### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
H8632 (תְּקֹף, *tᵉqôph*) is an Aramaic noun, directly corresponding to the Hebrew `{{H8633}}` (תֹּקֶף, *tōqef*). Its core meaning encompasses "power," "might," and "strength." The semantic range of *tᵉqôph* extends beyond mere physical prowess, often denoting authoritative power, dominion, or the capacity to exert force or influence. In the Aramaic sections of the biblical text, it frequently refers to the political, administrative, or military might of kings and empires. It conveys the idea of inherent capability or the effective exercise of authority, whether divinely granted or humanly asserted.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
As an Aramaic term, H8632 is found exclusively in the Aramaic portions of the Old Testament, specifically in the books of Ezra and Daniel. Its occurrences consistently highlight themes of royal authority and divine sovereignty.
1. **Ezra 4:23**: "Then went Rehum and Shimshai the scribe, and their companions, and went up to Jerusalem to the Jews, and made them to cease by force and power." (בְּחֵיל וּבְתְקֹף, *bᵉḥêl ûbᵉtᵉqôph*). Here, tᵉqôph is paired with `{{H2429}}` (חַיִל, *ḥayil*, "force" or "army") to describe the authoritative and forceful means by which the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem was halted by the Persian officials. It signifies the coercive power of the royal decree.
2. **Daniel 2:37**: "You, O king, are a king of kings: for the God of heaven hath given thee a kingdom, power, and strength, and glory." (מַלְכוּתָא חֶסְנָא וְתָקְפָּא וִיקָרָא, *malkûtâ ḥesnâ wᵉtâqᵉpâ wîqârâ*). In Nebuchadnezzar's dream interpretation, Daniel explicitly attributes the "power" (tᵉqôph) of the Babylonian king directly to God's bestowal. Here, it denotes the comprehensive might and dominion granted by divine decree. It is often paralleled with `{{H2632}}` (חֶסֶן, *ḥesen*, "strength") and `{{H3367}}` (יְקָר, *yᵉqâr*, "glory" or "honor").
3. **Daniel 4:30**: "The king spake, and said, Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty?" (בְּתְקֹף חֶסְנִי, *bᵉtᵉqôph ḥesnî*). This verse records Nebuchadnezzar's proud boast, where he attributes the building of Babylon to the "might of my power" (tᵉqôph). This illustrates the human tendency to claim for oneself the power that truly originates from God, a pride that immediately precedes his humbling.
4. **Daniel 5:18**: "O thou king, the most high God gave Nebuchadnezzar thy father a kingdom, and majesty, and glory, and honour." (מַלְכוּתָא וּרְבוּ וִיקָר וְהַדְרָה וּתְקֹף, *malkûtâ ûrᵉbû wîqâr wᵉhadrâ ûtᵉqôph*). Belshazzar is reminded that God had granted Nebuchadnezzar "power" (tᵉqôph) along with his kingdom, greatness, and glory. The repetition reinforces the divine source of royal authority.
5. **Daniel 6:27**: "He delivereth and rescueth, and he worketh signs and wonders in heaven and in earth, who hath delivered Daniel from the power of the lions." (מִן יַד תְּקֹף אַרְיָוָתָא, *min yad tᵉqôph ʾaryâwâtâ*). In this unique instance, tᵉqôph refers to the "power" or "grip" of the lions, signifying their inherent ability to harm or destroy. Here, it underscores God's miraculous intervention to nullify a destructive, natural power.
Across these contexts, tᵉqôph consistently denotes significant power, whether exercised by human rulers, attributed to God, or inherent in a creature.
### Related Words & Concepts
H8632 is closely related to its Hebrew counterpart, `{{H8633}}` (תֹּקֶף, *tōqef*), which also means "strength," "power," or "might" and appears in Esther 9:29. Other Aramaic terms that share semantic overlap or are often paired with tᵉqôph include:
* `{{H2429}}` (חַיִל, *ḥayil*): "force," "strength," "army."
* `{{H2632}}` (חֶסֶן, *ḥesen*): "strength," "might," "treasure."
* `{{H7238}}` (רְבוּ, *rᵉbû*): "greatness," "dominion."
* `{{H3367}}` (יְקָר, *yᵉqâr*): "glory," "honor," "prestige."
These related terms collectively paint a picture of comprehensive authority, dominion, and effective might. The concept of "power" itself is central to biblical theology, encompassing sovereignty, rule, and the ability to act decisively.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of tᵉqôph is profound, particularly as conveyed through the narratives in Daniel.
1. **Divine Sovereignty over All Power**: The most prominent theological insight is that all earthly tᵉqôph, even that of the most formidable empires and rulers, is ultimately derived from and subject to God's supreme authority. [[Daniel 2:37]] and [[Daniel 5:18]] explicitly state that God "gives" kingdom, power, and might to kings. This asserts God's absolute sovereignty over human history and political structures.
2. **The Peril of Human Pride**: Nebuchadnezzar's self-aggrandizing boast in [[Daniel 4:30]] serves as a stark warning against attributing one's tᵉqôph to oneself rather than to God. This act of pride leads directly to divine judgment and humbling, demonstrating that God can easily remove the power He once bestowed.
3. **God's Superior Deliverance**: The account of Daniel in the lions' den ([[Daniel 6:27]]) illustrates God's ability to nullify even the most destructive forms of tᵉqôph. He delivers His servants from the "power of the lions," showcasing His miraculous intervention and His ultimate control over all natural and human forces.
4. **Power for God's Purposes**: Even when tᵉqôph is wielded by those opposed to God's will (as in Ezra 4:23), it operates within the bounds of God's overarching plan. Ultimately, God's purposes prevail, often through the very tᵉqôph He permits or directs.
### Summary
H8632 (תְּקֹף, *tᵉqôph*) is a vital Aramaic term denoting "power," "might," or "strength," primarily appearing in the books of Daniel and Ezra. It describes the authoritative dominion of kings and empires, often in conjunction with terms like "glory" and "greatness." Theologically, *tᵉqôph* underscores several critical biblical truths: all earthly power originates from God's sovereign hand; human pride in one's own tᵉqôph leads to divine judgment; and God's power is ultimately superior, capable of delivering His people from any destructive force. The consistent message is that while human tᵉqôph can be formidable, it is always subordinate to, and can be humbled by, the supreme and enduring tᵉqôph of the Most High God.
TRV