Daniel 4:3

Authorized King James Version

How great are his signs! and how mighty are his wonders! his kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion is from generation to generation.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אָת֙וֹהִי֙
are his signs
a portent
#2
כְּמָ֣ה
and how
what?, why?, how?
#3
רַבְרְבִ֔ין
great
huge (in size); domineering (in character)
#4
וְתִמְה֖וֹהִי
are his wonders
a miracle
#5
כְּמָ֣ה
and how
what?, why?, how?
#6
תַקִּיפִ֑ין
mighty
powerful
#7
מַלְכ֣וּת
his kingdom
dominion (abstractly or concretely)
#8
מַלְכ֣וּת
his kingdom
dominion (abstractly or concretely)
#9
עָלַ֔ם
is an everlasting
remote time, i.e., the future or past indefinitely; often adverb, forever
#10
וְשָׁלְטָנֵ֖הּ
and his dominion
empire (abstractly or concretely)
#11
עִם
is from
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
#12
וְדָֽר׃
generation
an age
#13
וְדָֽר׃
generation
an age

Analysis

The kingdom of God theme here intersects with the progressive revelation of God's rule from creation to consummation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of development from creation mandate through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment. The phrase emphasizing kingdom relates to eschatology and the ultimate purpose of God's redemptive plan and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's reign from creation through the millennial kingdom.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood kingdom. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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