The Aramaic word ʻăqar, represented by H6132, means to pluck up by the roots. It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible. Its definition also carries the figurative sense of to exterminate, signifying a complete and final removal.
The sole use of H6132 is found within a prophetic vision in the book of Daniel. As Daniel considered a set of horns, representing powers, he witnessed a new little horn rise up. Before this new power, "three of the first horns [were] plucked up by the roots" Daniel 7:8. This powerful imagery depicts the violent and total displacement of established authorities to make way for a new, boastful power that has eyes like a man H606 and a mouth that speaks great things H7260.
Several related words from its only context help clarify the scene of this dramatic overthrow:
- H7162 qeren (a horn): This is the object being acted upon. The horns are symbolic of kings or kingdoms, and their uprooting signifies the end of their rule Daniel 7:8. The word can also refer to a musical cornet Daniel 3:10.
- H5559 çᵉliq (to ascend; come up): This verb describes the action of the new little horn that "came up" among the others, directly causing the displacement. Its ascension leads to the others being plucked up by the roots Daniel 7:8.
- H317 ʼochŏrîy (other): This word identifies the agent of change as something new and different. The appearance of "another little horn" is the catalyst for the removal of the three existing powers Daniel 7:8.
- H8532 tᵉlâth (three or third): This word specifies the number of horns that were displaced. The vision explicitly states that three of the first horns were uprooted Daniel 7:8.
The theological significance of H6132 is concentrated in its role within prophetic symbolism.
- Violent Displacement of Power: The term powerfully illustrates the complete overthrow of established kingdoms. The uprooting of three H8532 of the first H6933 horns is not a peaceful transition but a forceful removal Daniel 7:8.
- Finality of Judgment: To be "plucked up by the roots" implies an irreversible and permanent end. This action signifies a definitive judgment and the extermination of a power, leaving no possibility for its return.
- Rise of a New Authority: The uprooting is a direct consequence of a new power emerging. The action clears the way for the "little horn" H2192 to establish its own dominion, highlighting a key theme in Daniel of successive and often hostile earthly kingdoms Daniel 7:8.
In summary, while ʻăqar H6132 is one of the rarest words in scripture, its single appearance is impactful. It provides a vivid and unambiguous image of utter destruction and replacement. Used in the context of Daniel's vision, it moves beyond a simple agricultural term to become a symbol of the rise and fall of kingdoms, where one power is completely exterminated to make way for another.
TRV