Daniel 2:26
Daniel 2:26 in Multiple Translations
The king responded to Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, “Are you able to tell me what I saw in the dream, as well as its interpretation?”
The king answered and said to Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, Art thou able to make known unto me the dream which I have seen, and the interpretation thereof?
The king answered and said to Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, Art thou able to make known unto me the dream which I have seen, and the interpretation thereof?
The king made answer and said to Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, Are you able to make clear to me the dream which I saw and its sense?
The king asked Daniel (also called Belteshazzar), “Are you really able to tell me what my dream was, and what it means?”
Then answered the King, and sayde vnto Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, Art thou able to shew me the dreame, which I haue seene, and the interpretation thereof?
The king hath answered and said to Daniel, whose name [is] Belteshazzar, 'Art thou able to cause me to know the dream that I have seen, and its interpretation?'
The king answered Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, “Are you able to make known to me the dream which I have seen, and its interpretation?”
The king answered and said to Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, Art thou able to make known to me the dream which I have seen, and the interpretation of it?
The king answered, and said to Daniel, whose name was Baltassar: Thinkest thou indeed that thou canst tell me the dream that I saw, and the interpretation thereof?
The king said to me, whose new name was Belteshazzar, “Is this true? Can you tell me what I dreamed and what it means?”
Berean Amplified Bible — Daniel 2:26
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 2:26 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
עָנֵ֤ה
מַלְכָּ/א֙
וְ/אָמַ֣ר
לְ/דָנִיֵּ֔אל
דִּ֥י
שְׁמֵ֖/הּ
בֵּלְטְשַׁאצַּ֑ר
ה/איתי/ך
הַֽ/אִיתָ֣/ךְ
כָּהֵ֗ל
לְ/הוֹדָעֻתַ֛/נִי
חֶלְמָ֥/א
דִֽי
חֲזֵ֖ית
וּ/פִשְׁרֵֽ/הּ
עָנֵ֤ה
ʻănâh
H6032
to answer
Adj
מַלְכָּ/א֙
melek
H4430
king
Adj | Art
וְ/אָמַ֣ר
ʼămar
H560
to say
Adj | V-Qal
לְ/דָנִיֵּ֔אל
Dânîyêʼl
H1841
Daniel
Adj | N-proper
דִּ֥י
dîy
H1768
that
Adj
שְׁמֵ֖/הּ
shum
H8036
name
Adj | Suff
בֵּלְטְשַׁאצַּ֑ר
Bêlṭᵉshaʼtstsar
H1096
Belteshazzar
Adj
ה/איתי/ך
ʼîythay
H383
there is
Adj | DirObjM | Suff
הַֽ/אִיתָ֣/ךְ
ʼîythay
H383
there is
Adj | DirObjM | Suff
כָּהֵ֗ל
kᵉhal
H3546
be able
Adj
לְ/הוֹדָעֻתַ֛/נִי
yᵉdaʻ
H3046
to know
Adj | V-Hiphil-Inf-a | Suff
חֶלְמָ֥/א
chêlem
H2493
dream
Adj | Art
דִֽי
dîy
H1768
that
Adj
חֲזֵ֖ית
chăzâʼ
H2370
to see
Adj
וּ/פִשְׁרֵֽ/הּ
pᵉshar
H6591
interpretation
Adj | N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Daniel 2:26
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.
מַלְכָּ/א֙
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.
וְ/אָמַ֣ר
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.
לְ/דָנִיֵּ֔אל
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.
דִּ֥י
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.
שְׁמֵ֖/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.
בֵּלְטְשַׁאצַּ֑ר
Bêlṭᵉshaʼtstsar
H1096
"Belteshazzar"
Adj
Belteshazzar, another name for Daniel, appears in Daniel 1:7 and 10:1. It signifies Daniel's role as a prophet with God's gift of interpretation.
Definition: A man 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) § Belteshazzar = "lord of the straitened's treasure" 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, 'Daniel' (H1840 or H1841)
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: Belteshazzar. See also: Daniel 2:26; Daniel 4:15; Daniel 5:12.
ה/איתי/ך
ʼîythay
H383
"there is"
Adj | DirObjM | Suff
This Hebrew word is used to affirm existence, like saying there is something. It appears in conversations between God and people, like in Genesis. The KJV translates it as there is.
Definition: 1) there is, there are 2) particle denoting existence
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: art thou, can, do ye, have, it be, there is (are), [idiom] we will not. See also: Ezra 4:16; Daniel 3:14; Daniel 5:11.
הַֽ/אִיתָ֣/ךְ
ʼîythay
H383
"there is"
Adj | DirObjM | Suff
This Hebrew word is used to affirm existence, like saying there is something. It appears in conversations between God and people, like in Genesis. The KJV translates it as there is.
Definition: 1) there is, there are 2) particle denoting existence
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: art thou, can, do ye, have, it be, there is (are), [idiom] we will not. See also: Ezra 4:16; Daniel 3:14; Daniel 5:11.
כָּהֵ֗ל
kᵉhal
H3546
"be able"
Adj
To be able means to have the strength or power to do something, like when the Israelites were able to defeat their enemies with God's help. It's about being capable or strong enough to accomplish a task.
Definition: 1) to be able 1a) (P'al) to be able
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: be able, could. See also: Daniel 2:26; Daniel 5:8; Daniel 5:15.
לְ/הוֹדָעֻתַ֛/נִי
yᵉdaʻ
H3046
"to know"
Adj | V-Hiphil-Inf-a | Suff
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.
חֶלְמָ֥/א
chêlem
H2493
"dream"
Adj | Art
This word simply means a dream, like the ones Joseph had in Genesis 37. It appears in the Bible when someone has a vision or dream from God.
Definition: dream Aramaic of cha.lom (חֲלוֹם "dream" H2472)
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: dream. See also: Daniel 2:4; Daniel 4:2; Daniel 7:1.
דִֽי
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.
חֲזֵ֖ית
chăzâʼ
H2370
"to see"
Adj
Chaza means to see or gaze, and can also mean to dream or seem. It is used to describe seeing something with your eyes or in a vision.
Definition: 1) to see, behold 1a)(P'al) 1a1) to see 1a2) to see, behold, witness 1a3) to behold (in a dream or vision) 1a4) customary, seemly (passive)
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: behold, have (a dream), see, be wont. See also: Ezra 4:14; Daniel 4:10; Daniel 7:21.
וּ/פִשְׁרֵֽ/הּ
pᵉshar
H6591
"interpretation"
Adj | N-ms | Suff
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.
Study Notes — Daniel 2:26
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Daniel 2:26 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Daniel 2:26
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 2:26
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Daniel 2:26
- Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 2:26
- Ellicott's Commentary on Daniel 2:26
- Cambridge Bible on Daniel 2:26
- Barnes' Notes on Daniel 2:26
- Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 2:26
- Sermons on Daniel 2:26
Context — Daniel Interprets the Dream
24Therefore Daniel went to Arioch, whom the king had appointed to destroy the wise men of Babylon, and said to him, “Do not execute the wise men of Babylon! Bring me before the king, and I will give him the interpretation.”
25Arioch hastily brought Daniel before the king and said to him, “I have found a man among the exiles from Judah who will tell the king the interpretation.”
26The king responded to Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, “Are you able to tell me what I saw in the dream, as well as its interpretation?”
27Daniel answered the king, “No wise man, enchanter, medium, or magician can explain to the king the mystery of which he inquires. 28But there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries, and He has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in the latter days. Your dream and the visions that came into your mind as you lay on your bed were these:Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Daniel 1:7 | The chief official gave them new names: To Daniel he gave the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abednego. |
| 2 | Daniel 5:16 | But I have heard about you, that you are able to give interpretations and solve difficult problems. Therefore, if you can read this inscription and give me its interpretation, you will be clothed in purple and have a gold chain placed around your neck, and you will be made the third highest ruler in the kingdom.” |
| 3 | Daniel 5:12 | did this because Daniel, the one he named Belteshazzar, was found to have an extraordinary spirit, as well as knowledge, understanding, and the ability to interpret dreams, explain riddles, and solve difficult problems. Summon Daniel, therefore, and he will give you the interpretation.” |
| 4 | Daniel 4:8 | But at last, into my presence came Daniel (whose name is Belteshazzar after the name of my god, and in whom is the spirit of the holy gods). And I told him the dream: |
| 5 | Genesis 41:15 | Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I had a dream, and no one can interpret it. But I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it.” |
| 6 | Daniel 2:3–7 | he said to them, “I have had a dream, and my spirit is anxious to understand it.” Then the astrologers answered the king in Aramaic, “O king, may you live forever! Tell your servants the dream, and we will give the interpretation.” The king replied to the astrologers, “My word is final: If you do not tell me the dream and its interpretation, you will be cut into pieces and your houses will be reduced to rubble. But if you tell me the dream and its interpretation, you will receive from me gifts and rewards and great honor. So tell me the dream and its interpretation.” They answered a second time, “Let the king tell the dream to his servants, and we will give the interpretation.” |
| 7 | 1 Samuel 17:33 | But Saul replied, “You cannot go out against this Philistine to fight him. You are just a boy, and he has been a warrior from his youth.” |
| 8 | Daniel 4:18–19 | This is the dream that I, King Nebuchadnezzar, saw. Now, Belteshazzar, tell me the interpretation, because none of the wise men of my kingdom can interpret it for me. But you are able, because the spirit of the holy gods is in you.” For a time, Daniel, who was also known as Belteshazzar, was perplexed, and his thoughts alarmed him. So the king said, “Belteshazzar, do not let the dream or its interpretation alarm you.” “My lord,” replied Belteshazzar, “may the dream apply to those who hate you, and its interpretation to your enemies! |
Daniel 2:26 Summary
[The king asked Daniel to tell him about his dream and what it meant, as stated in Daniel 2:26. This shows that the king was desperate for an answer and was willing to try something new. We can learn from the king's example by being humble and seeking God's guidance, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6. Just like Daniel, we can trust in God's power and wisdom to reveal things to us, as seen in 1 Corinthians 2:10-12.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the king ask Daniel to interpret his dream?
The king asked Daniel to interpret his dream because he had been told that Daniel, also known as Belteshazzar, could provide the interpretation, as stated in Daniel 2:26, and as Arioch had informed him in Daniel 2:25.
What was the king's understanding of Daniel's abilities?
The king understood that Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was able to tell him what he saw in the dream, as well as its interpretation, as mentioned in Daniel 2:26, demonstrating the king's awareness of Daniel's gift from God, similar to the gifts mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12:10.
How does this verse relate to the king's previous interactions with his wise men?
This verse shows that the king had not received a satisfactory answer from his wise men, as mentioned in Daniel 2:24, and was now turning to Daniel, who was introduced by Arioch in Daniel 2:25, in the hopes of receiving a true interpretation of his dream, highlighting the limitations of human wisdom compared to God's revelation, as seen in Isaiah 55:8-9.
What can we learn from the king's approach to Daniel?
The king's approach to Daniel demonstrates his desperation for an answer and his willingness to consider an alternative source of wisdom, as seen in Daniel 2:26, which can teach us about the importance of humility and seeking God's guidance, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Jeremiah 29:13.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I am seeking answers or guidance, and how can I, like the king, humble myself and seek God's wisdom?
- How can I, like Daniel, be a vessel for God's revelation and guidance to others, as seen in Daniel 2:26 and 1 Peter 4:10-11?
- In what ways can I trust in God's sovereignty and provision, even when faced with uncertain or challenging circumstances, as demonstrated by Daniel's faith in Daniel 2:26 and Romans 8:28?
- What are some dreams or visions that I have, and how can I seek God's interpretation and guidance, as seen in Daniel 2:26 and Acts 2:17-18?
Gill's Exposition on Daniel 2:26
The king answered and said to Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar,.... The name given him by the prince of the eunuchs, Daniel 1:7, and by which he was known to Nebuchadnezzar; and very likely he
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 2:26
The king answered and said to Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, Art thou able to make known unto me the dream which I have seen, and the interpretation thereof? No JFB commentary on this verse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Daniel 2:26
By this name of Belteshazzar he had given Daniel, he took courage as if he might expect some great thing from him; for the word signifies the keeper of secret treasure, i.e. to lay up and bring forth. Art thou able, & c.? as if he had said, I question if thou canst, seeing all my wise men cannot do it; canst thou presume to do more than all they?
Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 2:26
Daniel 2:26 The king answered and said to Daniel, whose name [was] Belteshazzar, Art thou able to make known unto me the dream which I have seen, and the interpretation thereof? Ver. 26. The king answered and said to Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar.] So the king and courtiers had called him; but he took no felicity in that idolatrous appellation, which signified a treasurer to Bel, or Baal. Art thou able?] Interrogatio regis admiratoria. Daniel se Danielem nominat.
Ellicott's Commentary on Daniel 2:26
(26) Whose name was Belteshazzar.—A parenthetic clause, introduced to remind the reader that by this name only Daniel was known to the king. (Comp. Daniel 4:8.) Art thou able.—The king does not pretend to be ignorant of the person of Daniel. He had, in fact, only recently (Daniel 1:19-20) examined him in “matters of wisdom and understanding.” What surprises him is, that after the wise and experienced had failed to tell him his dream, one so young and a mere novice should succeed.
Cambridge Bible on Daniel 2:26
24–30. Daniel, brought by Arioch into Nebuchadnezzar’s presence, professes his readiness to declare and interpret to him his dream.
Barnes' Notes on Daniel 2:26
The king answered, and said to Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar - See the notes at Daniel 1:7. The “king” may have addressed him by this name, and probably did during this interview.
Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 2:26
24-26. Daniel’s first thought was to save the Babylonian wise men, so he hurries to Arioch (see Daniel 2:14), who obtains for him an audience with the king.
Sermons on Daniel 2:26
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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God's Man in Babylon by Steve Gallagher | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the battle that takes place in the mind and heart of believers. He emphasizes the influence of technology, particularly television, in drawin |
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May God Give Us Light by Carter Conlon | This sermon is a powerful call to resist the temptations and delicacies of the world, to stand firm in faith like Daniel did, and to choose to walk in the light of God's truth. It |
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The Call of God by Walter Beuttler | Walter Beuttler emphasizes the importance of being called by God and the process of transformation that should follow. He stresses the need for personal application of biblical tru |
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Out of the Paw of the Lion by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of remembering God's past deliverances to strengthen our faith in facing current crises. He draws parallels between David's confrontation |
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Are You Facing a Giant? by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of remembering God's past miracles as a source of strength when facing life's giants. He draws on the example of Moses reminding Israel to |
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Atlantic Lyman conf.1972-02 Studies in Daniel 04 by Joseph Balsan | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of King Nebuchadnezzar in the book of Daniel. King Nebuchadnezzar had a dream that he couldn't interpret, so he called upon Daniel |