Daniel 2:20

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Daniel 2:20 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

and declared: “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, for wisdom and power belong to Him.

King James Version KJV

Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his:

American Standard Version ASV

Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever; for wisdom and might are his.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And Daniel said in answer, May the name of God be praised for ever and ever: for wisdom and strength are his:

Free Bible Version FBV

“Praise the wonderful nature of God forever and ever, for he is wise and powerful.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And Daniel answered and sayde, The Name of God be praysed for euer and euer: for wisedome and strength are his,

Young's Literal Translation YLT

Daniel hath answered and said, 'Let the name of God be blessed from age even unto age, for wisdom and might — for they are His.

World English Bible WEB

Daniel answered, “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever; for wisdom and might are his.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his:

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And speaking he said: Blessed be the name of the Lord from eternity and for evermore: for wisdom and fortitude are his.

Translation for Translators T4T

saying, “We should praise God [MTY] forever, because only he truly is wise and powerful.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Daniel 2:20

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 2:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB עָנֵ֤ה דָֽנִיֵּאל֙ וְ/אָמַ֔ר לֶהֱוֵ֨א שְׁמֵ֤/הּ דִּֽי אֱלָהָ/א֙ מְבָרַ֔ךְ מִן עָלְמָ֖/א וְ/עַ֣ד עָלְמָ֑/א דִּ֧י חָכְמְתָ֛/א וּ/גְבוּרְתָ֖/א דִּ֥י לֵֽ/הּ הִֽיא

עָנֵ֤ה ʻănâh H6032 to answer Adj

דָֽנִיֵּאל֙ Dânîyêʼl H1841 Daniel Adj

וְ/אָמַ֔ר ʼămar H560 to say Adj | V-Qal

לֶהֱוֵ֨א hâvâʼ H1934 to be Adj

שְׁמֵ֤/הּ shum H8036 name Adj | Suff

דִּֽי dîy H1768 that Adj

אֱלָהָ/א֙ ʼĕlâhh H426 god Adj | Art

מְבָרַ֔ךְ bᵉrak H1289 to bless Adj

מִן min H4481 from Adj

עָלְמָ֖/א ʻâlam H5957 perpetuity Adj | Art

וְ/עַ֣ד ʻad H5705 till Adj | Prep

עָלְמָ֑/א ʻâlam H5957 perpetuity Adj | Art

דִּ֧י dîy H1768 that Adj

חָכְמְתָ֛/א chokmâh H2452 wisdom Adj | Art

וּ/גְבוּרְתָ֖/א gᵉbûwrâh H1370 might Adj | N-fs | Art

דִּ֥י dîy H1768 that Adj

לֵֽ/הּ Adj | Suff

הִֽיא hûwʼ H1932 he/she/it Adj

Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

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Hebrew Word Reference — Daniel 2:20

עָנֵ֤ה ʻănâh H6032 "to answer" Adj

To answer or respond to something, often by speaking or singing. In the Bible, it can mean to pay attention or testify, as seen in 1 Samuel 12:3.

Definition: 1) to answer, respond 1a) (P'al) 1a1) to answer, make reply 1a2) to respond

Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: answer, speak. See also: Psalms 60:7; Daniel 3:24; Daniel 7:2.

דָֽנִיֵּאל֙ 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/אָמַ֔ר ʼămar H560 "to say" Adj | V-Qal

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to say or speak, often used when God commands or declares something, as seen in many KJV translations. It is used with great flexibility, including to command, declare, or tell. This word appears in various contexts, including Genesis and Exodus.

Definition: (P'al) to say, to speak, to command, to tell, to relate Aramaic of a.mar (אָמַר "to say" H0559)

Usage: Occurs in 65 OT verses. KJV: command, declare, say, speak, tell. See also: Ezra 5:3; Daniel 3:28; Jeremiah 10:11.

לֶהֱוֵ֨א 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.

שְׁמֵ֤/הּ shum H8036 "name" Adj | Suff

This word for name is similar to H8034, but used in Aramaic portions of the Bible, still referring to a person's identity or reputation. It carries the same meaning as H8034, emphasizing the significance of names in biblical culture. This concept appears in various biblical books.

Definition: name Aramaic of shem (שֵׁם "name" H8034)

Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: name. See also: Ezra 5:1; Daniel 2:20; Daniel 5:12.

דִּֽי 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.

אֱלָהָ/א֙ ʼĕlâhh H426 "god" Adj | Art

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.

מְבָרַ֔ךְ bᵉrak H1289 "to bless" Adj

To bless means to show respect or praise, often by kneeling down. In the Bible, it can also mean to curse someone, which is the opposite of a blessing. This word is used to describe how people honor God.

Definition: 1) to bless, kneel 1a) (P'al) 1a1) kneeling (participle) 1a2) to be blessed 1b) (Pael) to bless, praise

Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: bless, kneel. See also: Daniel 2:19; Daniel 3:28; Daniel 6:11.

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.

עָלְמָ֖/א ʻâlam H5957 "perpetuity" Adj | Art

This word refers to a very long time, often forever or eternity. It is used to describe something that has been true for a long time or will be true forever. It appears in the Bible to describe God's eternal nature.

Definition: perpetuity, antiquity, for ever Aramaic of o.lam (עוֹלָם ": old" H5769J)

Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: for (n-)ever (lasting), old. See also: Ezra 4:15; Daniel 4:31; Daniel 7:27.

וְ/עַ֣ד ʻad H5705 "till" Adj | Prep

This Hebrew word is similar to H5704, meaning until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Numbers when describing the Israelites' travels.

Definition: prep 1) even to, until, up to, during conj 2) until, up to the time that, ere that

Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] and, at, for, (hither-) to, on till, (un-) to, until, within. See also: Ezra 4:21; Daniel 5:21; Daniel 7:28.

עָלְמָ֑/א ʻâlam H5957 "perpetuity" Adj | Art

Definition: perpetuity, antiquity, for ever Aramaic of o.lam (עוֹלָם ": old" H5769J)

Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: for (n-)ever (lasting), old. See also: Ezra 4:15; Daniel 4:31; Daniel 7:27.

דִּ֧י dîy H1768 "that" Adj

Definition: part of relation 1) who, which, that mark of genitive 2) that of, which belongs to, that conj 3) that, because

חָכְמְתָ֛/א chokmâh H2452 "wisdom" Adj | Art

This Aramaic word for wisdom is similar to the Hebrew word, describing ethical and religious insight, like in the book of Daniel.

Definition: wisdom Aramaic of chokh.mah (חׇכְמָה "wisdom" H2451)

Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: wisdom. See also: Ezra 7:25; Daniel 2:23; Daniel 5:14.

וּ/גְבוּרְתָ֖/א gᵉbûwrâh H1370 "might" Adj | N-fs | Art

This word means power or might, describing strength and ability. It is used to express God's power in the Bible.

Definition: might Aramaic of ge.vu.rah (גְּבוּרָה "might" H1369)

Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: might. See also: Daniel 2:20; Daniel 2:23.

דִּ֥י dîy H1768 "that" Adj

Definition: part of relation 1) who, which, that mark of genitive 2) that of, which belongs to, that conj 3) that, because

לֵֽ/הּ "" Adj | Suff

הִֽיא hûwʼ H1932 "he/she/it" Adj

This Hebrew word means 'he', 'she', or 'it', often used to emphasize the subject of a sentence, as seen in Genesis and Exodus. It can also be used as a demonstrative, meaning 'this' or 'that'.

Definition: 1) he, she, it 1a) (emphasising and resuming subject) 1b)(anticipating subj) 1c) as demons pron 1d) (relative) 1e) (affirming existence)

Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] are, it, this. See also: Ezra 5:8; Daniel 3:15; Daniel 7:24.

Study Notes — Daniel 2:20

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Daniel 2:20 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Daniel 2:20
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 2:20
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Daniel 2:20
Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 2:20
Ellicott's Commentary on Daniel 2:20
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Daniel 2:20
Cambridge Bible on Daniel 2:20
Barnes' Notes on Daniel 2:20
Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 2:20
Sermons on Daniel 2:20

Context — The Dream Revealed to Daniel

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.

21He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. 22He reveals the deep and hidden things; He knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with Him.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Psalms 113:2	Blessed be the name of the LORD both now and forevermore.
2	Psalms 145:1–2	I will exalt You, my God and King; I will bless Your name forever and ever. Every day I will bless You, and I will praise Your name forever and ever.
3	Revelation 5:12	In a loud voice they were saying: “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing!”
4	Job 12:13	Wisdom and strength belong to God; counsel and understanding are His.
5	Psalms 147:5	Great is our Lord, and mighty in power; His understanding has no limit.
6	Jeremiah 32:19	the One great in counsel and mighty in deed, whose eyes are on all the ways of the sons of men, to reward each one according to his ways and according to the fruit of his deeds.
7	Jude 1:24	Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you unblemished in His glorious presence, with great joy—
8	Job 12:16–22	True wisdom and power belong to Him. The deceived and the deceiver are His. He leads counselors away barefoot and makes fools of judges. He loosens the bonds placed by kings and fastens a belt around their waists. He leads priests away barefoot and overthrows the established. He deprives the trusted of speech and takes away the discernment of elders. He pours out contempt on nobles and disarms the mighty. He reveals the deep things of darkness and brings deep shadows into light.
9	Daniel 2:21–23	He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. He reveals the deep and hidden things; He knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with Him. To You, O God of my fathers, I give thanks and praise, because You have given me wisdom and power. And now You have made known to me what we have requested, for You have made known to us the dream of the king.”
10	Psalms 103:1–2	Bless the LORD, O my soul; all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and do not forget all His kind deeds—

Daniel 2:20 Summary

This verse means that Daniel is giving thanks and praise to God because He is all-powerful and all-wise, as we also see in Romans 11:33-36. God is the one who knows everything and can do anything, and Daniel is acknowledging that. It's like saying, 'God, You are amazing and I'm so grateful for Your wisdom and power!' We can learn from Daniel's example by giving God the credit He deserves and recognizing His power and wisdom in our own lives, just like in Psalm 103:1-5, where David blesses the Lord for all His benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of Daniel declaring 'Blessed be the name of God forever and ever'?

This declaration is an expression of reverence and worship, acknowledging God's eternal nature and sovereignty, as seen in Psalm 72:19, where it says 'Blessed be His glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with His glory'

Why does Daniel attribute wisdom and power to God?

Daniel recognizes that God is the ultimate source of wisdom and power, as stated in Jeremiah 32:19, which says 'For Your eyes are open to all the ways of the sons of men, to give everyone according to his ways and according to the fruit of his deeds'

How does this verse relate to the surrounding context?

This verse is a response to the revelation Daniel received from God, as mentioned in Daniel 2:19, and it sets the tone for the rest of the passage, which describes God's power and wisdom in Daniel 2:21-22

What can we learn from Daniel's example of worship and praise?

We can learn the importance of giving God the glory and recognition He deserves, as seen in Psalm 100:4-5, which says 'Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and bless His name. For the Lord is good, and His loving devotion endures forever; His faithfulness, to all generations'

Reflection Questions

What are some ways I can declare God's greatness and wisdom in my own life, just like Daniel did?
How can I, like Daniel, recognize and acknowledge God's power and wisdom in the midst of challenging circumstances?
In what ways can I apply the truth of God's eternal nature and sovereignty to my daily life and decisions?
What are some things in my life that I can praise God for, just as Daniel praised Him for revealing the mystery?

Gill's Exposition on Daniel 2:20

Daniel answered and said,.... That is, he began his prayer, as Jacchiades observes, or his thanksgiving, and expressed it in the following manner: blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: a form

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 2:20

Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his: Daniel answered - responded to God's goodness by praises.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Daniel 2:20

He blesseth God for two things. 1. Wisdom; he means chiefly the wisdom God gave him in revealing this great secret to him, which the wise men could not attain to, because they knew not the true God, nor did seek to him for it, this is clear in . 2. Might is his; that is, almighty, above all mighty potentates of the world, above Nebuchadnezzar and all the kings of the earth, for he sets them up and plucks them down at pleasure, , as the interpretation of the dream and vision shows.

Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 2:20

Daniel 2:20 Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his:Ver. 20. Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God.] They who are slight in praying are usually as slight in praising; but Daniel was serious and zealous in both. For wisdom and might are his.] These and all other excellencies are in God originally, eminently, transcendently. Daniel found it in this secret thus revealed to him; how much more may we, in the mystery of the gospel now made manifest.

Ellicott's Commentary on Daniel 2:20

(20) Blessed be the name.—Daniel’s prayer is for the most part framed upon the model of scriptural language, while on the other hand it appears to have been adapted to their own special needs by later pious servants of God. The Doxology, with which it commences, is founded upon the liturgical formula concluding Psalms 41, the substance of it being repeated by Nehemiah (Nehemiah 9:5).

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Daniel 2:20

Verse 20. Wisdom and might are his] He knows all things, and can do all things.

Cambridge Bible on Daniel 2:20

20–23. Daniel’s thanksgiving for the great mercy vouchsafed to him.

Barnes' Notes on Daniel 2:20

Daniel answered and said - The word “answer,” in the Scriptures, often occurs substantially in the sense of “speak” or “say.” It does not always denote a reply to something that has been said by

Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 2:20

20-23. In a hymn of praise Daniel blesses the all-powerful One (compare Daniel 2:11), whose name is above the name of Bel, or Nebo, or any other heathen God; who is not dependent on lucky days

Sermons on Daniel 2:20

	Sermon	Description
	(Daniel) Nebuchadnezzar's Dream by David Guzik	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the dream of King Nebuchadnezzar as recorded in the book of Daniel. The dream involves a great image with different parts made of gold, silve
	(Pdf Book) the Overcomer's Secret by Bakht Singh	Bakht Singh emphasizes the message of the Book of Daniel, illustrating how God prepares His people to be overcomers amidst trials and tribulations. He highlights the importance of
	The Principle of Fellowship in Prayer by Zac Poonen	Zac Poonen emphasizes the principle of fellowship in prayer through the story of Daniel interpreting Nebuchadnezzar's dream. He contrasts true servants of God, like Daniel, who exp
	The Message of Daniel by G. Campbell Morgan	G. Campbell Morgan emphasizes the sovereignty of God as depicted in the book of Daniel, illustrating how God's governance is evident in both historical events and prophetic visions
	World History in Outline by John F. Walvoord	John F. Walvoord delves into the study of Daniel, emphasizing its crucial role in understanding the Biblical foreview of world history, particularly 'the times of the Gentiles' as
	(Education for Exultation) One Generation Shall Praise Your Works to Another by John Piper	In this sermon, the speaker focuses on verse 4 of a biblical passage, which emphasizes the duty of the older generation to pass on the knowledge of God's mighty works to the younge
	God Is Good by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Joseph from the Bible. Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers and ended up in Egypt, where he was falsely accused and throw