Daniel 2:15

Authorized King James Version

He answered and said to Arioch the king's captain, Why is the decree so hasty from the king? Then Arioch made the thing known to Daniel.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
עָנֵ֣ה
He 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
וְאָמַ֗ר
and said
to speak, to command
#3
אַרְי֖וֹךְ
Arioch
arjok, the name of two babylonians
#4
שַׁלִּיטָ֣א
captain
mighty; abstractly, permission; concretely, a premier
#5
דִֽי
that, used as relative conjunction, and especially (with a preposition) in adverbial phrases; also as preposition of
#6
מַלְכָּ֑א
the king
a king
#7
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#8
מָ֥ה
Why
what?, why?, how?
#9
דָתָ֛א
is the decree
a royal edict or statute
#10
מְהַחְצְפָ֖ה
so hasty
properly, to shear or cut close; figuratively, to be severe
#11
מִן
from
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of
#12
קֳדָ֣ם
before
#13
מַלְכָּ֑א
the king
a king
#14
אֱדַ֣יִן
Then
then (of time)
#15
מִלְּתָ֔א
made the thing
a word, command, discourse, or subject
#16
הוֹדַ֥ע
known
to inform
#17
אַרְי֖וֹךְ
Arioch
arjok, the name of two babylonians
#18
לְדָנִיֵּֽאל׃
to Daniel
danijel, the hebrew prophet

Analysis

Within the broader context of Daniel, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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