PERES; Your kingdom is divided, and given to the Medes and Persians.
All Commentaries on Daniel 5:28 Go To Daniel 5
Aquinas Study Bible
AD 2017
The origin and meaning of these words is obscure and has a varied group of opinions on it. Some say that these are Hebrew or Aramaic words, while Josephus seems to think they should be reckond in Greek.
Josephus says, " MANEH. This, if it be expounded in the Greek language, may signify a Number, because God has numbered so long a time for your life, and for your government, and that there remains but a small portion. THEKEL This signifies a weight, and means that God has weighed your kingdom in a balance, and finds it going down already.--PHARES. This also, in the Greek tongue, denotes a fragment, God will therefore break your kingdom in pieces, and divide it among the Medes and Persians."
Interestly, the original Greek Septuagint translators, whether they used another Hebrew/Aramaic version other than the version used today, or whether this too is an original reading from Daniel, who may have wrote more than one version, has an interesting reading, "v. 17 Then Daniel stood before the writing and read, and therefore answered the king, This is the writing: it has been numbered; it has been considered, it has been lifted away. And the writing hand ceased, and this is their interpretation. vv. 26-28 This is the interpretation of the writing: the time of your kingdom has been numbered, your kingdom is coming to an end. It has been cut short, and it has come to pass. Your kingdom is being given to the Medes and to the Persians."
