### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The lemma תַּקִּיף (taqqîyph) `{{H8623}}` is an Aramaic adjective, derived from the verbal root תְּקַף (təqap) `{{H8629}}`, which signifies "to be strong," "to prevail," or "to become hard." As an adjective, תַּקִּיף denotes the quality of being "powerful," "mighty," "strong," or "superior in strength." It describes an inherent attribute of robust power or the capacity to exert overwhelming force. The term can also carry a comparative nuance, implying "mightier" or "more powerful" in certain contexts, though its primary sense is absolute strength. Its semantic range centers on effective dominion, formidable might, and undeniable potency.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word תַּקִּיף (taqqîyph) `{{H8623}}` appears exclusively in the Aramaic portions of the Book of Daniel, specifically in two significant contexts:
* **[[Daniel 2:41]]**: In Nebuchadnezzar's dream of the great statue, תַּקִּיף is used to describe the "strength" or "might" of the iron in the feet, which represents a future kingdom. The text states, "And whereas thou sawest the feet and toes, part of potters' clay, and part of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; but there shall be in it of the strength of the iron, forasmuch as thou sawest the iron mixed with miry clay." Here, תַּקִּיף refers to the inherent, unyielding power and durability characteristic of iron, symbolizing a kingdom that possesses substantial, albeit ultimately mixed and weakened, might. It highlights the formidable nature of this earthly power.
* **[[Daniel 3:33]]** (Aramaic Daniel 4:3 in Hebrew Bibles): This occurrence is found in Nebuchadnezzar's later proclamation of praise to God after the deliverance of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the fiery furnace. The king declares, "How great are his signs! and how mighty are his wonders! his kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion is from generation to generation." Here, תַּקִּיף describes God's "wonders" as "mighty" or "powerful." It underscores the overwhelming, awe-inspiring, and undeniable nature of God's miraculous acts, which compelled even a pagan monarch to acknowledge divine supremacy. The term emphasizes the potent efficacy and compelling force of God's interventions.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Root תְּקַף (təqap) `{{H8629}}`**: This is the fundamental Aramaic verbal root from which תַּקִּיף is derived. It means "to be strong," "to prevail," "to seize," or "to become hard." The adjective תַּקִּיף describes the state or quality of possessing this strength or power.
* **Related Aramaic Noun תְּקֹף (təqōp) `{{H8630}}`**: This noun directly expresses the abstract concept of "strength," "power," or "might." It is the nominal form of the power that תַּקִּיף describes as an attribute.
* **Hebrew Parallels**: While תַּקִּיף is Aramaic, its semantic domain overlaps with several key Hebrew terms conveying strength and power:
* חָזָק (chazaq) `{{H2389}}`: "Strong," "firm," "hard," often denoting physical strength, courage, or fortified positions.
* גִּבּוֹר (gibbor) `{{H1368}}`: "Mighty," "powerful," "hero," frequently referring to a warrior or a person of great strength and valor.
* עֹז (oz) `{{H5797}}`: "Strength," "might," "power," often associated with the divine power of God or the strength of a nation.
* כֹּחַ (koach) `{{H3581}}`: "Strength," "power," "ability," referring to physical, mental, or inherent capacity.
These Hebrew equivalents highlight the pervasive biblical theme of power, whether human or divine, which תַּקִּיף articulates within its Aramaic context.
### Theological Significance
Despite its limited occurrences, the theological implications of תַּקִּיף `{{H8623}}` in Daniel are profound. Its dual application provides a striking contrast and a crucial theological statement:
* **Human Power (Limited and Mixed)**: In [[Daniel 2:41]], תַּקִּיף describes the strength of an earthly kingdom, represented by iron. This acknowledges that human empires can indeed possess formidable and תַּקִּיף power, capable of establishing widespread dominion. However, the context of Nebuchadnezzar's dream, which spans the rise and fall of successive empires, ultimately underscores the transience and inherent limitations of all human power. The iron's strength is depicted as mixed with clay, foreshadowing its eventual division and ultimate fragmentation, a testament to the fact that even the most תַּקִּיף human might is not absolute or eternal.
* **Divine Power (Absolute and Evidential)**: In [[Daniel 3:33]], תַּקִּיף is applied to the "mighty" wonders of God. This is the more significant theological application. Nebuchadnezzar, a powerful earthly ruler, is compelled by undeniable evidence to declare the תַּקִּיף nature of God's acts. This demonstrates:
* **God's Absolute Sovereignty**: His wonders are not merely impressive but are inherently "mighty," overwhelming, and undeniable, serving as irrefutable proof of His supreme control over all creation, human history, and even the most powerful earthly rulers.
* **Divine Power as Revelation**: The תַּקִּיף quality of God's wonders functions as a powerful revelation of His character and authority, compelling recognition and awe even from those outside the covenant community. It signifies His unmatched ability to intervene decisively in human affairs.
* **Contrast between Earthly and Divine Might**: The juxtaposition of תַּקִּיף iron (human power) with תַּקִּיף wonders (divine power) subtly but powerfully highlights the qualitative difference between finite, temporal human strength and the infinite, eternal, and absolute might of God. God's power is not merely great; it is תַּקִּיף in a way that utterly surpasses all earthly might, capable of humbling even the proudest kings and establishing an everlasting kingdom.
### Summary
The Aramaic adjective תַּקִּיף (taqqîyph) `{{H8623}}`, meaning "powerful" or "mighty," appears twice in the Book of Daniel, offering profound insights into the nature of power. In [[Daniel 2:41]], it describes the formidable, yet ultimately transient, "strength" of an earthly kingdom. More significantly, in [[Daniel 3:33]], it characterizes the "mighty" wonders of God. This application underscores the overwhelming, undeniable, and awe-inspiring nature of divine power, which compels even pagan rulers to acknowledge God's supreme authority. Thus, תַּקִּיף serves to contrast the impressive but limited power of humanity with the absolute, eternal, and sovereign might of the Almighty.
TRV