Word Study for H3255 (יְסַף) | Strong's Concordance

yᵉçaph /yes-af'/ Ask about this word

Root(Aramaic) corresponding to יָסַף

Meaning(to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing))

KJV usageadd.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of yᵉçaph — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Aramaic word yᵉçaph, represented by H3255, means to add or augment. It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible. Its definition corresponds to the Hebrew word יָסַף and signifies the concept of addition, often in the sense of continuing or augmenting something.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

The sole biblical use of H3255 is found in the testimony of King Nebuchadnezzar after his restoration from a period of madness. He declares that after his reason and honor returned and he was re-established in his kingdom, "excellent majesty was added unto me" Daniel 4:36. Here, the word describes an increase or augmentation of his royal splendor, going beyond a simple return to his previous state.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related Aramaic words appear alongside H3255 in its single context, highlighting the theme of restoration:

H8421 tûwb (to come back; restore, return): This word appears twice in the same verse, describing how Nebuchadnezzar's reason and his honor "returned" to him Daniel 4:36. Its use establishes the theme of restoration that precedes the addition of majesty.
H8627 tᵉqan (to straighten up, i.e. confirm; establish): This term is used to show that Nebuchadnezzar was "established" in his kingdom, signifying a confirmation and securing of his rule following his period of affliction Daniel 4:36.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of H3255 is concentrated in its single, powerful context:

Divine Restoration and Increase: The word signifies that God's restoration is not merely a return to a former state but can include an increase. Nebuchadnezzar's majesty was not just restored; it was augmented or added to Daniel 4:36.
The Culmination of Humility: The "adding" of majesty is the final step in a process that began with Nebuchadnezzar's humbling. His kingdom was established H8627 and his reason returned H8421, and this addition of splendor serves as the ultimate sign of divine favor upon him.

Summary

In summary, H3255 is a specific Aramaic term whose meaning is precisely illustrated in its lone biblical appearance. It conveys more than simple addition; it represents a divine augmentation that serves as the capstone to King Nebuchadnezzar's restoration. The word captures the principle that when God restores, He can also elevate and increase, confirming His power and grace Daniel 4:36.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Hebrew Old Testament, this word appears as a verb across 1 occurrence, inflected in 1 grammatical form — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form. Select any form to read what each part of its name means, and to filter the occurrence list to it.

הוּסְפַת

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

1 verse, all in Daniel — and none of the other 38 Old Testament books.

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, by grammatical form, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.