(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.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **rᵉʻaʻ**, represented by `{{H7490}}`, conveys an action of destructive force. Its base definition is to spoil by breaking to pieces or to make something worthless, and it is translated as **break** or **bruise**. It appears 2 times across 1 unique verse in the Bible, focusing its meaning within a specific prophetic context.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole use of `{{H7490}}` is found in the description of the fourth kingdom in Daniel's prophecy. This kingdom is described as being "strong as iron," a material that "breaketh in pieces and subdueth all things" [[Daniel 2:40]]. The verse uses `{{H7490}}` twice to emphasize this kingdom's violent nature, stating that like iron it "breaketh all these" and will "break in pieces and **bruise**" [[Daniel 2:40]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related Aramaic words found in the same prophetic passages provide a fuller context for the actions of `{{H7490}}`:
* `{{H1855}}` **dᵉqaq** (break to pieces): This word is often used in parallel with `{{H7490}}` to describe total destruction. It describes how the fourth kingdom will **break in pieces** its predecessors [[Daniel 2:40]] and is also used to describe the actions of the fourth beast which "devoured and **brake in pieces**" [[Daniel 7:7]].
* `{{H7244}}` **rᵉbîyʻay** (fourth): This term sets the stage for where `{{H7490}}` is used, identifying the specific subject as the **fourth** kingdom [[Daniel 2:40]] or the **fourth** beast [[Daniel 7:7]] in the prophetic visions.
* `{{H8624}}` **taqqîyph** (mighty, strong): This word describes the inherent nature of the kingdom that performs the action of `{{H7490}}`. The fourth kingdom is explicitly said to be **strong** as iron [[Daniel 2:40]], and the corresponding beast is described as "**strong** exceedingly" [[Daniel 7:7]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H7490}}` is concentrated in its depiction of worldly power within prophecy.
* **Destructive Force of Earthly Empires:** The word is used exclusively to characterize the violent, crushing power of the fourth kingdom in Daniel's vision. It symbolizes the capacity of human empires to **bruise** and **break** others in their path to dominance [[Daniel 2:40]].
* **Prophetic Imagery of Iron:** The use of `{{H7490}}` is tied directly to the metaphor of iron. This imagery conveys a sense of unyielding, brutal strength that shatters all opposition, a key feature of the final earthly empire described in the vision.
* **Contrast with Divine Judgment:** The action of breaking kingdoms is not limited to earthly powers. In the same chapter, God's eternal kingdom is prophesied to "**break in pieces** and consume all these kingdoms" [[Daniel 2:44]], using the related word `{{H1855}}` to show that the destructive power of empires will itself be subjected to a final, divine judgment.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7490}}` is a potent but narrowly used term. It defines the specific actions of breaking and bruising associated with the fourth prophetic kingdom in Daniel. While its occurrences are few, its meaning is amplified by surrounding words that describe the kingdom as **fourth** `{{H7244}}`, **strong** `{{H8624}}`, and able to **break in pieces** `{{H1855}}`. It serves as a vivid descriptor for the destructive capacity of worldly power as foreseen in biblical prophecy.
TRV