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.
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.
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.
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.
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