### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **ṭîyn**, represented by `{{H2917}}`, is a specific term for **miry** clay. It appears only **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible. Its meaning is derived from its context within the prophecy of Daniel, where it describes a substance that is weak and unable to bond with stronger materials.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Both occurrences of `{{H2917}}` are found in the interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar's dream in the book of Daniel. The word is used to describe the feet and toes of the great image, which were made of iron mixed with **miry** clay [[Daniel 2:41]]. This mixture symbolizes a kingdom that will be divided and possess a combination of strength from the iron and brittleness from the clay. The prophecy further explains that this mixture, representing an attempt to "mingle themselves with the seed of men," will ultimately fail, as the components will not cleave to one another [[Daniel 2:43]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related Aramaic words provide a fuller picture of this prophetic imagery:
* `{{H2635}}` **chăçaph** (a clod; clay): This is the general word for the **clay** with which the iron is mixed. `{{H2917}}` specifies the "miry," or weak, quality of this **clay** [[Daniel 2:41]].
* `{{H6151}}` **ʻărab** (to commingle; mingle (self), mix): This verb describes the action of combining the iron with the **miry** clay. It is used to show both the attempt to unify and the ultimate failure of this mixture [[Daniel 2:43]].
* `{{H1693}}` **dᵉbaq** (to stick to; cleave): This word is used in the negative to state that the iron and clay will not **cleave** together, highlighting the inherent instability of the kingdom they represent [[Daniel 2:43]].
* `{{H6353}}` **pechâr** (a potter; potter): This word identifies the type of clay being used as **potters'** clay, emphasizing its earthen and fragile nature when compared to iron [[Daniel 2:41]].
### Theological Significance
The prophetic weight of `{{H2917}}` is significant within its limited context. It serves as a key symbol for understanding the nature of the final human kingdom in Daniel's prophecy.
* **Inherent Weakness:** The term **miry** communicates more than just "clay"; it implies a wet, soft, and unstable form that prevents a true and lasting bond with the iron, symbolizing inherent weakness in the kingdom's foundation [[Daniel 2:41]].
* **Symbol of Failed Union:** The prophecy uses the image of iron **mixed** with **miry** clay to illustrate a political or social union that cannot hold. The components are forced together but cannot **cleave**, representing a fragile alliance doomed to fail [[Daniel 2:43]].
* **Division and Brittleness:** The mixture described by `{{H2917}}` is the reason the kingdom is partly strong and partly broken [[Daniel 2:42]]. The **miry** quality ensures the kingdom can never achieve full, unified strength.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2917}}` is a highly specific term crucial to the interpretation of the image in Daniel 2. While used only twice, its meaning of **miry** clay is central to the prophetic illustration of a divided kingdom. It powerfully conveys the concept of a fragile foundation and an attempted union that is ultimately unsustainable because its components, like iron and weak clay, can never truly bond.
TRV