Daniel 8:16

Authorized King James Version

And I heard a man's voice between the banks of Ulai, which called, and said, Gabriel, make this man to understand the vision.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וָאֶשְׁמַ֥ע
And I heard
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#2
קוֹל
voice
a voice or sound
#3
אָדָ֖ם
a man's
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
#4
בֵּ֣ין
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
#5
אוּלָ֑י
between the banks of Ulai
the ulai (or eulaeus), a river of persia
#6
וַיִּקְרָא֙
which called
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
#7
וַיֹּאמַ֔ר
and said
to say (used with great latitude)
#8
גַּבְרִיאֵ֕ל
Gabriel
gabriel, an archangel
#9
הָבֵ֥ן
man to understand
to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand
#10
לְהַלָּ֖ז
make this
this or that
#11
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#12
הַמַּרְאֶֽה׃
the vision
a view (the act of seeing); also an appearance (the thing seen), whether (real) a shape (especially if handsome, comeliness; often plural the looks),

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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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