Daniel 8:17

Authorized King James Version

So he came near where I stood: and when he came, I was afraid, and fell upon my face: but he said unto me, Understand, O son of man: for at the time of the end shall be the vision.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּבְבֹא֣וֹ
So he came
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#2
אֵ֣צֶל
near
a side; (as a preposition) near
#3
עָמְדִ֔י
where I stood
a spot (as being fixed)
#4
וּבְבֹא֣וֹ
So he came
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#5
נִבְעַ֔תִּי
I was afraid
to fear
#6
וָאֶפְּלָ֖ה
and fell
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
#7
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#8
פָּנָ֑י
upon my face
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#9
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר
but he said
to say (used with great latitude)
#10
אֵלַי֙
near, with or among; often in general, to
#11
הָבֵ֣ן
unto me Understand
to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand
#12
בֶּן
O son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#13
אָדָ֔ם
of man
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
#14
כִּ֖י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#15
לְעֶת
for at the time
time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc
#16
קֵ֥ץ
of the end
an extremity; adverbially (with prepositional prefix) after
#17
הֶחָזֽוֹן׃
shall be the vision
a sight (mentally), i.e., a dream, revelation, or oracle

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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