Daniel 2:21
Daniel 2:21 in Multiple Translations
He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.
And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:
And he changeth the times and the seasons; he removeth kings, and setteth up kings; he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that have understanding;
By him times and years are changed: by him kings are taken away and kings are lifted up: he gives wisdom to the wise, and knowledge to those whose minds are awake:
He is in charge of time and history. He removes kings, and he sets kings in place. He gives wisdom to make people wise; he gives knowledge to people so they can understand.
And hee changeth the times and seasons: he taketh away kings: he setteth vp kings: he giueth wisedome vnto the wise, and vnderstanding to those that vnderstand.
And He is changing times and seasons, He is causing kings to pass away, and He is raising up kings; He is giving wisdom to the wise, and knowledge to those possessing understanding.
He changes the times and the seasons. He removes kings and sets up kings. He gives wisdom to the wise, and knowledge to those who have understanding.
And he changeth the times and the seasons; he removeth kings, and setteth up kings; he giveth wisdom to the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:
And he changeth times and ages: taketh away kingdoms and establisheth them, giveth wisdom to the wise, and knowledge to them that have understanding.
He determines what events will happen through the years. He removes some kings and gives their authority to new kings. He is the one who causes people to become wise and enables those who study to understand many things.
Berean Amplified Bible — Daniel 2:21
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 2:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ֠/הוּא
מְהַשְׁנֵ֤א
עִדָּנַיָּ/א֙
וְ/זִמְנַיָּ֔/א
מְהַעְדֵּ֥ה
מַלְכִ֖ין
וּ/מְהָקֵ֣ים
מַלְכִ֑ין
יָהֵ֤ב
חָכְמְתָ/א֙
לְ/חַכִּימִ֔ין
וּ/מַנְדְּעָ֖/א
לְ/יָדְעֵ֥י
בִינָֽה
וְ֠/הוּא
hûwʼ
H1932
he/she/it
Adj | Pron
מְהַשְׁנֵ֤א
shᵉnâʼ
H8133
to change
Adj
עִדָּנַיָּ/א֙
ʻiddân
H5732
time
Adj | Art
וְ/זִמְנַיָּ֔/א
zᵉmân
H2166
time
Adj | N-mp | Art
מְהַעְדֵּ֥ה
ʻădâʼ
H5709
to pass on/over/away
Adj
מַלְכִ֖ין
melek
H4430
king
Adj
וּ/מְהָקֵ֣ים
qûwm
H6966
to stand
Adj | V-Hiphil
מַלְכִ֑ין
melek
H4430
king
Adj
יָהֵ֤ב
yᵉhab
H3052
to give
Adj
חָכְמְתָ/א֙
chokmâh
H2452
wisdom
Adj | Art
לְ/חַכִּימִ֔ין
chakkîym
H2445
wise
Adj | N-mp
וּ/מַנְדְּעָ֖/א
mandaʻ
H4486
knowledge
Adj | N-ms | Art
לְ/יָדְעֵ֥י
yᵉdaʻ
H3046
to know
Adj | V-Qal
בִינָֽה
bîynâh
H999
understanding
Adj
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Daniel 2:21
וְ֠/הוּא
hûwʼ
H1932
"he/she/it"
Adj | Pron
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.
מְהַשְׁנֵ֤א
shᵉnâʼ
H8133
"to change"
Adj
This Hebrew word means to change or alter something, like when God changes a person's heart. It appears in various forms, such as altering a plan or transforming a situation. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a change in circumstances or a shift in perspective.
Definition: 1) to change, be altered, be changed 1a) (P'al) to change, be changed 1b) (Pael) to change, transform, frustrate 1b1) different (participle) 1c) (Ithpael) to be changed 1d) (Aphel) to change, alter
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: alter, change, (be) diverse. See also: Ezra 6:11; Daniel 5:10; Daniel 7:28.
עִדָּנַיָּ/א֙
ʻiddân
H5732
"time"
Adj | Art
This Hebrew word means a set time or a year, referring to a specific period or duration. It is used to describe a year or a season in the Bible.
Definition: 1) time 1a) time (of duration) 1b) year
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: time. See also: Daniel 2:8; Daniel 4:13; Daniel 7:25.
וְ/זִמְנַיָּ֔/א
zᵉmân
H2166
"time"
Adj | N-mp | Art
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.
מְהַעְדֵּ֥ה
ʻădâʼ
H5709
"to pass on/over/away"
Adj
This verb means to pass on, remove, or take away something, and is used in various contexts, including the removal of ornaments or the passing away of time. In Genesis 30:35, it describes the removal of goats, and in 2 Kings 23:12, it talks about removing idols.
Definition: 1) to pass on, pass away 1a)(P'al) 1a1) to pass on, pass over 1a2) to pass away 1b) (Aphel) to take away, remove, depose
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: alter, depart, pass (away), remove, take (away). See also: Daniel 2:21; Daniel 6:9; Daniel 7:26.
מַלְכִ֖ין
melek
H4430
"king"
Adj
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.
וּ/מְהָקֵ֣ים
qûwm
H6966
"to stand"
Adj | V-Hiphil
Qum means to establish or confirm something, like setting up a new system or lifting someone up to a position of power, as described in the books of Kings and Chronicles.
Definition: : establish/stand_firm/confirm/fulfill/fix 1) to arise, stand 1a) (P'al) 1a1) to arise from 1a2) to come on the scene (fig) 1a3) to arise (out of inaction) 1a4) to stand 1a5) to endure 1b) (Pael) to set up, establish 1c) (Aphel) 1c1) to set up 1c2) to lift up 1c3) to establish 1c4) to appoint 1d) (Hophal) to be made to stand
Usage: Occurs in 30 OT verses. KJV: appoint, establish, make, raise up self, (a-) rise (up), (make to) stand, set (up). See also: Ezra 5:2; Daniel 4:14; Daniel 7:24.
מַלְכִ֑ין
melek
H4430
"king"
Adj
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.
יָהֵ֤ב
yᵉhab
H3052
"to give"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to give or provide something, like a gift or a foundation. It appears in various forms, such as giving, laying, or paying. For example, it is used in Genesis when God gives instructions to Noah.
Definition: 1) to give, provide 1a) (P'al) 1a1) to give 1a2) to place, lay (foundations) 1b) (Hithp'al) 1b1) to be given 1b2) to be paid
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: deliver, give, lay, [phrase] prolong, pay, yield. See also: Ezra 4:20; Daniel 4:13; Daniel 7:27.
חָכְמְתָ/א֙
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.
לְ/חַכִּימִ֔ין
chakkîym
H2445
"wise"
Adj | N-mp
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.
וּ/מַנְדְּעָ֖/א
mandaʻ
H4486
"knowledge"
Adj | N-ms | Art
Knowledge or wisdom refers to the power of knowing or understanding something. In the book of Daniel, knowledge and wisdom are highly valued. This term is used to describe a deep understanding or insight into a particular subject.
Definition: knowledge, power of knowing Aramaic of mad.da (מַדָּע "knowledge" H4093)
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: knowledge, reason, understanding. See also: Daniel 2:21; Daniel 4:33; Daniel 5:12.
לְ/יָדְעֵ֥י
yᵉdaʻ
H3046
"to know"
Adj | V-Qal
To know in Hebrew can also mean to let someone know or communicate, and is used in different forms, such as to certify, inform, or teach, in the Bible.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (P'al) to know 1b) (Aphel) to let someone know, communicate, inform, cause to know
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: certify, know, make known, teach. See also: Ezra 4:12; Daniel 2:30; Daniel 7:16.
בִינָֽה
bîynâh
H999
"understanding"
Adj
This Hebrew word also means understanding, similar to H998, and is used in the Bible to describe knowledge or insight, often in the book of Daniel.
Definition: understanding, discernment Aramaic of bi.nah (בִּינָה "understanding" H0998)
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: knowledge. See also: Daniel 2:21.
Study Notes — Daniel 2:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Daniel 2:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Daniel 2:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 2:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Daniel 2:21
- Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 2:21
- Ellicott's Commentary on Daniel 2:21
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Daniel 2:21
- Cambridge Bible on Daniel 2:21
- Barnes' Notes on Daniel 2:21
- Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 2:21
- Sermons on Daniel 2:21
Context — The Dream Revealed to Daniel
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. 23To 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.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 75:5–7 | Do not lift up your horn against heaven or speak with an outstretched neck.’” For exaltation comes neither from east nor west, nor out of the desert, but it is God who judges; He brings down one and exalts another. |
| 2 | Psalms 31:14–15 | But I trust in You, O LORD; I say, “You are my God.” My times are in Your hands; deliver me from my enemies and from those who pursue me. |
| 3 | Psalms 113:7–8 | He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the dump to seat them with nobles, with the princes of His people. |
| 4 | Daniel 4:17 | This decision is the decree of the watchers, the verdict declared by the holy ones, so that the living will know that the Most High rules over the kingdom of mankind and gives it to whom He wishes, setting over it the lowliest of men.’ |
| 5 | Daniel 7:25 | He will speak out against the Most High and oppress the saints of the Most High, intending to change the appointed times and laws; and the saints will be given into his hand for a time, and times, and half a time. |
| 6 | James 3:15–17 | Such wisdom does not come from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere. |
| 7 | Daniel 4:32 | You will be driven away from mankind to live with the beasts of the field, and you will feed on grass like an ox. And seven times will pass you by, until you acknowledge that the Most High rules over the kingdom of mankind and gives it to whom He wishes.” |
| 8 | Job 34:24–29 | He shatters the mighty without inquiry and sets up others in their place. Therefore, He recognizes their deeds; He overthrows them in the night and they are crushed. He strikes them for their wickedness in full view, because they turned aside from Him and had no regard for any of His ways. They caused the cry of the poor to come before Him, and He heard the outcry of the afflicted. But when He remains silent, who can condemn Him? When He hides His face, who can see Him? Yet He watches over both man and nation, |
| 9 | Proverbs 8:15–16 | By me kings reign, and rulers enact just laws; By me princes rule, and all nobles who govern justly. |
| 10 | 2 Chronicles 1:10–12 | Now grant me wisdom and knowledge, so that I may lead this people. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?” God said to Solomon, “Since this was in your heart instead of requesting riches or wealth or glory for yourself or death for your enemies—and since you have not even requested long life but have asked for wisdom and knowledge to govern My people over whom I have made you king— therefore wisdom and knowledge have been granted to you. And I will also give you riches and wealth and honor unlike anything given to the kings before you or after you.” |
Daniel 2:21 Summary
[Daniel 2:21 reminds us that God is in control of everything, including the rise and fall of nations and empires, and that He gives wisdom to those who seek it. This means we can trust in His goodness and wisdom, even when things seem uncertain or scary, as seen in Psalm 103:19 and Romans 11:33-36. By recognizing God's sovereignty, we can have peace and confidence in His plan, and seek to align our lives with His will. As we seek wisdom and knowledge, we can remember that it comes from God, and that He delights in giving it to those who fear and seek Him, as seen in Proverbs 1:7 and Job 28:28.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that God 'changes the times and seasons' in Daniel 2:21?
This phrase indicates God's sovereign control over all of human history, including the rise and fall of nations and empires, as seen in Daniel 4:17 and Jeremiah 27:5-7.
How does God give wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning?
According to Proverbs 1:7 and Job 28:28, God gives wisdom to those who fear Him and seek it, and knowledge to those who are humble and willing to learn, as seen in Daniel's own life in Daniel 1:17 and 2:19.
What is the significance of God removing and establishing kings?
This statement highlights God's authority over all human leaders, as seen in Romans 13:1-2, and reminds us that their power is derived from Him, as stated in John 19:11 and Psalm 75:7.
How can we apply the truth of God's sovereignty in Daniel 2:21 to our own lives?
By recognizing God's control over all things, we can trust in His goodness and wisdom, even in uncertain times, and seek to align our lives with His will, as taught in Romans 11:33-36 and Psalm 103:19.
Reflection Questions
- How does the truth of God's sovereignty over all of human history impact your perspective on current events and world leaders?
- In what ways have you seen God give wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning in your own life or in the lives of others?
- What are some ways you can cultivate a deeper fear of God and humility, in order to receive wisdom and knowledge from Him?
- How can you trust in God's goodness and wisdom when faced with uncertainty or difficult circumstances, as seen in Daniel's experience in Daniel 2:19-23?
Gill's Exposition on Daniel 2:21
And he changeth the times and the season,.... Not only of day and night, summer and winter, and times and seasons of prosperity and adversity; but all the changes and revolutions in states and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 2:21
And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding: He changeth the times and the
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Daniel 2:21
God made time; God made the sun, moon, and stars, the measure of time; he made the day and the night, and seasons of the year, yea, the revolutions and change of times; he can make bad times better, and turn night into day. He can make the sun go backward or stand still, as in Ahaz’ s and Joshua’ s time; it is the great part of God’ s power and prerogative to change times. Daniel here attributes that to God which heathens attributed to nature, which they deified, or to chance; seeing that God only, that made all by his power, doth rule, and sometimes overrule all by his providence.
Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 2:21
Daniel 2:21 And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:Ver. 21. He changeth the times and the seasons, &c.] And so showeth that strength is his, such as is irresistible. He removeth kings, &c.] As by the king’ s dream, Daniel was well advertised. He giveth wisdom unto the wise.] And so showeth that wisdom is his; since all the wisdom found in the creature is but a spark of his flame, a drop of his ocean.
Ellicott's Commentary on Daniel 2:21
(21) Changeth times—i.e., He orders the events which occur at different times and seasons. Daniel refers to the dream which had been recently revealed to him, in which the changes of future times and seasons were depicted in so marvellous a way. “Times” are opposed to “seasons,” as circumstances of time may be contrasted with epochs of time. (Comp. Daniel 7:12.) He removeth.—Comp. 1 Samuel 2:8. Wisdom . . .—Comp. Jeremiah 32:19. The wise—i.e., wise men generally. Wise men become what they are, not through their own study and natural ability, but by the grace and mercy of God.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Daniel 2:21
Verse 21. He changeth the times] Time, duration, succession are his, and under his dominion. It is in the course of his providence that one king is put down, and another raised up; and therefore he can distinctly tell what he has purposed to do in the great empires of the earth.
Cambridge Bible on Daniel 2:21
21. the times and the seasons] more exactly seasons and times; cf. Daniel 7:12; Acts 1:7; 1 Thessalonians 5:1. The meaning is, History does not move with the regularity of a clock: the order of things established at a given time is not necessarily permanent; it frequently happens that kings are overthrown and a new régime is established. he giveth wisdom, &c.] The doxology now assumes special reference to Daniel’s own case. As Joseph ascribed his skill in interpreting dreams to God (Genesis 40:8; Genesis 41:16), so Daniel acknowledges that He is the source of wisdom to those who possess it. know understanding] Cf. Proverbs 4:1.
Barnes' Notes on Daniel 2:21
And he changeth the times and the seasons - The object of this is to assert the general control of God in reference to all changes which occur.
Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 2:21
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 2:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Supremacy of Christ by John Piper | This sermon emphasizes the supremacy of Jesus Christ in His eternality, constancy, knowledge, wisdom, authority, providence, power, purity, trustworthiness, justice, patience, obed |
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Christian Revolution by Winkie Pratney | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Daniel and the lions' den as an example of serving the Lord and facing challenges. He emphasizes the importance of unity in a na |
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(Daniel: The Man God Uses #1) Christ the Goal by Ed Miller | In this sermon, the speaker makes three non-controversial observations about the book of Daniel. These observations are agreed upon by people who love the Lord. The first observati |
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The Book of Daniel by G.H. Lang | F.F. Bruce commends G.H. Lang's work on the Old Testament Apocalypse, emphasizing its relevance in times of crisis and upheaval. Lang focuses on the spiritual and prophetic lessons |
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The World War and What Followed by Arno Clemens Gaebelein | Arno Clemens Gaebelein preaches about the events leading up to and during World War I, highlighting the divine inspiration behind the pre-written history of world affairs as penned |
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Don't Be Fooled, Jesus Reigns by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes that Jesus reigns supreme over all nations and human authorities, asserting that no earthly power, including political parties or businesses, holds true |
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Call for True Laborers by Walter Beuttler | Walter Beuttler shares his upcoming missionary journey to France, West Africa, Ivory Coast, Indonesia, Australia, and back to Africa, highlighting the divine appointments God gives |