תְּקֵף
𐤕𐤒𐤐
tᵉqêph
H8631 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To become strong, to prevail, to be firm or steadfast; in causative forms, to reinforce or make strong. The word also can denote hardening in resolve or obstinacy, especially in figurative contexts. The primary sense is one of acquiring or exhibiting strength, whether physical, moral, or metaphorical.
Semantic Range
to become strong, to prevail, to be firm, to be steadfast, to make strong (causative), to reinforce, to harden (oneself), to become obstinate
Root / Etymology
Root: תקף. The root carries the central sense of 'to be strong' or 'to overpower.' The Aramaic verb תְּקֵף is a Peal (G-stem) verb derived from this root, maintaining the meaning of becoming or being strong, prevailing, or in some contexts, becoming firm or resolute.
Historical & Contextual Notes
תְּקֵף is found in the Aramaic portions of the Hebrew Bible, notably in Daniel, appearing in contexts of becoming strong, prevailing, or, in some cases, hardening or becoming obstinate. While closely related to the Hebrew root תָּקַף—which also means 'to overpower' or 'to grasp strongly'—the Aramaic verb's usage contextually emphasizes a process or state of strengthening, often with political or personal resolve implications. The primary nuance is not only sheer force, but also steadfastness or firmness, at times with a negative connotation of stubbornness. Standard English translations like 'become strong' or 'harden' may not always capture these nuances, particularly when used figuratively for obstinacy or resoluteness against change. In post-biblical Aramaic and Hebrew, derivatives of this root continue to mean 'strong,' 'forceful,' or even 'stubborn.' Distinguish from other Hebrew/Aramaic verbs for 'strength' (e.g., חזק), which often focus on physical might rather than firmness or resoluteness.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
(Aramaic) corresponding to תָּקַף; to become (causatively, make) mighty or (figuratively) obstinate; make firm, harden, be(-come) strong.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
תקף (t-q-p̄) — strength, firmness, prevailing power
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H8623 | תַּקִּיף | mighty one |
| H8624 | תַּקִּיף | mighty |
| H8630 | תָּקַף | to overpower |
| H8632 | תְּקֹף | in prevailing strength of |
| H8633 | תֹּקֶף | in prevailing-strength of |
Word Forms
4 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H8631-04 |
וּ/תְקִ֑ף | uteqif | AC/Vqp3ms |
and mighty | and he became strong | 2 | |
H8631-01 |
תִּֽקְפַ֣ת | tiqefat | AVqi3fs |
became | she will grow strong | 1 | |
H8631-02 |
וּ/לְ/תַקָּפָ֖ה | uletaqafah | AC/R/Vpc |
and to make strong | and to reinforce | 1 | |
H8631-03 |
וּ/תְקֵ֑פְתְּ | uteqefete | AC/Vqp2ms |
and strong | and you became strong | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
5 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H8631-04 |
Daniel 4:8 | וּ/תְקִ֑ף | uteqif | AC/Vqp3ms |
and-strong | and he became strong | |
H8631-04 |
Daniel 4:17 | וּ/תְקִ֑ף | uteqif | AC/Vqp3ms |
and mighty | and he became strong | |
H8631-03 |
Daniel 4:19 | וּ/תְקֵ֑פְתְּ | uteqefete | AC/Vqp2ms |
and strong | and you became strong | |
H8631-01 |
Daniel 5:20 | תִּֽקְפַ֣ת | tiqefat | AVqi3fs |
became | she will grow strong | |
H8631-02 |
Daniel 6:8 | וּ/לְ/תַקָּפָ֖ה | uletaqafah | AC/R/Vpc |
and to make strong | and to reinforce |