Daniel 7:6

Authorized King James Version

After this I beheld, and lo another, like a leopard, which had upon the back of it four wings of a fowl; the beast had also four heads; and dominion was given to it.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
בָּאתַ֨ר
After
a place; (adverb) after
#2
דְּנָ֜ה
this
this
#3
חָזֵ֣ה
to gaze upon; mentally to dream, be usual (i.e., seem)
#4
הֲוֵ֗ית
I beheld
to exist; used in a great variety of applications (especially in connection with other words)
#5
וַאֲר֤וּ
and lo
lo!
#6
אָֽחֳרִי֙
another
other
#7
כִּנְמַ֔ר
like a leopard
a leopard (from its stripes)
#8
וְלַ֨הּ
H0
#9
גַּפִּ֥ין
wings
a wing
#10
וְאַרְבְּעָ֤ה
had also four
four (4)
#11
דִּי
that, used as relative conjunction, and especially (with a preposition) in adverbial phrases; also as preposition of
#12
ע֖וֹף
of a fowl
a bird (as covered with feathers, or rather as covering with wings), often collectively
#13
עַל
which had upon
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#14
גַּבַּ֑יהּ
the back
the back (as rounded); by analogy, the top or rim, a boss, a vault, arch of eye, bulwarks, etc
#15
וְאַרְבְּעָ֤ה
had also four
four (4)
#16
רֵאשִׁין֙
heads
the head; figuratively, the sum
#17
לְחֵ֣יוְתָ֔א
the beast
an animal
#18
וְשָׁלְטָ֖ן
and dominion
empire (abstractly or concretely)
#19
יְהִ֥יב
was given
to give (whether literal or figurative); generally, to put; imperatively (reflexive) come
#20
לַֽהּ׃
H0

Analysis

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

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of kingdom of God 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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