### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **taqqîyph**, represented by `{{H8623}}`, is a specific term for being **powerful; mightier**. Its profound significance is delivered through extreme rarity, as it appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible. This singular usage serves to define a being of superior strength against whom it is futile to struggle.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole biblical context for `{{H8623}}` is [[Ecclesiastes 6:10]], which states that man "neither may he contend with him that is **mightier** than he." Here, the word establishes a clear hierarchy of power. It is not used to describe the strength of a king or an army, but to articulate the fundamental limitation of humanity when faced with a greater, insurmountable force, implicitly God. The verse frames this power dynamic as a known and settled fact.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of might and the inability to challenge it is reinforced by other words used in its immediate context:
* `{{H3201}}` **yâkôl** (to be able): This primitive root, defined as being able to act, is used in [[Ecclesiastes 6:10]] to express man's inability ("neither **may** he contend"). It consistently defines the limits of power, whether affirming God's omnipotence ("I know that thou **canst do** every thing" in [[Job 42:2]]) or the failure of human plans ("they are **not able** to perform" in [[Psalms 21:11]]).
* `{{H1777}}` **dîyn** (a straight course, i.e. sail direct; (come) with a straight course): This word is translated as **contend** in its appearance with `{{H8623}}`. Elsewhere, it is used in contexts of judgment, such as the LORD who will **judge** the ends of the earth [[1 Samuel 2:10]] or the command to **plead** the cause of the poor [[Proverbs 31:9]].
### Theological Significance
Despite its single occurrence, the theological point made by `{{H8623}}` is significant. It underscores a core principle of divine sovereignty and human finitude.
* **Human Limitation:** The word's usage in [[Ecclesiastes 6:10]] is a direct statement on the limited position of humanity. Man cannot successfully **contend** `{{H1777}}` with one who is inherently **mightier**.
* **The Futility of Striving:** The passage serves as a piece of wisdom literature, teaching that striving against divine power or decree is futile. The inability, marked by the word **yâkôl** `{{H3201}}`, is absolute in this context.
* **Divine Sovereignty:** The verse points to the absolute power of God, who is the unnamed "**mightier**" one. This aligns with other passages that emphasize God's unmatched ability, such as in [[Jeremiah 5:22]] where waves toss themselves but **cannot prevail** `{{H3201}}` against His decree.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8623}}` **taqqîyph** is a potent and concise term whose meaning is amplified by its rarity. Appearing just once, it makes an impactful theological statement in [[Ecclesiastes 6:10]] about the power gap between humanity and God. In conjunction with associated words for ability and contention, it powerfully illustrates the biblical themes of divine omnipotence and the wisdom of acknowledging one's own limitations.
TRV