Lexical Summary sega: abound, increase Original Word: שְׂגָא Strong's Exhaustive Concordance grow, be multiplied (Aramaic) corresponding to saga'; to increase -- grow, be multiplied. see HEBREW saga' NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) corresponding to saga Definition to grow great NASB Translation abound (2), increase (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [שְׂגָא] verb grow great (ᵑ7 ׳ס, Syriac  ; see Biblical Hebrew שׂגא (Aramaism in Job); — Pe`al Imperfect3masculine singular, יִשְׂגֵּא, of injury Ezra 4:22; ׳שְׁלָֽמְכוֺןיִשְׂ Daniel 3:31; Daniel 6:26. Topical Lexicon Semantic ScopeThe verb שְׂגָא carries the idea of enlargement, multiplication, or exaltation, especially in relation to royal welfare. In Scripture it is applied to physical prosperity (Daniel 4:1; 6:25) and to the spread of destructive harm (Ezra 4:22). The term therefore spans both positive and negative amplification, hinging on the moral complexion of the context. Occurrences and Contextual Analysis 1. Ezra 4:22 portrays Persian officials warning about Jerusalem’s rebuilding: “Why allow this threat to increase, to the detriment of the royal interests?”. Here שְׂגָא pictures unchecked trouble swelling against the throne. The verb reinforces the urgency of curbing rebellion before it matures into full-grown insurrection (cf. James 1:15 for the moral parallel in another context). 2. Daniel 4:1 introduces Nebuchadnezzar’s proclamation after his humbling: “May your prosperity be multiplied”. The same verb that signified rising danger in Ezra now conveys rising blessing. The king, freshly restored, seeks the increase of his subjects, acknowledging, by implication, that true prosperity lies under the sovereignty of the Most High whom he soon extols (Daniel 4:34-37). 3. Daniel 6:25 records an identical wish from Darius after Daniel’s deliverance: “May you prosper greatly”. The repetition of the royal greeting frames the miracle narrative with a call that human flourishing would abound in response to God’s vindication of His servant. Historical Setting All three uses occur in Imperial Aramaic passages, embedded in royal correspondence or edicts of the Persian and Babylonian eras (sixth–fifth centuries BC). The formula “May your prosperity be multiplied” reflects a diplomatic salutation common in Near-Eastern letters. Scripture preserves the phrase to demonstrate God’s activity within pagan courts: He restrains arrogant expansion (Ezra 4) and sanctifies rightful increase (Daniel 4; 6). Theological Trajectory 1. Divine Governance over Increase The contrast between the threatening increase of rebellion (Ezra) and the salutary increase of welfare (Daniel) highlights God as the true arbiter of growth. His hand either frustrates or fosters enlargement according to righteousness (Psalm 75:6-7). 2. Kingship Subordinate to the Highest King Both Nebuchadnezzar and Darius invoke שְׂגָא immediately before or after confessing God’s supremacy. Earthly monarchs can wish “multiplication,” but only God grants it (Proverbs 21:1). 3. Salvation Motif The plea for multiplied welfare resonates with the redemptive promise that through Abraham’s seed “all nations of the earth shall be blessed” (Genesis 22:18). Daniel’s preservation, in particular, serves as a covenant-era pledge that God will cause the increase of His kingdom (Isaiah 9:7). Ministry Significance • Pastoral petitions for congregational growth—numeric or spiritual—should echo the royal benediction yet remain conditioned on God’s glory, lest increase become hubris. • Intercessory prayer for civil authorities may draw from Daniel 4:1; 6:25, asking that their governance result in genuine public welfare that honors God (1 Timothy 2:1-2). • Leaders must heed Ezra 4:22: unchecked sin within the community can expand like leaven. Swift, godly oversight curbs destructive “increase” before it imperils the whole body (1 Corinthians 5:6-7). Christological Reflection Jesus Christ embodies the right kind of increase: “Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end” (Isaiah 9:7). He is exalted (Philippians 2:9) so that the prosperity of salvation may be multiplied to all nations. In Him the prayer “may your prosperity be multiplied” finds its ultimate fulfillment, turning from a courtly wish into a gospel certainty. Practical Application • Pray for multiplied fruit of the Spirit in personal life (Galatians 5:22-23), recognizing growth as divine gift. Forms and Transliterations יִשְׂגֵּ֣א יִשְׂגֵּֽא׃ ישגא ישגא׃ yiś·gê yisGe yiśgêLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ezra 4:22 HEB: דְּנָ֑ה לְמָה֙ יִשְׂגֵּ֣א חֲבָלָ֔א לְהַנְזָקַ֖ת NAS: should damage increase to the detriment KJV: should damage grow to the hurt INT: this why increase damage to the detriment Daniel 4:1 Daniel 6:25 3 Occurrences |
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