from עָתַק; removed, i.e. weaned; also antique; ancient, drawn.
Transliteration:ʻattîyq
Pronunciation:at-teek'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word ʻattîyq (`{{H6267}}`) originates from the root עָתַק (`{{H6275}}`), which fundamentally conveys the idea of "moving forward," "advancing," or "being removed." This etymological foundation gives ʻattîyq its primary semantic range, denoting that which is "ancient," "antique," or "old." While the broader root עָתַק (`{{H6275}}`) can encompass concepts such as being "removed" or "weaned" (as in being removed from dependence), the specific noun form ʻattîyq (`{{H6267}}`) is not attested in the biblical text with the meaning of "weaned." Rather, its usage is singularly focused on conveying immense age and primordial existence. The less frequent gloss "drawn" might relate to the concept of something being "drawn out" or extended over a vast expanse of time.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word ʻattîyq (`{{H6267}}`) appears exclusively in the Aramaic sections of the Book of Daniel, where it is used to describe God as the "Ancient of Days." This profound title is found in three pivotal passages:
* In [[Daniel 7:9]], "I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire." Here, ʻattîyq emphasizes God's pre-existence and venerable authority, portrayed with imagery of purity and fiery majesty.
* [[Daniel 7:13]] states, "I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him." This verse highlights the Ancient of Days as the ultimate authority to whom the Son of Man approaches, underscoring His supreme position in the divine court.
* Finally, [[Daniel 7:22]] reads, "Until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom." This passage depicts the Ancient of Days as the one who initiates and presides over divine judgment, leading to the establishment of the saints' eternal kingdom.
In each instance, ʻattîyq (`{{H6267}}`) is not merely a descriptor of age but a title signifying God's eternal nature, His timeless sovereignty, and His role as the ultimate arbiter of history and destiny.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic relation is to its root, עָתַק (`{{H6275}}`), which carries the broader sense of being old or advanced. Conceptually, ʻattîyq (`{{H6267}}`) is deeply intertwined with notions of:
* **Eternity (עוֹלָם - ʻôlām, `{{H5769}}`):** The Ancient of Days embodies an existence that transcends temporal bounds, echoing the concept of God's everlasting nature.
* **Pre-existence:** This term affirms God's being prior to all creation and time.
* **Sovereignty and Authority:** As the Ancient of Days, God is depicted as the ultimate ruler and judge, whose reign is beyond challenge.
* **Wisdom:** Age is often associated with profound wisdom, and the Ancient of Days is the source of all knowledge and counsel.
* **Judgment:** The context of Daniel 7 explicitly links the Ancient of Days with the administration of divine justice and the establishment of God's righteous kingdom.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ʻattîyq (`{{H6267}}`) is immense, primarily through its use as the "Ancient of Days." This title uniquely encapsulates several core attributes of God:
* **Divine Timelessness and Eternity:** It powerfully asserts God's existence outside and prior to all created time. He is not subject to the passage of time but is its very source and master. This contrasts sharply with the transient nature of human kingdoms and earthly powers depicted elsewhere in Daniel.
* **Unquestionable Authority and Sovereignty:** As the one who has always been, the Ancient of Days possesses ultimate authority over all creation, history, and destiny. His judgment is final, and His decrees are immutable.
* **Primordial Purity and Holiness:** The description in [[Daniel 7:9]] of His white garments and pure wool hair symbolizes His unblemished holiness, righteousness, and venerable wisdom, emphasizing His absolute moral perfection.
* **Foundation for Messianic Hope:** The Ancient of Days is the one before whom the Son of Man is presented and from whom He receives dominion. This establishes God the Father as the ultimate source of the Messiah's authority and the one who orchestrates the establishment of His eternal kingdom. It provides a theological anchor for the eschatological hope of God's ultimate triumph.
### Summary
The Aramaic word ʻattîyq (`{{H6267}}`), derived from the root עָתַק (`{{H6275}}`), fundamentally denotes "ancient" or "antique." Its most profound and exclusive biblical usage is found in the Book of Daniel, where it forms the majestic title "Ancient of Days" (`{{H6267}}` יוֹמִין, yômîn). This title describes God as the eternal, pre-existent, and supremely sovereign being who presides over all time and judgment. It underscores His timeless authority, unblemished purity, and His pivotal role in the unfolding of divine history, particularly in establishing the everlasting kingdom of the Son of Man. ʻattîyq thus serves as a powerful theological descriptor of God's enduring nature and ultimate dominion.
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