Daniel 2:38

Authorized King James Version

And wheresoever the children of men dwell, the beasts of the field and the fowls of the heaven hath he given into thine hand, and hath made thee ruler over them all. Thou art this head of gold.

Word-by-Word Analysis

בְּכָלְּה֑וֹן

H3606

And wheresoever

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

דִּ֣י

H1768

that, used as relative conjunction, and especially (with a preposition) in adverbial phrases; also as preposition of

דָֽאְרִ֣ין

H1753

dwell

to reside

בְּֽנֵי

H1123

the children

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense

אֲ֠נָשָׁא

H606

of men

a man

חֵיוַ֨ת

H2423

the beasts

an animal

בָּרָ֤א

H1251

of the field

a field

וְעוֹף

H5776

and the fowls

a bird (as covered with feathers, or rather as covering with wings), often collectively

שְׁמַיָּא֙

H8065

of the heaven

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

#10

יְהַ֣ב

H3052

hath he given

to give (whether literal or figurative); generally, to put; imperatively (reflexive) come

#11

בִּידָ֔ךְ

H3028

into thine hand

hand (indicating power)

#12

וְהַשְׁלְטָ֖ךְ

H7981

and hath made thee ruler

to rule over

#13

בְּכָלְּה֑וֹן

H3606

And wheresoever

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#14

אַנְתְּה

H607

Thou

thou

#15

ה֔וּא

H1932

he (she or it); self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demonstrative) this or that; occasionally (instead of copula) as or are

#16

רֵאשָׁ֖ה

H7217

art this head

the head; figuratively, the sum

#17

דִּ֥י

H1768

that, used as relative conjunction, and especially (with a preposition) in adverbial phrases; also as preposition of

#18

דַהֲבָֽא׃

H1722

of gold

gold

Analysis

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

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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from earthly theocracy through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
What practical applications emerge from understanding kingdom of God as presented in this verse, particularly in light of providing hope in times of political and social upheaval?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of kingdom of God, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of eschatology and the doctrine of last things?

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