(Aramaic) corresponding to שָׂגָא; to increase; grow, be multiplied.
Transliteration:sᵉgâʼ
Pronunciation:seg-aw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The lemma שְׂגָא (sᵉgâʼ) is an Aramaic verb, primarily found in the Aramaic sections of the Old Testament. Its core meaning, as indicated by the base definition, revolves around the concepts of "to increase," "to grow," and "to be multiplied." It is explicitly stated as corresponding to the Hebrew word שָׂגָא (sāḡāʼ), Strong's `{{H7685}}`, which carries similar semantic weight. This correspondence highlights a shared conceptual understanding of augmentation and proliferation across related Semitic languages. The semantic range of שְׂגָא thus encompasses quantitative growth (multiplication in number or size) and qualitative advancement (increase in power, influence, or prosperity). It can denote a natural process of growth or a divinely ordained expansion.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The Aramaic verb שְׂגָא (sᵉgâʼ) appears predominantly in the books of Ezra and Daniel, which contain significant Aramaic portions. Its usage consistently reflects the core meaning of increase or multiplication.
* **[[Ezra 6:8]]**: In the context of King Darius's decree concerning the rebuilding of the temple, the verb appears as *yisgēʾ*, "let it be given without fail." The sense here is that the financial provision for the temple work should "increase" or be made "abundant" and "sufficient" without hindrance, ensuring the project's completion. This usage points to a divinely enabled provision and a guaranteed supply for sacred work.
* **[[Daniel 4:1]] (Aramaic 4:4)**: "אֲנָה נְבוּכַדְנֶצַּר שְׁלֵו הֲוֵית בְּבֵיתִי וְרַעֲנָן בְּהֵיכְלִי." (I, Nebuchadnezzar, was at ease in my house and flourishing in my palace.) The form *raʿănan* is an adjective derived from this root, meaning "flourishing" or "prosperous." It describes Nebuchadnezzar's state of immense prosperity and power before his humbling.
* **[[Daniel 4:10]] (Aramaic 4:13)**: "חָזֵה הֲוֵית בְּחֶזְוֵי רֵאשִׁי עַל מִשְׁכְּבִי וְהֵא דִּי אִילָן בְּגוֹא אַרְעָא וְרוּמֵהּ שְׂגִיא." (I was looking in the visions of my head while on my bed, and behold, a tree in the midst of the earth, and its height was great.) Here, *sᵉgîʾ* is an adjective derived from the verb, meaning "great" or "tall," describing the immense size of the tree in Nebuchadnezzar's dream. This tree symbolizes the king's vast dominion and power, which had "grown great."
* **[[Daniel 4:22]] (Aramaic 4:25)**: "הוּא אַתְּ מַלְכָּא דִּי שְׂגֵאת וְתַקִּפְתָּ וְרוּמְכָּא מְטָא לִשְׁמַיָּא וְשָׁלְטָנָךְ לְסוֹף אַרְעָא." (It is you, O king, who have grown great and become strong; your greatness has reached to heaven, and your dominion to the end of the earth.) This verse directly attributes the "growing great" (*sᵉgēṯ*) to Nebuchadnezzar, emphasizing his immense power and dominion, which is later humbled by God.
* **[[Daniel 6:28]] (Aramaic 6:29)**: "וְדָרְיָוֶשׁ מַלְכָּא יָתִיר לְדָרְיָוֶשׁ וְכֹל אֲחַשְׁוֵרוֹשׁ וְכֹל דִּי יִתְנַגֵּד וְכֹל דִּי יִשְׂגֵּא." (So Daniel prospered in the reign of Darius and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian.) The verb *yisgēʾ* here means "to prosper" or "to be successful." It signifies Daniel's continued favor and influence under successive Persian kings, indicating an increase in his well-being and standing.
Across these contexts, שְׂגָא consistently conveys the idea of significant increase, whether in physical size (the tree), political power and dominion (Nebuchadnezzar's kingdom), or personal prosperity and influence (Daniel). The use in Ezra points to divinely enabled provision.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the Hebrew counterpart, שָׂגָא (sāḡāʼ), Strong's `{{H7685}}`. This Hebrew verb also means "to grow great," "to increase," or "to be exalted." Its semantic overlap with the Aramaic שְׂגָא (sᵉgâʼ) underscores a common linguistic root and shared conceptual understanding of growth and prominence.
Other related concepts include:
* **רָבָה (rāvâ)**, Strong's `{{H7235}}`: A common Hebrew verb meaning "to be or become many, great, or much," often used for numerical increase (e.g., population growth). While broader, it shares the aspect of quantitative increase.
* **גָּדַל (gāḏal)**, Strong's `{{H1431}}`: A Hebrew verb meaning "to be great, grow, become great." This term frequently denotes increase in size, status, or importance, aligning well with the qualitative aspects of שְׂגָא.
* **צָלַח (ṣālaḥ)**, Strong's `{{H6743}}`: A Hebrew verb meaning "to prosper, succeed, advance." This term aligns with the sense of "prospering" seen in [[Daniel 6:28]], indicating an increase in favorable circumstances or success.
The conceptual sphere of שְׂגָא is thus connected to ideas of abundance, prosperity, power, and exaltation, often implying a divinely permitted or divinely orchestrated growth.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of שְׂגָא (sᵉgâʼ) lies in its application to both human and divine spheres, particularly within the context of God's sovereignty over earthly kingdoms and individual lives.
1. **Divine Sovereignty over Human Prosperity and Power:** The occurrences in Daniel, particularly concerning Nebuchadnezzar, highlight that even the immense power and dominion of a Gentile king are ultimately granted and controlled by God. Nebuchadnezzar "grew great" ([[Daniel 4:22]]) not by his own inherent might alone, but by a power that could also be withdrawn. This serves as a powerful theological statement: all earthly increase, whether in power, wealth, or influence, is ultimately subject to divine will. God can cause to grow, and God can humble.
2. **God's Provision and Blessing:** In [[Ezra 6:8]], the provision for the temple building is assured to "increase" or be sufficient. This reflects God's faithfulness to provide for His people and His work. The growth or sufficiency is not accidental but part of a divine plan to restore and bless. Similarly, Daniel's "prospering" ([[Daniel 6:28]]) under successive kings indicates divine favor and protection, allowing him to thrive even in foreign lands.
3. **Warning Against Pride:** The narrative of Nebuchadnezzar's tree dream, where his "greatness" is described by a derivative of שְׂגָא ([[Daniel 4:10]], [[Daniel 4:22]]), serves as a profound warning against pride. When Nebuchadnezzar attributed his greatness to himself, he was humbled. This demonstrates that human "increase" or "greatness" must be acknowledged as a gift from God, lest it lead to divine judgment.
In essence, שְׂגָא underscores the biblical truth that true and lasting increase, prosperity, and power are rooted in God's sovereign hand. It invites reflection on the source of our own "greatness" and the humility required to steward any abundance we receive.
### Summary
The Aramaic verb שְׂגָא (sᵉgâʼ), Strong's `{{H7680}}`, signifies "to increase," "to grow," or "to be multiplied," mirroring its Hebrew counterpart `{{H7685}}`. Its occurrences in Ezra and Daniel consistently depict quantitative and qualitative augmentation. In Ezra, it speaks to the assured provision for the temple, indicating a divinely enabled sufficiency ([[Ezra 6:8]]). In Daniel, it describes the immense power and prosperity of Nebuchadnezzar's kingdom ([[Daniel 4:1]], [[Daniel 4:10]], [[Daniel 4:22]]) and Daniel's personal thriving under Persian rule ([[Daniel 6:28]]). Theologically, שְׂגָא highlights God's absolute sovereignty over all forms of human increase and prosperity, serving as a reminder that all greatness is ultimately from Him. It also implicitly warns against the dangers of pride when such increase is attributed solely to human effort, emphasizing the need for humility and recognition of divine providence. The word thus encapsulates the dynamic interplay between human experience of growth and the overarching will of God.
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