(Aramaic) corresponding to יַקִּיר; {precious}; noble, rare.
Transliteration:yaqqîyr
Pronunciation:yak-keer'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic term `{{H3358}}` (yaqqîyr) carries the core meaning of "precious," extending its semantic range to include concepts of "noble," "rare," and "excellent." As an Aramaic word, its usage is primarily confined to the Aramaic sections of the Old Testament, particularly the book of Daniel. The definition notes its correspondence to a Hebrew term, likely `{{H3357}}` (yaqqîr) or `{{H3368}}` (yaqar), both of which convey similar notions of value, costliness, and esteem. Thus, `{{H3358}}` describes something that is not merely valuable in a monetary sense, but profoundly significant, unique, or of high quality, often implying a degree of difficulty or extraordinary nature due to its rarity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H3358}}` appears twice in the book of Daniel, each instance illuminating a facet of its meaning:
1. **[[Daniel 2:11]]**: "The thing that the king asks is *difficult* (yaqqîyr), and there is no one else who can tell it to the king except the gods, whose dwelling is not with flesh." Here, yaqqîyr is often translated as "difficult," "hard," or "extraordinary." The context is Nebuchadnezzar's demand for his forgotten dream and its interpretation. The Chaldean wise men declare the king's request to be beyond human capacity, implying its rarity and the precious, inaccessible nature of such divine knowledge. It underscores the unique power of God to reveal what is otherwise hidden and impossible for mortals to ascertain. The "preciousness" here lies in the unparalleled nature of the demand and the revelation required.
2. **[[Daniel 5:14]]**: "I have heard of you that the spirit of the gods is in you, and that light and understanding and *excellent* (yaqqîyr) wisdom are found in you." In this verse, Belshazzar's mother describes Daniel's wisdom as yaqqîyr. Here, the meaning shifts to "excellent," "precious," or "noble." Daniel's wisdom is not merely good; it is of a supremely high quality, divinely endowed, and therefore highly esteemed. This usage highlights the intrinsic value and superior nature of wisdom that originates from a divine source, setting Daniel apart from the other wise men.
In both instances, `{{H3358}}` describes something of immense value or extraordinary quality, whether it be a king's demanding request that only God can fulfill, or a divinely inspired wisdom that surpasses all human understanding.
### Related Words & Concepts
As an Aramaic word, `{{H3358}}` is closely related to its Hebrew cognates, particularly `{{H3357}}` (yaqqîr) and `{{H3368}}` (yaqar), which also convey meanings of "precious," "costly," and "honored." These words collectively form a semantic field emphasizing value, esteem, and rarity. Concepts related to `{{H3358}}` include:
* **Divine Revelation**: The "difficult" or "extraordinary" nature of God's hidden knowledge, which only He can disclose ([[Daniel 2:11]]).
* **Supernatural Wisdom**: The "excellent" or "precious" wisdom given by God, distinguishing those who possess it ([[Daniel 5:14]]).
* **Uniqueness/Rarity**: Something that is not common or easily obtained, thus possessing special value.
* **Honor/Esteem**: The high regard given to something or someone of exceptional quality.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H3358}}` in the book of Daniel primarily revolves around the sovereignty and unique wisdom of God. In [[Daniel 2:11]], the "extraordinary" nature of the king's demand serves to underscore the absolute inability of human wisdom (represented by the Chaldean wise men) to penetrate divine mysteries. It elevates God as the sole source of true knowledge and revelation, highlighting the preciousness and inaccessibility of His counsel apart from His gracious disclosure. This points to human limitation and divine omnipotence.
In [[Daniel 5:14]], yaqqîyr describes Daniel's wisdom as "excellent" or "precious," directly attributing it to "the spirit of the gods" (or "the Spirit of God" in a monotheistic interpretation). This demonstrates that true, superior wisdom is a divine gift, not merely a product of human intellect or study. It elevates wisdom to a sacred endowment, making those who possess it uniquely capable of discerning and interpreting divine matters. The word thus reinforces the theme of God's active involvement in human affairs, granting specific individuals extraordinary abilities for His purposes. It also implicitly highlights the value God places on such wisdom, as it is deemed "precious" or "noble."
### Summary
The Aramaic term `{{H3358}}` (yaqqîyr) signifies "precious," "noble," "rare," or "excellent." Its two occurrences in the book of Daniel provide profound theological insights. In [[Daniel 2:11]], it describes the king's demand as "extraordinary" or "difficult," emphasizing that divine mysteries are beyond human grasp and only God can reveal them, thus underscoring God's unique sovereignty and the preciousness of His revelation. In [[Daniel 5:14]], it characterizes Daniel's wisdom as "excellent" or "precious," indicating that true, superior wisdom is a divine endowment. Collectively, `{{H3358}}` highlights the unique, invaluable nature of God's wisdom and revelation, and the divine source of true excellence in humanity, thereby exalting God's supreme power and knowledge.
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