### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **rᵉbîyʻay**, represented by `{{H7244}}`, is an ordinal number meaning **fourth**. It appears 6 times across 5 unique verses in the Bible, exclusively within the book of Daniel. Its usage is consistently to identify the final element in a significant sequence of four, particularly within prophetic visions or miraculous events.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H7244}}` marks entities of great importance. It is used to describe the **fourth** kingdom in Nebuchadnezzar's dream, a kingdom that will be "strong as iron" and will break all others in pieces [[Daniel 2:40]]. This same kingdom is later identified as the **fourth** beast in Daniel's vision, a creature described as dreadful, strong, and diverse from all the beasts before it ([[Daniel 7:7]], [[Daniel 7:19]]). The word is used twice in a single verse to connect the **fourth** beast with the **fourth** kingdom that will devour the whole earth [[Daniel 7:23]]. In a starkly different context, it identifies the **fourth** man seen walking unharmed in the fiery furnace, whose form was "like the Son of God" [[Daniel 3:25]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related Aramaic words provide context for the characteristics of the entities designated as **fourth**:
* `{{H703}}` **'arbaʻ** (four): The cardinal number corresponding to **fourth**. It establishes the total number of beasts and kings in Daniel's vision [[Daniel 7:17]] and the number of men seen in the furnace [[Daniel 3:25]].
* `{{H8624}}` **taqqîyph** (mighty, strong): This word describes the immense power of the **fourth** kingdom and beast, which are said to be **strong** as iron and **strong** exceedingly ([[Daniel 2:40]], [[Daniel 7:7]]).
* `{{H1855}}` **dᵉqaq** (break to pieces): This action is characteristic of the **fourth** kingdom, which will **break to pieces** and bruise its predecessors [[Daniel 2:40]], and the **fourth** beast, which devoured and **brake in pieces** [[Daniel 7:7]].
* `{{H399}}` **ʼăkal** (devour, eat): The **fourth** beast is uniquely destructive, set to **devour** the whole earth [[Daniel 7:23]] and anything in its path [[Daniel 7:7]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H7244}}` is concentrated in its prophetic and revelatory usage in Daniel.
* **Prophetic Climax:** The word consistently points to the final and most formidable earthly power in a prophetic sequence. The **fourth** kingdom is the ultimate expression of human opposition to God before a divine kingdom is established ([[Daniel 2:40]], [[Daniel 7:23]]).
* **Unprecedented Power:** The entity described as **fourth** is marked by its unique and overwhelming nature, being "diverse from all the others" [[Daniel 7:19]] and "strong as iron" [[Daniel 2:40]]. Its role is to crush, devour, and trample, signifying a peak of destructive force ([[Daniel 7:7]], [[Daniel 7:23]]).
* **Divine Revelation:** In contrast to the terrifying beasts, the appearance of the **fourth** man in the furnace reveals a divine presence. This use of **fourth** marks a moment of miraculous deliverance and theophany, identified as being "like the Son of God" [[Daniel 3:25]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7244}}` is more than a simple numerical designation. While it literally means **fourth**, its use in the book of Daniel gives it significant thematic weight. It serves as a marker for the climactic element in a series, whether it be a terrifying and destructive earthly empire destined for judgment or a divine figure who appears to save and protect the faithful. The word thus highlights moments of ultimate confrontation between worldly power and divine authority.
TRV