Daniel 2:3
Daniel 2:3 in Multiple Translations
he said to them, “I have had a dream, and my spirit is anxious to understand it.”
And the king said unto them, I have dreamed a dream, and my spirit was troubled to know the dream.
And the king said unto them, I have dreamed a dream, and my spirit is troubled to know the dream.
And the king said to them, I have had a dream, and my spirit is troubled by the desire to have the dream made clear to me.
“I've had a dream that has really upset me,” he told them. “I need to know what it means.”
And the King sayde vnto them, I haue dreamed a dreame, and my spirite was troubled to knowe the dreame.
and the king saith to them, 'A dream I have dreamed, and moved is my spirit to know the dream.'
The king said to them, “I have dreamed a dream, and my spirit is troubled to know the dream.”
And the king said to them, I have dreamed a dream, and my spirit was troubled to know the dream.
And the king said to them: I saw a dream: and being troubled in mind I know not what I saw.
he said, “I had a dream last night that worries me. Tell me what I dreamed, because I want to know what the dream means.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Daniel 2:3
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 2:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֧אמֶר
לָ/הֶ֛ם
הַ/מֶּ֖לֶךְ
חֲל֣וֹם
חָלָ֑מְתִּי
וַ/תִּפָּ֣עֶם
רוּחִ֔/י
לָ/דַ֖עַת
אֶֽת
הַ/חֲלֽוֹם
וַ/יֹּ֧אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
לָ/הֶ֛ם
Prep | Suff
הַ/מֶּ֖לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
חֲל֣וֹם
chălôwm
H2472
dream
N-ms
חָלָ֑מְתִּי
châlam
H2492
be healthy
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
וַ/תִּפָּ֣עֶם
pâʻam
H6470
to trouble
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3fs
רוּחִ֔/י
rûwach
H7307
spirit
N-cs | Suff
לָ/דַ֖עַת
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
אֶֽת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/חֲלֽוֹם
chălôwm
H2472
dream
Art | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Daniel 2:3
וַ/יֹּ֧אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
לָ/הֶ֛ם
""
Prep | Suff
הַ/מֶּ֖לֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
Art | N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
חֲל֣וֹם
chălôwm
H2472
"dream"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means a dream, which can be ordinary or have a prophetic meaning, as seen in the Bible where God communicates through dreams. It appears in the story of Joseph in Genesis. The word is also used in Joel 2:28.
Definition: 1) dream 1a) dream (ordinary) 1b) dream (with prophetic meaning) Aramaic equivalent: che.lem (חֵ֫לֶם "dream" H2493)
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: dream(-er). See also: Genesis 20:3; Deuteronomy 13:2; Psalms 73:20.
חָלָ֑מְתִּי
châlam
H2492
"be healthy"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
This verb means to dream, like in Genesis 37:5-10 where Joseph dreams about his future. It can also mean to recover or be in good health, as in Psalm 73:4.
Definition: 1) to be healthy, be strong 1a) (Qal) to be healthy 1b) (Hiphil) to restore to health
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) dream(-er), be in good liking, recover. See also: Genesis 28:12; Deuteronomy 13:2; Psalms 126:1.
וַ/תִּפָּ֣עֶם
pâʻam
H6470
"to trouble"
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3fs
This Hebrew word means to trouble or disturb something, like beating on a drum. It is used in various forms to describe being pushed or agitated, and is found in several books of the Bible.
Definition: 1) to thrust, impel, push, beat persistently 1a) (Qal) to impel 1b) (Niphal) to be beaten, be disturbed 1c) (Hithpael) to be disturbed
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: move, trouble. See also: Genesis 41:8; Psalms 77:5; Daniel 2:3.
רוּחִ֔/י
rûwach
H7307
"spirit"
N-cs | Suff
In the Bible, this word for spirit refers to the breath of life, the wind, or a person's mind and emotions, as seen in the book of Ezekiel.
Definition: : spirit 1) wind, breath, mind, spirit 1a) breath 1b) wind 1b1) of heaven 1b2) quarter (of wind), side 1b3) breath of air 1b4) air, gas 1b5) vain, empty thing 1c) spirit (as that which breathes quickly in animation or agitation) 1c1) spirit, animation, vivacity, vigour 1c2) courage 1c3) temper, anger 1c4) impatience, patience 1c5) spirit, disposition (as troubled, bitter, discontented) 1c6) disposition (of various kinds), unaccountable or uncontrollable impulse 1c7) prophetic spirit 1d) spirit (of the living, breathing being in man and animals) 1d1) as gift, preserved by God, God's spirit, departing at death, disembodied being 1e) spirit (as seat of emotion) 1e1) desire 1e2) sorrow, trouble 1f) spirit 1f1) as seat or organ of mental acts 1f2) rarely of the will 1f3) as seat especially of moral character 1g) Spirit of God, the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, coequal, coeternal with the Father and the Son 1g1) as inspiring ecstatic state of prophecy 1g2) as impelling prophet to utter instruction or warning 1g3) imparting warlike energy and executive and administrative power 1g4) as endowing men with various gifts 1g5) as energy of life 1g6) as manifest in the Shekinah glory 1g7) never referred to as a depersonalised force
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: air, anger, blast, breath, [idiom] cool, courage, mind, [idiom] quarter, [idiom] side, spirit(-ual), tempest, [idiom] vain, (whirl-) wind(-y). See also: Genesis 1:2; Job 6:26; Psalms 1:4.
לָ/דַ֖עַת
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
אֶֽת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/חֲלֽוֹם
chălôwm
H2472
"dream"
Art | N-ms
This Hebrew word means a dream, which can be ordinary or have a prophetic meaning, as seen in the Bible where God communicates through dreams. It appears in the story of Joseph in Genesis. The word is also used in Joel 2:28.
Definition: 1) dream 1a) dream (ordinary) 1b) dream (with prophetic meaning) Aramaic equivalent: che.lem (חֵ֫לֶם "dream" H2493)
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: dream(-er). See also: Genesis 20:3; Deuteronomy 13:2; Psalms 73:20.
Study Notes — Daniel 2:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Daniel 2:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Daniel 2:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 2:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Daniel 2:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 2:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Daniel 2:3
- Cambridge Bible on Daniel 2:3
- Barnes' Notes on Daniel 2:3
- Sermons on Daniel 2:3
Context — Nebuchadnezzar’s Troubling Dream
1In the second year of his reign, Nebuchadnezzar had dreams that troubled his spirit, and sleep escaped him.
2So the king gave orders to summon the magicians, enchanters, sorcerers, and astrologers to explain his dreams. When they came and stood before the king,
3he said to them, “I have had a dream, and my spirit is anxious to understand it.”
4Then the astrologers answered the king in Aramaic, “O king, may you live forever! Tell your servants the dream, and we will give the interpretation.” 5The 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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 40:8 | “We both had dreams,” they replied, “but there is no one to interpret them.” Then Joseph said to them, “Don’t interpretations belong to God? Tell me your dreams.” |
| 2 | 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.” |
| 3 | Daniel 4:5 | I had a dream, and it frightened me; while in my bed, the images and visions in my mind alarmed me. |
| 4 | Daniel 2:1 | In the second year of his reign, Nebuchadnezzar had dreams that troubled his spirit, and sleep escaped him. |
Daniel 2:3 Summary
[King Nebuchadnezzar had a dream that was troubling him, and he wanted to understand what it meant, so he called in some experts to help him figure it out, similar to how we might seek advice from trusted friends or mentors. He was anxious to understand the dream, which shows how much it was bothering him. This is similar to how God speaks to us through our thoughts and feelings, as mentioned in Psalm 119:105, where it is written that God's word is a lamp to our feet. By seeking wisdom and guidance, we can learn to trust in God's sovereignty and provision, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11, where it is written that God has plans to prosper us.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What was troubling King Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 2:3?
King Nebuchadnezzar was troubled by a dream he had, which is mentioned in Daniel 2:1, and his spirit was anxious to understand it, as stated in Daniel 2:3.
Why did King Nebuchadnezzar summon the magicians and astrologers?
King Nebuchadnezzar summoned the magicians and astrologers to explain his dreams, as mentioned in Daniel 2:2, because he wanted to understand the meaning of his dream, as stated in Daniel 2:3, similar to how Joseph interpreted dreams in Genesis 40:8.
What was the king's expectation from the magicians and astrologers?
The king expected the magicians and astrologers to tell him the dream and its interpretation, as mentioned in Daniel 2:4-5, which shows the king's desire to understand the supernatural, similar to the Magi in Matthew 2:1-2 who sought the newborn King.
How does this verse relate to the concept of seeking wisdom?
This verse shows King Nebuchadnezzar seeking wisdom and understanding through the magicians and astrologers, which is a common theme in the Bible, such as in Proverbs 2:6, where it is written that wisdom comes from the Lord.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I am seeking understanding or wisdom, and how can I seek God's guidance like King Nebuchadnezzar sought the interpretation of his dream?
- How do I respond when I have a troubling dream or experience, and what can I learn from King Nebuchadnezzar's actions in this verse?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of seeking wisdom and understanding, as seen in this verse, to my daily life and decision-making process?
- What role does faith and trust in God play when I am seeking wisdom or guidance, and how can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's sovereignty like Daniel did in the face of uncertainty?
Gill's Exposition on Daniel 2:3
And the king said unto them, I have dreamed a dream,.... What before is called dreams is here expressed in the singular, a dream; for it was but one dream, though it contained in it various things;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 2:3
And the king said unto them, I have dreamed a dream, and my spirit was troubled to know the dream. And the king said unto them, I have dreamed a dream, and my spirit was troubled to know the dream.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Daniel 2:3
He remembered the fact in general, but could not repeat it perfectly, much less know the meaning of it; yet it had left such an impression on him, as put him into great perplexity. The Lord hath ways to affright the greatest men in the world, in the midst of their security and jollity.
Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 2:3
Daniel 2:3 And the king said unto them, I have dreamed a dream, and my spirit was troubled to know the dream.Ver. 3. I have dreamed a dream.] His thoughts had been occupied belike about the issue of his kingdoms, and thereupon he had a divine vision. He that is moderately careful about the affairs of his lawful calling shall not be destitute of divine direction. And my spirit was troubled.] Heb., Troubled itself. Jesus also troubled himself, but without sin.
Ellicott's Commentary on Daniel 2:3
(3) I have dreamed.—It has been questioned whether the king had really forgotten his dream, or whether he only pretended to have done so in order that he might prove the skill of his wise men. The conduct of the Chaldæans (Daniel 2:10) makes the latter hypothesis possible. However, it is more in accordance with what is stated about the anxious condition of the king’s mind to assume that he remembered a portion of the dream, but that he had lost the general outline of it.
Cambridge Bible on Daniel 2:3
1–6. Nebuchadnezzar, being troubled by a dream, summons the wise men of Babylon before him, and bids them both tell him what his dream had been, and also interpret it to him.
Barnes' Notes on Daniel 2:3
And the king said unto them, I have dreamed a dream, and my spirit was troubled to know the dream - That is, clearly, to know all about it; to recollect distinctly what it was, and to understand what it meant.
Sermons on Daniel 2:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Genesis) Genesis 40:1-8 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Joseph in the book of Genesis. Joseph is in prison and is put in charge of two men, the butler and the baker, who have offended |
|
Waiting in the Will of God by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman emphasizes the importance of waiting in the will of God, using Joseph's story as a powerful example of enduring trials and delays. He highlights that waiting often in |
|
Nebuchadnezzars Dream by Peter Bisset | In this sermon, the preacher draws parallels between the story of Daniel and the plight of sinners who are under the sentence of death. He emphasizes that it doesn't matter what me |
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God's Provision for the Children of Israel by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the provision of God for the children of Israel as they journeyed through the wilderness. He begins by highlighting the contrasting rea |