(Aramaic) perhaps, by interchange, for a word corresponding to טִיט; clay; miry.
Transliteration:ṭîyn
Pronunciation:teen
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic lemma ṭîyn (`{{H2917}}`) denotes "clay" or "mire." Its base definition suggests a close linguistic and semantic relationship with the Hebrew term ṭîṭ (`{{H2916}}`), which also signifies "mire," "clay," or "mud." This interchangeability points to a shared understanding across the Semitic languages of this common earthy material. Ṭîyn refers to a soft, pliable, often wet earth, capable of being molded or, conversely, becoming an impediment or a sign of instability.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ṭîyn (`{{H2917}}`) appears exclusively in the book of Daniel, within the Aramaic portions, specifically in the second chapter. It is central to the interpretation of King Nebuchadnezzar's prophetic dream of a great statue.
* In [[Daniel 2:33]], [[Daniel 2:34]], [[Daniel 2:35]], [[Daniel 2:41]], [[Daniel 2:42]], and [[Daniel 2:43]], ṭîyn consistently describes the feet and toes of the statue, which are composed of a mixture of iron and clay.
* The significant characteristic emphasized in these verses is the inability of the clay to cohere or mix effectively with the iron. For instance, [[Daniel 2:43]] states, "they will mingle themselves with the seed of men; but they will not adhere to one another, just as iron does not mix with clay."
* Contextually, the "clay" element represents a future kingdom that, despite its attempts at strength (iron), possesses an inherent weakness and internal division. This mixture renders the final kingdom fragile and ultimately unstable, making it vulnerable to the stone "cut out of the mountain without hands" ([[Daniel 2:34]]), which shatters the entire statue. The clay, by its very nature, contributes to the overall brittleness and eventual collapse of the human empires it represents.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic parallel to ṭîyn (`{{H2917}}`) is the Hebrew ṭîṭ (`{{H2916}}`), which shares the identical core meaning of "mire," "clay," or "mud." This highlights the close lexical relationship between Aramaic and Hebrew.
Other related concepts include:
* **Earth/Dust:** The foundational material of creation (e.g., 'aphar `{{H6083}}`, dust of the ground from which humanity was formed). Clay is a refined form of earth.
* **Potter's Clay:** While ṭîyn itself does not explicitly denote "potter's clay," the general concept of clay often evokes imagery of shaping, molding, and divine sovereignty (e.g., God as the potter and humanity as the clay).
* **Weakness and Fragility:** In the context of Daniel 2, ṭîyn vividly portrays inherent weakness, brittleness, and instability when combined with a stronger element like iron.
* **Incompatible Mixtures:** The inability of clay to bind with iron speaks to the broader concept of disparate elements that cannot truly unite, leading to internal strife and ultimate failure.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ṭîyn (`{{H2917}}`) is profoundly shaped by its metaphorical use in Daniel 2, offering insights into human governance and divine sovereignty.
* **Human Frailty and Impermanence:** The "clay" element in the statue's feet symbolizes the inherent fragility and transient nature of human kingdoms. Unlike the more durable metals, clay is easily broken, underscoring the limited lifespan and ultimate vulnerability of all earthly powers.
* **Internal Division and Instability:** The mixture of iron and clay, which cannot cohere, represents a kingdom plagued by internal divisions and incompatible alliances. This illustrates the futility of human attempts to forge lasting unity or strength when fundamental elements are at odds, leading to an intrinsically unstable foundation. It serves as a commentary on the self-destructive nature of human ambition apart from divine cohesion.
* **Divine Sovereignty and Triumph:** The very weakness of the clay-and-iron feet makes the statue susceptible to the "stone cut out of the mountain without hands." This stone, representing God's eternal and indestructible kingdom, utterly shatters the composite human empires. The presence of ṭîyn in the final kingdom's foundation contributes significantly to its ultimate demise, thereby magnifying God's power to establish an everlasting kingdom that will consume all others. It is a powerful testament to the ultimate triumph of divine order over human constructs.
### Summary
Ṭîyn (`{{H2917}}`) is an Aramaic term for "clay" or "mire," closely related to the Hebrew ṭîṭ (`{{H2916}}`). Its primary and most significant biblical usage is found in Daniel 2, where it describes the feet of Nebuchadnezzar's prophetic statue. In this context, ṭîyn symbolizes the inherent weakness, fragility, and internal division that characterize a future human kingdom. The inability of ṭîyn to mix with iron powerfully illustrates the futility of human attempts at lasting unity and the inherent instability of worldly powers built on incompatible foundations. Theologically, it underscores the transient and vulnerable nature of human empires in stark contrast to the enduring and ultimately triumphant kingdom of God, which will shatter all earthly opposition. It serves as a profound reminder of divine sovereignty and the ultimate fragility of human constructs.
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