Daniel 8:3

Authorized King James Version

Then I lifted up mine eyes, and saw, and, behold, there stood before the river a ram which had two horns: and the two horns were high; but one was higher than the other, and the higher came up last.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וָאֶשָּׂ֤א
Then I lifted up
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
#2
עֵינַי֙
mine eyes
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#3
וָאֶרְאֶ֔ה
and saw
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#4
וְהִנֵּ֣ה׀
lo!
#5
אַ֣יִל
ram
properly, strength; hence, anything strong; specifically an oak or other strong tree
#6
וְהָאַחַת֙
a
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#7
עֹמֵ֛ד
and behold there stood
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
#8
לִפְנֵ֥י
before
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
הָאֻבָ֖ל
the river
a stream
#10
וְל֣וֹ
H0
#11
וְהַקְּרָנַ֣יִם
and the two horns
a horn (as projecting); by implication, a flask, cornet; by resemblance. an elephant's tooth (i.e., ivory), a corner (of the altar), a peak (of a moun
#12
וְהַקְּרָנַ֣יִם
and the two horns
a horn (as projecting); by implication, a flask, cornet; by resemblance. an elephant's tooth (i.e., ivory), a corner (of the altar), a peak (of a moun
#13
וְהַ֨גְּבֹהָ֔ה
and the higher
elevated (or elated), powerful, arrogant
#14
וְהָאַחַת֙
a
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#15
וְהַ֨גְּבֹהָ֔ה
and the higher
elevated (or elated), powerful, arrogant
#16
מִן
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#17
הַשֵּׁנִ֔ית
than the other
properly, double, i.e., second; also adverbially, again
#18
וְהַ֨גְּבֹהָ֔ה
and the higher
elevated (or elated), powerful, arrogant
#19
עֹלָ֖ה
came up
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
#20
בָּאַחֲרֹנָֽה׃
last
hinder; generally, late or last; specifically (as facing the east) western

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

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People