Daniel 2:41

Authorized King James Version

And whereas thou sawest the feet and toes, part of potters' clay, and part of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; but there shall be in it of the strength of the iron, forasmuch as thou sawest the iron mixed with miry clay.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְדִֽי

H1768

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

חֲזַ֔יְתָה

H2370

And whereas thou sawest

to gaze upon; mentally to dream, be usual (i.e., seem)

רַגְלַיָּ֣א

H7271

the feet

a foot, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda

וְאֶצְבְּעָתָ֗א

H677

and toes

something to sieze with, i.e., a finger; by analogy, a toe

וּמִן

H4481

and part

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of

בַּחֲסַ֥ף

H2635

clay

a clod

דִּֽי

H1768

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

פֶחָר֙

H6353

of potters

a potter

וּמִנְּהֵ֣ון

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

#10

פַּ֨רְזְלָ֔א

H6523

of iron

iron

#11

מַלְכ֤וּ

H4437

the kingdom

dominion (abstractly or concretely)

#12

פְלִיגָה֙

H6386

divided

to split (literally or figuratively)

#13

לֶֽהֱוֵא

H1934

but there shall be

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

#14

וּמִן

H4481

and part

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of

#15

נִצְבְּתָ֥א

H5326

the strength

fixedness, i.e., firmness

#16

דִֽי

H1768

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

#17

פַּ֨רְזְלָ֔א

H6523

of iron

iron

#18

לֶֽהֱוֵא

H1934

but there shall be

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

#19

בַ֑הּ

#20

כָּל

H3606

forasmuch as

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

#21

קֳבֵל֙

H6903

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

#22

דִּ֣י

H1768

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

#23

חֲזַ֔יְתָה

H2370

And whereas thou sawest

to gaze upon; mentally to dream, be usual (i.e., seem)

#24

פַּ֨רְזְלָ֔א

H6523

of iron

iron

#25

מְעָרַ֖ב

H6151

mixed

to commingle

#26

בַּחֲסַ֥ף

H2635

clay

a clod

#27

טִינָֽא׃

H2917

with miry

clay

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

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 kingdom in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding kingdom in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about kingdom of God?
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?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on kingdom address the apparent delay of Christ's return and God's justice, and how should the church respond?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Daniel