Daniel 8:5

Authorized King James Version

And as I was considering, behold, an he goat came from the west on the face of the whole earth, and touched not the ground: and the goat had a notable horn between his eyes.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַאֲנִ֣י׀
i
#2
הָיִ֣יתִי
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#3
מֵבִ֗ין
And as I was considering
to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand
#4
וְהִנֵּ֤ה
lo!
#5
וְהַ֨צָּפִ֔יר
and the goat
a male goat (as prancing)
#6
הָֽעִזִּים֙
behold an he
a she-goat (as strong), but masculine in plural (which also is used elliptically for goat's hair)
#7
בָּ֤א
came
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#8
מִן
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#9
הַֽמַּעֲרָב֙
from the west
the west (as a region of the evening sun)
#10
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#11
פְּנֵ֣י
on the 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
#12
כָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#13
בָּאָ֑רֶץ
not the ground
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#14
וְאֵ֥ין
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#15
נוֹגֵ֖עַ
and touched
properly, to touch, i.e., lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphemistically, to lie with a woman); by implication, to reach (figuratively, to arrive
#16
בָּאָ֑רֶץ
not the ground
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#17
וְהַ֨צָּפִ֔יר
and the goat
a male goat (as prancing)
#18
קֶ֥רֶן
horn
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
#19
חָז֖וּת
had a notable
a look; hence (figuratively) striking appearance, revelation, or (by implication) compact
#20
בֵּ֥ין
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
#21
עֵינָֽיו׃
between his eyes
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

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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