(Aramaic) corresponding to זְעֵירxlit zeʻêyr corrected to zᵉʻêyr; {small}; little.
Transliteration:zᵉʻêyr
Pronunciation:zeh-ayr'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word *zᵉʻêyr* (H2192) fundamentally denotes the concept of "small" or "little." Its semantic range is precise, primarily referring to diminished size, quantity, or significance. As an Aramaic term, its usage is confined to the Aramaic portions of the Old Testament, functioning as an adjective.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word *zᵉʻêyr* (H2192) appears in the Book of Daniel, specifically in the context of prophetic vision. Its sole significant occurrence is found in:
* [[Daniel 7:8]]: "While I was contemplating the horns, behold, another horn, a *little* one (זְעֵירָא), came up among them; before it three of the first horns were plucked out by the roots. And behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of a man, and a mouth speaking pompous words." Here, *zᵉʻêyr* describes the initial diminutive size of the "little horn," which later grows to become a powerful and boastful entity. The "smallness" is a key characteristic that contrasts with its subsequent actions and nature, suggesting an initially unassuming or overlooked appearance that belies its true, destructive potential. In prophetic literature, initial smallness can often symbolize humble beginnings, deceptive appearances, or a gradual, insidious rise to power.
### Related Words & Concepts
The Aramaic *zᵉʻêyr* (H2192) has a direct Hebrew cognate, *za'ir* (זָעִיר, `{{H2191}}`), which also means "small" or "little." This linguistic correspondence highlights the close relationship between the two Semitic languages. Other Hebrew terms conveying similar concepts of smallness or insignificance include:
* *qaṭan* (קָטָן, `{{H6996}}`): frequently used for smallness in size, age, or importance (e.g., "least," "youngest").
* *miẓʻar* (מִצְעָר, `{{H4705}}`): meaning "a little" or "a few," often referring to quantity.
The concept of something beginning small but growing significantly, whether for good (e.g., the mustard seed in the Gospels) or ill (e.g., the "little cloud" in [[1 Kings 18:44]]), is a recurring motif throughout biblical narrative and prophecy.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of *zᵉʻêyr* (H2192) is primarily derived from its singular, yet profound, usage in [[Daniel 7:8]]. The "little horn" represents a power that, though initially appearing insignificant or unassuming, possesses immense destructive potential and blasphemous ambition. This initial "smallness" serves as a deceptive facade, concealing its true nature and future actions. It underscores a crucial biblical principle: great power, whether for divine or malevolent purposes, can emerge from humble, overlooked, or seemingly negligible origins. The term highlights the stark contrast between outward appearance and inner reality, a theme prevalent in prophetic literature where God often chooses the "small" or "weak" to accomplish His purposes, but also where evil can rise from seemingly innocuous beginnings. The "little horn" grows to speak "great words against the Most High" and persecute the saints, demonstrating that initial smallness does not equate to a lack of power or malevolence. This serves as a potent warning against underestimating seemingly minor threats or dismissing what appears insignificant in the unfolding of history and prophecy.
### Summary
The Aramaic word *zᵉʻêyr* (H2192) precisely conveys the meaning of "small" or "little." Its sole significant occurrence in the biblical text is in [[Daniel 7:8]], where it describes the initial, unassuming appearance of the "little horn" in Daniel's prophetic vision. This term is a direct Aramaic cognate to the Hebrew *za'ir* (`{{H2191}}`) and relates to other Hebrew words denoting smallness or insignificance (e.g., `{{H6996}}`). Theologically, *zᵉʻêyr* in Daniel's prophecy emphasizes the deceptive nature of appearances, illustrating how a seemingly insignificant entity can grow into a formidable and blasphemous power. It underscores the prophetic theme of great forces emerging from humble or overlooked beginnings, serving as both a warning and a revelation of God's sovereign insight into future events.
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