Daniel 10:16

Authorized King James Version

And, behold, one like the similitude of the sons of men touched my lips: then I opened my mouth, and spake, and said unto him that stood before me, O my lord, by the vision my sorrows are turned upon me, and I have retained no strength.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהִנֵּ֗ה
lo!
#2
כִּדְמוּת֙
And behold one like the similitude
resemblance; concretely, model, shape; adverbially, like
#3
בְּנֵ֣י
of the sons
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#4
אָדָ֔ם
of men
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
#5
נֹגֵ֖עַ
touched
properly, to touch, i.e., lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphemistically, to lie with a woman); by implication, to reach (figuratively, to arrive
#6
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#7
שְׂפָתָ֑י
my lips
the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)
#8
וָאֶפְתַּח
then I opened
to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve
#9
פִּ֗י
my mouth
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
#10
וָאֲדַבְּרָה֙
and spake
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#11
וָאֹֽמְרָה֙
and said
to say (used with great latitude)
#12
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#13
הָעֹמֵ֣ד
unto him that stood
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
#14
לְנֶגְדִּ֔י
a front, i.e., part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually (adverbial, especially with preposition) over against or before
#15
אֲדֹנִ֗י
before me O my lord
sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)
#16
בַּמַּרְאָה֙
by the vision
(causatively) a mirror
#17
נֶהֶפְכ֤וּ
are turned
to turn about or over; by implication, to change, overturn, return, pervert
#18
צִירַי֙
my sorrows
a throe (as a phys. or mental pressure)
#19
עָלַ֔י
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#20
וְלֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#21
עָצַ֖רְתִּי
upon me and I have retained
to inclose; by analogy, to hold back; also to maintain, rule, assemble
#22
כֹּֽחַ׃
no strength
vigor, literally (force, in a good or a bad sense) or figuratively (capacity, means, produce)

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

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