Daniel 9:21

Authorized King James Version

Yea, whiles I was speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְע֛וֹד
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more
#2
אֲנִ֥י
i
#3
מְדַבֵּ֖ר
Yea whiles I was speaking
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#4
בַּתְּפִלָּ֑ה
in prayer
intercession, supplication; by implication, a hymn
#5
וְהָאִ֣ישׁ
even the man
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#6
גַּבְרִיאֵ֡ל
Gabriel
gabriel, an archangel
#7
אֲשֶׁר֩
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#8
רָאִ֨יתִי
whom I had seen
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#9
בֶחָז֤וֹן
in the vision
a sight (mentally), i.e., a dream, revelation, or oracle
#10
בַּתְּחִלָּה֙
at the beginning
a commencement; relatively original (adverb, -ly)
#11
מֻעָ֣ף
being caused to fly
to tire (as if from wearisome flight)
#12
בִּיעָ֔ף
swiftly
fatigue (adverb, utterly exhausted)
#13
נֹגֵ֣עַ
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
#14
אֵלַ֔י
near, with or among; often in general, to
#15
כְּעֵ֖ת
me about the time
time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc
#16
מִנְחַת
oblation
a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)
#17
עָֽרֶב׃
of the evening
dusk

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

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

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