### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic verb H8631 (תְּקֵף, *tᵉqêph*) signifies a dynamic process of becoming or making strong, mighty, or firm. Its semantic range extends from the literal acquisition or exercise of power to a figurative sense of hardening or becoming obstinate. The root concept, shared with its Hebrew counterpart `{{H8630}}` (תָּקַף, *tāqaph*), is that of overwhelming strength or force. In its active or causative form, it means "to make strong" or "to empower." When applied to a state, it denotes being "mighty" or "firm." The nuanced figurative usage, "to become obstinate" or "to harden," points to a steadfastness that is resistant to change, often with a negative connotation of stubbornness or pride against divine will. This duality of meaning—strength as a blessing or as a source of rebellion—is crucial to its biblical understanding.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
As an Aramaic term, H8631 appears exclusively in the Aramaic sections of the Old Testament, specifically in the books of Ezra and Daniel. Its occurrences illuminate its varied applications:
* **Ezra 4:20**: "For there were mighty kings in Jerusalem who ruled over all the region beyond the River, and tribute, custom, and toll were paid to them." Here, tᵉqêph describes the **mighty power** (תַּקִּיפִין, *taqqîpîn*, a related adjective) of past Israelite kings. It denotes their political and military strength, enabling them to exert dominion and collect taxes, highlighting the exercise of sovereign authority.
* **Ezra 6:22**: "And they kept the Feast of Unleavened Bread seven days with joy, for the Lord had made them joyful and had **strengthened** the hands of the king of Assyria toward them, to encourage them in the work of the house of God." In this context, tᵉqêph (וְתַקֵּף, *wᵉtaqqêph*) is used causatively, indicating that Yahweh "made strong" or "empowered" the Persian king (referred to as the king of Assyria, reflecting a broader regional title) to support the rebuilding of the temple. This demonstrates divine enablement of human authority for sacred purposes.
* **Daniel 4:22** (Aramaic 4:19): "It is you, O king, who have **grown strong** and mighty; for your greatness has grown and reaches to heaven, and your dominion to the end of the earth." Nebuchadnezzar's power and dominion are described using tᵉqêph (רְבָה וְתַקֵּף, *rᵉḇāh wᵉtaqqêph*), signifying his immense growth in strength and authority. This verse sets the stage for the narrative of his pride and subsequent humbling, showing human power reaching its zenith.
* **Daniel 5:20**: "But when his heart was lifted up and his spirit was **hardened** so that he dealt proudly, he was deposed from his kingly throne, and his glory was taken from him." Here, tᵉqêph (וְתַקִּיפַת, *wᵉtaqqîp̄at*) takes on its negative, figurative sense. Nebuchadnezzar's spirit became "hardened" or "obstinate" in pride, leading to his downfall. This use underscores the peril of strength divorced from humility and submission to God, transforming might into a destructive stubbornness.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic relative of H8631 is its Hebrew counterpart, `{{H8630}}` (תָּקַף, *tāqaph*), which carries a very similar semantic range of being strong, prevailing, or overcoming. Both words share the core idea of exerted force or established might.
Other related concepts and Hebrew terms include:
* `{{H2388}}` (חָזַק, *ḥāzaq*): "to be strong, firm, courageous." Often used for physical strength, moral resolve, or strengthening others.
* `{{H6105}}` (עֹז, *ʿoz*): "strength, might, power." Often refers to inherent strength or a display of power, particularly divine power.
* `{{H1369}}` (גְּבוּרָה, *gᵉḇûrâ*): "strength, might, valor." Frequently used for military prowess or the mighty acts of God.
* `{{H7185}}` (קָשֶׁה, *qāsheh*): "hard, severe, difficult." This word relates to the "hardened" or "obstinate" aspect of tᵉqêph, often describing a stiff-necked people or a hardened heart.
While these terms overlap in meaning, tᵉqêph specifically captures the dynamic process of becoming strong and its dual application to both righteous power and rebellious obstinacy within the Aramaic biblical corpus.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of tᵉqêph is multifaceted, touching upon divine sovereignty, human authority, and the dangers of pride.
Firstly, the word highlights **God's ultimate sovereignty over all power**. In Ezra 6:22, it is Yahweh who "strengthens" the hands of the king, demonstrating that even the might of earthly rulers is ultimately derived from and subject to divine will. This reinforces the biblical truth that "the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone he wishes" [[Daniel 4:17]].
Secondly, tᵉqêph describes the **nature and limits of human authority**. While kings can become "mighty" (Ezra 4:20) and their power can "grow strong" (Daniel 4:22), this strength is not absolute. The narrative of Nebuchadnezzar profoundly illustrates that human strength, when divorced from recognition of God, can lead to hubris and a "hardened" spirit (Daniel 5:20). This hardening is a spiritual state of rebellion, a refusal to acknowledge divine supremacy, which inevitably leads to downfall and humiliation.
Thus, tᵉqêph serves as a theological warning: power, whether political, military, or personal, is a double-edged sword. It can be a tool for divine purposes when submitted to God, or it can become a conduit for pride and self-destruction when wielded with an obstinate heart. It underscores the biblical emphasis on humility as a necessary counterpoint to strength.
### Summary
The Aramaic verb H8631 (תְּקֵף, *tᵉqêph*) denotes the process of becoming or making strong, mighty, or firm, and figuratively, to become hardened or obstinate. Its occurrences in Ezra and Daniel illustrate its application to both the legitimate exercise of political power (e.g., [[Ezra 4:20]]) and divine enablement of human rulers for sacred tasks (e.g., [[Ezra 6:22]]). Crucially, tᵉqêph also portrays the perilous spiritual state of a heart "hardened" by pride, as seen in the downfall of Nebuchadnezzar ([[Daniel 5:20]]). Theologically, it underscores God's sovereignty over all earthly power and serves as a potent warning against the dangers of human strength and authority when divorced from humility and submission to the divine will.
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