Daniel 6:3

Authorized King James Version

Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אֱדַ֙יִן֙
Then
then (of time)
#2
דָּנִיֵּ֣אל
Daniel
danijel, the hebrew prophet
#3
דְּנָ֔ה
this
this
#4
הֲוָ֣א
was
to exist; used in a great variety of applications (especially in connection with other words)
#5
מִתְנַצַּ֔ח
preferred
to become chief
#6
עַל
above
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#7
סָרְכַיָּ֖א
the presidents
an emir
#8
וַאֲחַשְׁדַּרְפְּנַיָּ֑א
and princes
a satrap or governor of a main province (of persia)
#9
כָּל
because
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#10
קֳבֵ֗ל
(adverbially) in front of; usually (with other particles) on account of, so as, since, hence
#11
דִּ֣י
that, used as relative conjunction, and especially (with a preposition) in adverbial phrases; also as preposition of
#12
ר֤וּחַ
spirit
mind, spirit
#13
יַתִּירָא֙
an excellent
preeminent; as an adverb, very
#14
בֵּ֔הּ
H0
#15
וּמַלְכָּ֣א
was in him and the king
a king
#16
עֲשִׁ֔ית
thought
to purpose
#17
לַהֲקָמוּתֵ֖הּ
to set
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
#18
עַל
above
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#19
כָּל
because
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#20
מַלְכוּתָֽא׃
realm
dominion (abstractly or concretely)

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 divine revelation 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 divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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