(Aramaic) corresponding to סָגַד; {to prostrate oneself (in homage)}; worship.
Transliteration:çᵉgid
Pronunciation:seg-eed'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic verb H5457 (סְגִד, *çᵉgid*) carries the primary meaning of "to prostrate oneself" or "to bow down" in an act of homage or worship. It is explicitly noted as corresponding to the Hebrew verb `{{H5456}}` (סָגַד, *sāḡad*), which shares the same core semantic range. The act described by *çᵉgid* is one of physical submission, often involving falling to the ground or bowing low, which inherently conveys reverence, respect, and adoration. While the physical act of prostration is central, the term extends to encompass the spiritual and relational dimension of worship, acknowledging the superior status or deity of the one being honored. Its usage in the Aramaic portions of the Old Testament consistently points to acts of worship, whether directed towards the true God or towards idols.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb *çᵉgid* (H5457) appears exclusively in the Aramaic sections of the Book of Daniel, specifically within chapters 2, 3, and 7. Its occurrences are highly significant, primarily illustrating the conflict between true worship of Yahweh and the idolatrous worship demanded by pagan authorities.
* In [[Daniel 2:46]], King Nebuchadnezzar "fell on his face and paid homage" (וּסְגִד) to Daniel, recognizing the divine wisdom revealed through him. Here, *çᵉgid* denotes profound respect and acknowledgment of divine favor, though not necessarily divine worship of Daniel himself.
* The most prominent usage is in [[Daniel 3]], where it is repeated multiple times (e.g., [[Daniel 3:5]], [[Daniel 3:6]], [[Daniel 3:7]], [[Daniel 3:10]], [[Daniel 3:11]], [[Daniel 3:12]], [[Daniel 3:14]], [[Daniel 3:15]], [[Daniel 3:18]], [[Daniel 3:28]]). In this chapter, Nebuchadnezzar commands all peoples, nations, and languages to "fall down and worship" (תִּסְגְּדוּן) the golden image he has set up. The refusal of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to *çᵉgid* to the idol, even under threat of death in the fiery furnace, underscores the exclusivity of worship due to God alone. Their steadfastness highlights that *çᵉgid* is not merely a physical posture but a profound declaration of allegiance and ultimate devotion.
* In [[Daniel 7:14]], *çᵉgid* is used in a prophetic context describing the worship given to the Son of Man: "all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him" (יִפְלְחוּן לֵהּ) and "worship him" (וְיִסְגְּדוּן לֵהּ). This verse is crucial as it shifts the object of *çᵉgid* from idols or human figures to the divine/messianic figure, indicating universal homage and submission to his eternal dominion.
The consistent theme across these contexts is the act of bowing down as a sign of submission, reverence, and worship, with the object of that worship determining its spiritual validity.
### Related Words & Concepts
The Aramaic *çᵉgid* (H5457) is intimately connected to its Hebrew counterpart, `{{H5456}}` (סָגַד, *sāḡad*), which shares the identical root and meaning. Both terms denote the act of prostration or bowing down in worship.
Other related Hebrew terms conveying similar concepts of worship, homage, or reverence include:
* `{{H7812}}` (שָׁחָה, *shachah*): This is the most common Hebrew word for "to bow down" or "to worship," often involving prostration. It frequently appears in contexts of worshipping Yahweh, but also in showing respect to humans (e.g., [[Genesis 23:7]]). While *çᵉgid* specifically emphasizes the act of prostration in worship, *shachah* has a broader application.
* `{{H5647}}` (עָבַד, *avad*): Meaning "to serve" or "to labor," this word can also carry the nuance of "to worship" in the sense of serving God (e.g., [[Exodus 3:12]]). In [[Daniel 7:14]], *çᵉgid* is paired with the Aramaic equivalent, יִפְלְחוּן (yiphleḥun), meaning "to serve," highlighting that worship (prostration) is an act of service and allegiance.
* `{{H6915}}` (קָדַד, *qadad*): "To bow the head," often as a sign of respect or worship. This is a more limited physical gesture compared to full prostration.
The semantic field surrounding *çᵉgid* emphasizes not merely a physical posture but an inward disposition of humility, reverence, and submission to a higher authority, whether divine or human, though the biblical context predominantly highlights the divine.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of *çᵉgid* is profound, particularly as it unfolds within the dramatic narratives of Daniel.
1. **Exclusivity of Worship:** The most striking theological point is the absolute exclusivity of worship due to Yahweh alone. The command to *çᵉgid* to Nebuchadnezzar's golden image in [[Daniel 3]] serves as a stark test of allegiance. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego's refusal, even unto death, demonstrates that true worship is not merely a ritualistic act but a declaration of ultimate loyalty. To *çᵉgid* to an idol is to deny God's unique sovereignty and to commit spiritual adultery. This reinforces the First and Second Commandments (e.g., [[Exodus 20:3-5]]).
2. **Sovereignty and Dominion:** The act of *çᵉgid* acknowledges the supreme authority and dominion of the one being worshipped. When Nebuchadnezzar demands *çᵉgid* to his image, he is asserting his own dominion and attempting to usurp God's place. Conversely, the worship of the Son of Man in [[Daniel 7:14]] signifies His universal and eternal dominion, to which all creation will ultimately submit. This points to the eschatological reality of Christ's reign.
3. **True vs. False Worship:** The narrative of Daniel sharply distinguishes between true worship (directed towards God) and false worship (directed towards idols, human rulers, or false gods). The physical act of *çᵉgid* becomes a visible sign of one's spiritual alignment. The consequences of choosing true worship (divine deliverance) versus false worship (divine judgment) are vividly portrayed.
4. **Cost of Discipleship:** The willingness of the three Hebrews to face death rather than *çᵉgid* to an idol illustrates the cost of discipleship and the unwavering commitment required of those who truly worship God. Their example serves as a timeless testament to faithfulness in the face of persecution.
In essence, *çᵉgid* encapsulates the core biblical teaching that worship is the highest act of devotion, reserved for the one true God, and that such worship demands total allegiance and often comes with a cost.
### Summary
The Aramaic verb H5457 (סְגִד, *çᵉgid*) fundamentally means "to prostrate oneself" or "to bow down" in an act of homage or worship. Occurring exclusively in the Aramaic portions of Daniel, particularly in the dramatic account of the fiery furnace in [[Daniel 3]], it highlights the critical distinction between true worship of Yahweh and idolatrous submission. The repeated command to *çᵉgid* to Nebuchadnezzar's golden image underscores the exclusivity of worship due to God alone, as exemplified by the steadfast refusal of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. The term also appears in the prophetic vision of [[Daniel 7:14]], where all peoples are depicted as *çᵉgid* to the Son of Man, signifying His universal and eternal dominion. Theologically, *çᵉgid* emphasizes the absolute sovereignty of God, the exclusive nature of true worship, the stark contrast between genuine and false devotion, and the unwavering commitment required of those who faithfully serve the Lord. It is a powerful term that encapsulates both the physical act of reverence and the profound spiritual allegiance it signifies.
TRV