### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **dᵉqaq**, represented by `{{H1855}}`, means **to crumble or (trans.) crush; break to pieces**. It appears 12 times across 9 unique verses in the Bible. This term is used to describe an action of forceful and complete shattering, whether applied to materials, political kingdoms, or living beings.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, all occurrences of `{{H1855}}` are found in the book of Daniel, where it is a key verb in both prophetic visions and historical accounts. It vividly portrays the destruction of worldly powers in Nebuchadnezzar's dream, where a stone smites the feet of a great image and **brake** them **to pieces** [[Daniel 2:34]]. This leads to the entire statue of gold, silver, brass, iron, and clay being **broken to pieces** together and becoming like chaff [[Daniel 2:35]]. The word is also used to describe the terrifying fourth beast in Daniel's vision, which **devoured** and **brake in pieces** [[Daniel 7:7]]. In a literal sense, it depicts the grim fate of Daniel's accusers, whose bones were **brake** in **pieces** by the lions [[Daniel 6:24]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words appear alongside `{{H1855}}` to describe the process and result of this destruction:
* `{{H4223}}` **mᵉchâʼ** (to strike in pieces; also to arrest; specifically to impale; hang, smite, stay): This describes the initial action that causes the shattering, as when the stone **smote** the image before it was broken to pieces [[Daniel 2:34]].
* `{{H2827}}` **chăshal** (to weaken, i.e. crush; subdue): Used to describe the inherent nature of the fourth kingdom, which, like iron, **breaketh in pieces** and **subdueth** all things [[Daniel 2:40]].
* `{{H399}}` **ʼăkal** (to eat (literally or figuratively); [phrase] accuse, devour, eat): This action often precedes the breaking, as when the fourth beast **devoured** and then **brake in pieces** [[Daniel 7:7]].
* `{{H7490}}` **rᵉʻaʻ** (properly, to spoil (literally, by breaking to pieces); figuratively, to make (or be) good fornothing, i.e. bad (physically, socially or morally); break, bruise): It is used in parallel with breaking to emphasize comprehensive destruction, where the fourth kingdom will **break in pieces** and **bruise** [[Daniel 2:40]].
* `{{H7512}}` **rᵉphaç** (to trample, i.e. prostrate; stamp): This action follows the breaking, as the beast **stamped** the residue with its feet, signifying total subjugation [[Daniel 7:19]].
* `{{H1759}}` **dûwsh** (to trample; tread down): The fourth kingdom is prophesied to devour the whole earth, and **tread it down**, and **break it in pieces** [[Daniel 7:23]].
* `{{H5487}}` **çûwph** (to come to an end; consume, fulfill): This describes the ultimate result, as God's kingdom will **break in pieces** and **consume** all earthly kingdoms [[Daniel 2:44]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H1855}}` is primarily prophetic, centered on the theme of divine judgment over human empires.
* **Destruction of Worldly Kingdoms:** The word is consistently used to prophesy the violent end of earthly powers, symbolized by the great statue [[Daniel 2:45]] and the dreadful beasts ([[Daniel 7:7]], [[Daniel 7:23]]).
* **Divine Sovereignty:** The power to **break in pieces** originates from God. It is His kingdom that will **break in pieces** and consume all other kingdoms [[Daniel 2:44]], and it is a stone "cut out without hands" that initiates this destruction [[Daniel 2:45]].
* **Irrevocable Judgment:** The shattering is absolute. The broken pieces of the statue become like chaff that the wind carries away "that no place was found for them," signifying a final and complete removal [[Daniel 2:35]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1855}}` is more than a simple verb for breaking; it is a term of divine and prophetic judgment. Used exclusively in Daniel, it powerfully conveys the complete and violent shattering of earthly powers. It serves as a stark illustration of God's ultimate authority and the certain end of all kingdoms that stand in opposition to His eternal reign.
TRV