Daniel 11:37

Authorized King James Version

Neither shall he regard the God of his fathers, nor the desire of women, nor regard any god: for he shall magnify himself above all.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְעַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#2
אֱלֹהֵ֤י
the 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
#3
אֲבֹתָיו֙
H1
of his fathers
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#4
לֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#5
יָבִ֑ין
Neither shall he regard
to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand
#6
וְעַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#7
חֶמְדַּ֥ת
nor the desire
delight
#8
נָשִׁ֛ים
of women
a woman
#9
וְעַֽל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#10
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#11
אֱל֖וֹהַּ
any god
a deity or the deity
#12
לֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#13
יָבִ֑ין
Neither shall he regard
to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand
#14
כִּ֥י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#15
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#16
כֹּ֖ל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#17
יִתְגַּדָּֽל׃
for he shall magnify
to be (causatively make) large (in various senses, as in body, mind, estate or honor, also in pride)

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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