### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **sᵉgâʼ**, represented by `{{H7680}}`, means **to increase, grow, or be multiplied**. It is a rare term, appearing only **3 times** in **3 unique verses** in the Bible. Its meaning is straightforward, denoting a quantitative increase, but its application varies significantly based on the context, referring to both positive and negative growth.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{H7680}}` appears exclusively in royal or official communications in the books of Daniel and Ezra. Two occurrences are found in the opening of letters from powerful gentile kings. Both King Nebuchadnezzar [[Daniel 4:1]] and King Darius [[Daniel 6:25]] use the identical phrase, "Peace be **multiplied** unto you," to extend a blessing of great peace to all peoples and nations in their realms. In contrast, the word is used in a cautionary sense in Ezra, where officials warn against allowing the rebuilding of Jerusalem, asking, "why should damage **grow** to the hurt of the kings?" [[Ezra 4:22]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the contexts in which `{{H7680}}` is used:
* `{{H8001}}` **shᵉlâm** (peace): This word for prosperity and peace is the subject that is being **multiplied** in the royal blessings issued by Nebuchadnezzar and Darius ([[Daniel 4:1]], [[Daniel 6:25]]).
* `{{H2257}}` **chăbal** (damage, hurt): In the warning found in Ezra, this is the negative concept that is threatening to **grow** if the rebuilding is not stopped [[Ezra 4:22]].
* `{{H4430}}` **melek** (king): All three instances of `{{H7680}}` occur in matters concerning a **king**. The word is used by King Nebuchadnezzar and King Darius, and the warning in Ezra is about preventing damage to the **kings** [[Ezra 4:22]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H7680}}` lies in its illustration of growth as a neutral principle.
* **Authoritative Blessing:** Used by Nebuchadnezzar and Darius, the term functions as a formal, royal pronouncement. It shows gentile kings using a Hebraic-style blessing to wish abundant **peace** upon their subjects [[Daniel 6:25]].
* **Escalating Harm:** The word also serves as a warning of escalating consequences. In Ezra, it highlights the fear that allowing a small project to proceed will lead to **damage** that will **grow** into a significant problem for the monarchy [[Ezra 4:22]].
* **Dual Nature of Increase:** The contrasting uses demonstrate that multiplication itself is not inherently good or bad. Peace can be multiplied for a blessing, but damage can also grow, leading to hurt. The value of the increase depends entirely on what is being increased.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7680}}` is a concise Aramaic term for increase. Though used infrequently, its appearances in Daniel and Ezra are significant. It operates in the sphere of kings and kingdoms, employed both as a powerful blessing for the multiplication of peace and as a stark warning about the growth of damage. The word effectively captures the dual potential of any situation to either increase in blessing or escalate into harm.
TRV