(Aramaic) corresponding to צָפִיר; a he-goat; he (goat).
Transliteration:tsᵉphîyr
Pronunciation:tsef-eer'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic term tsᵉphîyr (`{{H6841}}`) denotes a "he-goat" or "male goat." Its definition explicitly links it to the Hebrew tsāphîr (`{{H6840}}`), which carries the identical meaning. The semantic range of tsᵉphîyr is quite narrow, referring specifically to a male of the Capra genus. In biblical contexts, particularly prophetic ones, the "he-goat" often carries connotations beyond a mere animal, frequently symbolizing leadership, strength, or a prominent figure due to its masculine and often dominant nature within a flock.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The Aramaic tsᵉphîyr (`{{H6841}}`) appears exclusively in the book of Daniel, within the eighth chapter, which recounts Daniel's vision of a ram and a he-goat. These occurrences are critical for understanding the prophetic symbolism:
* **[[Daniel 8:5]]**: "As I was considering, behold, a he-goat (`{{H6841}}`) came from the west across the face of the whole earth, without touching the ground. And the goat had a conspicuous horn between his eyes." Here, the he-goat is introduced as a swift, powerful, and dominant figure, moving with unparalleled speed.
* **[[Daniel 8:8]]**: "Then the he-goat (`{{H6841}}`) grew very great, but when he was strong, the great horn was broken, and instead of it there came up four conspicuous horns toward the four winds of heaven." This verse describes the he-goat's ascendancy and subsequent fragmentation of its power.
* **[[Daniel 8:21]]**: "And the he-goat (`{{H6841}}`) is the king of Greece, and the great horn between his eyes is the first king." This verse provides the divine interpretation of the symbol, unequivocally identifying the he-goat with the kingdom of Greece and its initial, powerful ruler, Alexander the Great.
In this prophetic vision, the tsᵉphîyr (`{{H6841}}`) serves as a potent symbol of a formidable earthly empire characterized by rapid conquest and eventual division. Its portrayal emphasizes its aggressive nature and overwhelming force.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related term is its Hebrew counterpart, tsāphîr (`{{H6840}}`), which also means "he-goat." While tsᵉphîyr (`{{H6841}}`) is limited to Aramaic sections, tsāphîr (`{{H6840}}`) appears in Hebrew texts like [[2 Chronicles 29:21]] and [[Proverbs 30:31]]. Other general terms for goats or related animals include ʿēz (`{{H5795}}`, "she-goat" or "goat"), śāʿîr (`{{H8163}}`, "hairy one," often a goat or satyr), and ʿattûd (`{{H6260}}`, "he-goat" or "leader," often used for sacrificial animals or leaders). Within the broader context of prophetic literature, tsᵉphîyr (`{{H6841}}`) stands alongside other symbolic animals like the ram (`{{H352}}` / `{{H359}}`) in Daniel 8, and various beasts in Daniel 7 and Revelation, all representing earthly powers and kingdoms. The concept of a dominant animal representing a leader or kingdom is a recurring motif in biblical prophecy.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of tsᵉphîyr (`{{H6841}}`) is deeply intertwined with the prophetic message of Daniel 8.
1. **Divine Sovereignty and Foreknowledge:** The precise identification of the he-goat as the king of Greece demonstrates God's absolute sovereignty over human history. Empires rise and fall not by chance, but according to God's predetermined plan, revealed to His prophets centuries in advance. This underscores the meticulous nature of divine prophecy.
2. **Symbolism of Earthly Power:** The tsᵉphîyr (`{{H6841}}`) vividly illustrates the nature of earthly power: swift, aggressive, seemingly unstoppable, yet ultimately transient and subject to divine decree. The breaking of the great horn and the emergence of four lesser horns signify the inevitable fragmentation and dispersal of even the most formidable human dominion.
3. **Clarity of Prophetic Interpretation:** Uniquely, the interpretation of the he-goat's symbolism is provided directly within the text by the angel Gabriel (e.g., [[Daniel 8:21]]). This removes ambiguity and reinforces the reliability and divine origin of the prophetic message, assuring the reader of the certainty of God's word.
4. **Contrast with God's Kingdom:** By depicting the rise and fall of powerful earthly kingdoms, the vision subtly contrasts their temporal nature with the enduring, eternal kingdom of God, which is the ultimate focus of biblical prophecy.
### Summary
The Aramaic word tsᵉphîyr (`{{H6841}}`) specifically denotes a "he-goat." Its primary significance stems from its exclusive use in Daniel 8, where it serves as a powerful prophetic symbol. In this vision, the tsᵉphîyr (`{{H6841}}`) represents the kingdom of Greece and its first mighty king, Alexander the Great, known for his swift conquests and the subsequent division of his empire. The use of this term highlights God's meticulous foreknowledge of human history, the transient yet formidable nature of earthly power, and the ultimate certainty of divine prophecy, all of which point to God's overarching sovereignty. It is closely related to its Hebrew cognate, tsāphîr (`{{H6840}}`).
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