(Aramaic) corresponding to שַׂגִּיא; large (in size, quantity or number, also adverbial); exceeding, great(-ly); many, much, sore, very.
Transliteration:saggîyʼ
Pronunciation:sag-ghee'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic lemma שַׂגִּיא (saggîyʼ), Strong's number `{{H7690}}`, functions primarily as an adjective and adverb denoting magnitude, abundance, and intensity. Its core meaning encompasses "large" in various dimensions: size, quantity, or number. As an adverb, it translates to "exceedingly," "greatly," "much," "sore," or "very," serving as an intensifier. This Aramaic term finds its closest semantic parallels in Hebrew with words like `{{H7227}}` (rav) and `{{H1419}}` (gadol), both conveying notions of "great" or "much." The semantic range of שַׂגִּיא thus extends from a simple descriptor of physical or numerical size to a profound indicator of majesty, power, and overwhelming quantity or degree.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
As an Aramaic word, שַׂגִּיא appears exclusively in the Aramaic sections of the Old Testament, primarily in the books of Daniel and Ezra. Its usage reveals diverse applications:
In the book of Daniel, שַׂגִּיא frequently describes the attributes of kings and kingdoms, as well as the transcendent power of God:
* It describes the "great image" in Nebuchadnezzar's dream ([[Daniel 2:31]]), and the "great God" who reveals mysteries ([[Daniel 2:45]]).
* It characterizes the "great men" summoned by King Nebuchadnezzar ([[Daniel 3:2]], [[Daniel 3:24]]).
* Crucially, it magnifies God's works: "How great are his signs! and how mighty are his wonders!" ([[Daniel 4:3]]).
* It describes the physical attributes of the tree in Nebuchadnezzar's second dream, noting its "much shade" ([[Daniel 4:12]]) and "much fruit" ([[Daniel 4:20]]).
* Nebuchadnezzar's pride is manifest in his declaration concerning "great Babylon" ([[Daniel 4:30]]).
* The term is used to describe the "greatness" or "majesty" granted to Nebuchadnezzar by the Most High God ([[Daniel 5:18]], [[Daniel 5:19]], [[Daniel 5:20]]), highlighting that even human power is divinely bestowed.
* Darius's decree acknowledges God's "great" signs and wonders ([[Daniel 6:26]]).
* In a more emotional context, Daniel's spirit is "much troubled" ([[Daniel 7:28]]), indicating a high degree of distress.
In the book of Ezra, שַׂגִּיא often pertains to provisions and resources:
* It describes the "plainly read" decree, meaning "very plainly" or "with much clarity" ([[Ezra 4:18]]), functioning adverbially.
* It refers to the "great stones" used in the rebuilding of the temple ([[Ezra 5:8]]).
* It highlights the "much" or abundant provisions and supplies for the temple sacrifices ([[Ezra 6:9]], [[Ezra 7:23]]), emphasizing the generosity of the Persian kings and God's provision.
Across these contexts, שַׂגִּיא consistently emphasizes a superlative quality, whether it be the grandeur of a king, the immensity of a structure, the abundance of resources, or the overwhelming nature of divine power and human emotion.
### Related Words & Concepts
The Aramaic שַׂגִּיא (saggîyʼ) shares conceptual space with several key Hebrew and Greek terms that convey similar notions of magnitude and abundance:
* **Hebrew:** The most direct conceptual parallels are found in `{{H7227}}` (rav), meaning "much, many, great," often used for quantity or multitude, and `{{H1419}}` (gadol), meaning "great, large," encompassing size, importance, and power. While שַׂגִּיא is specifically Aramaic, its function mirrors these common Hebrew adjectives and adverbs.
* **Greek:** In the Septuagint and New Testament, corresponding concepts are conveyed by `{{G3173}}` (megas), meaning "great, large, mighty," and `{{G4183}}` (polys), meaning "much, many, abundant."
* **Concepts:** Beyond lexical equivalents, שַׂגִּיא evokes theological concepts such as:
* **Divine Majesty and Sovereignty:** The "greatness" of God.
* **Abundance and Provision:** The "much" of resources or blessings.
* **Intensity:** The "greatly" or "very" of an action or state.
* **Human Grandeur (and its limits):** The "greatness" of kings, often presented as ultimately subordinate to divine power.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of שַׂגִּיא (saggîyʼ) is profound, particularly in the prophetic and historical narratives where it appears.
1. **Attribution of Divine Greatness:** Most significantly, שַׂגִּיא is employed to describe the incomparable greatness of God. In Daniel, it underscores the "great signs" and "mighty wonders" of the Most High God ([[Daniel 4:3]], [[Daniel 6:26]]), testifying to His omnipotence, sovereignty, and unparalleled ability to intervene in human affairs. This usage elevates God above all earthly powers, emphasizing His unique position as the ultimate ruler.
2. **Contrast with Human Greatness:** While human kings like Nebuchadnezzar are described with "greatness" ([[Daniel 4:30]], [[Daniel 5:18]]), the narrative consistently demonstrates that this human power is derivative and transient, given and taken away by the "Most High God." The use of שַׂגִּיא for both human and divine greatness serves to highlight the vast qualitative difference, ultimately affirming God's supremacy over all earthly authority.
3. **Divine Provision and Care:** In Ezra, the "much" or "abundant" provisions for the temple ([[Ezra 6:9]], [[Ezra 7:23]]) speak to God's faithfulness in providing for His people and the restoration of His worship. This emphasizes God's generous and meticulous care for His covenant community, even through the decrees of foreign kings.
4. **Intensification of Experience:** The adverbial use, such as Daniel being "much troubled" ([[Daniel 7:28]]), conveys the depth of human experience in response to divine revelation or challenging circumstances. It allows the text to express the full weight of emotional and spiritual states.
### Summary
The Aramaic word שַׂגִּיא (saggîyʼ), Strong's number `{{H7690}}`, is a versatile term denoting "great," "much," or "exceedingly." Primarily found in Daniel and Ezra, it functions both as an adjective describing magnitude (size, quantity, number) and as an adverb intensifying actions or states. Theologically, שַׂגִּיא plays a crucial role in highlighting the supreme and unparalleled greatness of God, often in contrast to the transient and divinely-granted greatness of human rulers. It also underscores God's abundant provision for His people and the intensity of human responses to divine truth. Its consistent application across various contexts reinforces the biblical understanding of divine majesty, sovereignty, and providential care.
TRV