Original Word: בִּקְעָא
Part of Speech: Noun Feminine
Transliteration: biq`a'
Pronunciation: bee-kah'
Phonetic Spelling: (bik-aw')
NASB: plain
Word Origin: [(Aramaic) corresponding to H1237 (בִּקעָה - valley)]

1. plain

plain

(Aramaic) corresponding to biq'ah -- plain.

see HEBREW biq'ah

Word Origin
(Aramaic) corresponding to biqah
Definition
a plain
NASB Translation
plain (1).

[בְּקְעָא] noun feminine plain (ᵑ7; Biblical Hebrew בְּקְעָה, √ בקע; compare Syriac , √ ); — construct בְבִקְעַת דּוּרָא Daniel 3:1.

Meaning and Setting

בִּקְעָא (biqʿā) denotes a level, open expanse—an Aramaic term paralleled by the Hebrew בִּקְעָה (Strong’s 1237). Its single appearance, Daniel 3:1, fixes the word to the “plain of Dura” where King Nebuchadnezzar erected his colossal golden image.

Geographical Context: The Plain of Dura

The precise location of Dura has been debated, but several ruins named “Dura” lie within twenty miles of Babylon’s ancient site along the Euphrates. The topography matches the idea of a flat valley floor bordered by low ridges—ample space for a massive gathering and an unobstructed view of a towering statue “sixty cubits high and six cubits wide” (Daniel 3:1). In Scripture, plains often serve as stages where human pride challenges divine authority (Genesis 11:2; 2 Chronicles 35:22).

Historical Significance in Daniel 3

1. Political Display: Nebuchadnezzar’s plain‐centered ceremony unified diverse officials (Daniel 3:2–3) and advertised imperial power.
2. Religious Test: The plain became a crucible for the faith of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Their refusal to bow set the scene for the fiery furnace miracle (Daniel 3:15–28).
3. Public Witness: God’s deliverance on that same plain led to the king’s proclamation that “there is no other god who can deliver in this way” (Daniel 3:29).

Theological Themes Illustrated

• Idolatry versus true worship: The flat openness symbolizes human attempts to level all peoples into uniform idolatry, while God preserves distinct, covenantal loyalty.
• Sovereignty of God over nations: A plain under imperial command is transformed into a platform for divine revelation.
• Faith under pressure: The scene foreshadows New Testament teaching that trials refine believers “so that the proven character of your faith... may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:7).

Typological and Prophetic Resonances

The plain of Dura anticipates the eschatological confrontation of Revelation 13, where global allegiance is demanded by a beastly power. The steadfast trio in Babylon prefigure the endurance of saints who refuse the mark and worship of the last days (Revelation 14:9–12).

Lessons for Ministry and Discipleship

• Public faithfulness: Ministry often unfolds in the “public square,” not sheltered enclaves.
• Cultural engagement without compromise: Servants of God may hold positions within secular structures (Daniel 2:49) yet must resist idolatrous mandates.
• Expectant hope: God’s presence “walking in the fire” (Daniel 3:25) assures believers of companionship in trial and sparks evangelistic testimony among onlookers.

Related Words and Conceptual Links

בִּקְעָה (Hebrew, Strong’s 1237) – the broader Hebrew cognate, appearing in Genesis 11:2 (plain of Shinar).

ἐπίπεδος (Greek) – Septuagint rendering for level ground, used in Isaiah 40:4, connecting valleys raised and mountains lowered in messianic preparation.

Summary

Though בִּקְעָא surfaces only once, its lone witness marks a decisive biblical moment: a wide valley turned into a proving ground for uncompromised faith and a showcase for God’s supremacy. The plain of Dura reminds every generation that even the most expansive human stage ultimately serves the purposes of the Most High.

בְּבִקְעַ֣ת בבקעת bə·ḇiq·‘aṯ bəḇiq‘aṯ bevikAtInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts