יַתִּיר (yat.tir)
yat.tir
preeminent
A:AQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:A
Word Overview
The Hebrew adjective yattir describes something that stands out as preeminent or surpassing the norm. It conveys a sense of being extraordinary, extreme, or beyond what is usual. In the biblical text, this word highlights qualities or states that are not merely different, but significantly above the standard.
This term appears six times in Scripture, with the majority of its occurrences found in the book of Daniel. It often modifies nouns to emphasize their exceptional nature, such as describing wisdom or beauty that exceeds all others. The sources indicate it can also function adverbially, meaning "exceedingly" or "extremely," intensifying the action or state it describes.
Its root suggests a concept of excess or surplus, which in this context shifts from mere quantity to qualitative superiority. Translators typically render yattir as "preeminent," "surpassing," or "extraordinary" depending on the surrounding context. This usage underscores the unique status of the subject, marking it as distinct and superior within its category.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word yattir points to a quality that stands out sharply against the ordinary. It does not merely mean 'good' or 'nice.' Instead, it describes something preeminent, surpassing, or extraordinary. When Scripture uses this term, it highlights a distinct superiority that commands attention. This is not about being better than others in a competitive sense, but about reflecting a unique excellence that originates from God.
In the book of Daniel, this word often describes wisdom, beauty, or power that exceeds all norms. For believers, this reminds us that true excellence comes from the Spirit of God. When we seek to understand His ways or serve with integrity, we participate in a kind of wisdom that is distinct and preeminent. It invites us to look beyond surface-level achievements and appreciate the profound depth of divine grace.
This concept encourages us to value the extraordinary work God does in our lives. It is not about striving for human approval, but recognizing the unique gifts He provides. Whether in leadership, service, or personal faith, yattir reminds us that God’s ways are higher and His wisdom is surpassing. We can rest in the knowledge that true excellence is a reflection of His character.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- extraordinary3×
- exceedingly3×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יַתִּירָ֡ה1×
- יַתִּירָ֖ה1×
- יַתִּ֗ירָה1×
- יַתִּ֗ירָא1×
- יַתִּ֖יר1×
- יַתִּ֑ירָא1×
Key Verses
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Daniel 5:12
because an excellent spirit, knowledge, understanding, interpreting of dreams, showing of dark sentences, and dissolving of doubts were found in the same Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar. Now let Daniel be called, and he will show the interpretation.”
This verse uses yattir to describe Daniel's 'excellent spirit,' highlighting how divine wisdom sets him apart from others in the court.
-
Daniel 5:14
I have heard of you, that the spirit of the gods is in you and that light, understanding, and excellent wisdom are found in you.
Here, the king acknowledges Daniel's 'excellent wisdom,' showing that preeminence is recognized by those who observe God's work in a person.
-
Daniel 7:7
“After this I saw in the night visions, and, behold, there was a fourth animal, awesome, powerful, and exceedingly strong. It had great iron teeth. It devoured and broke in pieces, and stamped the residue with its feet. It was different from all the animals that were before it. It had ten horns.
The fourth beast is described as 'exceedingly strong,' using the word to emphasize a power that is terrifying and beyond normal human strength.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word yattir mean?
Where does yattir appear most frequently?
How is yattir different from other words for 'great'?
Every Occurrence (6 verses across 1 books)
Daniel 6 verses
“You, O king, saw, and behold, a great image. This image, which was mighty, and whose brightness was excellent, stood…
Daniel 3:22Therefore because the king’s commandment was urgent and the furnace exceedingly hot, the flame of the fire killed those…
Daniel 5:12because an excellent spirit, knowledge, understanding, interpreting of dreams, showing of dark sentences, and…
Daniel 5:14I have heard of you, that the spirit of the gods is in you and that light, understanding, and excellent wisdom are…
Daniel 7:7“After this I saw in the night visions, and, behold, there was a fourth animal, awesome, powerful, and exceedingly…
Daniel 7:19“Then I desired to know the truth concerning the fourth animal, which was different from all of them, exceedingly…