Daniel 4:19

Authorized King James Version

Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was astonied for one hour, and his thoughts troubled him. The king spake, and said, Belteshazzar, let not the dream, or the interpretation thereof, trouble thee. Belteshazzar answered and said, My lord, the dream be to them that hate thee, and the interpretation thereof to thine enemies.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אֱדַ֨יִן
Then
then (of time)
#2
דָּֽנִיֵּ֜אל
Daniel
danijel, the hebrew prophet
#3
דִּֽי
that, used as relative conjunction, and especially (with a preposition) in adverbial phrases; also as preposition of
#4
שְׁמֵ֣הּ
whose name
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#5
בֵלְטְשַׁאצַּר֙
Belteshazzar
belteshatstsar, the babylonian name of daniel
#6
אֶשְׁתּוֹמַם֙
was astonied
to stun (or intransitively, grow numb), i.e., devastate or (figuratively) stupefy (both usually in a passive sense)
#7
כְּשָׁעָ֣ה
hour
properly, a look, i.e., a moment
#8
חֲדָ֔ה
for one
as card. one; as article single; as an ordinal, first; adverbially, at once
#9
וְרַעְיֹנֹ֖הִי
and his thoughts
a grasp. i.e., (figuratively) mental conception
#10
יְבַהֲלָ֔ךְ
thereof trouble
to terrify, hasten
#11
עָנֵ֤ה
answered
properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,
#12
מַלְכָּ֜א
him The king
a king
#13
וְאָמַ֔ר
and said
to speak, to command
#14
בֵלְטְשַׁאצַּר֙
Belteshazzar
belteshatstsar, the babylonian name of daniel
#15
חֶלְמָ֥א
the dream
a dream
#16
וּפִשְׁרֵ֥הּ
or the interpretation
an interpretation
#17
אַֽל
let not
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
#18
יְבַהֲלָ֔ךְ
thereof trouble
to terrify, hasten
#19
עָנֵ֤ה
answered
properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,
#20
בֵלְטְשַׁאצַּר֙
Belteshazzar
belteshatstsar, the babylonian name of daniel
#21
וְאָמַ֔ר
and said
to speak, to command
#22
מָרִ֕אי
My lord
a master
#23
חֶלְמָ֥א
the dream
a dream
#24
לְשָֽׂנְאָ֖יךְ
be to them that hate
to hate
#25
וּפִשְׁרֵ֥הּ
or the interpretation
an interpretation
#26
לְעָרָֽיךְ׃
thereof to thine enemies
a foe (as watchful for mischief)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Daniel, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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 salvation 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 divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People