Original Word: יְקָר
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: yqar
Pronunciation: yeh-KAR
Phonetic Spelling: (yek-awr')
NASB: glory, honor
Word Origin: [(Aramaic) corresponding to H3366 (יְקָר - honor)]

1. glory, honour

glory, honor

(Aramaic) corresponding to yqar -- glory, honour.

see HEBREW yqar

Word Origin
(Aramaic) corresponding to yeqar
Definition
honor
NASB Translation
glory (6), honor (1).

Royal Honor in Earthly Kingdoms

The word יְקָר consistently appears in the court narratives of Daniel, underscoring the public esteem attached to monarchs. Nebuchadnezzar promises his counselors “gifts and rewards and great honor” if they unveil the dream (Daniel 2:6). The term frames the rewards structure of ancient courts: privilege, recognition, and status flowing from the throne. In Daniel 2:37 the prophet affirms that such honor is not self-generated: “The God of heaven has given you dominion, power, strength, and glory”. Kingdoms rise on the scaffolding of divine concession, not merely human achievement.

Divine Attribution of Glory

Each occurrence shows that honor originates with the “Most High.” Nebuchadnezzar’s mental restoration is accompanied by the restoration of “my honor and splendor… for the glory of my kingdom” (Daniel 4:36). Even Belshazzar, addressing the downfall of his grandfather, must concede, “The Most High God gave your father Nebuchadnezzar sovereignty and greatness and glory and honor” (Daniel 5:18). Earthly glory is thus shown to be a stewardship under God, highlighting His sovereignty over every throne.

Human Pride versus God’s Sovereignty

Daniel’s narrative juxtaposes bestowed honor with the peril of pride. Nebuchadnezzar’s boast, “Is this not Babylon the Great… for the glory of my majesty?” (Daniel 4:30), triggers divine judgment. Similarly, when Nebuchadnezzar’s successor became arrogant, “he was deposed from his royal throne and stripped of his glory” (Daniel 5:20). The pattern warns that honor disassociated from humility is fragile; God removes what He grants when rulers exalt themselves above Him.

Prophetic and Eschatological Dimensions

The climactic use of יְקָר reaches beyond Babylon to the universal reign of the Son of Man: “And to Him was given dominion, glory, and kingship, that the peoples, nations, and men of every language should serve Him” (Daniel 7:14). The honor given to earthly kings prefigures an everlasting conferral on the Messiah, whose authority will never be revoked. All temporal glory converges on this eschatological horizon, stressing the transience of human kingdoms and the permanence of Christ’s dominion.

Implications for Worship and Ministry

1. Humility in Leadership: Those entrusted with influence in church or society must remember that all honor is derivative. Ministry leaders guard against self-promotion by continually acknowledging the Source.
2. Encouragement in Exile: Daniel’s exiled audience—and today’s believers in marginal contexts—are reminded that God assigns honor even under foreign rule. Faithfulness amid cultural pressure can still witness to divine sovereignty.
3. Discipleship Toward the Coming Kingdom: The honor terminology orients disciples toward the future reign of Christ. Teaching and preaching that emphasize His ultimate glory cultivate hope and perseverance.
4. Worship Vocabulary: Liturgical language can draw from Daniel’s scenes, celebrating the Lord who “gives… honor” and who will one day reveal “glory and kingship” in fullness.

Christological Resonances

Daniel’s transfer of honor from Nebuchadnezzar to the Son of Man charts salvation history. The former embodies temporary, God-regulated majesty; the latter embodies eternal, God-constituted majesty. The Gospel narratives echo Daniel 7:14 when Jesus applies the title “Son of Man” to Himself (Matthew 26:64), identifying Himself as the rightful recipient of everlasting honor. For the church, the study of יְקָר therefore directs adoration to Christ, the focus and fulfillment of all true glory.

וְלִיקַ֨ר וְלִיקָ֥ר וִֽיקָרָ֖א וִֽיקָרָ֖ה וִיקָ֣ר וִיקָרָ֣א ויקר ויקרא ויקרה וליקר veliKar viKar vikaRa vikaRah wə·lî·qar wə·lî·qār wəlîqar wəlîqār wî·qā·rā wî·qā·rāh wî·qār wîqār wîqārā wîqārāhInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts