Daniel 2:18

Daniel 2:18 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

urging 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.

King James Version KJV

That they would desire mercies of the God of heaven concerning this secret; that Daniel and his fellows should not perish with the rest of the wise men of Babylon.

American Standard Version ASV

that they would desire mercies of the God of heaven concerning this secret; that Daniel and his companions should not perish with the rest of the wise men of Babylon.

Bible in Basic English BBE

So that they might make a request for the mercy of the God of heaven in the question of this secret; so that Daniel and his friends might not come to destruction with the rest of the wise men of Babylon.

Free Bible Version FBV

He told them to pray to the God of heaven, asking for help regarding this mystery, so that he and his friends would not be killed along with the rest of the wise men of Babylon.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

That they should beseech the God of heauen for grace in this secrete, that Daniel and his fellowes should not perish with the rest of ye wise men of Babel.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and to seek mercies from before the God of the heavens concerning this secret, that they destroy not Daniel and his companions with the rest of the wise men of Babylon.

World English Bible WEB

that they would desire mercies of the God of heaven concerning this secret, that Daniel and his companions would not perish with the rest of the wise men of Babylon.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

That they would desire mercies of the God of heaven concerning this secret; that Daniel and his companions should not perish with the rest of the wise men of Babylon.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

To the end that they should ask mercy at the face of the God of heaven concerning this secret, and that Daniel and his companions might not perish with the rest of the wise men of Babylon.

Translation for Translators T4T

I urged them to ask God, who lives/rules in heaven, to have mercy on us by telling us the secret meaning of what the king dreamed, in order that we and the other wise men in Babylon would not be executed.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Daniel 2:18

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 2:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וְ/רַחֲמִ֗ין לְ/מִבְעֵא֙ מִן קֳדָם֙ אֱלָ֣הּ שְׁמַיָּ֔/א עַל רָזָ֖/ה דְּנָ֑ה דִּ֣י לָ֤א יְהֹֽבְדוּן֙ דָּנִיֵּ֣אל וְ/חַבְר֔וֹ/הִי עִם שְׁאָ֖ר חַכִּימֵ֥י בָבֶֽל

וְ/רַחֲמִ֗ין rᵉchêm H7359 compassion Adj | N-mp

לְ/מִבְעֵא֙ bᵉʻâʼ H1156 to ask Adj | V-Qal-Inf-a

מִן min H4481 from Adj

קֳדָם֙ qŏdâm H6925 before Adj

אֱלָ֣הּ ʼĕlâhh H426 god Adj

שְׁמַיָּ֔/א shâmayin H8065 heaven Adj | Art

עַל ʻal H5922 since Adj

רָזָ֖/ה râz H7328 mystery Adj | Art

דְּנָ֑ה dên H1836 this Adj

דִּ֣י dîy H1768 that Adj

לָ֤א lâʼ H3809 not Adj

יְהֹֽבְדוּן֙ ʼăbad H7 to destroy Adj

דָּנִיֵּ֣אל Dânîyêʼl H1841 Daniel Adj

וְ/חַבְר֔וֹ/הִי chăbar H2269 fellow Adj | N-mp | Suff

עִם ʻim H5974 with Adj

שְׁאָ֖ר shᵉʼâr H7606 remainder Adj

חַכִּימֵ֥י chakkîym H2445 wise Adj

בָבֶֽל Babel H895 Babylon Adj

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Daniel 2:18

וְ/רַחֲמִ֗ין rᵉchêm H7359 "compassion" Adj | N-mp

This word means compassion or pity, often used to describe God's feelings towards people. It is the Aramaic equivalent of the Hebrew word for compassion, emphasizing God's mercy and love for humanity.

Definition: compassion Aramaic of ra.cha.mim (רַחֲמִים "compassion" H7356B)

Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: mercy. See also: Daniel 2:18.

לְ/מִבְעֵא֙ bᵉʻâʼ H1156 "to ask" Adj | V-Qal-Inf-a

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.

קֳדָם֙ qŏdâm H6925 "before" Adj

Before something or someone, like in the book of Isaiah where it talks about things that happened before. It can also mean in front of or from the presence of, as seen in the story of Moses and the burning bush in Exodus.

Definition: 1) before, in front of 1a) before 1b) from before

Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: before, [idiom] from, [idiom] I (thought), [idiom] me, [phrase] of, [idiom] it pleased, presence. See also: Ezra 4:18; Daniel 5:13; Daniel 7:20.

אֱלָ֣הּ ʼĕlâhh H426 "god" Adj

This word means God, referring to the God of Israel or a heathen deity, as seen in various KJV translations. It is used to describe a divine being.

Definition: 1) god, God 1a) god, heathen deity 1b) God (of Israel)

Usage: Occurs in 78 OT verses. KJV: God, god. See also: Ezra 4:24; Daniel 2:19; Jeremiah 10:11.

שְׁמַיָּ֔/א shâmayin H8065 "heaven" Adj | Art

This Aramaic word for heaven is similar to the Hebrew word, referring to the sky and the abode of God. It is used to describe the dwelling place of God in the Bible.

Definition: 1) heaven, heavens, sky 1a) visible sky 1b) Heaven (as abode of God)

Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: heaven. See also: Ezra 5:11; Daniel 4:12; Jeremiah 10:11.

עַל ʻal H5922 "since" Adj

Similar to H5921, this word means on, above, or because of something. It is often used to describe a reason or a direction, like in Genesis 18:5 where Abraham is asked to walk before God.

Definition: 1) upon, over, on account of, above, to, against 1a) upon, over, on account of, regarding, concerning, on behalf of 1b) over (with verbs of ruling) 1c) above, beyond (in comparison) 1d) to, against (of direction)

Usage: Occurs in 86 OT verses. KJV: about, against, concerning, for, (there-) fore, from, in, [idiom] more, of, (there-, up-) on, (in-) to, [phrase] why with. See also: Ezra 4:8; Daniel 4:2; Daniel 7:28.

רָזָ֖/ה râz H7328 "mystery" Adj | Art

This Hebrew word means a secret or mystery, often referring to something hidden or unknown. It appears in the Bible as a secret or confidential matter. In the KJV, it is translated as secret.

Definition: secret

Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: secret. See also: Daniel 2:18; Daniel 2:29; Daniel 4:6.

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.

דִּ֣י 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.

לָ֤א 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.

יְהֹֽבְדוּן֙ ʼăbad H7 "to destroy" Adj

This Hebrew word means to destroy or perish, and can describe something that is lost or wanderings away. It is often used in the Old Testament to convey a sense of causative destruction, and can be translated as 'destroy' or 'perish' in English Bibles.

Definition: 1) to perish, vanish 1a) (P'al) shall perish 1b) (Aphel) destroy 1c) (Hophal) be destroyed

Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: destroy, perish. See also: Jeremiah 10:11; Daniel 2:24; Daniel 7:26.

דָּנִיֵּ֣אל Dânîyêʼl H1841 "Daniel" Adj

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.

וְ/חַבְר֔וֹ/הִי chăbar H2269 "fellow" Adj | N-mp | Suff

This word means a companion, friend, or fellow, and refers to someone who is an associate or comrade. It appears in the Old Testament, including in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah, often in the context of friendship or alliance. It can also refer to a business partner or colleague.

Definition: associate, companion, friend, comrade, fellow Aramaic of cha.ver (חָבֵר "companion" H2270)

Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: companion, fellow. See also: Daniel 2:13; Daniel 2:17; Daniel 2:18.

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.

שְׁאָ֖ר shᵉʼâr H7606 "remainder" Adj

A remainder or what is left, as in Ezra 9:8. It can also mean a residue or rest, like the remaining people in Jeremiah 6:9. This word is used to describe the leftovers of a nation or people.

Definition: rest, remainder Aramaic of she.ar (שְׁאָר "remnant" H7605)

Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] whatsoever more, residue, rest. See also: Ezra 4:9; Ezra 7:20; Daniel 7:19.

חַכִּימֵ֥י chakkîym H2445 "wise" Adj

In the Bible, this word means wise or intelligent, describing someone with good judgment. It is used to describe a wise man, like a Magian. The word appears in various books, including Proverbs and Psalms.

Definition: wise man, wise

Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: wise. See also: Daniel 2:12; Daniel 2:27; Daniel 5:15.

בָבֶֽל Babel H895 "Babylon" Adj

Babel is another term for Babylon, a city and empire in the Bible, meaning confusion or mixing. It is found in Daniel 1:1-2, describing the Babylonian empire. The city was a major center of power.

Definition: Aramaic of ba.vel (בָּבֶ֫ל, בָּבֶל "Babylon" H0894) § Babel or Babylon = "confusion (by mixing)" Babel or Babylon, the ancient site and/or capital of Babylonia (modern Hillah) situated on the Euphrates

Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: Babylon. See also: Ezra 5:12; Daniel 2:24; Daniel 7:1.

Study Notes — Daniel 2:18

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Daniel 2:18 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Daniel 2:18
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 2:18
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Daniel 2:18
Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 2:18
Ellicott's Commentary on Daniel 2:18
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Daniel 2:18
Cambridge Bible on Daniel 2:18
Barnes' Notes on Daniel 2:18
Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 2:18
Sermons on Daniel 2:18

Context — The Dream Revealed 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.

19During the night, the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision, and he blessed the God of heaven 20and declared: “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, for wisdom and power belong to Him.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Jeremiah 33:3	Call to Me, and I will answer and show you great and unsearchable things you do not know.
2	Matthew 18:19	Again, I tell you truly that if two of you on the earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by My Father in heaven.
3	Matthew 18:12	What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go out to search for the one that is lost?
4	Psalms 50:15	Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor Me.”
5	Psalms 91:15	When he calls out to Me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble. I will deliver him and honor him.
6	Esther 4:15–17	Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: “Go and assemble all the Jews who can be found in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day, and I and my maidens will fast as you do. After that, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish! ” So Mordecai went and did all that Esther had instructed him.
7	2 Timothy 4:17–18	But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message would be fully proclaimed, and all the Gentiles would hear it. So I was delivered from the mouth of the lion. And the Lord will rescue me from every evil action and bring me safely into His heavenly kingdom. To Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
8	Malachi 3:18	So you will again distinguish between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not.”
9	Genesis 18:28	suppose the fifty righteous ones lack five. Will You destroy the whole city for the lack of five?” He replied, “If I find forty-five there, I will not destroy it.”
10	Isaiah 37:4	Perhaps the LORD your God will hear the words of the Rabshakeh, whom his master the king of Assyria has sent to defy the living God, and He will rebuke him for the words that the LORD your God has heard. Therefore lift up a prayer for the remnant that still survives.”

Daniel 2:18 Summary

This verse shows that Daniel and his friends were in a tough spot and needed God's help to figure out the king's dream. They prayed together, asking for God's mercy, so they wouldn't be killed along with the other wise men. This teaches us that we can trust God to help us in difficult situations, just like Daniel did, and that praying with others can be a powerful way to seek God's guidance, as seen in Acts 2:42. By relying on God's power and wisdom, we can face challenges with confidence and hope, knowing that He is always with us, as promised in Isaiah 41:10.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Daniel ask his friends to plead for mercy from the God of heaven?

Daniel asked his friends to pray for mercy so that God would reveal the mystery of the king's dream to them, as seen in Daniel 2:18, and this is similar to how the apostles relied on prayer in Acts 4:29-31 to receive boldness and wisdom.

What would happen if the mystery was not revealed to Daniel and his friends?

If the mystery was not revealed, Daniel and his friends would be killed along with the rest of the wise men of Babylon, as stated in Daniel 2:18, which highlights the urgency of their situation and the importance of their prayer.

How does this verse relate to the concept of community prayer?

This verse shows the value of community prayer, as Daniel involves his friends in praying for mercy and wisdom, similar to the early church's practice of communal prayer in Acts 2:42 and Acts 4:24-31.

What can we learn from Daniel's dependence on God in this situation?

We can learn that even in difficult and uncertain situations, we can trust in God's power and wisdom, as Daniel did, and seek His guidance and mercy, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Jeremiah 29:12-13.

Reflection Questions

How can I, like Daniel, cultivate a deeper reliance on God's mercy and wisdom in my own life, especially in times of uncertainty?
What are some mysteries or challenges in my life that I need to plead for God's mercy and guidance on, and how can I involve my community in praying for me?
In what ways can I apply the principle of community prayer, as seen in this verse, to my own relationships and prayer life?
How does this verse encourage me to trust in God's sovereignty and power, even when faced with seemingly impossible situations?

Gill's Exposition on Daniel 2:18

That they would desire mercies of the God of heaven concerning this secret,.... His view in sending for them, and informing them of this whole affair, was to engage them in prayer to God with him;

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 2:18

That they would desire mercies of the God of heaven concerning this secret; that Daniel and his fellows That they would desire mercies of the God of heaven concerning this secret; that Daniel and his

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Daniel 2:18

Observe here Daniel’ s humility, he sought not to engross this business, and the honour of it, wholly to himself, but would have his fellows share in it with him. Again, they would desire mercy, Heb. the bowels of tender mercy: the choicest saints desire to be saved by mercy, . That Daniel and his fellows should not perish: the Lord hath a distinguishing care and love for his people, , especially in common calamities, , &c.; .

Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 2:18

Daniel 2:18 That they would desire mercies of the God of heaven concerning this secret; that Daniel and his fellows should not perish with the rest of the wise [men] of Babylon.Ver. 18. That they would desire mercies of the God of heaven.] All God’ s children can pray. Those daughters of Jerusalem, though not so fully acquainted with Christ, yet are requested to pray for the Church. But these three were men of singular abilities, no doubt, and were themselves deeply concerned. Concerning this secret.] In case of secrets and intricacies or riddles of providence, prayer is most seasonable; as being Tephillah, the usual Hebrew word for prayer, a repair to the Lord for inquiry, or for his sentence.

Ellicott's Commentary on Daniel 2:18

(18) The God of heaven.—We meet with this title of Almighty God for the first time in Genesis 24:7. After the Captivity, it frequently designates the true God as contrasted with the heathen gods. (See Ezra 1:2, Nehemiah 1:5, Psalms 136:26.) It is used by Daniel in this sense in this verse.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Daniel 2:18

Verse 18. That they would desire mercies] For this Daniel had requested a little time; and doubtless both he and his three companions prayed incessantly till God gave the wished for revelation; but whether it was given that same sight, we do not know.

Cambridge Bible on Daniel 2:18

18. that they would] ‘that they might’ would be clearer, as it would include more easily a reference to Daniel (see Daniel 2:23 ‘me’). mercies] compassion, as the corresponding Heb. word is rendered in Lamentations 3:22, Zechariah 7:9 in A.V., and in Daniel 1:9 in R.V. the God of heaven] So Daniel 2:19; Daniel 2:37; Daniel 2:44. A favourite expression among the post-exilic Jews[208]: see Ezra 1:2 (= 2 Chronicles 36:23), Daniel 5:11-12, Daniel 6:9-10, Daniel 7:12; Daniel 7:21; Daniel 7:23, Nehemiah 1:4-5; Nehemiah 2:4; Nehemiah 2:20, Jonah 1:9, Psalms 136:26 (àì): also Enoch xiii. 6, Tob 10:11, Jdt 5:8; Jdt 6:19; Jdt 11:17, Revelation 11:13; Revelation 16:11. [208] In Genesis 24:7 it is probable that ‘and earth’ (so LXX) has accidentally fallen out: see Daniel 2:3.fellows] companions (R.V.), as Daniel 2:17.

Barnes' Notes on Daniel 2:18

That they would desire mercies of the God of heaven concerning this secret - That they would implore of God that he would show his mercy to them in revealing this secret, that their lives might be spared.

Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 2:18

17-19. Daniel joining in prayer with his companions to the one God, whose knowledge and power extend everywhere — the God of heaven (Genesis 24:7), who can alone reveal secrets (Amos 3:7; Deuteronomy

Sermons on Daniel 2:18

	Sermon	Description
	Understandest Thou What Thou Readest? by C.H. Spurgeon	C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the necessity of seeking a deeper understanding of the Scriptures through prayer and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. He illustrates that just as Daniel pr
	Do You Understand What You Read? by C.H. Spurgeon	C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the necessity of understanding the Scriptures through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, urging believers to seek divine enlightenment in their study of God'
	Dependable Priest by Jim Cymbala	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Hebrews 4:14 and the concept of Jesus as a dependable high priest. He emphasizes the importance of holding firmly to our faith and reminds t
	Do You Need a Miracle? by Jim Cymbala	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of experiencing a supernatural work from God in our hearts and souls. He encourages the congregation to believe in the possib
	A Christian’s Response to Calamities by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the speaker addresses the response of Christians to calamities happening in the world. They emphasize that while the world may be alarmed and nervous, Christians ha
	50 Years of the People's Church by Oswald J. Smith	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the history of the People's Church and their emphasis on evangelism and missions. He shares his personal experience of seeing men and women
	Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire-I Interview: Jim Cymbala by Jim Cymbala	In this video, Harold Harper introduces an interview with Pastor Jim Symbola of the Brooklyn Tabernacle. The pastor's church has grown from a small congregation to a thriving commu

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