### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **yattîyr**, represented by `{{H3493}}`, is used to denote that which is **preeminent, excellent, or exceeding**. It appears **8 times** across **8 unique verses** in the Bible, exclusively within the book of Daniel. As both an adjective and an adverb, it signifies a superior quality or an exceptional degree.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the book of Daniel, `{{H3493}}` is applied to both people and things to emphasize their extraordinary nature. It describes the positive, God-given qualities of Daniel, who possessed an "**excellent** spirit" ([[Daniel 6:3]], [[Daniel 5:12]]) and "**excellent** wisdom" [[Daniel 5:14]]. It is also used to describe the overwhelming splendor of the image in Nebuchadnezzar's dream, whose brightness was "**excellent**" [[Daniel 2:31]]. As an adverb, it intensifies descriptions, such as the furnace being "**exceeding** hot" [[Daniel 3:22]] or the terrifying fourth beast being "strong **exceedingly**" [[Daniel 7:7]] and "**exceeding** dreadful" [[Daniel 7:19]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related Aramaic words provide context for the kind of superiority that **yattîyr** describes:
* `{{H2452}}` **chokmâh** (wisdom): This word is directly modified by `{{H3493}}` to describe the profound, divinely sourced "**excellent** wisdom" found in Daniel [[Daniel 5:14]].
* `{{H1763}}` **dᵉchal** (dreadful, fear, terrible): `{{H3493}}` acts as an intensifier for this word, highlighting the terrifying nature of the fourth beast in Daniel's vision, which was "**exceeding** dreadful" [[Daniel 7:19]].
* `{{H2122}}` **zîyv** (brightness, countenance): The "**excellent**" quality of the great image's "**brightness**" in Nebuchadnezzar's dream connects these two terms, conveying a splendor that was beyond ordinary [[Daniel 2:31]].
### Theological Significance
The narrative weight of `{{H3493}}` in Daniel is significant, as it consistently marks things that are at the pinnacle of their category, for good or for ill.
* **Superior Character:** The word elevates Daniel above his peers. His "**excellent** spirit" is the reason he is "preferred above the presidents and princes" [[Daniel 6:3]], showing that his distinction comes from a superior internal character.
* **Prophetic Emphasis:** When used adverbially, `{{H3493}}` underscores the sheer scale and intensity of prophetic events and entities, such as the immense power of the fourth beast [[Daniel 7:7]] and the urgency of the king's command [[Daniel 3:22]].
* **Majesty and Power:** The term is associated with the peak of earthly power and glory, describing the "**excellent** majesty" added to Nebuchadnezzar after his humbling [[Daniel 4:36]] and the impressive appearance of the image representing world empires [[Daniel 2:31]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3493}}` is a crucial Aramaic descriptor in the book of Daniel for expressing the ultimate degree of a quality. It is not merely a synonym for "very good" but a marker of the exceptional. It effectively contrasts the divinely endowed excellence of a faithful servant with the exceedingly dreadful power of prophetic beasts and the magnificent but transient splendor of human kingdoms.
TRV