(Aramaic) corresponding to יָסַף; {to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)}; add.
Transliteration:yᵉçaph
Pronunciation:yes-af'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic verb H3255 (יְסַף, *yᵉçaph*) directly corresponds to the Hebrew H3254 (יָסַף, *yasaph*). Its fundamental meaning encompasses "to add," "to increase," or "to augment." A significant nuance of this verb, particularly evident in its Hebrew counterpart and inferable for the Aramaic, is its frequent adverbial usage. In this sense, it conveys the idea of "to continue to do a thing," "to do again," or "furthermore." This indicates a repetition, continuation, or an additional action. Thus, its semantic range includes not only quantitative increase but also durative or iterative actions.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
As an Aramaic word, H3255 is found exclusively in the Aramaic portions of the Old Testament, primarily within the book of Daniel. Its most direct and clear occurrence demonstrating the core meaning of "to add" or "to augment" is found in:
* **[[Daniel 4:36]]**: "At the same time my reason returned to me, and for the glory of my kingdom, my majesty and splendor were restored to me. My counselors and my lords sought me out, and I was reestablished in my kingdom, and still more greatness was added to me." Here, the Piel perfect form יַסִּיף (*yassiyph*) is used, clearly indicating that "more greatness was added" to Nebuchadnezzar by divine decree. This verse powerfully illustrates God's sovereign ability not only to restore what was lost but also to *augment* it, bestowing even greater honor after a period of divine discipline and the king's subsequent recognition of God's supremacy.
While the "adverbial" sense of "to continue" is more frequently observed with the Hebrew H3254, the inherent connection between the two lemmas suggests that H3255 could carry similar implications of ongoing or repeated action within its broader semantic field, even if not explicitly rendered as such in its limited Aramaic occurrences.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word is its Hebrew cognate, H3254 (יָסַף, *yasaph*). This Hebrew verb shares the core meaning of "to add" or "to increase" but is far more pervasive in the Old Testament, often conveying the sense of "to do again" or "to continue" an action. For instance, in [[Genesis 4:2]], Cain "again" (יָסַף) brought an offering. The conceptual connections extend to ideas of increase, continuation, repetition, restoration, and augmentation. Other related concepts might include words denoting abundance, surplus, or persistence.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H3255 is primarily drawn from its usage in [[Daniel 4:36]], where it highlights several profound truths:
* **Divine Restoration and Abundance**: The word underscores God's power to restore. After Nebuchadnezzar's humbling experience and his subsequent acknowledgment of the Most High God, not only was his kingdom and sanity restored, but "more greatness was added" to him. This speaks to God's abundant grace and His capacity to bless beyond the initial state, providing a surplus of honor and majesty. It teaches that divine restoration can often lead to a state even greater than before, demonstrating God's generosity.
* **Sovereignty and Humility**: The "adding" of greatness is a direct result of God's action, following Nebuchadnezzar's recognition of divine sovereignty. This illustrates the principle that true elevation and blessing come from God, often after a period of humility and submission to His will.
* **God's Unwavering Purpose**: While less direct for H3255 itself, its connection to H3254 (which often conveys "to continue") subtly points to the enduring and consistent nature of God's purposes. God "continues" to work in the affairs of humanity, bringing about His will through both judgment and restoration.
### Summary
H3255 (יְסַף, *yᵉçaph*) is an Aramaic verb meaning "to add," "to augment," or "to increase." It serves as the Aramaic equivalent of the more frequently occurring Hebrew H3254 (יָסַף, *yasaph*), which often carries the additional nuance of "to continue" or "to do again." Its most notable biblical appearance is in [[Daniel 4:36]], where it describes the divine act of "adding" majesty and honor to King Nebuchadnezzar. Theologically, yᵉçaph powerfully illustrates God's capacity for abundant restoration and blessing, often exceeding prior states, contingent upon human humility and recognition of His supreme sovereignty.
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