תִּנְיָן (tin.yan)
tin.yan
second
A:AQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:A
Word Overview
The Aramaic word tinyan functions as an adjective meaning "second." It appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in Daniel 7:5, where it describes one of the four beasts rising from the sea. The term is a direct linguistic cousin of the Hebrew shnayim (two), sharing the same root and basic numerical sense.
Its presence in Daniel reflects the book’s bilingual nature, switching between Hebrew and Aramaic depending on the audience and subject matter. By using this familiar Semitic root for "second," the text maintains clarity while signaling a shift in language. The word anchors the vision in concrete, sequential imagery rather than abstract concepts.
Though rare, its usage highlights how biblical authors adapted their vocabulary to fit different cultural contexts within Scripture. In Daniel’s dream, tinyan helps structure the sequence of empires, providing a clear ordinal marker that readers can follow without confusion.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we look at Daniel 7:5, we see a vision of four great beasts rising from the sea. The text identifies one as 'tinyan,' or second, like a bear raised on one side with three ribs in its mouth. This specific detail helps us follow the sequence of empires that the prophet describes. It is not just a random number; it marks a distinct place in history.
In our own lives, we often face changing times and powerful forces around us. Seeing this word reminds us that history has order and meaning. God sees these shifts and holds them in view. We do not need to fear the unknown because He knows where we stand.
This simple ordinal marker invites us to trust His timing. Even when the world seems chaotic, there is a pattern only He fully understands. We can rest in that peace, knowing our future is secure in His hands.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- a second1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- תִנְיָנָ֜ה1×
Key Verses
-
Daniel 7:5
“Behold, there was another animal, a second, like a bear. It was raised up on one side, and three ribs were in its mouth between its teeth. They said this to it: ‘Arise! Devour much flesh!’
The word tinyan specifically identifies the second beast in Daniel's vision as a bear raised on one side, distinguishing it from the other creatures in the sequence.