Lexical Summary yattir: Excellent, surpassing, preeminent Original Word: יַתִּיר Strong's Exhaustive Concordance exceedingly, excellent (Aramaic) corresponding to Yattiyr; preeminent; as an adverb, very -- exceeding(-ly), excellent. see HEBREW Yattiyr NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) corresponding to Yattir Definition preeminent, surpassing NASB Translation exceedingly (1), extraordinary (4), extremely (2), surpassing (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs יַתִּיר adjective pre-eminent, surpassing (see Biblical Hebrew יתר); — masculine singular absolute ׳י Daniel 2:31; feminine singular יַתִּירָא Daniel 6:4, usually הָ֯ Daniel 4:33; Daniel 5:12,14; as adverb exceedingly Daniel 3:22; Daniel 7:7,19 (compare יתיר מתבריך EutSin. 498 which Lzb401 reads יתירית בריך).Topical Lexicon Entry Title: Yattir (Strong’s Hebrew 3493)Literary Setting and Distribution Yattir appears eight times, all in the Aramaic chapters of Daniel (Daniel 2–7). Its consistent function is to mark something or someone as surpassing all others in degree, quality, or intensity. The word frames the book’s central contrast between the fleeting greatness of earthly kingdoms and the unrivaled supremacy of the Most High God. Profiles of Usage 1. Daniel 2:31 – The gleam of Nebuchadnezzar’s colossal statue is “extraordinary,” accentuating both the statue’s allure and its ultimate vulnerability before the stone “cut without hands.” Theological Emphases Excellence Granted by God Whenever the adjective describes human character (Daniel 5:12; Daniel 5:14; Daniel 6:3), the narrative immediately attributes that excellence to divine endowment: “an excellent spirit, knowledge and insight, the ability to interpret dreams, explain riddles, and solve difficult problems were found in this Daniel” (Daniel 5:12). Human distinction is shown as God-given, not self-generated. Superlative Power of God When applied to empires, decrees, or beasts, the term magnifies their scale only to cast a brighter spotlight on God’s sovereign intervention. The “extraordinary” sheen of the statue and the “exceedingly terrifying” beast both fall before the Ancient of Days (Daniel 7:9-14). Yattir thus heightens dramatic tension and prepares readers for the revelation of divine control. Moral Contrast The same word that lauds Daniel’s integrity describes the fierce beast of Daniel 7, presenting a deliberate antithesis between spiritual excellence and monstrous wickedness. The righteous are called to surpassing holiness even in the shadow of surpassing evil. Historical and Prophetic Significance Babylonian and Persian Courts In a multicultural bureaucracy, Daniel’s conspicuous excellence validates Israel’s testimony before the nations. His promotions after each crisis foreshadow the ultimate vindication of the saints. Apocalyptic Vision The intensification language of Daniel 7 supports a prophetic trajectory that reaches beyond the immediate empires to a future, climactic showdown. The “exceedingly” dreadful kingdom anticipates a final antichrist figure, yet it is decisively judged, assuring believers of God’s eventual triumph. Ministry Reflections Cultivating an Excellent Spirit The repeated commendation of Daniel urges believers to pursue Spirit-empowered excellence in every vocation. Competence wedded to godliness commends the gospel in secular settings. Recognizing True Greatness Yattir reminds congregations to measure greatness not by worldly splendor but by alignment with God’s purposes. Nebuchadnezzar’s “greater majesty” after repentance (Daniel 4:36) illustrates that honor flows from humble submission to the Most High. Strength in Hostile Times The “exceedingly terrifying” imagery of Daniel 7 equips the church to face present-day pressures without fear. No matter how imposing the powers, “the court will convene, and his dominion will be taken away” (Daniel 7:26). Key Cross-References Daniel 2:31; Daniel 3:22; Daniel 4:36; Daniel 5:12; Daniel 5:14; Daniel 6:3; Daniel 7:7; Daniel 7:19. Forms and Transliterations יַתִּ֑ירָא יַתִּ֖יר יַתִּ֗ירָא יַתִּ֗ירָה יַתִּירָ֖ה יַתִּירָ֡ה יַתִּירָא֙ יתיר יתירא יתירה yat·tî·rā yat·tî·rāh yat·tîr yatTir yattîr yatTira yattîrā yattiRah yattîrāhLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Daniel 2:31 HEB: רַ֛ב וְזִיוֵ֥הּ יַתִּ֖יר קָאֵ֣ם לְקָבְלָ֑ךְ NAS: which was large and of extraordinary splendor, KJV: whose brightness [was] excellent, stood INT: was large splendor extraordinary was standing front Daniel 3:22 Daniel 4:36 Daniel 5:12 Daniel 5:14 Daniel 6:3 Daniel 7:7 Daniel 7:19 8 Occurrences |
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