Daniel 8:7

Authorized King James Version

And I saw him come close unto the ram, and he was moved with choler against him, and smote the ram, and brake his two horns: and there was no power in the ram to stand before him, but he cast him down to the ground, and stamped upon him: and there was none that could deliver the ram out of his hand.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וּרְאִיתִ֞יו

H7200

And I saw

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

מַגִּ֣יעַ׀

H5060

him come

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

אֵ֣צֶל

H681

a side; (as a preposition) near

לָאַ֖יִל

H352

in the ram

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

וַיִּתְמַרְמַ֤ר

H4843

and he was moved with choler

to be (causatively, make) bitter (literally or figuratively)

אֵלָיו֙

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

וַיַּ֣ךְ

H5221

against him and smote

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

אֶת

H853

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

לָאַ֖יִל

H352

in the ram

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

#10

וַיְשַׁבֵּר֙

H7665

and brake

to burst (literally or figuratively)

#11

אֶת

H853

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

#12

שְׁתֵּ֣י

H8147

his two

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

#13

קְרָנָ֔יו

H7161

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

#14

וְלֹא

H3808

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

#15

הָ֥יָה

H1961

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

#16

כֹ֛חַ

H3581

and there was no power

vigor, literally (force, in a good or a bad sense) or figuratively (capacity, means, produce)

#17

לָאַ֖יִל

H352

in the ram

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

#18

לַעֲמֹ֣ד

H5975

to stand

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

#19

לְפָנָ֑יו

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

#20

וַיַּשְׁלִיכֵ֤הוּ

H7993

him but he cast him down

to throw out, down or away (literally or figuratively)

#21

אַ֙רְצָה֙

H776

to the ground

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#22

וַֽיִּרְמְסֵ֔הוּ

H7429

and stamped

to tread upon (as a potter, in walking or abusively)

#23

וְלֹא

H3808

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

#24

הָיָ֥ה

H1961

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

#25

מַצִּ֛יל

H5337

upon him and there was none that could deliver

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

#26

לָאַ֖יִל

H352

in the ram

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

#27

מִיָּדֽוֹ׃

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

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 literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Daniel Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

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