Daniel 11:9

Authorized King James Version

So the king of the south shall come into his kingdom, and shall return into his own land.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּבָ֗א
shall come
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#2
בְּמַלְכוּת֙
into his kingdom
a rule; concretely, a dominion
#3
מֶ֣לֶךְ
So the king
a king
#4
הַנֶּ֔גֶב
of the south
the south (from its drought); specifically, the negeb or southern district of judah, occasionally, egypt (as south to palestine)
#5
וְשָׁ֖ב
and shall return
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#6
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#7
אַדְמָתֽוֹ׃
into his own land
soil (from its general redness)

Analysis

This verse develops the kingdom of God theme central to Daniel. The concept of kingdom reflects the development of kingdom of God 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

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 kingdom of God particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show imperial and royal imagery familiar to subjects of ancient monarchies, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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