of a bird" on the back of the third beast, which is like a leopard. The presence of four wings emphasizes extraordinary swiftness and agility, a fitting description for the Grecian Empire under Alexander the Great, known for its rapid conquests. The multiplicity of wings (four) may also subtly hint at the subsequent division of Alexander's empire into four main Hellenistic kingdoms after his death.
In both instances, gaph is integral to the symbolic portrayal of the empires, conveying their defining characteristics of speed, power, and the dynamic nature of their rise and fall.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word is the Hebrew כָּנָף (kānāph, `{{H3671}}`), which shares the primary meaning of "wing" and often carries broader metaphorical implications in the Hebrew Bible. For example, kānāph is used to describe the protective care of God ([[Psalm 91:4]], [[Ruth 2:12]]), the "corners" or "skirts" of garments ([[Numbers 15:38]], [[Deuteronomy 22:12]]), or the "extremities" of the earth ([[Isaiah 24:16]]). While gaph in Daniel is confined to its literal sense within symbolic visions, understanding the wider biblical semantic field of "wing" enriches the appreciation of its chosen use. The concept of "wings" in these prophetic visions is also intrinsically linked to the broader biblical theme of divine sovereignty over earthly kingdoms and the use of animal imagery to represent nations and their attributes.
### Theological Significance
The appearance of gaph within Daniel's visions carries profound theological significance.
* **Divine Revelation and Symbolism:** The use of gaph contributes to the rich tapestry of symbolic imagery through which God reveals His sovereign plan for history. The wings are not merely descriptive but are packed with meaning, conveying crucial information about the nature and trajectory of world empires.
* **God's Sovereignty over Empires:** The changing states of the wings (plucked, multiple) underscore the transient and divinely controlled nature of human power. Even the swiftest and most powerful empires, symbolized by winged beasts, operate under God's ultimate authority and are subject to His will and timing.
* **Precision of Prophecy:** The specific details conveyed by the gaph imagery (e.g., the extraordinary speed of the leopard-like beast) contribute to the remarkable precision of Daniel's prophecies, which found clear fulfillment in subsequent historical developments. This reinforces the trustworthiness and divine origin of the prophetic word.
* **Comfort and Warning:** For the exiled Israelites, these visions, including the details about the wings, offered both comfort that God was in control despite the formidable nature of their oppressors, and a warning to those who would oppose His divine purposes.
### Summary
The Aramaic word גַּף (gaph, `{{H1611}}`) means "wing" and is found exclusively in the Book of Daniel. In its two occurrences ([[Daniel 7:4]], [[Daniel 7:6]]), gaph describes the literal wings of symbolic beasts within prophetic visions, signifying the swiftness, power, and dynamic nature of earthly empires. While its semantic range is narrower than its Hebrew counterpart כָּנָף (kānāph, `{{H3671}}`), its use in Daniel is crucial for conveying the specific characteristics of the kingdoms. Theologically, gaph highlights God's sovereign control over human history, the precise nature of divine prophecy, and the transient nature of earthly power in contrast to God's eternal dominion.
TRV