Daniel 10:12

Authorized King James Version

Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר

H559

Then said

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵלַי֮

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אַל

H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תִּירָ֣א

H3372

he unto me Fear

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

דָנִיֵּאל֒

H1840

not Daniel

daniel or danijel, the name of two israelites

כִּ֣י׀

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

מִן

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַיּ֣וֹם

H3117

day

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הָרִאשׁ֗וֹן

H7223

for from the first

first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)

#10

אֲשֶׁ֨ר

H834

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

#11

נָתַ֧תָּ

H5414

that thou didst set

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

#12

אֶֽת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#13

לִבְּךָ֛

H3820

thine heart

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

#14

לְהָבִ֧ין

H995

to understand

to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand

#15

וּלְהִתְעַנּ֛וֹת

H6031

and to chasten

to depress literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive (in various applications, as follows)

#16

לִפְנֵ֥י

H6440

thyself before

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

#17

אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ

H430

thy God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

#18

נִשְׁמְע֣וּ

H8085

were heard

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

#19

בִּדְבָרֶֽיךָ׃

H1697

for thy words

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

#20

וַאֲנִי

H589

#21

בָ֖אתִי

H935

and I am come

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

#22

בִּדְבָרֶֽיךָ׃

H1697

for thy words

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

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
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?

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