Daniel 10:4

Authorized King James Version

And in the four and twentieth day of the first month, as I was by the side of the great river, which is Hiddekel;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּבְי֛וֹם
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
#2
עֶשְׂרִ֥ים
and twentieth
twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth
#3
וְאַרְבָּעָ֖ה
And in the four
four
#4
לַחֹ֣דֶשׁ
month
the new moon; by implication, a month
#5
הָרִאשׁ֑וֹן
of the first
first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)
#6
וַאֲנִ֗י
i
#7
הָיִ֛יתִי
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#8
עַ֣ל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#9
יַ֧ד
as I was by the side
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
#10
הַנָּהָ֛ר
river
a stream (including the sea; expectation the nile, euphrates, etc.); figuratively, prosperity
#11
הַגָּד֖וֹל
of the great
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
#12
ה֥וּא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#13
חִדָּֽקֶל׃
which is Hiddekel
the chiddekel (or tigris) river

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Daniel. The concept of divine revelation 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 literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Daniel Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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