תִּפְתָּיֵא (tiph.tay)
tiph.tay
magistrate
A:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun tiphtay refers to a high-ranking official or magistrate, appearing exclusively in the Book of Daniel. In these texts, it denotes a member of King Nebuchadnezzar’s administrative council, serving alongside other officials like satraps and prefects. The word highlights the structured hierarchy of the Babylonian empire, where such figures held significant judicial and governmental authority.
Its occurrence is limited to two verses (Daniel 3:27; 6:7), both describing scenes of political intrigue involving royal decrees. In Daniel 3, it identifies those who witnessed Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego’s survival in the fire, while in Daniel 6, it names the conspirators who manipulated Darius into signing a law against prayer. The term underscores the tension between imperial power and divine sovereignty, as these magistrates become instruments of both persecution and deliverance.
Etymologically, tiphtay is likely a loanword from Akkadian, reflecting Babylonian influence on Hebrew vocabulary during the exile. Its rarity in Scripture emphasizes its specific historical context, anchoring Daniel’s narratives in the real-world politics of ancient Mesopotamia. Translators typically render it as "magistrate" or "official," preserving its sense of formal state authority without implying religious office.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word tiphtay points to a high-ranking magistrate in the Babylonian court, appearing only twice in Scripture within the Book of Daniel. These officials were part of a strict administrative hierarchy that wielded significant judicial and governmental power under King Nebuchadnezzar. Their presence highlights how God’s people lived under foreign empires where authority was structured and often intimidating.
In Daniel 3, these magistrates witnessed the miraculous survival of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace. In Daniel 6, they are the ones who conspired to trap Daniel through a royal decree. Both scenes show that even those in high political positions cannot override God’s sovereignty. Whether standing as witnesses or acting as conspirators, these officials found their plans subject to divine will.
For your faith, this reminds us that no earthly authority stands above God. When you face pressure from powerful systems or people in charge, remember that God sees and acts. You can trust Him with justice and protection, knowing that His purposes prevail over human schemes.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- magistrates/ the2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- תִּפְתָּיֵ֗/א1×
- תִּפְתָּיֵ֔/א1×
Key Verses
-
Daniel 3:2
Then Nebuchadnezzar the king sent to gather together the local governors, the deputies, and the governors, the judges, the treasurers, the counselors, the sheriffs, and all the rulers of the provinces, to come to the dedication of the image which Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up.
This verse lists the magistrates among other officials gathered for the dedication of Nebuchadnezzar's image, showing their role in enforcing imperial worship.
-
Daniel 3:3
Then the local governors, the deputies, and the governors, the judges, the treasurers, the counselors, the sheriffs, and all the rulers of the provinces were gathered together to the dedication of the image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up; and they stood before the image that Nebuchadnezzar had set up.
Here the magistrates stand before the idol, illustrating their participation in a public act of political and religious conformity that tested Daniel’s friends.