תַּקִּיף (taq.qiph)
taq.qiph
strong
A:AQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:A
Word Overview
The Aramaic adjective taqqîp means strong or mighty, serving as the direct equivalent of its Hebrew counterpart taqaph (H8623). It appears in only four biblical verses, primarily within the books of Daniel and Ezra, reflecting the linguistic shift to Aramaic in those sections of Scripture. In these contexts, it describes physical power or authority, often attributing strength to kings, armies, or divine acts.
Its usage is straightforward and descriptive rather than metaphorical. For instance, in Daniel 11:26, it characterizes the "strong" ones who are shaken by court intrigues, highlighting human vulnerability despite apparent power. Similarly, in Ezra 9:8, it modifies the word for strength or might regarding God’s provision. The term carries no hidden nuance; it simply asserts robust capability or force.
As an Aramaic form, taqqîp bridges the linguistic gap between Hebrew and the imperial language of the Persian era. Its rarity underscores how specific theological narratives were framed in the dominant tongue of the time. Translators consistently render it as "strong" or "mighty," preserving the clear distinction between human power and the sovereignty of God that permeates these texts.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
This word describes a strength that is tangible and unyielding, much like iron breaking through obstacles. In the ancient world, such power was often displayed by empires and kings who ruled with absolute authority. Yet, the biblical writers use this term to show that human might, no matter how impressive, is temporary and subject to change.
When you read about these mighty forces in Daniel or Ezra, remember that they are not the final word. God’s sovereignty stands above all earthly power. Even when circumstances feel overwhelming or unstable, we can trust that our strength comes from Him, not from the shifting tides of history.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- strong3×
- and/ strong1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- תַּקִּיפִ֗ין1×
- תַקִּיפָ֖ה1×
- תַקִּיפָ֔ה1×
- וְ/תַקִּיפָ֜א1×
Key Verses
-
Daniel 2:40
The fourth kingdom will be strong as iron, because iron breaks in pieces and subdues all things; and as iron that crushes all these, it will break in pieces and crush.
This verse uses the word to describe a kingdom’s power as unbreakable as iron, highlighting its ability to crush all opposition.
-
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.
Here it describes a terrifying fourth beast that is exceedingly strong, emphasizing its dominance over other animals and nations.
-
Daniel 2:42
As the toes of the feet were part of iron, and part of clay, so the kingdom will be partly strong and partly brittle.
The term appears here to show a mixed kingdom that is partly strong due to iron but also brittle because of the clay mixture.