תַּקִּיף (taq.qiph)
taq.qiph
mighty
H:AQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:A
Word Overview
The Hebrew adjective taq.qiph means mighty or strong, appearing only once in the Old Testament at Ecclesiastes 10:6. In that specific context, it describes a fool who is elevated to high positions of power and authority despite lacking wisdom. The word emphasizes raw strength or force rather than intellectual capacity or moral character.
Its usage highlights a striking irony in the book’s wisdom literature: political might does not guarantee good governance. A ruler may possess the physical or social power implied by taq.qiph, yet still govern poorly because he lacks understanding. This single occurrence serves as a warning that status and strength are not synonymous with competence.
Lexical sources note an Aramaic equivalent with the same root meaning, suggesting a common Semitic usage for describing forceful or powerful individuals. Translators typically render it as "mighty" or "strong," capturing the sense of someone who holds significant influence or physical capability in the world.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word taq.qiph describes raw power or force, appearing only once in the Old Testament at Ecclesiastes 10:6. It paints a picture of a fool elevated to high office, possessing authority without wisdom. This striking irony reminds us that political might does not guarantee good governance. A ruler may hold significant influence yet still govern poorly because he lacks understanding.
When we encounter such situations, it is natural to feel frustrated by the disconnect between status and competence. Yet this single occurrence serves as a gentle warning: strength and wisdom are not the same thing. We do not need to control every outcome or fix every injustice ourselves. God sees the heart and the motives behind positions of power.
Instead of being overwhelmed by the chaos around us, we can find peace in trusting that true authority comes from above. Our focus shifts from trying to manage the unpredictable to resting in the One who holds all things together. This perspective brings a quiet stability that no amount of earthly strength can provide.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [one] who/ [is] mighty1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- שֶׁ/תַּקִּ֖יף1×