Daniel 8:4

Authorized King James Version

I saw the ram pushing westward, and northward, and southward; so that no beasts might stand before him, neither was there any that could deliver out of his hand; but he did according to his will, and became great.

Word-by-Word Analysis

רָאִ֣יתִי

H7200

I saw

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

אֶת

H853

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

הָאַ֡יִל

H352

the ram

properly, strength; hence, anything strong; specifically an oak or other strong tree

מְנַגֵּחַ֩

H5055

pushing

to butt with the horns; figuratively, to war against

יָ֨מָּה

H3220

westward

a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif

וְצָפ֜וֹנָה

H6828

and northward

properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)

וָנֶ֗גְבָּה

H5045

and southward

the south (from its drought); specifically, the negeb or southern district of judah, occasionally, egypt (as south to palestine)

וְכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

חַיּוֹת֙

H2416

so that no beasts

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

#10

לֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#11

יַֽעַמְד֣וּ

H5975

might stand

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

#12

לְפָנָ֔יו

H6440

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

#13

וְאֵ֥ין

H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

#14

מַצִּ֖יל

H5337

him neither was there any that could deliver

to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense

#15

מִיָּד֑וֹ

H3027

out of his hand

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

#16

וְעָשָׂ֥ה

H6213

but he did

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

#17

כִרְצֹנ֖וֹ

H7522

according to his will

delight (especially as shown)

#18

וְהִגְדִּֽיל׃

H1431

and became great

to be (causatively make) large (in various senses, as in body, mind, estate or honor, also in pride)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Daniel, this passage highlights salvation 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

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

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?
How does this verse's literary context within Daniel chapter 8 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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