Daniel 5:28

Authorized King James Version

PERES; Thy kingdom is divided, and given to the Medes and Persians.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
פְּרִיסַת֙
PERES
to split up
#2
פְּרִיסַת֙
PERES
to split up
#3
מַלְכוּתָ֔ךְ
Thy kingdom
dominion (abstractly or concretely)
#4
וִיהִיבַ֖ת
and given
to give (whether literal or figurative); generally, to put; imperatively (reflexive) come
#5
לְמָדַ֥י
to the Medes
madai, a country of central asia
#6
וּפָרָֽס׃
and Persians
paras (i.e., persia), an eastern country, including its inhabitants

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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on kingdom of God particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show imperial and royal imagery familiar to subjects of ancient monarchies, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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