Daniel 2:43
Daniel 2:43 in Multiple Translations
As you saw the iron mixed with clay, so the peoples will mix with one another, but will not hold together any more than iron mixes with clay.
And whereas thou sawest iron mixed with miry clay, they shall mingle themselves with the seed of men: but they shall not cleave one to another, even as iron is not mixed with clay.
And whereas thou sawest the iron mixed with miry clay, they shall mingle themselves with the seed of men; but they shall not cleave one to another, even as iron doth not mingle with clay.
And as you saw the iron mixed with earth, they will give their daughters to one another as wives: but they will not be united one with another, even as iron is not mixed with earth.
In the same way that you saw the iron mixed with ordinary clay, so the people will mix but they will not stick together just as iron and clay do not mix.
And where as thou sawest yron mixt with clay and earth, they shall mingle themselues with the seede of men: but they shall not ioyne one with another, as yron can not bee mixed with clay.
Because thou hast seen iron mixed with miry clay, they are mixing themselves with the seed of men: and they are not adhering one with another, even as iron is not mixed with clay.
Whereas you saw the iron mixed with miry clay, they will mingle themselves with the seed of men; but they won’t cling to one another, even as iron does not mix with clay.
And whereas thou sawest iron mixed with miry clay, they shall mingle themselves with the seed of men: but they shall not cleave one to another, even as iron is not mixed with clay.
And whereas thou sawest the iron mixed with miry clay, they shall be mingled indeed together with the seed of man, but they shall not stick fast one to another, as iron cannot be mixed with clay.
The mixture of iron and clay in the statue shows also that the rulers of those kingdoms that separate from each other will try to form alliances with each other as a result of members of the royal families of those kingdoms marrying each other. But that will not succeed, just as iron and clay do not stick together.
Berean Amplified Bible — Daniel 2:43
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Daniel 2:43 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
די
וְ/דִ֣י
חֲזַ֗יְתָ
פַּרְזְלָ/א֙
מְעָרַב֙
בַּ/חֲסַ֣ף
טִינָ֔/א
מִתְעָרְבִ֤ין
לֶהֱוֺן֙
בִּ/זְרַ֣ע
אֲנָשָׁ֔/א
וְ/לָֽא
לֶהֱוֺ֥ן
דָּבְקִ֖ין
דְּנָ֣ה
עִם
דְּנָ֑ה
הֵֽא
כְ/דִ֣י
פַרְזְלָ֔/א
לָ֥א
מִתְעָרַ֖ב
עִם
חַסְפָּֽ/א
די
dîy
H1768
that
Adj
וְ/דִ֣י
dîy
H1768
that
Adj | Conj
חֲזַ֗יְתָ
chăzâʼ
H2370
to see
Adj
פַּרְזְלָ/א֙
parzel
H6523
iron
Adj | Art
מְעָרַב֙
ʻărab
H6151
to mix
Adj
בַּ/חֲסַ֣ף
chăçaph
H2635
clay
Adj | N-ms
טִינָ֔/א
ṭîyn
H2917
common
Adj | Art
מִתְעָרְבִ֤ין
ʻărab
H6151
to mix
Adj
לֶהֱוֺן֙
hâvâʼ
H1934
to be
Adj
בִּ/זְרַ֣ע
zᵉraʻ
H2234
seed
Adj | N-ms
אֲנָשָׁ֔/א
ʼĕnâsh
H606
man
Adj | Art
וְ/לָֽא
lâʼ
H3809
not
Adj | Part
לֶהֱוֺ֥ן
hâvâʼ
H1934
to be
Adj
דָּבְקִ֖ין
dᵉbaq
H1693
to cleave
Adj
דְּנָ֣ה
dên
H1836
this
Adj
עִם
ʻim
H5974
with
Adj
דְּנָ֑ה
dên
H1836
this
Adj
הֵֽא
hêʼ
H1888
behold
Adj
כְ/דִ֣י
dîy
H1768
that
Adj | Conj
פַרְזְלָ֔/א
parzel
H6523
iron
Adj | Art
לָ֥א
lâʼ
H3809
not
Adj
מִתְעָרַ֖ב
ʻărab
H6151
to mix
Adj
עִם
ʻim
H5974
with
Adj
חַסְפָּֽ/א
chăçaph
H2635
clay
Adj | Art
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Daniel 2:43
די
dîy
H1768
"that"
Adj
This word is used as a relative conjunction, like 'that' or 'which', to connect ideas in sentences. It appears in Genesis and Exodus to describe relationships between people and things. The KJV translates it as 'that' or 'which'.
Definition: part of relation 1) who, which, that mark of genitive 2) that of, which belongs to, that conj 3) that, because
Usage: Occurs in 186 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] as, but, for(-asmuch [phrase]), [phrase] now, of, seeing, than, that, therefore, until, [phrase] what (-soever), when, which, whom, whose. See also: Ezra 4:9; Daniel 3:7; Jeremiah 10:11.
וְ/דִ֣י
dîy
H1768
"that"
Adj | Conj
This word is used as a relative conjunction, like 'that' or 'which', to connect ideas in sentences. It appears in Genesis and Exodus to describe relationships between people and things. The KJV translates it as 'that' or 'which'.
Definition: part of relation 1) who, which, that mark of genitive 2) that of, which belongs to, that conj 3) that, because
Usage: Occurs in 186 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] as, but, for(-asmuch [phrase]), [phrase] now, of, seeing, than, that, therefore, until, [phrase] what (-soever), when, which, whom, whose. See also: Ezra 4:9; Daniel 3:7; Jeremiah 10:11.
חֲזַ֗יְתָ
chăzâʼ
H2370
"to see"
Adj
Chaza means to see or gaze, and can also mean to dream or seem. It is used to describe seeing something with your eyes or in a vision.
Definition: 1) to see, behold 1a)(P'al) 1a1) to see 1a2) to see, behold, witness 1a3) to behold (in a dream or vision) 1a4) customary, seemly (passive)
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: behold, have (a dream), see, be wont. See also: Ezra 4:14; Daniel 4:10; Daniel 7:21.
פַּרְזְלָ/א֙
parzel
H6523
"iron"
Adj | Art
In biblical Hebrew, this word means iron, a strong metal used for tools and weapons. It appears in the Bible as a translation from the Aramaic word 'barzel'.
Definition: iron Aramaic of bar.zel (בַּרְזֶל "iron" H1270)
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: iron. See also: Daniel 2:33; Daniel 2:45; Daniel 7:19.
מְעָרַב֙
ʻărab
H6151
"to mix"
Adj
This word means to mix or combine things together. It is used in the Bible to describe the act of mingling or joining different things.
Definition: 1) to mix, join together 1a) (Pael) mixed (participle) 1b) (Ithpael) mixed (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: mingle (self), mix. See also: Daniel 2:41; Daniel 2:43.
בַּ/חֲסַ֣ף
chăçaph
H2635
"clay"
Adj | N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to clay, often used for making pottery or bricks. It is a basic material used in ancient times for building and crafting. The Bible mentions clay in stories like creation and pottery-making.
Definition: clay, potsherd
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: clay. See also: Daniel 2:33; Daniel 2:41; Daniel 2:45.
טִינָ֔/א
ṭîyn
H2917
"common"
Adj | Art
This Aramaic word means common clay, and is used in the Bible to describe a lowly or humble material. It is translated as miry in the KJV and appears in descriptions of muddy or dirty places.
Definition: clay Aramaic of tit (טִיט "mud" H2916)
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: miry. See also: Daniel 2:41; Daniel 2:43.
מִתְעָרְבִ֤ין
ʻărab
H6151
"to mix"
Adj
This word means to mix or combine things together. It is used in the Bible to describe the act of mingling or joining different things.
Definition: 1) to mix, join together 1a) (Pael) mixed (participle) 1b) (Ithpael) mixed (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: mingle (self), mix. See also: Daniel 2:41; Daniel 2:43.
לֶהֱוֺן֙
hâvâʼ
H1934
"to be"
Adj
Similar to H1933, this word means 'to be' or 'to exist', but with a broader range of applications, as seen in Daniel and Ezra. It can describe something coming to pass or becoming known.
Definition: 1) to come to pass, become, be 1a) (P'al) 1a1) to come to pass 1a2) to come into being, arise, become, come to be 1a2a) to let become known (with participle of knowing) 1a3) to be
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: be, become, [phrase] behold, [phrase] came (to pass), [phrase] cease, [phrase] cleave, [phrase] consider, [phrase] do, [phrase] give, [phrase] have, [phrase] judge, [phrase] keep, [phrase] labour, [phrase] mingle (self), [phrase] put, [phrase] see, [phrase] seek, [phrase] set, [phrase] slay, [phrase] take heed, tremble, [phrase] walk, [phrase] would. See also: Ezra 4:12; Daniel 4:1; Daniel 7:23.
בִּ/זְרַ֣ע
zᵉraʻ
H2234
"seed"
Adj | N-ms
This word refers to posterity or descendants, like the offspring of Abraham in Genesis 17:10. It is similar to H2233, emphasizing the idea of family and heritage.
Definition: seed, offspring Aramaic of ze.ra (זֶ֫רַע ": seed" H2233)
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: seed. See also: Daniel 2:43.
אֲנָשָׁ֔/א
ʼĕnâsh
H606
"man"
Adj | Art
A human being or mankind, used to describe people in general, as seen in Psalm 8 and Isaiah 52. This word refers to humans as individuals or collectively.
Definition: 1) man, human being 2) mankind (collective) Aramaic of e.nosh (אֱנוֹשׁ "human" H0582)
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: man, [phrase] whosoever. See also: Ezra 4:11; Daniel 4:29; Daniel 7:13.
וְ/לָֽא
lâʼ
H3809
"not"
Adj | Part
Means 'not' or 'nothing', often used to show something is absent or non-existent, like in Genesis. It implies a simple or absolute negation. Used over 2000 times in the Bible.
Definition: no, not, nothing Aramaic of lo (לֹא "not" H3808)
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: or even, neither, no(-ne, -r), (can-) not, as nothing, without. See also: Ezra 4:13; Daniel 3:16; Jeremiah 10:11.
לֶהֱוֺ֥ן
hâvâʼ
H1934
"to be"
Adj
Similar to H1933, this word means 'to be' or 'to exist', but with a broader range of applications, as seen in Daniel and Ezra. It can describe something coming to pass or becoming known.
Definition: 1) to come to pass, become, be 1a) (P'al) 1a1) to come to pass 1a2) to come into being, arise, become, come to be 1a2a) to let become known (with participle of knowing) 1a3) to be
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: be, become, [phrase] behold, [phrase] came (to pass), [phrase] cease, [phrase] cleave, [phrase] consider, [phrase] do, [phrase] give, [phrase] have, [phrase] judge, [phrase] keep, [phrase] labour, [phrase] mingle (self), [phrase] put, [phrase] see, [phrase] seek, [phrase] set, [phrase] slay, [phrase] take heed, tremble, [phrase] walk, [phrase] would. See also: Ezra 4:12; Daniel 4:1; Daniel 7:23.
דָּבְקִ֖ין
dᵉbaq
H1693
"to cleave"
Adj
This Aramaic word means to cling or stick to something, similar to the Hebrew word for cleave. It's used to describe a strong attachment or loyalty.
Definition: (P'al) to cling Aramaic of da.vaq (דָּבַק "to cleave" H1692)
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: cleave. See also: Daniel 2:43.
דְּנָ֣ה
dên
H1836
"this"
Adj
This Hebrew word means 'this' or 'therefore' and is used to point to something specific. It is often used in the Bible to connect ideas or explain a reason.
Definition: demons pron 1) this, on account of this adv 2) therefore
Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: (afore-) time, [phrase] after this manner, here (-after), one...another, such, there(-fore), these, this (matter), [phrase] thus, where(-fore), which. See also: Ezra 4:11; Daniel 2:29; Jeremiah 10:11.
עִם
ʻim
H5974
"with"
Adj
Means 'with' in the Bible, showing something is done together or at the same time, like in Genesis 1:26 where God says 'Let us make man in our image'.
Definition: 1) with 1a) together with, with 1b) with, during
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: by, from, like, to(-ward), with. See also: Ezra 5:2; Daniel 4:12; Daniel 7:21.
דְּנָ֑ה
dên
H1836
"this"
Adj
This Hebrew word means 'this' or 'therefore' and is used to point to something specific. It is often used in the Bible to connect ideas or explain a reason.
Definition: demons pron 1) this, on account of this adv 2) therefore
Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: (afore-) time, [phrase] after this manner, here (-after), one...another, such, there(-fore), these, this (matter), [phrase] thus, where(-fore), which. See also: Ezra 4:11; Daniel 2:29; Jeremiah 10:11.
הֵֽא
hêʼ
H1888
"behold"
Adj
This Hebrew word means 'behold' or 'look', often used to get someone's attention. It appears in the Bible as 'lo' or 'even', like in Genesis. It's a way to say 'pay attention'
Definition: behold!, lo! Aramaic of he (הֵא "behold" H1887)
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: even, lo. See also: Daniel 2:43; Daniel 3:25.
כְ/דִ֣י
dîy
H1768
"that"
Adj | Conj
This word is used as a relative conjunction, like 'that' or 'which', to connect ideas in sentences. It appears in Genesis and Exodus to describe relationships between people and things. The KJV translates it as 'that' or 'which'.
Definition: part of relation 1) who, which, that mark of genitive 2) that of, which belongs to, that conj 3) that, because
Usage: Occurs in 186 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] as, but, for(-asmuch [phrase]), [phrase] now, of, seeing, than, that, therefore, until, [phrase] what (-soever), when, which, whom, whose. See also: Ezra 4:9; Daniel 3:7; Jeremiah 10:11.
פַרְזְלָ֔/א
parzel
H6523
"iron"
Adj | Art
In biblical Hebrew, this word means iron, a strong metal used for tools and weapons. It appears in the Bible as a translation from the Aramaic word 'barzel'.
Definition: iron Aramaic of bar.zel (בַּרְזֶל "iron" H1270)
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: iron. See also: Daniel 2:33; Daniel 2:45; Daniel 7:19.
לָ֥א
lâʼ
H3809
"not"
Adj
Means 'not' or 'nothing', often used to show something is absent or non-existent, like in Genesis. It implies a simple or absolute negation. Used over 2000 times in the Bible.
Definition: no, not, nothing Aramaic of lo (לֹא "not" H3808)
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: or even, neither, no(-ne, -r), (can-) not, as nothing, without. See also: Ezra 4:13; Daniel 3:16; Jeremiah 10:11.
מִתְעָרַ֖ב
ʻărab
H6151
"to mix"
Adj
This word means to mix or combine things together. It is used in the Bible to describe the act of mingling or joining different things.
Definition: 1) to mix, join together 1a) (Pael) mixed (participle) 1b) (Ithpael) mixed (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: mingle (self), mix. See also: Daniel 2:41; Daniel 2:43.
עִם
ʻim
H5974
"with"
Adj
Means 'with' in the Bible, showing something is done together or at the same time, like in Genesis 1:26 where God says 'Let us make man in our image'.
Definition: 1) with 1a) together with, with 1b) with, during
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: by, from, like, to(-ward), with. See also: Ezra 5:2; Daniel 4:12; Daniel 7:21.
חַסְפָּֽ/א
chăçaph
H2635
"clay"
Adj | Art
This Hebrew word refers to clay, often used for making pottery or bricks. It is a basic material used in ancient times for building and crafting. The Bible mentions clay in stories like creation and pottery-making.
Definition: clay, potsherd
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: clay. See also: Daniel 2:33; Daniel 2:41; Daniel 2:45.
Study Notes — Daniel 2:43
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Daniel 2:43 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Daniel 2:43
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 2:43
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Daniel 2:43
- Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 2:43
- Ellicott's Commentary on Daniel 2:43
- Cambridge Bible on Daniel 2:43
- Barnes' Notes on Daniel 2:43
- Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 2:43
Context — Daniel Interprets the Dream
41And just as you saw that the feet and toes were made partly of fired clay and partly of iron, so this will be a divided kingdom, yet some of the strength of iron will be in it—just as you saw the iron mixed with clay.
42And as the toes of the feet were partly iron and partly clay, so this kingdom will be partly strong and partly brittle.
43As you saw the iron mixed with clay, so the peoples will mix with one another but will not hold together any more than iron mixes with clay.
44In the days of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, nor will it be left to another people. It will shatter all these kingdoms and bring them to an end, but will itself stand forever. 45And just as you saw a stone being cut out of the mountain without human hands, and it shattered the iron, bronze, clay, silver, and gold, so the great God has told the king what will happen in the future. The dream is true, and its interpretation is trustworthy.”Daniel 2:43 Summary
This verse is saying that just like iron and clay don't mix well, people from different backgrounds and cultures will try to come together, but they won't be able to truly unite. This is because true unity can only come from God, as seen in John 17:21-23. The good news is that God is building a kingdom that will last forever, and we can be a part of it by putting our trust in Him, as seen in Daniel 2:44. By following God's principles and seeking to live a life that honors Him, we can experience true unity and harmony with others.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the mixing of iron and clay in Daniel 2:43 represent?
The mixing of iron and clay represents the blending of different peoples and cultures, but also their inability to truly unite, as seen in the inability of iron and clay to bond together, much like the kingdoms described in Daniel 2:41-42.
Is this verse talking about a specific historical event or a general principle?
While the verse is part of a larger prophecy about the rise and fall of kingdoms, the principle of peoples not holding together despite their attempts to mix and unite is a general truth that can be applied to various situations, as seen in the tower of Babel in Genesis 11:1-9.
How does this verse relate to the kingdom of God?
The inability of human kingdoms to truly unite and last is contrasted with the kingdom of God, which will be established by God Himself and will never be destroyed, as stated in Daniel 2:44 and also in Daniel 7:13-14.
What does this verse teach us about human relationships and unity?
This verse teaches us that true unity and harmony among people can only be achieved through a shared commitment to God and His principles, as seen in Psalm 133:1, rather than just trying to mix and blend different cultures and ideologies together.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I see people trying to mix and unite with one another in my own community, and how can I point them to the true source of unity in God?
- How can I apply the principle of not trying to mix and blend with the world, but instead seeking to stand out as a follower of Christ, as seen in Romans 12:2?
- What are some areas in my own life where I am trying to mix and blend with the world, rather than standing firm on the principles of God's Word, and how can I seek to change this?
- How can I be a part of building the kingdom of God, which will never be destroyed, and what role can I play in pointing others to this eternal kingdom?
Gill's Exposition on Daniel 2:43
And whereas thou sawest iron mixed with miry clay,.... That is, iron among the clay; otherwise iron and clay will not mix and cement together, as is affirmed in the latter part of the verse; but as
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 2:43
And whereas thou sawest the feet and toes, part of potters' clay, and part of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; but there shall be in it of the strength of the iron, forasmuch as thou sawest the iron mixed with miry clay.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Daniel 2:43
With the seed of men, i.e. by marriage; but they shall never solder well together, because ambition is of stronger force than affinity and consanguinity in rulers.
Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 2:43
Daniel 2:43 And whereas thou sawest iron mixed with miry clay, they shall mingle themselves with the seed of men: but they shall not cleave one to another, even as iron is not mixed with clay.Ver. 43. They shall mingle themselves with the seed of men,] i.e., Endeavour by interchangeable marriages to reunite the divisions; but that can as little be as iron can be mixed with clay: cleave they might for a while together, but not incorporate.
Ellicott's Commentary on Daniel 2:43
(43) Seed of men.—The great obscurity of this verse is partially cleared by a reference to Jeremiah 31:27. Daniel appears to be contrasting what man is endeavouring to accomplish by his own efforts with that which the God of heaven (Daniel 2:44) will carry out. Man will form his plans for uniting the discordant parts of this empire, by encouraging marriages between the royal families that rule the various component kingdoms. (Comp. Daniel 11:6; Daniel 11:17, Notes.)
Cambridge Bible on Daniel 2:43
43. shall be mingling themselves by the seed of men] i.e. will contract matrimonial alliances. By ‘seed of men’ are meant probably children of the monarchs ruling at the time. is not mixed with clay] doth not mingle with clay. The allusion in this verse is to matrimonial alliances contracted between the Ptolemies and the Seleucidae (cf. Daniel 11:6; Daniel 11:17), which did not, however, succeed in producing permanent harmony or union between them.
Barnes' Notes on Daniel 2:43
And whereas thou sawest iron mixed with miry clay, they shall mingle themselves with the seed of men - Various explanations have been given of this verse, and it certainly is not of easy interpretation.
Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 2:43
43. This refers most probably to the matrimonial alliances between the Seleucidae and the Ptolemies (compare Daniel 11:6; Daniel 11:17; Jeremiah 31:27), which were intended to strengthen the kingdom, but failed in their purpose.