Daniel 4:15

Authorized King James Version

Nevertheless leave the stump of his roots in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let his portion be with the beasts in the grass of the earth:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
בְּרַ֨ם
Nevertheless
properly, highly, i.e., surely; but used adversatively, however
#2
עִקַּ֤ר
the stump
a stock
#3
שָׁרְשׁ֙וֹהִי֙
of his roots
a root (literally or figuratively)
#4
אַרְעָֽא׃
in the earth
the earth; by implication (figuratively) low
#5
שְׁבֻ֔קוּ
leave
to quit, i.e., allow to remain
#6
וּבֶֽאֱסוּר֙
even with a band
a bond (especially manacles of a prisoner)
#7
דִּֽי
that, used as relative conjunction, and especially (with a preposition) in adverbial phrases; also as preposition of
#8
פַרְזֶ֣ל
of iron
iron
#9
וּנְחָ֔שׁ
and brass
copper
#10
בְּדִתְאָ֖א
in the tender grass
a sprout; by analogy, grass
#11
דִּ֣י
that, used as relative conjunction, and especially (with a preposition) in adverbial phrases; also as preposition of
#12
בָרָ֑א
of the field
a field
#13
וּבְטַ֤ל
with the dew
dew (as covering vegetation)
#14
שְׁמַיָּא֙
of heaven
the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r
#15
יִצְטַבַּ֔ע
and let it be wet
to dip
#16
וְעִם
be with
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
#17
חֵיוְתָ֥א
the beasts
an animal
#18
חֲלָקֵ֖הּ
and let his portion
a part
#19
בַּעֲשַׂ֥ב
in the grass
a moth
#20
אַרְעָֽא׃
in the earth
the earth; by implication (figuratively) low

Analysis

Within the broader context of Daniel, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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