Daniel 2:42

Authorized King James Version

And as the toes of the feet were part of iron, and part of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong, and partly broken.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאֶצְבְּעָת֙
And as the toes
something to sieze with, i.e., a finger; by analogy, a toe
#2
רַגְלַיָּ֔א
of the feet
a foot, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda
#3
וּמִנַּ֖הּ
and part
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of
#4
פַּרְזֶ֖ל
of iron
iron
#5
וּמִנְּהֵ֣ון
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#6
חֲסַ֑ף
of clay
a clod
#7
וּמִנַּ֖הּ
and part
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of
#8
קְצָ֤ת
a termination (literally or figuratively); also (by implication) a portion; adverbially (with prepositional prefix) after
#9
מַלְכוּתָא֙
so the kingdom
dominion (abstractly or concretely)
#10
תֶּֽהֱוֵ֥א
shall be
to exist; used in a great variety of applications (especially in connection with other words)
#11
תַקִּיפָ֔ה
strong
powerful
#12
וּמִנַּ֖הּ
and part
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of
#13
תֶּֽהֱוֵ֥א
shall be
to exist; used in a great variety of applications (especially in connection with other words)
#14
תְבִירָֽה׃
broken
to be fragile (figuratively)

Analysis

This verse develops the kingdom of God theme central to Daniel. The concept of kingdom reflects the development of kingdom of God within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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

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