Daniel 5:8

Authorized King James Version

Then came in all the king's wise men: but they could not read the writing, nor make known to the king the interpretation thereof.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אֱדַ֙יִן֙
Then
then (of time)
#2
עָֽלִּ֔לין
came
to enter; causatively, to introduce
#3
כֹּ֖ל
in all
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#4
חַכִּימֵ֣י
wise
wise, i.e., a magian
#5
לְמַלְכָּֽא׃
the king's
a king
#6
וְלָֽא
not
no, not
#7
כָהֲלִ֤ין
men but they could
to be able
#8
כְּתָבָא֙
the writing
something written, i.e., a writing, record or book
#9
לְמִקְרֵ֔א
read
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
#10
וּפִשְׁרֵ֖אּ
the interpretation
an interpretation
#11
לְהוֹדָעָ֥ה
nor make known
to inform
#12
לְמַלְכָּֽא׃
the king's
a king

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Daniel. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation 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 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 divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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