Original Word: טְפַר
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: tphar
Pronunciation: tef-ahr'
Phonetic Spelling: (tef-ar')
KJV: nail
NASB: claws, nails
Word Origin: [(Aramaic) from a root corresponding to H6852 (צָּפַר - depart), and meaning the same as H6856 (צִּפּוֹרֶן - nails)]

1. a finger-nail
2. also a hoof or claw

nail

(Aramaic) from a root corresponding to tsaphar, and meaning the same as tsipporen; a finger-nail; also a hoof or claw -- nail.

see HEBREW tsaphar

see HEBREW tsipporen

Word Origin
(Aramaic) from a root corresponding to tsaphar
Definition
a nail, claw
NASB Translation
claws (1), nails (1). [] ( , Syriac 👁 Image
; see Biblical Hebrew , √ IV. ); — plural suffix of man Daniel 4:30; of beast, (K^{§ 53, 2.} b)) Daniel 7:19, Qr .

Meaning and Imagery

טְפַר pictures the hardened, curved extremity of a creature’s limb—the claw or talon. In Scripture it functions as a vivid metaphor for an untamed, bestial nature that stands in stark contrast to the dignity with which humanity was originally crowned (Psalm 8:5). By employing an animal image normally hidden from human sight except in the wild, the text underscores the distance that sin and rebellion place between mankind and its Creator.

Occurrences in Scripture

1. Daniel 4:33 describes Nebuchadnezzar after the divine judgment: “his hair grew like the feathers of an eagle and his nails like the claws of a bird”.
2. Daniel 7:19 portrays the terrifying fourth beast: “different from all the others, extremely terrifying—with iron teeth and bronze claws…”.

Historical and Cultural Context

In Ancient Near Eastern literature, kings boasted of their might through animal symbolism, often likening themselves to lions or eagles. Daniel, however, reverses the trope. Nebuchadnezzar, the greatest monarch of his era, is reduced to animal status, eating grass and growing talons. To Babylonian ears this was a stunning humiliation, demonstrating that the Most High God alone “removes kings and establishes them” (Daniel 2:21).

The metallic imagery of the fourth beast’s “bronze claws” in Daniel 7:19 aligns with the composite statue in Daniel 2, where progressive metals depict successive empires. The claws signal rapacity and destructive power; bronze, tougher than iron teeth for ripping prey, suggests a ferocity beyond previous kingdoms.

Theological and Prophetic Significance

1. Human Pride Humbled: Nebuchadnezzar’s talons dramatize the truth that pride dehumanizes. Created in God’s image, he forfeits royal honor when he exalts himself, echoing Proverbs 16:18. The restoration of his reason and kingdom after repentance (Daniel 4:34–36) affirms God’s readiness to lift the humble.
2. Apocalyptic Warning: The bronze-clawed beast encapsulates end-time opposition to God’s saints. The claws tear, but they also rust—unlike the “kingdom that will never be destroyed” (Daniel 2:44). The imagery assures believers that however dreadful the interim powers, the Ancient of Days will judge and the Son of Man will reign (Daniel 7:13–14, 22).
3. Continuity of Revelation: The claw motif anticipates New Testament portrayals of bestial opposition (Revelation 13:1–5). Scripture’s unified storyline shows God consistently exposing and overcoming beastly empires that persecute His people.

Practical and Ministry Implications

• Humility before Sovereignty: Leaders in church, family, or civil spheres must heed Nebuchadnezzar’s lesson. Cultivated humility prevents the slide into dehumanizing arrogance.
• Discernment of World Powers: Daniel equips believers to evaluate political systems through a biblical lens, recognizing that technological or cultural advancement can mask predatory behaviors symbolized by “claws.”
• Hope Amid Persecution: The saints in Daniel 7 ultimately possess the kingdom. Teaching this vision fortifies persecuted believers with certain hope: the beast’s claws are temporary; God’s dominion is everlasting.
• Personal Sanctification: The metaphor invites reflection on individual life. Sin grows like untended talons; repentance trims the claws and restores the imago Dei. Spiritual disciplines—prayer, Scripture intake, fellowship—keep the heart from becoming beast-like.

וְטִפְר֥וֹהִי וְטִפְרַ֣יהּ וטפרוהי וטפריה vetifRaih vetifRohi wə·ṭip̄·rayh wə·ṭip̄·rō·w·hî wəṭip̄rayh wəṭip̄rōwhîInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts

Daniel 4:33
HEB: כְּנִשְׁרִ֥ין רְבָ֖ה וְטִפְר֥וֹהִי כְצִפְּרִֽין׃
NAS: like eagles' [feathers] and his nails like birds'
KJV: like eagles' [feathers], and his nails like birds'
INT: eagles' had grown and his nails birds'

Daniel 7:19
HEB: דִּֽי־ פַרְזֶל֙ וְטִפְרַ֣יהּ דִּֽי־ נְחָ֔שׁ
NAS: of iron and its claws of bronze,
KJV: [were of] iron, and his nails [of] brass;
INT: which of iron claws which of bronze

2 Occurrences

Strong's Hebrew 2953
2 Occurrences

wə·ṭip̄·rayh — 1 Occ.
wə·ṭip̄·rō·w·hî — 1 Occ.