Daniel 1:10

Authorized King James Version

And the prince of the eunuchs said unto Daniel, I fear my lord the king, who hath appointed your meat and your drink: for why should he see your faces worse liking than the children which are of your sort? then shall ye make me endanger my head to the king.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֜אמֶר
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
שַׂ֤ר
And the prince
a head person (of any rank or class)
#3
הַסָּרִיסִים֙
of the eunuchs
a eunuch; by implication, valet (especially of the female apartments), and thus, a minister of state
#4
לְדָ֣נִיֵּ֔אל
unto Daniel
daniel or danijel, the name of two israelites
#5
יָרֵ֤א
I fear
fearing; morally, reverent
#6
אֲנִי֙
i
#7
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#8
אֲדֹנִ֣י
my lord
sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)
#9
לַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃
the king
a king
#10
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#11
מִנָּ֔ה
who hath appointed
properly, to weigh out; by implication, to allot or constitute officially; also to enumerate or enroll
#12
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#13
מַאֲכַלְכֶ֖ם
your meat
an eatable (including provender, flesh and fruit)
#14
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#15
מִשְׁתֵּיכֶ֑ם
and your drink
drink, by implication, drinking (the act); also (by implication) a banquet or (generally) feast
#16
אֲשֶׁ֡ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#17
לָמָּה֩
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#18
יִרְאֶ֨ה
for why should he see
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#19
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#20
פְּנֵיכֶ֜ם
your faces
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#21
זֹֽעֲפִ֗ים
worse liking
properly, to boil up, i.e., (figuratively) to be peevish or angry
#22
מִן
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#23
הַיְלָדִים֙
than the children
something born, i.e., a lad or offspring
#24
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#25
כְּגִֽילְכֶ֔ם
which are of your sort
a revolution (of time, i.e., an age); also joy
#26
וְחִיַּבְתֶּ֥ם
then shall ye make me endanger
properly, perhaps to tie, i.e., (figuratively and reflexively) to owe, or (by implication) to forfeit
#27
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#28
רֹאשִׁ֖י
my head
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#29
לַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃
the king
a king

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Daniel. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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