Daniel 4:17

Authorized King James Version

This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men.

Word-by-Word Analysis

בִּגְזֵרַ֤ת

H1510

is by the decree

a decree

עִירִין֙

H5894

of the watchers

a watcher, i.e., an angel (as guardian)

פִּתְגָמָ֔א

H6600

This matter

a word, answer, letter or decree

וּמֵאמַ֥ר

H3983

by the word

something (authoritatively) said, i.e., an edict

קַדִּישִׁ֖ין

H6922

of the holy ones

sacred (ceremonially or morally); (as noun) god (by eminence), an angel, a saint, a sanctuary

שְׁאֵֽלְתָ֑א

H7595

and the demand

properly, a question (at law), i.e., judicial decision or mandate

עַד

H5705

until

דִּבְרַ֡ת

H1701

the intent

a reason, suit or style

דִּ֣י

H1768

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

#10

יִנְדְּע֣וּן

H3046

may know

to inform

#11

חַ֠יַּיָּא

H2417

that the living

alive; also (as noun in plural) life

#12

דִּֽי

H1768

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

#13

שַׁלִּ֨יט

H7990

ruleth

mighty; abstractly, permission; concretely, a premier

#14

עִלָּיָ֜א

H5943

that the most High

supreme (i.e., god)

#15

בְּמַלְכ֣וּת

H4437

in the kingdom

dominion (abstractly or concretely)

#16

אֲנָשִׁ֖ים

H606

of men

a man

#17

וּלְמַן

H4479

it to whomsoever

who or what (properly, interrogatively, hence, also indefinitely and relatively)

#18

דִּ֤י

H1768

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

#19

יִצְבֵּא֙

H6634

he will

to please

#20

יִתְּנִנַּ֔הּ

H5415

and giveth

give

#21

וּשְׁפַ֥ל

H8215

it the basest

low

#22

אֲנָשִׁ֖ים

H606

of men

a man

#23

יְקִ֥ים

H6966

and setteth up

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

#24

עֲלַֽיהּ׃

H5922

over

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

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

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of kingdom of God, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of eschatology and the doctrine of last things?
How does the kingdom of God theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
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?

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