Daniel 2 33

Daniel 2:33 kjv

His legs of iron, his feet part of iron and part of clay.

Daniel 2:33 nkjv

its legs of iron, its feet partly of iron and partly of clay.

Daniel 2:33 niv

its legs of iron, its feet partly of iron and partly of baked clay.

Daniel 2:33 esv

its legs of iron, its feet partly of iron and partly of clay.

Daniel 2:33 nlt

its legs were iron, and its feet were a combination of iron and baked clay.

Daniel 2 verses

Daniel 2 33 Meaning

The verse describes the legs of the statue seen by Nebuchadnezzar as being made of bronze. This signifies a subsequent kingdom, succeeding the silver kingdom (Persia), which will also exert strength and dominance. The material implies a further development in power and scope, yet perhaps with inherent limitations or divisions within this kingdom itself.

Daniel 2 33 Context

Nebuchadnezzar's dream, as recounted in Daniel chapter 2, is a powerful prophecy outlining the rise and fall of world empires. Following the Babylonian Empire (represented by gold), the statue's silver chest and arms signify the Medo-Persian Empire. This verse, describing bronze legs, directly points to the empire that succeeded Persia. Historically, this was the Macedonian Empire, founded by Alexander the Great, whose vast territories were divided after his death. The statue’s progression of metals reflects a succession of dominant world powers, with each metal signifying the strength and characteristics of that empire. Daniel's interpretation provides a theological framework, suggesting that God, not pagan deities or chance, sovereignly ordains and directs the course of human history and the rise and fall of kingdoms.

Daniel 2 33 Word Analysis

• וְרַגְל֗וֹהִי (və·raḡ·lî·wî): "and his legs"
  • From the root רֶ֫גֶל (reghel) meaning "foot" or "leg." In context, it refers to the distinct appendages of the great image, signifying further segments of prophetic time and successive empires.
• דִי (dî): "that" or "which"
  • A relative pronoun introducing the description of the legs.
• נְחָשׁ (nə·ḥāš): "bronze" or "copper"
  • A metal known for its hardness and strength, surpassing silver. Symbolically, it represents a powerful and formidable kingdom. Bronze was a significant material in the ancient world, used for weapons and armor, underscoring military might.
• עָבִיד (ʿā·ḇîḏ): "made" or "wrought"
  • Indicating the composition of the legs.

Grouped Analysis:

• "and his legs of bronze": This phrase encapsulates the introduction of a new, powerful empire that followed the Medo-Persian dominion. The choice of bronze signifies a continuation of strength but perhaps also implies a different kind of power or a division within that empire, as seen in the division of Alexander's empire into kingdoms.

Daniel 2 33 Bonus Section

The prophet Daniel skillfully uses metals with varying degrees of hardness and value to symbolically represent the succeeding world empires. This metaphorical language would have been readily understood by those familiar with ancient metallurgy and the preciousness or utility of different metals. Bronze, a durable alloy of copper and tin, was a significant technological advancement in its time, allowing for superior weaponry and tools. In this prophecy, its appearance highlights the potent and widespread influence of the empire it represents. The division into two legs also serves as an early indication of political fragmentation, a characteristic that would define the post-Alexandrian era and eventually pave the way for the rise of the next empire represented in the statue.

Daniel 2 33 Commentary

The bronze legs of the statue represent the Hellenistic period, commencing with Alexander the Great and his conquests, and continuing through the Diadochi kingdoms (his generals' successor states). Bronze, being harder and more expansive than silver, reflects the wider reach and military prowess of the Greek empire. However, the existence of two legs suggests a subsequent division within this empire. This is precisely what happened after Alexander's death; his vast realm was split among his generals, leading to several Hellenistic kingdoms (e.g., the Seleucid Empire, Ptolemaic Egypt, Antigonid Macedonia). This division, though a form of strength, also sowed seeds of weakness and internal conflict. It is crucial to note that the strength here is military and political, a contrast to the spiritual strength of God's kingdom. This earthly power is destined to be overcome, pointing towards the progression of God's sovereign plan.