גַּב (gav)
gav
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A:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:N-M
Word Overview
The Aramaic noun gav, found only in Daniel 7:6, translates to either "back" or "side." As a cognate of the Hebrew gav (H1354), it carries this dual sense of physical orientation. In the vision of the four beasts, the word describes the position of the fourth beast’s ten horns, which are situated on its back.
This lexical ambiguity is significant for interpreting the imagery. While "back" suggests the horns emerge from the animal's posterior or spine, "side" implies they project laterally. The text uses the plural form with a suffix to emphasize their number and placement. Translators must choose between these options based on how they visualize the beast’s structure, as both readings are linguistically valid within the Aramaic context.
The term’s rarity in Scripture limits its broader theological application, anchoring it firmly in Daniel’s apocalyptic symbolism. It serves as a descriptive detail for the terrifying nature of the final empire, highlighting the abundance and positioning of power without offering further etymological depth beyond its Hebrew root.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word gav appears just once in Scripture, located in Daniel’s vivid vision of the fourth beast. It describes where the ten horns are situated—on the back or side of the creature. This single detail helps us picture the immense power and authority of the final empire described in the prophecy.
While the imagery can seem daunting, the text focuses on God’s sovereignty over history. The placement of the horns highlights the beast’s strength, yet it remains a created thing subject to divine judgment. We can trust that God sees these powers and has already determined their end.
For your faith, this rare word reminds us that even the most terrifying political forces are visible to God. They do not operate in secret or beyond His control. When you face uncertainty about the future, remember that the One who holds history is also holding you.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- back/ its1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- גַּבַּ֑/הּ1×
Key Verses
-
Daniel 7:6
“After this I saw, and behold, another, like a leopard, which had on its back four wings of a bird. The animal also had four heads; and dominion was given to it.
The term specifies the physical location of the ten horns on the leopard-like beast, emphasizing their abundance and readiness for action.