Daniel 4:27

Authorized King James Version

Wherefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable unto thee, and break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by shewing mercy to the poor; if it may be a lengthening of thy tranquillity.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לָהֵ֣ן
Wherefore
therefore; also except
#2
מַלְכָּ֗א
O king
a king
#3
מִלְכִּי֙
let my counsel
advice
#4
יִשְׁפַּ֣ר
be acceptable
to be beautiful
#5
עֲלָ֔יךְ
unto thee
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#6
וַחֲטָיָךְ֙
thy sins
an offence
#7
בְּצִדְקָ֣ה
by righteousness
beneficence
#8
פְרֻ֔ק
and break off
to discontinue
#9
וַעֲוָיָתָ֖ךְ
and thine iniquities
perverseness
#10
בְּמִחַ֣ן
by shewing mercy
to favor or (causatively) to entreat
#11
עֲנָ֑יִן
to the poor
poor
#12
הֵ֛ן
if
lo! also there(-fore), (un-)less, whether, but, if
#13
תֶּֽהֱוֵ֥ה
it may be
to exist; used in a great variety of applications (especially in connection with other words)
#14
אַרְכָ֖ה
a lengthening
length
#15
לִשְׁלֵוְתָֽךְ׃
of thy tranquillity
safety

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing righteousness contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 righteousness in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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