Daniel 2:9

Authorized King James Version

But if ye will not make known unto me the dream, there is but one decree for you: for ye have prepared lying and corrupt words to speak before me, till the time be changed: therefore tell me the dream, and I shall know that ye can shew me the interpretation thereof.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
דִּ֥י
that
that, used as relative conjunction, and especially (with a preposition) in adverbial phrases; also as preposition of
#2
הֵן
But if
lo! also there(-fore), (un-)less, whether, but, if
#3
חֶלְמָא֙
me the dream
a dream
#4
לָ֨א
ye will not
no, not
#5
וְֽאִנְדַּ֕ע
and I shall know
to inform
#6
חֲדָה
as card. one; as article single; as an ordinal, first; adverbially, at once
#7
הִ֣יא
there is but one
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
#8
דָֽתְכ֗וֹן
decree
a royal edict or statute
#9
וּמִלָּ֨ה
words
a word, command, discourse, or subject
#10
כִדְבָ֤ה
lying
false
#11
וּשְׁחִיתָה֙
and corrupt
to decay, i.e., (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively)
#12
הִזְדְּמִנְתּוּן֙
for you for ye have prepared
to agree (on a time and place)
#13
אֱמַ֣רוּ
tell
to speak, to command
#14
קָֽדָמַ֔י
before
before
#15
עַ֛ד
me till
until
#16
דִּ֥י
that
that, used as relative conjunction, and especially (with a preposition) in adverbial phrases; also as preposition of
#17
עִדָּנָ֖א
the time
a set time; technically, a year
#18
יִשְׁתַּנֵּ֑א
be changed
to alter
#19
לָהֵ֗ן
therefore
therefore; also except
#20
חֶלְמָא֙
me the dream
a dream
#21
אֱמַ֣רוּ
tell
to speak, to command
#22
לִ֔י
H0
#23
וְֽאִנְדַּ֕ע
and I shall know
to inform
#24
דִּ֥י
that
that, used as relative conjunction, and especially (with a preposition) in adverbial phrases; also as preposition of
#25
פִשְׁרֵ֖הּ
me the interpretation
an interpretation
#26
תְּהַחֲוֻנַּֽנִי׃
ye can shew
to show

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Daniel. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation 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

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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