Daniel 4:21

Authorized King James Version

Whose leaves were fair, and the fruit thereof much, and in it was meat for all; under which the beasts of the field dwelt, and upon whose branches the fowls of the heaven had their habitation:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְעָפְיֵ֤הּ
Whose leaves
a twig; bough, i.e., (collectively) foliage
#2
שַׁפִּיר֙
were fair
beautiful
#3
וְאִנְבֵּ֣הּ
H4
and the fruit
fruit
#4
שַׂגִּ֔יא
thereof much
large (in size, quantity or number, also adverbial)
#5
וּמָז֨וֹן
and in it was meat
food
#6
לְכֹ֖לָּא
for all
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#7
בֵ֑הּ
H0
#8
תְּחֹת֗וֹהִי
under
beneath
#9
תְּדוּר֙
dwelt
to reside
#10
חֵיוַ֣ת
which the beasts
an animal
#11
בָּרָ֔א
of the field
a field
#12
וּבְעַנְפ֕וֹהִי
and upon whose branches
a twig (as covering the limbs)
#13
יִשְׁכְּנָ֖ן
had their habitation
to dwell
#14
צִפֲּרֵ֥י
the fowls
a bird
#15
שְׁמַיָּֽא׃
of the 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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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

Related Resources

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

People