Daniel 12:10

Authorized King James Version

Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
יִ֠תְבָּֽרֲרוּ
shall be purified
to clarify (i.e., brighten), examine, select
#2
וְיִֽתְלַבְּנ֤וּ
and made white
to make bricks
#3
וְיִצָּֽרְפוּ֙
and tried
to fuse (metal), i.e., refine (literally or figuratively)
#4
רַבִּ֔ים
Many
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
#5
וְהִרְשִׁ֣יעוּ
shall do wickedly
to be (causatively, do or declare) wrong; by implication, to disturb, violate
#6
רְשָׁעִ֑ים
and none of the wicked
morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person
#7
וְלֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#8
יָבִֽינוּ׃
shall understand
to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand
#9
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#10
רְשָׁעִ֑ים
and none of the wicked
morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person
#11
וְהַמַּשְׂכִּלִ֖ים
but the wise
to be (causatively, make or act) circumspect and hence, intelligent
#12
יָבִֽינוּ׃
shall understand
to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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