Daniel 2:10

Authorized King James Version

The Chaldeans answered before the king, and said, There is not a man upon the earth that can shew the king's matter: therefore there is no king, lord, nor ruler, that asked such things at any magician, or astrologer, or Chaldean.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
עֲנ֨וֹ
answered
properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,
#2
וְכַשְׂדָּֽי׃
The Chaldeans
a chaldaean or inhabitant of chaldaea; by implication, a magian or professional astrologer
#3
קֳדָם
before
before
#4
מֶ֙לֶךְ֙
king
a king
#5
וְאָ֣מְרִ֔ין
and said
to speak, to command
#6
לָ֣א
not
no, not
#7
אִיתַ֤י
There is
properly, entity; used only as a particle of affirmation, there is
#8
אֲנָשׁ֙
a man
a man
#9
עַל
upon
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#10
יַבֶּשְׁתָּ֔א
the earth
dry land
#11
דִּ֚י
that, used as relative conjunction, and especially (with a preposition) in adverbial phrases; also as preposition of
#12
מִלָּ֤ה
matter
a word, command, discourse, or subject
#13
מֶ֙לֶךְ֙
king
a king
#14
יוּכַ֖ל
that can
to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)
#15
לְהַחֲוָיָ֑ה
shew
to show
#16
לְכָל
at any
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#17
קֳבֵ֗ל
therefore
(adverbially) in front of; usually (with other particles) on account of, so as, since, hence
#18
דִּ֚י
that, used as relative conjunction, and especially (with a preposition) in adverbial phrases; also as preposition of
#19
לְכָל
at any
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#20
מֶ֙לֶךְ֙
king
a king
#21
רַ֣ב
lord
abundant
#22
וְשַׁלִּ֔יט
nor ruler
mighty; abstractly, permission; concretely, a premier
#23
מִלָּ֤ה
matter
a word, command, discourse, or subject
#24
כִדְנָה֙
such
this
#25
לָ֣א
not
no, not
#26
שְׁאֵ֔ל
that asked
to ask
#27
לְכָל
at any
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#28
חַרְטֹּ֖ם
magician
a horoscopist (as drawing magical lines or circles)
#29
וְאָשַׁ֥ף
or astrologer
a conjurer
#30
וְכַשְׂדָּֽי׃
The Chaldeans
a chaldaean or inhabitant of chaldaea; by implication, a magian or professional astrologer

Analysis

Within the broader context of Daniel, this passage highlights kingdom of God 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

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of kingdom of God within the theological tradition of Daniel Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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