Daniel 9:13

Authorized King James Version

As it is written in the law of Moses, all this evil is come upon us: yet made we not our prayer before the LORD our God, that we might turn from our iniquities, and understand thy truth.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כַּאֲשֶׁ֤ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

כָּתוּב֙

H3789

As it is written

to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)

בְּתוֹרַ֣ת

H8451

in the law

a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch

מֹשֶׁ֔ה

H4872

of Moses

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

אֵ֛ת

H853

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

כָּל

H3605

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

הָרָעָ֥ה

H7451

all this evil

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

הַזֹּ֖את

H2063

this (often used adverb)

בָּ֣אָה

H935

is come

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

#10

עָלֵ֑ינוּ

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#11

וְלֹֽא

H3808

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

#12

חִלִּ֜ינוּ

H2470

upon us yet made we not our prayer

properly, to be rubbed or worn; hence (figuratively) to stroke (in flattering), entreat

#13

אֶת

H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

#14

פְּנֵ֣י׀

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

#15

יְהוָ֣ה

H3068

the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#16

אֱלֹהֵ֗ינוּ

H430

our God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

#17

לָשׁוּב֙

H7725

that we might turn

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

#18

מֵֽעֲוֹנֵ֔נוּ

H5771

from our iniquities

perversity, i.e., (moral) evil

#19

וּלְהַשְׂכִּ֖יל

H7919

and understand

to be (causatively, make or act) circumspect and hence, intelligent

#20

בַּאֲמִתֶּֽךָ׃

H571

thy truth

stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness

Analysis

Within the broader context of Daniel, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of truth connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about truth, 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

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 truth in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of truth differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?

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