Daniel 10:20

Authorized King James Version

Then said he, Knowest thou wherefore I come unto thee? and now will I return to fight with the prince of Persia: and when I am gone forth, lo, the prince of Grecia shall come.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֗אמֶר
Then said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
הֲיָדַ֙עְתָּ֙
he Knowest
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#3
לָמָּה
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#4
בָּֽא׃
shall come
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#5
אֵלֶ֔יךָ
near, with or among; often in general, to
#6
וְעַתָּ֣ה
at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive
#7
אָשׁ֔וּב
unto thee and now will I return
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#8
לְהִלָּחֵ֖ם
to fight
to feed on; figuratively, to consume
#9
עִם
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
#10
שַׂר
lo the prince
a head person (of any rank or class)
#11
פָּרָ֑ס
of Persia
paras (i.e., persia), an eastern country, including its inhabitants
#12
וַאֲנִ֣י
i
#13
יוֹצֵ֔א
and when I am gone forth
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#14
וְהִנֵּ֥ה
lo!
#15
שַׂר
lo the prince
a head person (of any rank or class)
#16
יָוָ֖ן
of Grecia
javan, the name of a son of joktan, and of the race (ionians, i.e., greeks) descended from him, with their territory; also of a place in arabia
#17
בָּֽא׃
shall come
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Daniel, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Daniel.

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

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People