(Aramaic) corresponding to עַתִּיק; venerable; ancient.
Transliteration:ʻattîyq
Pronunciation:at-teek'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word H6268, transliterated as ʻattîyq, carries the primary meanings of "ancient" and "venerable." It is explicitly noted as corresponding to the Hebrew word `{{H6270}}`, which shares a similar semantic range, denoting that which is old, worn out, or of ancient origin. However, in its specific biblical usage, ʻattîyq transcends a mere chronological description of age. The nuance of "venerable" imbues the term with a sense of majesty, dignity, and profound authority that comes with immense antiquity. It implies not just a long existence, but an existence that predates all others, lending an inherent wisdom, stability, and unassailable authority to the subject. This makes it a descriptor of ultimate and enduring preeminence.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word H6268 appears exclusively in the book of Daniel, specifically in chapter 7, where it is used three times to describe God as the "Ancient of Days" (עַתִּיק יוֹמִין). This striking appellation is central to Daniel's vision of divine judgment and sovereignty.
1. **[[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 introduces the divine figure presiding over a cosmic courtroom. The imagery of white garments and wool-like hair emphasizes purity, wisdom, and venerable age, while the fiery throne and wheels convey power, judgment, and omnipresence. The "Ancient of Days" is presented as the ultimate, eternal authority.
2. **[[Daniel 7:13]]**: "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 relationship between the "Son of Man" (a messianic figure) and the "Ancient of Days." The Son of Man approaches the Ancient of Days, signifying that the Son's authority and dominion are granted and affirmed by the eternal, sovereign God.
3. **[[Daniel 7:22]]**: "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 final occurrence reiterates the role of the "Ancient of Days" as the one who intervenes in history to enact justice. He comes to render judgment, vindicating His persecuted people and establishing their ultimate dominion.
Across these occurrences, ʻattîyq consistently portrays God as the pre-existent, eternal, supreme Ruler and Judge, whose antiquity signifies His ultimate authority and unchangeable nature.
### Related Words & Concepts
The Aramaic H6268 finds its closest linguistic kin in the Hebrew H6270 (ʻattîq), which also conveys the sense of "ancient" or "old." While H6270 can refer to physical age or something worn out, the Aramaic ʻattîyq in Daniel is imbued with a unique theological weight.
Other related concepts and words that illuminate the meaning of ʻattîyq include:
* **Eternity (e.g., Hebrew `{{H5769}}`, ʻolam):** The concept of God's timelessness and existence before creation is strongly echoed in "Ancient of Days." ʻolam often describes an indefinite past or future, or eternity itself, aligning with the boundless nature implied by ʻattîyq.
* **Sovereignty and Dominion:** The "Ancient of Days" is depicted as the ultimate authority, presiding over judgment and granting dominion. This relates to divine kingship and absolute rule.
* **Divine Wisdom and Justice:** The venerable age implied by ʻattîyq is intrinsically linked to profound wisdom and the capacity to render perfect justice, as seen in the courtroom scene of Daniel 7.
* **Immutability:** God's ancientness implies His unchanging nature, a core theological attribute. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H6268 as "Ancient of Days" is profound and multifaceted:
1. **God's Eternity and Pre-existence:** The primary theological import is the declaration of God's existence outside of and prior to all created time. He is not bound by chronological progression but is the source and sustainer of time itself. This underscores His transcendence and uniqueness.
2. **Ultimate Sovereignty and Authority:** The imagery surrounding the "Ancient of Days" in Daniel 7 establishes Him as the supreme ruler of the cosmos, before whom all earthly powers are temporary and accountable. He is the ultimate arbiter of history and destiny.
3. **Divine Justice and Judgment:** The "Ancient of Days" presides over a courtroom, signifying God's role as the righteous Judge who will ultimately bring justice to the oppressed and vindicate His saints. This provides hope in times of tribulation and persecution.
4. **Foundation for Christology:** The presentation of the "Son of Man" to the "Ancient of Days" is a foundational text for understanding the relationship between God the Father and the Messiah. It affirms the Son's divine authority as delegated by the eternal Father, laying groundwork for later New Testament Christology.
5. **Contrast with Temporal Powers:** The "Ancient of Days" stands in stark contrast to the fleeting, beastly kingdoms depicted in Daniel 7. While earthly empires rise and fall, the dominion of the Ancient of Days is everlasting, providing assurance of God's ultimate triumph.
### Summary
The Aramaic word H6268, ʻattîyq, meaning "ancient" and "venerable," holds immense theological weight through its exclusive use in Daniel 7 to describe God as the "Ancient of Days." This appellation powerfully conveys God's eternal nature, His pre-existence before all creation, and His ultimate, unassailable sovereignty. As the "Ancient of Days," God is depicted as the supreme, wise, and righteous Judge who presides over history, dispenses justice, and ultimately establishes His eternal kingdom. The term underscores God's timeless authority, providing a profound revelation of His unchanging character and His ultimate triumph over all temporal powers.
TRV