Daniel 2:40

Authorized King James Version

And the fourth kingdom shall be strong as iron: forasmuch as iron breaketh in pieces and subdueth all things: and as iron that breaketh all these, shall it break in pieces and bruise.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וּמַלְכוּ֙

H4437

kingdom

dominion (abstractly or concretely)

רְבִ֣יעָיָ֔ה

H7244

And the fourth

fourth; also (fractionally) a fourth

תֶּהֱוֵ֥א

H1934

shall be

to exist; used in a great variety of applications (especially in connection with other words)

תַקִּיפָ֖ה

H8624

strong

powerful

וּֽכְפַרְזְלָ֛א

H6523

as iron

iron

כָּל

H3606

all

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

קֳבֵ֗ל

H6903

things and as

(adverbially) in front of; usually (with other particles) on account of, so as, since, hence

דִּ֤י

H1768

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

וּֽכְפַרְזְלָ֛א

H6523

as iron

iron

#10

תַּדִּ֥ק

H1855

breaketh in pieces

to crumble or (transitive) crush

#11

וְחָשֵׁל֙

H2827

and subdueth

to weaken, i.e., crush

#12

כָּל

H3606

all

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

#13

וּֽכְפַרְזְלָ֛א

H6523

as iron

iron

#14

דִּֽי

H1768

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

#15

וְתֵרֹֽעַ׃

H7490

and bruise

properly, to spoil (literally, by breaking to pieces); figuratively, to make (or be) good for nothing, i.e., bad (physically, socially or morally)

#16

כָּל

H3606

all

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

#17

אִלֵּ֖ין

H459

these

#18

תַּדִּ֥ק

H1855

breaketh in pieces

to crumble or (transitive) crush

#19

וְתֵרֹֽעַ׃

H7490

and bruise

properly, to spoil (literally, by breaking to pieces); figuratively, to make (or be) good for nothing, i.e., bad (physically, socially or morally)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Daniel, this passage highlights kingdom of God through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of kingdom connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about kingdom, 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 kingdom of God particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show imperial and royal imagery familiar to subjects of ancient monarchies, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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?
In what ways does understanding kingdom in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about kingdom of God?

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