(Aramaic) corresponding to זָקַף; to hang, i.e. impale; set up.
Transliteration:zᵉqaph
Pronunciation:zek-af'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic verb H2211 (זְקַף, *zᵉqaph*) is defined as corresponding to the Hebrew H2186 (זָקַף, *zaqaph*). While the Hebrew counterpart primarily signifies "to lift up, raise, erect, or set upright," the Aramaic H2211 carries a more specific and potent semantic range. Its base definition includes "to hang," "to impale," and "to set up." This indicates a range from the neutral act of establishing something upright to the severe act of execution by suspension or impalement, a common form of public punishment and display in the ancient Near East. The inclusion of "impale" suggests a particularly harsh and public form of death or display, often associated with demonstrating absolute power and deterring rebellion.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verbal root H2211 itself does not appear in its base form within the biblical text. However, its derived Aramaic form, H2212 (זְקִיף, *zeqiyph*), which functions as a participle or adjective meaning "set up" or "standing," is found in [[Daniel 2:31]].
In [[Daniel 2:31]], the text describes Nebuchadnezzar's dream: "You, O king, were looking, and behold a great image. This image, mighty and of surpassing splendor, was standing before you, and its appearance was awesome." Here, zeqiyph (from the root H2211) describes the imposing and erect posture of the colossal statue. In this context, the meaning aligns with "set up" or "standing," emphasizing the image's formidable presence and the king's perception of its power and magnificence. While the verse utilizes the "set up" aspect of the root's semantic range, the broader definition of H2211 reminds us of the harsh realities of ancient Near Eastern power, where "setting up" could also refer to the gruesome display of impaled bodies as a deterrent.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is its Hebrew cognate, H2186 (זָקַף, *zaqaph*), which shares the core meaning of "to lift up" or "to set upright." However, H2186 has a broader and often more positive connotation, as seen in passages like [[Psalm 145:14]] where the Lord "lifts up all who are bowed down," or [[Psalm 146:8]] where He "lifts up those who are bowed down."
In contrast, the Aramaic H2211 explicitly includes the severe sense of "to hang" or "to impale," suggesting a more specific application within the legal and punitive systems of the Aramaic-speaking empires. The only biblical occurrence of a form from this root, H2212 (זְקִיף), is a participle, emphasizing the state of being "set up" or "standing." This highlights the connection between the act of setting something upright and its potential for public display, whether of a magnificent idol or a brutal execution. The concept of "erection" or "setting up" is central, whether for worship, monumental display, or punitive action.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H2211, primarily through its derived form in [[Daniel 2:31]], lies in its portrayal of human power and its ultimate fragility. The "standing" or "erect" image in Nebuchadnezzar's dream represents the succession of human empires, built by human hands and aspiring to enduring power. The very act of "setting up" such an image speaks to human ambition and the desire to create lasting monuments to earthly authority.
However, the divine interpretation of the dream reveals that this impressive, "standing" image is ultimately shattered by a stone "cut without hands" ([[Daniel 2:34]]), signifying God's sovereign and irresistible kingdom. This underscores a profound theological truth: human constructs of power, no matter how grand or "set up" they may appear, are transient and will eventually yield to the eternal kingdom of God.
Furthermore, the broader semantic range of H2211, encompassing "impaling," implicitly reminds the reader of the harsh, often cruel, nature of human rule in contrast to the just and merciful reign of God. While [[Daniel 2:31]] uses the benign "set up" meaning, the underlying root's potential for brutal execution methods highlights the vast difference between earthly dominion and divine kingship, which is characterized by justice and righteousness, not arbitrary violence or display.
### Summary
The Aramaic word H2211 (זְקַף, *zᵉqaph*) carries a primary meaning of "to set up," but also includes the more severe connotations of "to hang" or "to impale," reflecting ancient Near Eastern practices. While the verbal root itself is not found in its base form in the biblical text, its derived participle H2212 (זְקִיף, *zeqiyph*) appears in [[Daniel 2:31]]. In this sole biblical occurrence, it describes the "standing" or "erect" nature of the great image in Nebuchadnezzar's dream, emphasizing its imposing presence. The theological significance lies in the contrast between the temporary, human-erected structures of power and the eternal, divinely established kingdom, implicitly highlighting the difference between human and divine forms of justice and authority.
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