(Aramaic) corresponding to רָעַע; {properly, to spoil (literally, by breaking to pieces); figuratively, to make (or be) good fornothing, i.e. bad (physically, socially or morally)}; break, bruise.
Transliteration:rᵉʻaʻ
Pronunciation:reh-ah'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic verb H7490 (רְעַע, *rᵉʻaʻ*) carries a primary meaning of "to break in pieces," "to shatter," or "to crush." This literal sense denotes a forceful act of destruction, reducing something whole to fragments. Beyond the physical, its semantic range extends to the figurative, implying "to spoil," "to make bad," or "to render useless." This broader application suggests a deterioration or corruption, making something "good for nothing," whether physically, socially, or morally. It is the Aramaic counterpart to the Hebrew `{{H7489}}` (רָעַע), which shares similar connotations of breaking, doing harm, or being evil. The core idea is one of destructive force and the resultant state of being broken or corrupted.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
As an Aramaic term, H7490 appears exclusively in the book of Daniel, where it is consistently employed to describe the overwhelming and destructive power of earthly kingdoms, particularly the fourth kingdom in Nebuchadnezzar's dream and Daniel's vision.
In [[Daniel 2:40]], describing the fourth kingdom, it is stated: "And the fourth kingdom shall be strong as iron: forasmuch as iron breaks in pieces and subdues all things: and as iron that breaks all these, it shall break in pieces and bruise." Here, H7490 is used twice, emphasizing the kingdom's unparalleled capacity for destruction and conquest. It is a power that not only shatters but also grinds down, leaving nothing intact.
Similarly, in Daniel's vision of the four beasts, H7490 is applied to the terrifying fourth beast: "After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it: and it was diverse from all the beasts that were before it; and it had ten horns" ([[Daniel 7:7]]). The same descriptive language is reiterated in [[Daniel 7:19]]: "Then I would know the truth of the fourth beast, which was diverse from all the others, exceeding dreadful, whose teeth were of iron, and its nails of brass; which devoured, brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with its feet." In both instances, H7490 vividly portrays the beast's brutal, all-consuming nature, its ability to utterly demolish and leave nothing but trampled remnants. The consistent use of this verb highlights the defining characteristic of this final earthly power: its destructive force.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic relation to H7490 is its Hebrew cognate, `{{H7489}}` (רָעַע, *raʻaʻ*), which also means "to break," "to shatter," "to harm," or "to be evil." While `{{H7489}}` often carries a moral connotation of "being evil" or "doing harm," the Aramaic H7490 in its biblical usage in Daniel strongly emphasizes the physical act of "breaking in pieces" or "crushing."
Concepts closely related to H7490 include:
* **Destruction:** The verb inherently signifies ruin and obliteration.
* **Violence:** The act of breaking implies a forceful and often brutal application of power.
* **Conquest:** In the context of kingdoms, H7490 describes the subjugation and dismantling of other powers.
* **Oppression:** The crushing nature of the kingdoms described by H7490 suggests a heavy hand of oppression over their subjects.
* **Transience of Earthly Power:** The very act of breaking suggests that even these powerful, destructive entities are themselves subject to being broken, especially by divine power.
### Theological Significance
The consistent use of H7490 in Daniel carries profound theological weight. It serves as a stark depiction of the nature of human power apart from God. The empires described are not merely strong; they are characterized by an inherent destructiveness, a tendency to break, crush, and consume. This highlights:
1. **The Brutality of Earthly Kingdoms:** H7490 underscores the violent and oppressive nature of human kingdoms, particularly the final, most dreadful one. It portrays a world where power is often wielded to shatter and dominate, rather than to build or nurture.
2. **Contrast with God's Kingdom:** The destructive power described by H7490 stands in stark contrast to the eternal and indestructible nature of God's kingdom. While earthly kingdoms "break in pieces," God's kingdom "shall never be destroyed" and "shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever" ([[Daniel 2:44]]). The destructive capacity of human empires is ultimately met and surpassed by the sovereign, redemptive power of God.
3. **Divine Sovereignty:** Despite the terrifying portrayal of these "breaking" powers, their actions are always within the scope of God's prophetic plan. The use of H7490 within a prophetic context demonstrates that even the most destructive forces are known to God and will ultimately be brought to an end by His intervention. It speaks to God's ultimate control over history and human affairs.
4. **The Need for Divine Intervention:** The overwhelming and "breaking" nature of these kingdoms necessitates a divine act of judgment and deliverance. The imagery of H7490 sets the stage for the climactic arrival of God's kingdom, which will put an end to all such destructive earthly rule.
### Summary
H7490 (רְעַע, *rᵉʻaʻ*) is an Aramaic verb primarily meaning "to break in pieces," "to shatter," or "to crush," with an extended semantic range to "spoil" or "make bad." Its usage in the book of Daniel consistently describes the overwhelming and destructive power of successive earthly empires, particularly the fourth kingdom/beast, which is characterized by its capacity to utterly demolish and consume. The repeated application of H7490 in prophetic contexts underscores the transient, violent, and oppressive nature of human power structures. Theologically, it serves to highlight the brutality of kingdoms apart from God, contrasting their destructive force with the eternal and redemptive power of God's own kingdom, which will ultimately "break in pieces" and consume all earthly opposition, demonstrating divine sovereignty over history.
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