Daniel 11:38

Authorized King James Version

But in his estate shall he honour the God of forces: and a god whom his fathers knew not shall he honour with gold, and silver, and with precious stones, and pleasant things.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְלֶאֱל֜וֹהַּ
and a god
a deity or the deity
#2
מָֽעֻזִּ֔ים
of forces
a fortified place; figuratively, a defense
#3
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#4
כַּנּ֖וֹ
But in his estate
a stand, i.e., pedestal or station
#5
יְכַבֵּ֛ד
not shall he honour
to be heavy, i.e., in a bad sense (burdensome, severe, dull) or in a good sense (numerous, rich, honorable); causatively, to make weighty (in the same
#6
וְלֶאֱל֜וֹהַּ
and a god
a deity or the deity
#7
אֲשֶׁ֧ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#8
לֹא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#9
יְדָעֻ֣הוּ
knew
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#10
אֲבֹתָ֗יו
H1
whom his fathers
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#11
יְכַבֵּ֛ד
not shall he honour
to be heavy, i.e., in a bad sense (burdensome, severe, dull) or in a good sense (numerous, rich, honorable); causatively, to make weighty (in the same
#12
בְּזָהָ֥ב
with gold
gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky
#13
וּבְכֶ֛סֶף
and silver
silver (from its pale color); by implication, money
#14
וּבְאֶ֥בֶן
H68
stones
a stone
#15
יְקָרָ֖ה
and with precious
valuable (objectively or subjectively)
#16
וּבַחֲמֻדֽוֹת׃
to delight in

Analysis

Within the broader context of Daniel, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

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