Lexical Summary qeyam: Existence, subsistence, standing Original Word: קְיָם Strong's Exhaustive Concordance decree, statute (Aramaic) from quwm; an edict (as arising in law) -- decree, statute. see HEBREW quwm NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) from qum Definition a statute NASB Translation statute (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs קְיָם noun [masculine] statute (Egyptian Aramaic קימיהם Cooke209); — absolute Daniel 6:16, construct V:8. Topical Lexicon Definition and Semantic Range קְיָם describes something that endures, stands fast, and remains in force. In its two occurrences it modifies royal legislation, highlighting a decree that is meant to be beyond repeal. Occurrences in Scripture 1. Daniel 6:7 – advisers urge Darius “to issue an edict and enforce a firm decree”. Historical Background Daniel 6 unfolds in the early years of the Medo-Persian empire. Persian jurisprudence prized the permanence of royal law (cf. Esther 1:19; Esther 8:8). By attaching קְיָם to their proposed decree, the officials exploit that cultural ideal of immutability to trap Daniel. The word thus reflects a broader Near-Eastern conviction that a monarch’s spoken law should outlive the moment of its proclamation. Theological Significance 1. Contrast with Divine Permanence 2. Moral Dimension The irrevocable edict exposed Daniel’s consistent piety. Permanence of legislation collided with permanence of devotion, and the latter prevailed. The narrative teaches that fidelity to God outweighs allegiance to any supposedly “permanent” human statute (Acts 5:29). Implications for Ministry and Application • Encourage believers facing hostile policies: earthly decrees may be labelled “unchangeable,” yet only the Lord’s counsel truly stands (Psalm 33:11). Christological Perspective The tension between an unalterable human verdict and divine deliverance prefigures the cross. Roman authority sealed Jesus’ tomb, but the Father’s purpose nullified that “permanent” seal (Matthew 27:65-66; 28:2). Thus Daniel 6, with its קְיָם decree overturned, foreshadows the greater victory of resurrection. Related Biblical Themes • Immutability of God (Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8) Summary קְיָם surfaces twice to stress the supposed permanence of Persian decrees. Its limited yet poignant use contrasts frail human authority with the steadfast rule of God, urging believers to trust the Lord whose word alone is truly enduring. Forms and Transliterations וּקְיָ֛ם וקים קְיָם֙ קים keYam qə·yām qəyām ū·qə·yām ukeYam ūqəyāmLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Daniel 6:7 HEB: וּפַחֲוָתָ֔א לְקַיָּמָ֤ה קְיָם֙ מַלְכָּ֔א וּלְתַקָּפָ֖ה NAS: should establish a statute and enforce KJV: a royal statute, and to make a firm INT: and the governors establish A statute the king and enforce Daniel 6:15 2 Occurrences |
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