Daniel 8:27

Authorized King James Version

And I Daniel fainted, and was sick certain days; afterward I rose up, and did the king's business; and I was astonished at the vision, but none understood it.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַאֲנִ֣י

H589

דָנִיֵּ֗אל

H1840

And I Daniel

daniel or danijel, the name of two israelites

נִהְיֵ֤יתִי

H1961

fainted

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

וְנֶֽחֱלֵ֙יתִי֙

H2470

and was sick

properly, to be rubbed or worn; hence (figuratively) to stroke (in flattering), entreat

יָמִ֔ים

H3117

certain days

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

וָאָק֕וּם

H6965

afterward I rose up

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

וָאֶֽעֱשֶׂ֖ה

H6213

and did

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

מְלֶ֣אכֶת

H4399

business

properly, deputyship, i.e., ministry; generally, employment (never servile) or work (abstractly or concretely); also property (as the result of labor)

#10

הַמֶּ֑לֶךְ

H4428

the king's

a king

#11

וָאֶשְׁתּוֹמֵ֥ם

H8074

and I was astonished

to stun (or intransitively, grow numb), i.e., devastate or (figuratively) stupefy (both usually in a passive sense)

#12

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#13

הַמַּרְאֶ֖ה

H4758

at 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),

#14

וְאֵ֥ין

H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

#15

מֵבִֽין׃

H995

but none understood

to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?

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