### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **saggîyʼ**, represented by `{{H7690}}`, is a term corresponding to שַׂגִּיא; large (in size, quantity or number, also adverbial); exceeding, great(-ly); many, much, sore, very. It appears **13 times** across **13 unique verses** in the Bible. This word functions to add scale and intensity, describing everything from physical objects and quantities to the depth of emotional reactions.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H7690}}` is used to convey a sense of magnitude. It describes the physical size of key elements in prophetic visions, such as the "great" height of the tree in Nebuchadnezzar's dream [[Daniel 4:10]] and the "great" image that stood before him [[Daniel 2:31]]. It also quantifies abundance, such as the "many" gifts given to Daniel [[Daniel 2:48]], the "much" fruit on the symbolic tree [[Daniel 4:12]], and the command for a beast to devour "much" flesh [[Daniel 7:5]]. As an adverb, it powerfully intensifies the emotions of kings, who can be "exceeding" glad [[Daniel 6:23]], "very" furious [[Daniel 2:12]], or "sore" displeased [[Daniel 6:14]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related Aramaic words provide context for the meaning of `{{H7690}}`:
* `{{H7260}}` **rabrab** (huge (in size); domineering (in character); (very) great (things)): This term also signifies greatness and is used alongside `{{H7690}}` to describe the "many" (`saggîyʼ`) "great" (`rabrab`) gifts Daniel received [[Daniel 2:48]].
* `{{H927}}` **bᵉhal** (to terrify, hasten; in haste, trouble): This word for distress is directly intensified by `{{H7690}}`. King Belshazzar was "greatly" (`saggîyʼ`) troubled (`bᵉhal`) by the writing on the wall [[Daniel 5:9]], and Daniel's own thoughts later "much" (`saggîyʼ`) troubled (`bᵉhal`) him [[Daniel 7:28]].
* `{{H3367}}` **yᵉqâr** ({value, i.e. (concretely) wealth; abstractly, costliness, dignity}; glory, honour): This word, referring to an abstract concept, is amplified by `{{H7690}}` when the king promises "great" (`saggîyʼ`) honour (`yᵉqâr`) as a reward [[Daniel 2:6]].
* `{{H7108}}` **qᵉtsaph** (to become enraged; be furious): This strong term for fury is made even more potent by `{{H7690}}`. The king became angry and "very" (`saggîyʼ`) furious (`qᵉtsaph`) when his wise men could not interpret his dream [[Daniel 2:12]].
### Theological Significance
The descriptive power of `{{H7690}}` adds significant weight to the surrounding narrative and concepts.
* **Scale of Prophecy:** The word is crucial for establishing the immense scope of prophetic visions. The "great" image [[Daniel 2:31]] and "great" tree [[Daniel 4:10]] are not merely large but represent vast kingdoms and earthly power, a scale reinforced by the use of `{{H7690}}`.
* **Intensity of Royal Decrees:** The word is consistently linked to the extreme emotions of kings, which in turn drive the plot. Whether it is a king being "sore" displeased [[Daniel 6:14]] or "very" furious [[Daniel 2:12]], the intensified emotion conveyed by `{{H7690}}` underscores the gravity of the situation and the life-or-death consequences of royal moods.
* **Magnitude of Time and Abundance:** The term helps to frame historical and material scope. It is used to describe a house built "many" years ago [[Ezra 5:11]], establishing a link to a significant past. It also describes "much" fruit on a tree that feeds all flesh, signifying great provision [[Daniel 4:12]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7690}}` is a versatile Aramaic adjective and adverb that plays a key role in the books of Daniel and Ezra. While its definition is straightforward, its application is impactful. It provides the scale for prophetic imagery, adds intensity to pivotal human emotions, and quantifies both time and resources, thereby giving weight and magnitude to the biblical account.
TRV