Daniel 7:19

Authorized King James Version

Then I would know the truth of the fourth beast, which was diverse from all the others, exceeding dreadful, whose teeth were of iron, and his nails of brass; which devoured, brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with his feet;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אֱדַ֗יִן
Then
then (of time)
#2
צְבִית֙
I would
to please
#3
לְיַצָּבָ֔א
know the truth
to be firm; hence, to speak surely
#4
עַל
of
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#5
חֵֽיוְתָא֙
beast
an animal
#6
רְבִיעָ֣יְתָ֔א
the fourth
fourth; also (fractionally) a fourth
#7
דִּֽי
that, used as relative conjunction, and especially (with a preposition) in adverbial phrases; also as preposition of
#8
הֲוָ֥ת
which was
to exist; used in a great variety of applications (especially in connection with other words)
#9
שָֽׁנְיָ֖ה
diverse
to alter
#10
מִן
from
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of
#11
כָּלְּהֵ֑ון
all
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#12
דְּחִילָ֣ה
dreadful
to slink, i.e., (by implication) to fear, or (causatively) be formidable
#13
יַתִּ֗ירָה
the others exceeding
preeminent; as an adverb, very
#14
שִׁנַּ֤יהּ
whose teeth
a tooth
#15
דִּֽי
that, used as relative conjunction, and especially (with a preposition) in adverbial phrases; also as preposition of
#16
פַרְזֶל֙
were of iron
iron
#17
וְטִפְרַ֣יהּ
and his nails
a finger-nail; also a hoof or claw
#18
דִּֽי
that, used as relative conjunction, and especially (with a preposition) in adverbial phrases; also as preposition of
#19
נְחָ֔שׁ
of brass
copper
#20
אָֽכְלָ֣ה
which devoured
to eat
#21
מַדֲּקָ֔ה
brake in pieces
to crumble or (transitive) crush
#22
וּשְׁאָרָ֖א
the residue
a remainder
#23
בְּרַגְלַ֥יהּ
with his feet
a foot, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda
#24
רָֽפְסָֽה׃
and stamped
to trample, i.e., prostrate

Analysis

Within the broader context of Daniel, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of truth connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about truth, 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

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 salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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