Daniel 8:8

Authorized King James Version

Therefore the he goat waxed very great: and when he was strong, the great horn was broken; and for it came up four notable ones toward the four winds of heaven.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּצְפִ֥יר
Therefore the he
a male goat (as prancing)
#2
הָעִזִּ֖ים
goat
a she-goat (as strong), but masculine in plural (which also is used elliptically for goat's hair)
#3
הִגְדִּ֣יל
great
to be (causatively make) large (in various senses, as in body, mind, estate or honor, also in pride)
#4
עַד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#5
מְאֹ֑ד
waxed very
properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or
#6
וּכְעָצְמ֗וֹ
and when he was strong
to bind fast, i.e., close (the eyes); intransitively, to be (causatively, make) powerful or numerous; to crunch the bones
#7
נִשְׁבְּרָה֙
was broken
to burst (literally or figuratively)
#8
הַקֶּ֣רֶן
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
#9
הַגְּדֹלָ֔ה
the great
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
#10
וַֽתַּעֲלֶ֜נָה
and for it came up
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
#11
חָז֤וּת
notable ones
a look; hence (figuratively) striking appearance, revelation, or (by implication) compact
#12
לְאַרְבַּ֖ע
four
four
#13
תַּחְתֶּ֔יהָ
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
#14
לְאַרְבַּ֖ע
four
four
#15
רוּח֥וֹת
winds
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
#16
הַשָּׁמָֽיִם׃
of heaven
the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

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

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