Daniel 7:2

Authorized King James Version

Daniel spake and said, I saw in my vision by night, and, behold, the four winds of the heaven strove upon the great sea.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
עָנֵ֤ה
spake
properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,
#2
דָנִיֵּאל֙
Daniel
danijel, the hebrew prophet
#3
וְאָמַ֔ר
and said
to speak, to command
#4
חָזֵ֥ה
I saw
to gaze upon; mentally to dream, be usual (i.e., seem)
#5
הֲוֵ֛ית
to exist; used in a great variety of applications (especially in connection with other words)
#6
בְּחֶזְוִ֖י
in my vision
a sight
#7
עִם
by
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
#8
לֵֽילְיָ֑א
night
lael an israelite
#9
וַאֲר֗וּ
and behold
lo!
#10
אַרְבַּע֙
the four
four (4)
#11
רוּחֵ֣י
winds
mind, spirit
#12
שְׁמַיָּ֔א
of the heaven
the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r
#13
מְגִיחָ֖ן
strove
to rush forth
#14
לְיַמָּ֥א
sea
sea
#15
רַבָּֽא׃
upon the great
abundant

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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