Menu

Daniel 2:30

Daniel 2:30 in Multiple Translations

And to me this mystery has been revealed, not because I have more wisdom than any man alive, but in order that the interpretation might be made known to the king, and that you may understand the thoughts of your mind.

But as for me, this secret is not revealed to me for any wisdom that I have more than any living, but for their sakes that shall make known the interpretation to the king, and that thou mightest know the thoughts of thy heart.

But as for me, this secret is not revealed to me for any wisdom that I have more than any living, but to the intent that the interpretation may be made known to the king, and that thou mayest know the thoughts of thy heart.

As for me, this secret is not made clear to me because of any wisdom which I have more than any living man, but in order that the sense of the dream may be made clear to the king, and that you may have knowledge of the thoughts of your heart.

It's not because I have any more wisdom than anyone else that this mystery has been revealed to me, but to explain to Your Majesty what you were thinking about so you could understand.

As for me, this secret is not shewed mee for any wisedome that I haue, more then any other liuing, but onely to shewe the King the interpretation, and that thou mightest knowe the thoughts of thine heart.

As to me — not for [any] wisdom that is in me above any living hath this secret been revealed to me; but for the intent that the interpretation to the king they make known, and the thoughts of thy heart thou dost know.

But as for me, this secret is not revealed to me for any wisdom that I have more than any living, but to the intent that the interpretation may be made known to the king, and that you may know the thoughts of your heart.

But as for me, this secret is not revealed to me for any wisdom that I have more than any living, but for their sakes that shall make known the interpretation to the king, and that thou mayest know the thoughts of thy heart.

To me also this secret is revealed, not by any wisdom that I have more than all men alive: but that the interpretation might be made manifest to the king, and thou mightest know the thoughts of thy mind.

And it is not because I am wiser than anyone else on earth that I know the meaning of this mysterious dream. It is because God wanted you to understand what you were thinking.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

Enable Study Highlights
God & Jesus
Holy Spirit
Divine Actions
Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — Daniel 2:30

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 2:30 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/אֲנָ֗ה לָ֤א בְ/חָכְמָה֙ דִּֽי אִיתַ֥י בִּ/י֙ מִן כָּל חַיַּיָּ֔/א רָזָ֥/א דְנָ֖ה גֱּלִ֣י לִ֑/י לָהֵ֗ן עַל דִּבְרַת֙ דִּ֤י פִשְׁרָ/א֙ לְ/מַלְכָּ֣/א יְהוֹדְע֔וּן וְ/רַעְיוֹנֵ֥י לִבְבָ֖/ךְ תִּנְדַּֽע
וַ/אֲנָ֗ה ʼănâʼ H576 me Adj | Pron
לָ֤א lâʼ H3809 not Adj
בְ/חָכְמָה֙ chokmâh H2452 wisdom Adj | N-fs
דִּֽי dîy H1768 that Adj
אִיתַ֥י ʼîythay H383 there is Adj
בִּ/י֙ Adj | Suff
מִן min H4481 from Adj
כָּל kôl H3606 all Adj
חַיַּיָּ֔/א chay H2417 living Adj | Art
רָזָ֥/א râz H7328 mystery Adj | Art
דְנָ֖ה dên H1836 this Adj
גֱּלִ֣י gᵉlâh H1541 to reveal Adj
לִ֑/י Adj | Suff
לָהֵ֗ן lâhên H3861 except Adj
עַל ʻal H5922 since Adj
דִּבְרַת֙ dibrâh H1701 cause Adj
דִּ֤י dîy H1768 that Adj
פִשְׁרָ/א֙ pᵉshar H6591 interpretation Adj | Art
לְ/מַלְכָּ֣/א melek H4430 king Adj | N-ms | Art
יְהוֹדְע֔וּן yᵉdaʻ H3046 to know Adj
וְ/רַעְיוֹנֵ֥י raʻyôwn H7476 thought Adj | N-mp
לִבְבָ֖/ךְ lᵉbab H3825 heart Adj | Suff
תִּנְדַּֽע yᵉdaʻ H3046 to know Adj
Hebrew Word Study

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

Use arrow keys to navigate between words.

Hebrew Word Reference — Daniel 2:30

וַ/אֲנָ֗ה ʼănâʼ H576 "me" Adj | Pron
This is the Hebrew word for I or me, often used to emphasize the speaker. In the book of Daniel, it is used by the prophet to express his own thoughts and feelings.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis) Aramaic of a.ni (אֲנִי, אָֽנֹכִ֫י "I" H0589)
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: I, as for me. See also: Ezra 6:12; Daniel 4:6; Daniel 7:28.
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.
בְ/חָכְמָה֙ chokmâh H2452 "wisdom" Adj | N-fs
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.
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.
אִיתַ֥י ʼîythay H383 "there is" Adj
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.
בִּ/י֙ "" Adj | Suff
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.
כָּל kôl H3606 "all" Adj
The Hebrew word for all or everything, used in the Bible to describe the entirety of something, like all people or all things. It appears in Genesis and Psalms to emphasize God's power over everything. This word is often translated as 'all' or 'every' in English Bibles.
Definition: 1) all, whole, the whole 1a) the whole of, all 1b) every, any, none
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: all, any, + (forasmuch) as, + be-(for this) cause, every, + no (manner, -ne), + there (where) -fore, + though, what (where, who) -soever, (the) whole. See also: Ezra 4:14; Daniel 3:29; Daniel 7:27.
חַיַּיָּ֔/א chay H2417 "living" Adj | Art
This word is similar to H2416 and also means alive or living. It is used in the Bible to describe living creatures, like in Genesis 1:21, or to emphasize the importance of life, like in Deuteronomy 30:19.
Definition: alive, living, life Aramaic of chay (חַי "alive" H2416A)
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: life, that liveth, living. See also: Ezra 6:10; Daniel 4:31; Daniel 7:12.
רָזָ֥/א 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.
דְנָ֖ה 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.
גֱּלִ֣י gᵉlâh H1541 "to reveal" Adj
This word is similar to H1540, but it's used to reveal secrets or take someone into exile. It's about making something known that was previously hidden. In the Bible, it's used to describe revealing important information.
Definition: 1) to reveal 1a) (P'al) to reveal (secrets), be revealed 1b) (Aphel) to take into exile
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: bring over, carry away, reveal. See also: Ezra 4:10; Daniel 2:28; Daniel 2:47.
לִ֑/י "" Adj | Suff
לָהֵ֗ן lâhên H3861 "except" Adj
This Hebrew word has two main meanings: therefore, and except or but. It's used to show a conclusion or an exception to a rule, and helps clarify relationships between ideas in the Bible.
Definition: 1) therefore 2) except, but 2a) except (with negative) 2b) however, but
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: but, except, save, therefore, wherefore. See also: Ezra 5:12; Daniel 4:24; Daniel 6:13.
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.
דִּבְרַת֙ dibrâh H1701 "cause" Adj
Similar to H1700, this word means a reason or cause, but it's used in Aramaic, like 'intent' or 'sake', showing purpose or motivation.
Definition: cause, reason Aramaic of div.rah (דִּבְרָה "cause" H1700)
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: intent, sake. See also: Daniel 2:30; Daniel 4:14.
דִּ֤י 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.
פִשְׁרָ/א֙ pᵉshar H6591 "interpretation" Adj | Art
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.
לְ/מַלְכָּ֣/א melek H4430 "king" Adj | N-ms | 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.
יְהוֹדְע֔וּן yᵉdaʻ H3046 "to know" Adj
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.
וְ/רַעְיוֹנֵ֥י raʻyôwn H7476 "thought" Adj | N-mp
This word refers to a thought or mental conception, like an idea or imagination. It is an Aramaic term that appears in the Bible, related to the concept of striving or longing.
Definition: thought Aramaic of ra.yon (רַעְיוֹן "striving" H7475)
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: cogitation, thought. See also: Daniel 2:29; Daniel 5:6; Daniel 7:28.
לִבְבָ֖/ךְ lᵉbab H3825 "heart" Adj | Suff
The heart refers to a person's inner self, including their thoughts and feelings. In the book of Daniel, it describes the heart of a king, while in the book of Ezra, it talks about the heart of the people turning back to God.
Definition: heart, mind Aramaic of le.vav (לֵבָב "heart" H3824)
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: heart. See also: Daniel 2:30; Daniel 5:21; Daniel 7:4.
תִּנְדַּֽע yᵉdaʻ H3046 "to know" Adj
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.

Study Notes — Daniel 2:30

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Genesis 41:16 “I myself cannot do it,” Joseph replied, “but God will give Pharaoh a sound answer.”
2 Acts 3:12 And when Peter saw this, he addressed the people: “Men of Israel, why are you surprised by this? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?
3 Daniel 2:17–18 Then Daniel returned to his house and explained the matter to his friends Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, 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.
4 2 Corinthians 4:15 All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is extending to more and more people may overflow in thanksgiving, to the glory of God.
5 1 Corinthians 3:21–23 Therefore, stop boasting in men. All things are yours, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future. All of them belong to you, and you belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God.
6 Matthew 24:22 If those days had not been cut short, nobody would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, those days will be cut short.
7 Mark 13:20 If the Lord had not cut short those days, nobody would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, whom He has chosen, He has cut them short.
8 Isaiah 45:4 For the sake of Jacob My servant and Israel My chosen one, I call you by name; I have given you a title of honor, though you have not known Me.
9 Isaiah 43:3–4 For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I give Egypt for your ransom, Cush and Seba in your place. Because you are precious and honored in My sight, and because I love you, I will give men in exchange for you and nations in place of your life.
10 Amos 4:13 For behold, He who forms the mountains, who creates the wind and reveals His thoughts to man, who turns the dawn to darkness and strides on the heights of the earth— the LORD, the God of Hosts, is His name.”

Daniel 2:30 Summary

This verse, Daniel 2:30, shows us that God reveals mysteries to people not because they are wise or intelligent, but because He wants to use them to accomplish His purposes, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11. Daniel is saying that he didn't figure out the king's dream on his own, but God revealed it to him so he could explain it to the king, which demonstrates God's power and wisdom, as mentioned in Psalm 147:5. This reminds us that our understanding and wisdom come from God, and we should always seek Him and trust in His goodness, as encouraged in Psalm 37:3-7 and Proverbs 3:5-6.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did God reveal the mystery to Daniel and not to someone else?

God revealed the mystery to Daniel because He wanted to use him to interpret the dream for King Nebuchadnezzar, as stated in Daniel 2:30, and to demonstrate His power and wisdom, as seen in Daniel 2:28 and Jeremiah 32:17.

What does it mean that the interpretation was made known to the king so he could understand the thoughts of his mind?

This means that God not only revealed the dream to Daniel but also gave him the ability to explain it in a way that the king could understand, showing that God is concerned with the thoughts and intentions of our hearts, as mentioned in Psalm 139:23-24 and 1 Chronicles 28:9.

Is Daniel saying that he is not wise or intelligent?

Daniel is humble and recognizes that the revelation of the mystery is not due to his own wisdom or intelligence, but rather to God's gracious revelation, as stated in Daniel 2:30, and this is in line with the biblical teaching that wisdom and understanding come from God, as seen in James 1:5 and Proverbs 2:6.

How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter?

This verse is a crucial part of the narrative, as it sets the stage for Daniel's interpretation of the king's dream, which is then revealed in the following verses, Daniel 2:31-45, and demonstrates God's sovereignty and power in the lives of individuals and nations, as seen in Isaiah 46:9-10 and Daniel 4:35.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are the ways in which God reveals mysteries to us today, and how can we be more attentive to His voice?
  2. How can we, like Daniel, humbly acknowledge our limitations and rely on God's wisdom and revelation in our lives?
  3. What are the 'thoughts of our mind' that God wants us to understand, and how can we seek His guidance and insight in our decision-making and problem-solving?
  4. In what ways can we use our gifts and abilities to serve others, as Daniel used his gift of interpretation to serve the king, and how can we trust God to use us in mighty ways?

Gill's Exposition on Daniel 2:30

But as for me,.... As to the part I have in this affair, I can ascribe nothing to myself; it is all owing to the God of heaven, the recovery of the dream, and its interpretation: this secret is not

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 2:30

But as for me, this secret is not revealed to me for any wisdom that I have more than any living, but for their sakes that shall make known the interpretation to the king, and that thou mightest know the thoughts of thy heart.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Daniel 2:30

For their sakes that shall make known the interpretation to the king: some will have this relate to the Jews and the church of God, by whose prayers this was obtained; but the more plain sense is this, But that the interpretation may be manifest to the king, and that thou mayst know the thoughts of thy heart, that thou mayst be better instructed and satisfied in thy mind in this great secret, when thou seest the mind of God in it, and what it points at, and what thy duty is, and how to steer thy counsel and actions in this vast monarchy, and towards the afflicted church of God in it.

Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 2:30

Daniel 2:30 But as for me, this secret is not revealed to me for [any] wisdom that I have more than any living, but for [their] sakes that shall make known the interpretation to the king, and that thou mightest know the thoughts of thy heart.Ver. 30. But as for me, this secret is not revealed to me, &c.] So careful are God’ s best saints to give unto him all the glory, which they look upon as God’ s wife, in the enjoying whereof he is a "jealous God," admitting no co-rival in heaven or earth. "Thy talent hath gained ten talents," saith he in the Gospel; I have not done it. And, "Not I, but the grace of God that is in me," saith Paul. The glory of God and the good of his Church is the chief thing that saints aim at. But for their sakes,] i.e., For the poor Jews’ sake, to whose prayer thou owest this revelation; toward whom, therefore, thou shouldst exercise more clemency, and alleviate their misery.

Ellicott's Commentary on Daniel 2:30

(30) For any wisdom—i.e., by reason of any wisdom of his own, but “for the sake of the king.”

Cambridge Bible on Daniel 2:30

30. Like Joseph (Genesis 40:8; Genesis 41:16), Daniel disclaims the power of interpreting dreams by his own wisdom. but for their sakes that shall make known, &c.] but to the intent that the interpretation may be made known to the king, and that thou mayest know, &c. (R.V.).

Barnes' Notes on Daniel 2:30

But as for me - So far as I am concerned in this matter, or whatever skill or wisdom I may evince in the interpretation, it is not to be traced to myself.

Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 2:30

27-30. The one God of heaven, who has power in Babylonia as well as in Palestine, has chosen to reveal his will to Nebuchadnezzar, and the secret of its meaning, which the wise men were correct in

Sermons on Daniel 2:30

SermonDescription
St. John Chrysostom Philippians 2:1-4 by St. John Chrysostom John Chrysostom preaches on the importance of unity, love, and humility among believers, emphasizing the need to have the same mind, love one another, and be of one accord. He urge
F.B. Meyer Our Daily Homily - Genesis Part 2 by F.B. Meyer F.B. Meyer emphasizes the resilience and faith of Joseph in the face of adversity, contrasting his virtuous choices with the failures of his brothers. He highlights how God uses tr
Chuck Smith (People God Uses) 03 Beware of Ambition by Chuck Smith In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of being hindered in worship by people standing in front of him during a church service. He emphasizes the importance of no
Chuck Smith Audio Sermon: Beware of Ambition by Chuck Smith Chuck Smith warns against the dangers of ambition in ministry, emphasizing that true servants of God must come to the cross and reckon their old nature as dead. He illustrates how
Jim Cymbala Under Pressure (Part 8) by Jim Cymbala In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of examining one's faith during times of difficulty and pressure. He uses the example of Peter and John healing a lame man and
John White Living a Life of Power and Influence by John White In this sermon, the speaker begins by referencing a biblical story where Peter and John heal a man and give credit to God for the miracle. The speaker then shares a personal experi
George Verwer Principles of Spiritual Growth by George Verwer In this sermon, the preacher discusses the early church and the actions they took. He highlights the incredible growth of the church, with 3,000 souls being added in one day. The p

Everything we make is available for free because of a generous community of supporters.

Donate