Daniel 5:16

Authorized King James Version

And I have heard of thee, that thou canst make interpretations, and dissolve doubts: now if thou canst read the writing, and make known to me the interpretation thereof, thou shalt be clothed with scarlet, and have a chain of gold about thy neck, and shalt be the third ruler in the kingdom.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַאֲנָה֙
And I
i
#2
שִׁמְעֵ֣ת
have heard
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#3
עֲלָ֔יךְ
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#4
דִּֽי
that, used as relative conjunction, and especially (with a preposition) in adverbial phrases; also as preposition of
#5
תִּוכֻּ֨ל
that thou canst
to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)
#6
וּפִשְׁרֵהּ֙
interpretations
an interpretation
#7
לְמִפְשַׁ֖ר
make
to interpret
#8
וְקִטְרִ֣ין
doubts
a knot (as tied up), i.e., (figuratively) a riddle; also a vertebra (as if a knot)
#9
לְמִשְׁרֵ֑א
and dissolve
to free, separate; figuratively, to unravel, commence; by implication (of unloading beasts) to reside
#10
כְּעַ֡ן
now
now
#11
הֵן֩
if
lo! also there(-fore), (un-)less, whether, but, if
#12
תִּוכֻּ֨ל
that thou canst
to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)
#13
כְּתָבָ֜א
the writing
something written, i.e., a writing, record or book
#14
לְמִקְרֵ֗א
read
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
#15
וּפִשְׁרֵהּ֙
interpretations
an interpretation
#16
לְהוֹדָ֣עוּתַ֔נִי
and make known
to inform
#17
אַרְגְּוָנָ֣א
with scarlet
purple
#18
תִלְבַּ֗שׁ
thereof thou shalt be clothed
properly, wrap around, i.e., (by implication) to put on a garment or clothe (oneself, or another), literally or figuratively
#19
וְהַֽמְוִנכָ֤א
and have a chain
a necklace
#20
דִֽי
that, used as relative conjunction, and especially (with a preposition) in adverbial phrases; also as preposition of
#21
דַהֲבָא֙
of gold
gold
#22
עַֽל
about
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#23
צַוְּארָ֔ךְ
thy neck
the back of the neck (as that on which burdens are bound)
#24
וְתַלְתָּ֥א
and shalt be the third
a tertiary rank
#25
בְמַלְכוּתָ֖א
in the kingdom
dominion (abstractly or concretely)
#26
תִּשְׁלַֽט׃
ruler
to rule over

Analysis

Within the broader context of Daniel, this passage highlights kingdom of God through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of kingdom connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about kingdom, 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

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

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