Daniel 4:26

Authorized King James Version

And whereas they commanded to leave the stump of the tree roots; thy kingdom shall be sure unto thee, after that thou shalt have known that the heavens do rule.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְדִ֣י

H1768

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

אֲמַ֗רוּ

H560

And whereas they commanded

to speak, to command

לְמִשְׁבַּ֞ק

H7662

to leave

to quit, i.e., allow to remain

עִקַּ֤ר

H6136

the stump

a stock

שָׁרְשׁ֙וֹהִי֙

H8330

roots

a root (literally or figuratively)

דִּ֣י

H1768

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

אִֽילָנָ֔א

H363

of the tree

a tree

מַלְכוּתָ֖ךְ

H4437

thy kingdom

dominion (abstractly or concretely)

לָ֣ךְ

#10

קַיָּמָ֑ה

H7011

shall be sure

permanent (as rising firmly)

#11

מִן

H4481

unto thee after

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

#12

דִּ֣י

H1768

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

#13

תִנְדַּ֔ע

H3046

that thou shalt have known

to inform

#14

דִּ֥י

H1768

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

#15

שַׁלִּטִ֖ן

H7990

do rule

mighty; abstractly, permission; concretely, a premier

#16

שְׁמַיָּֽא׃

H8065

that the heavens

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

This verse develops the kingdom of God theme central to Daniel. The concept of kingdom reflects the development of kingdom of God 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 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

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?
How does this verse's literary context within Daniel chapter 4 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from earthly theocracy through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

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