Daniel 1:20

Authorized King James Version

And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king enquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְכֹ֗ל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

דְּבַר֙

H1697

And in all matters

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

חָכְמַ֣ת

H2451

of wisdom

wisdom (in a good sense)

בִּינָ֔ה

H998

and understanding

understanding

אֲשֶׁר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

בִּקֵּ֥שׁ

H1245

enquired

to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after

מֵהֶ֖ם

H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

הַמֶּ֑לֶךְ

H4428

that the king

a king

וַֽיִּמְצָאֵ֞ם

H4672

of them he found

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

#10

עֶ֣שֶׂר

H6235

them ten times

ten (as an accumulation to the extent of the digits)

#11

יָד֗וֹת

H3027

better

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

#12

עַ֤ל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#13

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#14

הַֽחַרְטֻמִּים֙

H2748

than all the magicians

a horoscopist (as drawing magical lines or circles)

#15

הָֽאַשָּׁפִ֔ים

H825

and astrologers

a conjurer

#16

אֲשֶׁ֖ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#17

בְּכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#18

מַלְכוּתֽוֹ׃

H4438

that were in all his realm

a rule; concretely, a dominion

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Daniel. The concept of wisdom reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood wisdom. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on wisdom address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
In what ways does understanding wisdom in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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