This verse is from the apocryphal Book of Susanna, which is included in the Book of Daniel in some versions of the Bible (primarily in the Septuagint and Vulgate). To understand the verse, you need a bit of context:
The Story of Susanna: Susanna is a beautiful and pious woman who is falsely accused of adultery by two lecherous elders. They lie under oath, claiming they caught her in the act with another man. Because of their respected position in the community, Susanna is condemned to death.
Daniel's Intervention: The young Daniel, inspired by God, intervenes before Susanna is executed. He separates the two elders and questions them individually.
The Verse in Context: Daniel asks each elder under what kind of tree he saw Susanna commit adultery. They give conflicting answers. This exposes their lies.
Meaning of the Verse:
"And Daniel said, Right well have you lied against your own head..."
Daniel is accusing the elder directly of lying, emphasizing the severity of his deceit. The phrase "against your own head" means that the elder's lies will bring about his own downfall and condemnation.
"...for even now the angel of God has received the sentence of God and shall cut you in two."
This is a powerful statement of divine justice. Daniel declares that God's judgment is already in motion. An angel (acting as God's agent) has received the order to punish the elder.
The specific punishment of being "cut...in two" is a gruesome and severe one, indicative of the seriousness of the crime of bearing false witness, especially one that would result in the wrongful death of an innocent person. It also serves as a retributive justice where the elders tried to divide Susanna from her reputation and her life.
In summary, the verse signifies that the elder's lies have sealed his fate. He will receive a divine and severe punishment for his false accusation against Susanna, which is administered immediately by an angel.
This verse is from the apocryphal Book of Susanna, which is included in the Book of Daniel in some versions of the Bible (primarily in the Septuagint and Vulgate). To understand the verse, you need a bit of context:
The Story of Susanna: Susanna is a beautiful and pious woman who is falsely accused of adultery by two lecherous elders. They lie under oath, claiming they caught her in the act with another man. Because of their respected position in the community, Susanna is condemned to death.
Daniel's Intervention: The young Daniel, inspired by God, intervenes before Susanna is executed. He separates the two elders and questions them individually.
The Verse in Context: Daniel asks each elder under what kind of tree he saw Susanna commit adultery. They give conflicting answers. This exposes their lies.
Meaning of the Verse:
"And Daniel said, Right well have you lied against your own head..."
Daniel is accusing the elder directly of lying, emphasizing the severity of his deceit. The phrase "against your own head" means that the elder's lies will bring about his own downfall and condemnation.
"...for even now the angel of God has received the sentence of God and shall cut you in two."
This is a powerful statement of divine justice. Daniel declares that God's judgment is already in motion. An angel (acting as God's agent) has received the order to punish the elder.
The specific punishment of being "cut...in two" is a gruesome and severe one, indicative of the seriousness of the crime of bearing false witness, especially one that would result in the wrongful death of an innocent person. It also serves as a retributive justice where the elders tried to divide Susanna from her reputation and her life.
In summary, the verse signifies that the elder's lies have sealed his fate. He will receive a divine and severe punishment for his false accusation against Susanna, which is administered immediately by an angel.
