Daniel 11:4

Authorized King James Version

And when he shall stand up, his kingdom shall be broken, and shall be divided toward the four winds of heaven; and not to his posterity, nor according to his dominion which he ruled: for his kingdom shall be plucked up, even for others beside those.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וּכְעָמְדוֹ֙

H5975

And when he shall stand up

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

תִּשָּׁבֵ֣ר

H7665

shall be broken

to burst (literally or figuratively)

מַלְכוּת֔וֹ

H4438

for his kingdom

a rule; concretely, a dominion

וְתֵחָ֕ץ

H2673

and shall be divided

to cut or split in two; to halve

לְאַרְבַּ֖ע

H702

toward the four

four

רוּח֣וֹת

H7307

winds

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

הַשָּׁמָ֑יִם

H8064

of heaven

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

וְלֹ֣א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

לְאַחֲרִית֗וֹ

H319

and not to his posterity

the last or end, hence, the future; also posterity

#10

וְלֹ֤א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#11

כְמָשְׁלוֹ֙

H4915

nor according to his dominion

empire

#12

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#13

מָשָׁ֔ל

H4910

which he ruled

to rule

#14

כִּ֤י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#15

תִנָּתֵשׁ֙

H5428

shall be plucked up

to tear away

#16

מַלְכוּת֔וֹ

H4438

for his kingdom

a rule; concretely, a dominion

#17

וְלַאֲחֵרִ֖ים

H312

even for others

properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc

#18

מִלְּבַד

H905

properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit

#19

אֵֽלֶּה׃

H428

these or those

Analysis

The kingdom of God theme here intersects with the progressive revelation of God's rule from creation to consummation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of development from creation mandate through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment. The phrase emphasizing kingdom relates to eschatology and the ultimate purpose of God's redemptive plan and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's reign from creation through the millennial kingdom.

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 kingdom. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding kingdom in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about kingdom of God?
How does this verse's literary context within Daniel chapter 11 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding kingdom of God as presented in this verse, particularly in light of providing hope in times of political and social upheaval?

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