Daniel 12:4

Authorized King James Version

But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאַתָּ֣ה
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#2
דָֽנִיֵּ֗אל
But thou O Daniel
daniel or danijel, the name of two israelites
#3
סְתֹ֧ם
shut up
to stop up; by implication, to repair; figuratively, to keep secret
#4
הַדְּבָרִ֛ים
the words
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#5
וַחֲתֹ֥ם
and seal
to close up; especially to seal
#6
הַסֵּ֖פֶר
the book
properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book
#7
עַד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#8
עֵ֣ת
even to the time
time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc
#9
קֵ֑ץ
of the end
an extremity; adverbially (with prepositional prefix) after
#10
יְשֹׁטְט֥וּ
shall run to and fro
properly, to push forth; (but used only figuratively) to lash, i.e., (the sea with oars) to row; by implication, to travel
#11
רַבִּ֖ים
many
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
#12
וְתִרְבֶּ֥ה
shall be increased
to increase (in whatever respect)
#13
הַדָּֽעַת׃
and knowledge
knowledge

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

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

Questions for Reflection

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