Daniel 4:23

Authorized King James Version

And whereas the king saw a watcher and an holy one coming down from heaven, and saying, Hew the tree down, and destroy it; yet leave the stump of the roots thereof 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 of the field, till seven times pass over him;

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְדִ֣י

H1768

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

חֲזָ֣ה

H2370

saw

to gaze upon; mentally to dream, be usual (i.e., seem)

מַלְכָּ֡א

H4430

And whereas the king

a king

עִ֣יר

H5894

a watcher

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

וְקַדִּ֣ישׁ

H6922

and an holy one

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

נָחִ֣ת׀

H5182

coming down

to descend; causatively, to bring away, deposit, depose

מִן

H4481

from

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of

שְׁמַיָּ֣א

H8065

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

וְאָמַר֩

H560

and saying

to speak, to command

#10

גֹּ֨דּוּ

H1414

Hew

to cut down

#11

אִֽילָנָ֜א

H363

the tree

a tree

#12

וְחַבְּל֗וּהִי

H2255

and destroy

to ruin

#13

בְּרַ֨ם

H1297

it yet

properly, highly, i.e., surely; but used adversatively, however

#14

עִקַּ֤ר

H6136

the stump

a stock

#15

שָׁרְשׁ֙וֹהִי֙

H8330

of the roots

a root (literally or figuratively)

#16

בְּאַרְעָ֣א

H772

thereof in the earth

the earth; by implication (figuratively) low

#17

שְׁבֻ֔קוּ

H7662

leave

to quit, i.e., allow to remain

#18

וּבֶאֱסוּר֙

H613

even with a band

a bond (especially manacles of a prisoner)

#19

דִּֽי

H1768

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

#20

פַרְזֶ֣ל

H6523

of iron

iron

#21

וּנְחָ֔שׁ

H5174

and brass

copper

#22

בְּדִתְאָ֖א

H1883

in the tender grass

a sprout; by analogy, grass

#23

דִּ֣י

H1768

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

#24

בָּרָא֙

H1251

of the field

a field

#25

וּבְטַ֧ל

H2920

with the dew

dew (as covering vegetation)

#26

שְׁמַיָּ֣א

H8065

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

#27

יִצְטַבַּ֗ע

H6647

and let it be wet

to dip

#28

וְעִם

H5974

be with

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

#29

חֵיוַ֤ת

H2423

the beasts

an animal

#30

בָּרָא֙

H1251

of the field

a field

#31

חֲלָקֵ֔הּ

H2508

and let his portion

a part

#32

עַ֛ד

H5705

till

until

#33

דִּֽי

H1768

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

#34

שִׁבְעָ֥ה

H7655

seven

seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number

#35

עִדָּנִ֖ין

H5732

times

a set time; technically, a year

#36

יַחְלְפ֥וּן

H2499

pass

to pass on (of time)

#37

עֲלֽוֹהִי׃

H5922

over

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

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

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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

Related Resources

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

People

Daniel