קַיָּם
𐤒𐤉𐤌
qayâm
H7011 adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Adjective denoting something established, enduring, or continuing in existence; often used to describe that which is fixed, reliable, or lasting within legal, covenantal, or existential contexts. In Aramaic biblical texts, functions as an adjectival participle indicating being in a state of firmness, stability, or certainty.
Semantic Range
established, enduring, lasting, sure, steadfast, in force, confirmed, valid
Root / Etymology
Aramaic participial form derived from the root קוּם (qûm), meaning 'to arise, stand, stand up.' The form conveys the state or quality of ongoing standing or endurance (i.e., lasting, enduring).
Historical & Contextual Notes
קַיָּם appears only in the Aramaic portions of the Hebrew Bible, specifically in books such as Ezra and Daniel, to describe laws, decrees, or covenants that are stable or unchangeable. In these contexts, it signifies endurance, legal or existential durability, and unshakeable certainty—a nuance that overlaps but is not identical with Hebrew terms like נֶאֱמָן (faithful, reliable) or תָּקִיף (strong, forceful). Later Jewish texts retain this legal sense in reference to documents or institutions that are valid or in force. Standard English renderings include 'established,' 'valid,' 'sure,' or 'steadfast,' but sometimes these fail to communicate the full legal or existential permanence implied. The shift from primarily physical sense of 'standing' in Hebrew (קוּם) to more abstract, legal sense in Aramaic is typical of the period's linguistic development.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
(Aramaic) from קוּם; permanent (as rising firmly); stedfast, sure.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
קום (q-w-m) — arise, stand, endure
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H3079 | יְהוֹיָקִים | to YHWH-raises-up |
| H3113 | יוֹיָקִים | and Yahweh-establishes |
| H3137 | יוֹקִים | and YHWH establishes |
| H3351 | יְקוּם | the enduring substance |
| H3356 | יָקִים | to He-Will-Establish |
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H7011-02 |
וְ/קַיָּם֙ | veqayam | AC/Aamsa |
and-standing | and enduring | 1 |
H7011-01 |
קַיָּמָ֑ה | qayamah | AAafsa |
standing | enduring | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H7011-01 |
Daniel 4:23 | קַיָּמָ֑ה | qayamah | AAafsa |
standing | enduring |
H7011-02 |
Daniel 6:27 | וְ/קַיָּם֙ | veqayam | AC/Aamsa |
and-standing | and enduring |