(Aramaic) corresponding to יַתִּיר; preeminent; as an adverb, very; exceeding(-ly), excellent.
Transliteration:yattîyr
Pronunciation:yat-teer'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic term H3493 (yattîyr) carries a primary sense of *exceeding* or *surpassing* a norm, whether in quality or quantity. As an adjective, it denotes "preeminent," "excellent," or "superior," pointing to something that stands out above others in distinction or virtue. When functioning as an adverb, H3493 intensifies the action or quality it modifies, conveying "very," "exceedingly," or "abundantly." The core semantic range thus encompasses notions of superiority, intensity, and a degree that goes beyond the ordinary, often implying a remarkable or even overwhelming characteristic.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
H3493 appears exclusively in the Aramaic portions of the Old Testament, primarily in the book of Daniel, with one instance in Ezra. Its usage consistently highlights a superlative quality or an intense degree:
* **Describing Physical Attributes/Phenomena:**
* In [[Daniel 2:31]], the image seen by Nebuchadnezzar is described as "exceedingly bright," emphasizing its terrifying and awe-inspiring appearance.
* The fiery furnace in [[Daniel 3:22]] is "exceedingly hot," underscoring the extreme danger and the miraculous preservation of the three young men.
* The fourth beast in [[Daniel 7:7]] is "exceedingly strong," and later in [[Daniel 7:19]], it is "exceedingly dreadful," conveying its overwhelming power and terrifying nature.
* **Describing Human Qualities/States:**
* Nebuchadnezzar's restored kingdom is described as possessing "excellent majesty" in [[Daniel 4:36]], highlighting its renewed glory and preeminence.
* Daniel is repeatedly characterized by an "excellent spirit" ([[Daniel 5:12]], [[Daniel 6:3]]) and "excellent wisdom" ([[Daniel 6:3]]), signifying his exceptional discernment, integrity, and divine endowment.
* The little horn in [[Daniel 7:20]] is described as "more stout than his fellows," indicating its superior power and audacious claims.
* **Describing Actions/Provisions:**
* In [[Ezra 7:23]], the command is given to do "exceedingly" (or "fully") for the house of God, indicating a call for abundant and generous provision for the temple service.
Across these contexts, H3493 serves to emphasize the extraordinary nature of what is being described, whether it be the terrifying power of earthly empires, the miraculous intensity of divine judgment, or the exceptional qualities bestowed upon God's chosen servants.
### Related Words & Concepts
H3493 is an Aramaic word and is noted to correspond to a similar Hebrew concept. While the lemma itself is H3493, its conceptual relatives in Hebrew often derive from the root `{{H3498}}` (yathar), meaning "to remain, be left over, excel." This root gives rise to:
* `{{H3499}}` (yether): "remnant, rest, excellence, preeminence."
* `{{H3148}}` (yoter): "more, exceedingly."
These Hebrew terms share the core idea of something being *in excess* or *superior*.
Conceptually, H3493 aligns with ideas of:
* **Excellence:** As seen in Daniel's spirit and wisdom.
* **Superiority/Preeminence:** In the context of Nebuchadnezzar's kingdom or the little horn's power.
* **Intensity/Abundance:** Describing the heat of the furnace or the provisions for the temple.
* **Dread/Terror:** Highlighting the overwhelming nature of the prophetic beasts.
In the Greek New Testament, similar concepts are conveyed by words like `{{G4053}}` (perissos), meaning "exceeding, abundant, superfluous," and `{{G5235}}` (huperballo), meaning "to throw beyond, to surpass, excel."
### Theological Significance
The theological import of H3493 lies in its capacity to magnify various aspects of divine truth.
* **Divine Sovereignty over Power:** When describing the "exceedingly strong" and "exceedingly dreadful" beasts in Daniel, H3493 underscores the terrifying might of earthly kingdoms and their rebellion against God. Yet, the very intensity of their power serves to highlight the even greater, ultimate sovereignty of the Ancient of Days, who judges and brings them to an end. God's control extends even over the most formidable and arrogant human and demonic forces.
* **Divine Endowments for Service:** Daniel's "excellent spirit" and "excellent wisdom" are not merely personal attributes but are presented as gifts from God, enabling him to serve faithfully in a pagan court and interpret divine mysteries. This emphasizes God's gracious provision and equipping of His servants with extraordinary abilities for His purposes, demonstrating that true excellence comes from Him.
* **The Nature of God's Judgment and Protection:** The "exceedingly hot" furnace illustrates the severity of human opposition to God's will, but simultaneously magnifies God's miraculous power to preserve His faithful ones even in the face of such extreme danger. The "exceedingly bright" image, though a symbol of human pride, is ultimately destined for destruction by divine decree, showcasing the overwhelming power of God's judgment.
* **Call to Abundant Devotion:** In Ezra, the command to do "exceedingly" for the house of God reflects a theological principle of generosity and wholehearted devotion in worship and service. It implies that our offerings to God should not be minimal but abundant, mirroring His own lavish grace and provision.
### Summary
H3493 (yattîyr) is an Aramaic term signifying "preeminence," "excellence," or an "exceeding" degree. Used as both an adjective and an adverb in Daniel and Ezra, it consistently highlights a superlative quality or an intense degree. In Daniel, it describes the terrifying power of earthly empires and phenomena (e.g., "exceedingly strong" beasts, "exceedingly hot" furnace) as well as the divinely-endowed qualities of His servants (e.g., Daniel's "excellent spirit" and "excellent wisdom"). In Ezra, it denotes the abundant provision required for the temple. Theologically, H3493 serves to underscore God's ultimate sovereignty over all power, His gracious endowment of His people for His purposes, and the call to abundant devotion in His service. It emphasizes that which is extraordinary, whether in human capacity, natural phenomena, or divine judgment and provision, always pointing to a reality that surpasses the ordinary.
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