Daniel 2:43

Authorized King James Version

And whereas thou sawest iron mixed with miry clay, they shall mingle themselves with the seed of men: but they shall not cleave one to another, even as iron is not mixed with clay.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כְדִ֣י
And whereas
that, used as relative conjunction, and especially (with a preposition) in adverbial phrases; also as preposition of
#2
חֲזַ֗יְתָ
thou sawest
to gaze upon; mentally to dream, be usual (i.e., seem)
#3
פַרְזְלָ֔א
as iron
iron
#4
מִתְעָרַ֖ב
mixed
to commingle
#5
חַסְפָּֽא׃
clay
a clod
#6
טִינָ֔א
with miry
clay
#7
מִתְעָרַ֖ב
mixed
to commingle
#8
לֶהֱוֹ֥ן
but they shall
to exist; used in a great variety of applications (especially in connection with other words)
#9
בִּזְרַ֣ע
with the seed
posterity
#10
אֲנָשָׁ֔א
of men
a man
#11
לָ֥א
is not
no, not
#12
לֶהֱוֹ֥ן
but they shall
to exist; used in a great variety of applications (especially in connection with other words)
#13
דָּבְקִ֖ין
cleave
to stick to
#14
דְּנָ֑ה
another
this
#15
עִם
to
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
#16
דְּנָ֑ה
another
this
#17
הֵֽא
even
behold!
#18
כְדִ֣י
And whereas
that, used as relative conjunction, and especially (with a preposition) in adverbial phrases; also as preposition of
#19
פַרְזְלָ֔א
as iron
iron
#20
לָ֥א
is not
no, not
#21
מִתְעָרַ֖ב
mixed
to commingle
#22
עִם
to
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
#23
חַסְפָּֽא׃
clay
a clod

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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