Daniel 2:16
Daniel 2:16 in Multiple Translations
So Daniel went in and asked the king to give him some time, so that he could give him the interpretation.
Then Daniel went in, and desired of the king that he would give him time, and that he would shew the king the interpretation.
And Daniel went in, and desired of the king that he would appoint him a time, and he would show the king the interpretation.
And Daniel went in and made a request to the king to give him time and he would make clear the sense of his dream to the king.
Daniel immediately went to see the king and asked for more time to explain the dream and its meaning to him.
So Daniel went and desired the king that he woulde giue him leasure and that he woulde shewe the king the interpretation thereof.
and Daniel hath gone up, and sought of the king that he would give him time to shew the interpretation to the king.
Daniel went in, and desired of the king that he would appoint him a time, and he would show the king the interpretation.
Then Daniel went in, and desired of the king that he would give him time, and that he would show the king the interpretation.
Daniel went in and desired of the king, that he would give him time to resolve the question and declare it to the king.
I immediately went to talk to the king and requested that the king give me some time, so that I could find out what the dream was and what the dream meant.
Berean Amplified Bible — Daniel 2:16
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 2:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/דָ֣נִיֵּ֔אל
עַ֖ל
וּ/בְעָ֣ה
מִן
מַלְכָּ֑/א
דִּ֚י
זְמָ֣ן
יִנְתֵּן
לֵ֔/הּ
וּ/פִשְׁרָ֖/א
לְ/הַֽחֲוָיָ֥ה
לְ/מַלְכָּֽ/א
וְ/דָ֣נִיֵּ֔אל
Dânîyêʼl
H1841
Daniel
Adj | N-proper
עַ֖ל
ʻălal
H5954
to come
Adj
וּ/בְעָ֣ה
bᵉʻâʼ
H1156
to ask
Adj | V-Qal-Perf-3ms
מִן
min
H4481
from
Adj
מַלְכָּ֑/א
melek
H4430
king
Adj | Art
דִּ֚י
dîy
H1768
that
Adj
זְמָ֣ן
zᵉmân
H2166
time
Adj
יִנְתֵּן
nᵉthan
H5415
to give
Adj
לֵ֔/הּ
Adj | Suff
וּ/פִשְׁרָ֖/א
pᵉshar
H6591
interpretation
Adj | N-ms | Art
לְ/הַֽחֲוָיָ֥ה
chăvâʼ
H2324
to show
Adj | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
לְ/מַלְכָּֽ/א
melek
H4430
king
Adj | N-ms | 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 2:16
וְ/דָ֣נִיֵּ֔אל
Dânîyêʼl
H1841
"Daniel"
Adj | N-proper
The prophet Daniel, also called Belteshazzar, lived during the Exile and Return, and his name means God is my judge.
Definition: A prophet living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Ezk.14.14; also called Belteshazzar at Dan.1.7; 2.26; 4.8,9,18,19; 5.12; 10.1; Aramaic of da.niy.yel (דָּנִיֵּאל, דָּנִאֵל "Daniel" H1840) § Daniel = "God is my judge" 1) the 4th of the greater prophets, taken as hostage in the first deportation to Babylon, because of the gift of God of the interpretation of dreams, he became the 2nd in command of the Babylon empire and lasted through the end of the Babylonian empire and into the Persian empire. His prophecies are the key to the understanding of end time events. Noted for his purity and holiness by contemporary prophet, Ezekiel 1a) also, 'Belteshazzar' (H01095 or H01096)
Usage: Occurs in 43 OT verses. KJV: Daniel. See also: Daniel 2:13; Daniel 5:29; Daniel 7:28.
עַ֖ל
ʻălal
H5954
"to come"
Adj
This word means to enter or come into a place, and it can also mean to introduce someone or something. In the Bible, it is used to describe entering a room or bringing someone in. The KJV translates it as come in or bring in.
Definition: 1) to thrust in, go in, come in 1a) (P'al) to go in, come in 1b) (Aphel) to bring in 1c) (Hophal) to be brought in
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: bring in, come in, go in. See also: Daniel 2:16; Daniel 5:7; Daniel 6:19.
וּ/בְעָ֣ה
bᵉʻâʼ
H1156
"to ask"
Adj | V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This verb means to ask or seek something, often used in the context of prayer or requesting something from God. It can also mean to desire or make a petition, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to ask, seek, request, desire, pray, make petition 1a) (P'al) 1a1) to ask, request 1a2) to seek (for favour)
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: ask, desire, make (petition), pray, request, seek. See also: Daniel 2:13; Daniel 6:5; Daniel 7:16.
מִן
min
H4481
"from"
Adj
This word is used to show where something comes from, like from a place or at a certain time, and is often translated as from or out of.
Definition: 1) from, out of, by, by reason of, at, more than 1a) from, out of (of place) 1b) from, by, as a result of, by reason of, at, according to, (of source) 1c) from (of time) 1d) beyond, more than (in comparisons)
Usage: Occurs in 83 OT verses. KJV: according, after, [phrase] because, [phrase] before, by, for, from, [idiom] him, [idiom] more than, (out) of, part, since, [idiom] these, to, upon, [phrase] when. See also: Ezra 4:12; Daniel 3:22; Jeremiah 10:11.
מַלְכָּ֑/א
melek
H4430
"king"
Adj | Art
Melek means king, referring to a ruler or monarch, used in the Bible to describe kings like David and Solomon. It is translated as king or royal in the KJV.
Definition: king Aramaic of me.lekh (מֶ֫לֶךְ "king" H4428) § 1) king
Usage: Occurs in 131 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Ezra 4:8; Daniel 3:1; Daniel 7:24.
דִּ֚י
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.
זְמָ֣ן
zᵉmân
H2166
"time"
Adj
In the Bible, this word means a set time or season, like a scheduled event. It appears in books like Daniel and Ezra, referring to appointed times for festivals or ceremonies. This concept is key to understanding biblical timing.
Definition: a set time, time, season Aramaic of ze.man (זְמָ֑ן "time" H2165)
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: season, time. See also: Ezra 5:3; Daniel 4:33; Daniel 7:25.
יִנְתֵּן
nᵉthan
H5415
"to give"
Adj
This Hebrew word means to give or pay, and is used in various contexts, such as giving a gift or paying a debt, as seen in the book of Ezra.
Definition: : pay 1) to give 1a) (P'al) 1a1) to give 1a2) to give, allow 1a3) to give, pay
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: bestow, give pay. See also: Ezra 4:13; Daniel 4:14; Daniel 4:29.
לֵ֔/הּ
""
Adj | Suff
וּ/פִשְׁרָ֖/א
pᵉshar
H6591
"interpretation"
Adj | N-ms | Art
This word refers to the explanation or meaning of something, like a dream. It is used in Daniel 2 and 4 to describe the interpretation of King Nebuchadnezzar's dreams. The word is about finding the solution to a mystery.
Definition: interpretation (of dream) Aramaic of pit.ron (פִּתְרוֹן "interpretation" H6623)
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: interpretation. See also: Daniel 2:4; Daniel 4:4; Daniel 7:16.
לְ/הַֽחֲוָיָ֥ה
chăvâʼ
H2324
"to show"
Adj | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to show or explain something, like a prophet interpreting a vision. It is used in the book of Daniel to describe how God reveals secrets to his people.
Definition: 1) to show, interpret, explain, inform, tell, declare 1a) (Pael) to show, interpret 1b) (Aphel) to show
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: shew. See also: Daniel 2:4; Daniel 2:16; Daniel 5:15.
לְ/מַלְכָּֽ/א
melek
H4430
"king"
Adj | N-ms | Art
Melek means king, referring to a ruler or monarch, used in the Bible to describe kings like David and Solomon. It is translated as king or royal in the KJV.
Definition: king Aramaic of me.lekh (מֶ֫לֶךְ "king" H4428) § 1) king
Usage: Occurs in 131 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Ezra 4:8; Daniel 3:1; Daniel 7:24.
Study Notes — Daniel 2:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Daniel 2:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Daniel 2:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 2:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Daniel 2:16
- Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 2:16
- Ellicott's Commentary on Daniel 2:16
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Daniel 2:16
- Cambridge Bible on Daniel 2:16
- Barnes' Notes on Daniel 2:16
- Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 2:16
Context — The Dream Revealed to Daniel
14When Arioch, the commander of the king’s guard, went out to execute the wise men of Babylon, Daniel responded with discretion and tact.
15“Why is the decree from the king so harsh?” he asked. Then Arioch explained the situation to Daniel.
16So Daniel went in and asked the king to give him some time, so that he could give him the interpretation.
17Then Daniel returned to his house and explained the matter to his friends Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, 18urging them to plead for mercy from the God of heaven concerning this mystery, so that Daniel and his friends would not be killed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Daniel 1:18–19 | Now at the end of the time specified by the king, the chief official presented them to Nebuchadnezzar. And the king spoke with them, and among all the young men he found no one equal to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. So they entered the king’s service. |
| 2 | Daniel 2:9–11 | If you do not tell me the dream, there is only one decree for you. You have conspired to speak before me false and fraudulent words, hoping the situation will change. Therefore tell me the dream, and I will know that you can give me its interpretation.” The astrologers answered the king, “No one on earth can do what the king requests! No king, however great and powerful, has ever asked anything like this of any magician, enchanter, or astrologer. What the king requests is so difficult that no one can tell it to him except the gods, whose dwelling is not with mortals.” |
Daniel 2:16 Summary
In this verse, Daniel asks the king for more time to interpret his dream, showing that he is a wise and humble man who trusts in God's guidance. This is similar to how we might feel when faced with a difficult problem or situation, and we need to take time to seek God's help and wisdom, as encouraged in Psalm 46:10. By seeking God's guidance, Daniel is able to provide the interpretation of the king's dream, which is a testament to God's power and wisdom. We can learn from Daniel's example by taking time to seek God's guidance and wisdom in our own lives, and trusting in His sovereignty, as stated in Romans 11:33-36.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Daniel ask the king for more time to interpret the dream?
Daniel asked the king for more time so he could seek God's guidance and wisdom, as seen in Daniel 2:17-18, where he and his friends prayed for mercy and understanding from the God of heaven, similar to how the Psalmist sought God's guidance in Psalm 119:125.
What does this verse reveal about Daniel's character?
This verse shows that Daniel was a wise and humble man, willing to seek help from God and ask for time to find the interpretation, demonstrating faith and trust in God's sovereignty, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the story in Daniel 2?
This verse is a pivotal moment in the story, as Daniel's request for time allows him to seek God's help and ultimately provide the interpretation of the king's dream, which is a testament to God's power and wisdom, as stated in Daniel 2:47.
What can we learn from Daniel's approach to the king's request?
We can learn the importance of seeking God's guidance and wisdom in times of uncertainty, and being bold yet respectful in our interactions with those in authority, as seen in Daniel's approach to the king, and encouraged in 1 Peter 2:13-14.
Reflection Questions
- What are some times in my life when I have had to seek guidance and wisdom from God, and how did I approach those situations?
- How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's sovereignty, like Daniel did, in the face of uncertainty or challenging circumstances?
- What are some ways I can demonstrate humility and wisdom, like Daniel, in my interactions with others, especially those in positions of authority?
- How can I apply the principle of seeking God's guidance and wisdom in my daily life, and what are some practical steps I can take to do so?
Gill's Exposition on Daniel 2:16
Then Daniel went in,.... Or "went up" (n); to the king's palace, which might be built on an eminence; or into his chamber, where he probably was; or in some upper room, very likely introduced by
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 2:16
Then Daniel went in, and desired of the king that he would give him time, and that he would shew the king the interpretation.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Daniel 2:16
There are four things here very strange and wonderful. 1. That Arioch, instead of executing the king’ s decree speedily, should make this stop. 2. That he should dare to see the king’ s face when he was so wroth, instead of doing what his commission tied him to. 3. That Daniel should have the boldness to go in to the king when he was in his fury. 4. That he should desire time and obtain it of the king, who had denied the same thing to the wise men. To which we answer, The signal hand of God was in all this. 2. In particular, Daniel was in great esteem with the king above all the wise men, ,20 3. 3. He gave both Arioch and the king hopes he would show and interpret the king’ s dream.
Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 2:16
Daniel 2:16 Then Daniel went in, and desired of the king that he would give him time, and that he would shew the king the interpretation. Ver. 16. Then Daniel … desired the king to give him time.] Not to study or deliberate, but to pray with fervency and perseverance, which is the best help to find out secrets. And that he would show the king the interpretation.] Beatus, ait Plato, qui etiam in senectute veritatem consequitur, He is happy who findeth out the truth, though it be long first, saith Plato.
Ellicott's Commentary on Daniel 2:16
(16) Daniel went in.—Two characteristics of the prophet strike us, which distinguish the one who trusts in God’s help from those who relied entirely upon their secular wisdom. (1) The courage of Daniel, which led him to venture into the king’s presence upon a humane errand. (2) His humility, in asking the king to give him time. The wise men regarded the whole matter as an impossibility, and treated it as such, not even asking for any extension of time. But the faith of Daniel inspired him with this courageous humility, and was amply rewarded. We are not told in so many words that this extension of time was granted, or that Daniel undertook to show more than the interpretation of the dream. A true account of what happened can only be gathered by reading Daniel 2:18; Daniel 2:28 by the side of this verse. It should be remembered that many narratives of scripture are related in a very condensed form, fuller details being added afterwards. (See Daniel 2:24, Note.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Daniel 2:16
Verse 16. That he would give him time] That is, that he might seek unto God for a revelation of the thing. The Chaldeans dared not even to promise this; they would only pledge themselves for the interpretation, provided the king would furnish the dream. Daniel engages both to find the lost dream, and to give the proper interpretation.
Cambridge Bible on Daniel 2:16
16. give him time] or (R.V.) appoint him a time. and that he would shew] that he might (R.V. marg.) declare. Daniel only asked for time; and such a request would be the more readily granted, as Nebuchadnezzar had already (Daniel 1:20) been favourably impressed by his superior skill.
Barnes' Notes on Daniel 2:16
Then Daniel went in ... - Either by himself, or through the medium of some friend.
Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 2:16
14-16. Daniel, having been informed of the decree, addresses Arioch (Iri-Aku) the captain, or rather “chief executioner,” of the royal bodyguard — an officer well known from the inscriptions (tabihu)