from שָׂגָא; (superlatively) mighty; excellent, great.
Transliteration:saggîyʼ
Pronunciation:sag-ghee'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H7689}}` (שַׂגִּיא, *saggîyʼ*) is an Aramaic adjective derived from the root `{{H7688}}` (שָׂגָא, *sāgāʼ*), which means "to grow, increase, be great." As an adjective, saggîyʼ carries a strong sense of magnitude, often with a superlative force, indicating something that is "exceedingly great," "mighty," "abundant," or "excellent." Its semantic range encompasses:
1. **Quantitative Abundance:** Denoting a very large amount or extent, such as "very much" or "exceedingly."
2. **Qualitative Excellence:** Describing something as superior, distinguished, or magnificent, conveying the idea of "excellent" or "splendid."
3. **Potency and Power:** Imparting the sense of "mighty," "powerful," or "strong," often in contexts of authority or overwhelming force.
While its root signifies simple growth, the adjectival form saggîyʼ consistently elevates the meaning to a higher degree, emphasizing intensity, preeminence, or vastness. It is predominantly found in the Aramaic sections of the biblical text, specifically in the books of Daniel and Ezra.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
`{{H7689}}` appears frequently in the Aramaic portions of Scripture, demonstrating its versatile application across various contexts:
* **Describing Divine Attributes:** In [[Daniel 2:47]], Nebuchadnezzar declares, "Truly your God is a God of gods and a Lord of kings, and a revealer of mysteries, for you were able to reveal this mystery." Here, saggîyʼ describes God's supreme and unparalleled greatness. Similarly, in [[Daniel 3:33]] (often [[Daniel 4:3]] in English Bibles), Nebuchadnezzar proclaims, "How great are His signs, and how mighty are His wonders!" The term underscores the awe-inspiring power and magnitude of God's miraculous works.
* **Describing Human Rulers and Circumstances:** The term is used to describe Nebuchadnezzar's majesty given to him by God in [[Daniel 5:18]], indicating its considerable extent. In [[Daniel 4:33]] (or [[Daniel 4:36]]), it describes the "great" or "exceeding" majesty that returned to Nebuchadnezzar after his period of humility. It also characterizes Daniel's prosperity under Darius in [[Daniel 6:29]] (or [[Daniel 6:28]]), signifying his flourishing to a significant degree.
* **Describing Physical Objects and Phenomena:** The "brightness" of the image in Nebuchadnezzar's dream is described as saggîyʼ in [[Daniel 2:31]], indicating its intense brilliance. The "great sea" from which the four beasts arise in Daniel's vision is called saggîyʼ in [[Daniel 7:2]], emphasizing its vastness. In [[Ezra 5:8]], the builders are described as constructing the temple with "great stones," referring to their substantial size.
* **Adverbial Usage:** In [[Ezra 4:18]], the king's letter is said to have been "read plainly" or "distinctly" (saggîyʼ) before him, indicating the thoroughness or clarity of the reading. In [[Daniel 7:7]], the fourth beast is described as "dreadful and mighty" (saggîyʼ), where it functions adverbially to intensify the beast's power and terror.
Across these contexts, saggîyʼ consistently conveys a sense of overwhelming degree, whether in terms of size, intensity, power, or abundance.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the verbal root `{{H7688}}` (שָׂגָא, *sāgāʼ*), from which `{{H7689}}` is derived. This root's core meaning of "to grow, increase, be great" forms the semantic foundation for the adjective's superlative sense.
While saggîyʼ is an Aramaic term, it shares conceptual space with Hebrew words denoting magnitude, such as `{{H1368}}` (גָּדוֹל, *gadol*), meaning "great" or "large," and `{{H7227}}` (רַב, *rav*), meaning "many" or "great." However, saggîyʼ often carries a more emphatic or superlative nuance than these Hebrew counterparts, particularly in its Aramaic context.
The concepts evoked by saggîyʼ include:
* **Sovereignty and Power:** Especially when describing God.
* **Majesty and Glory:** Pertaining to both divine and, derivatively, human rulers.
* **Abundance and Prosperity:** In the context of blessings and success.
* **Overwhelming Force:** When describing formidable entities or phenomena.
### Theological Significance
The theological import of `{{H7689}}` is profound, particularly in the book of Daniel, where it frequently describes the attributes of God:
* **Divine Transcendence and Sovereignty:** The repeated application of saggîyʼ to God's signs, wonders, and very nature ([[Daniel 2:47]], [[Daniel 3:33]]) underscores His unparalleled greatness, power, and authority over all creation and human kingdoms. He is the "God of gods," whose dominion is eternal and whose works are beyond human comprehension.
* **Revelation of God's Character:** The use of saggîyʼ in Nebuchadnezzar's confessions highlights a pagan king's forced acknowledgment of the true God's supreme power. This serves as a testament to the irresistible nature of God's self-revelation and His ability to humble even the mightiest earthly rulers.
* **Divine Providence and Blessing:** When applied to Daniel's prosperity ([[Daniel 6:29]]), saggîyʼ signifies the abundant favor and blessing that God bestows upon His faithful servants, even in challenging environments. It speaks to God's capacity to elevate and sustain His people.
* **Contrast with Human Power:** While human kings like Nebuchadnezzar are described as having saggîyʼ majesty, the narrative consistently portrays this as a gift from the saggîyʼ God, ultimately subject to His will. This contrast emphasizes the ephemeral nature of human power compared to the enduring and ultimate power of God.
### Summary
The Aramaic term `{{H7689}}` (שַׂגִּיא, *saggîyʼ*) denotes an exceedingly great, mighty, or abundant quality. Derived from the root `{{H7688}}` ("to grow, increase"), it consistently carries a superlative force, emphasizing intensity, vastness, or preeminence. Primarily found in the Aramaic sections of Daniel and Ezra, its usage spans descriptions of divine attributes (God's supreme greatness and mighty works), human circumstances (royal majesty, personal prosperity), and physical characteristics (a bright image, a vast sea, large stones). Theologically, saggîyʼ powerfully affirms God's transcendence, sovereignty, and the overwhelming nature of His power and providence, often in contrast to the derivative and temporal greatness of human authority. It serves to magnify the Lord, whose signs are great and whose wonders are mighty, compelling recognition of His unparalleled dominion.
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