Daniel 2:37
Daniel 2:37 in Multiple Translations
You, O king, are the king of kings, to whom the God of heaven has given sovereignty, power, strength, and glory.
Thou, O king, art a king of kings: for the God of heaven hath given thee a kingdom, power, and strength, and glory.
Thou, O king, art king of kings, unto whom the God of heaven hath given the kingdom, the power, and the strength, and the glory;
You, O King, king of kings, to whom the God of heaven has given the kingdom, the power, and the strength, and the glory,
Your Majesty, you are the king of kings to whom the God of heaven has given the kingdom, and power, strength, and glory.
O King, thou art a king of Kings: for the God of heauen hath giuen thee a kingdome, power, and strength, and glorie.
'Thou, O king, art a king of kings, for the God of the heavens a kingdom, strength, and might, and glory, hath given to thee;
You, O king, are king of kings, to whom the God of heaven has given the kingdom, the power, the strength, and the glory.
Thou, O king, art a king of kings: for the God of heaven hath given thee a kingdom, power, and strength, and glory.
Thou art a king of kings: and the God of heaven hath given thee a kingdom, and strength, and power, and glory:
You are a king who rules over many other kings. The God who rules in heaven has caused you to rule over them and has given you great power [DOU] and has honored you.
Berean Amplified Bible — Daniel 2:37
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 2:37 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אַ֣נְתְּה
מַלְכָּ֔/א
מֶ֖לֶךְ
מַלְכַיָּ֑/א
דִּ֚י
אֱלָ֣הּ
שְׁמַיָּ֔/א
מַלְכוּתָ֥/א
חִסְנָ֛/א
וְ/תָקְפָּ֥/א
וִֽ/יקָרָ֖/א
יְהַב
לָֽ/ךְ
אַ֣נְתְּה
ʼantâh
H607
you
Adj
מַלְכָּ֔/א
melek
H4430
king
Adj | Art
מֶ֖לֶךְ
melek
H4430
king
Adj
מַלְכַיָּ֑/א
melek
H4430
king
Adj | Art
דִּ֚י
dîy
H1768
that
Adj
אֱלָ֣הּ
ʼĕlâhh
H426
god
Adj
שְׁמַיָּ֔/א
shâmayin
H8065
heaven
Adj | Art
מַלְכוּתָ֥/א
malkûw
H4437
kingdom
Adj | Art
חִסְנָ֛/א
chêçen
H2632
authority
Adj | Art
וְ/תָקְפָּ֥/א
tᵉqôph
H8632
might
Adj | N-ms | Art
וִֽ/יקָרָ֖/א
yᵉqâr
H3367
honor
Adj | N-ms | Art
יְהַב
yᵉhab
H3052
to give
Adj
לָֽ/ךְ
Adj | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Daniel 2:37
אַ֣נְתְּה
ʼantâh
H607
"you"
Adj
The word thou means you, a second-person singular pronoun used to address someone directly. It appears in Aramaic texts, such as in the book of Daniel.
Definition: you, thou (second pers. sing.) Aramaic of at.tah (אַתָּ֫ה "you(m.s.)" H0859A)
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: as for thee, thou. See also: Ezra 7:25; Daniel 4:19; Daniel 6:21.
מַלְכָּ֔/א
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.
מֶ֖לֶךְ
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.
מַלְכַיָּ֑/א
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.
דִּ֚י
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.
אֱלָ֣הּ
ʼĕlâhh
H426
"god"
Adj
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.
שְׁמַיָּ֔/א
shâmayin
H8065
"heaven"
Adj | Art
This Aramaic word for heaven is similar to the Hebrew word, referring to the sky and the abode of God. It is used to describe the dwelling place of God in the Bible.
Definition: 1) heaven, heavens, sky 1a) visible sky 1b) Heaven (as abode of God)
Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: heaven. See also: Ezra 5:11; Daniel 4:12; Jeremiah 10:11.
מַלְכוּתָ֥/א
malkûw
H4437
"kingdom"
Adj | Art
A kingdom refers to the territory or area ruled by a king, like King David's kingdom in Israel. It can also mean the reign or period of time a king is in power. The word is used in the Bible to describe royal authority and dominion.
Definition: 1) royalty, reign, kingdom 1a) royalty, kingship, kingly authority 1b) kingdom 1c) realm (of territory) 1d) reign (of time)
Usage: Occurs in 43 OT verses. KJV: kingdom, kingly, realm, reign. See also: Ezra 4:24; Daniel 5:7; Daniel 7:27.
חִסְנָ֛/א
chêçen
H2632
"authority"
Adj | Art
This word refers to strength or power, especially royal power. In the book of Daniel, it describes the power of the king. It's about having authority over others.
Definition: power, strength, power (of the king), (royal) power Aramaic of shil.ton (שִׁלְטוֹן "authority" H7983)
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: power. See also: Daniel 2:37; Daniel 4:27.
וְ/תָקְפָּ֥/א
tᵉqôph
H8632
"might"
Adj | N-ms | Art
This noun means strength or power, describing someone's ability to accomplish great things. It's used to describe God's might and human accomplishments, emphasizing the importance of strength and capability in various situations.
Definition: strength, might Aramaic of to.qeph (תֹּ֫קֶף "power" H8633)
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: might, strength. See also: Daniel 2:37; Daniel 4:27.
וִֽ/יקָרָ֖/א
yᵉqâr
H3367
"honor"
Adj | N-ms | Art
In the Bible, this Aramaic word means honor or esteem, and is used to describe someone of great dignity or respect. It is translated as 'glory' or 'honor' in the KJV.
Definition: honour, esteem Aramaic of ye.qar (יְקָר "preciousness" H3366)
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: glory, honour. See also: Daniel 2:6; Daniel 4:33; Daniel 7:14.
יְהַב
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.
לָֽ/ךְ
""
Adj | Suff
Study Notes — Daniel 2:37
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Daniel 2:37 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Daniel 2:37
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 2:37
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Daniel 2:37
- Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 2:37
- Ellicott's Commentary on Daniel 2:37
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Daniel 2:37
- Cambridge Bible on Daniel 2:37
- Barnes' Notes on Daniel 2:37
- Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 2:37
- Sermons on Daniel 2:37
Context — Daniel Interprets the Dream
35Then the iron, clay, bronze, silver, and gold were shattered and became like chaff on the threshing floor in summer. The wind carried them away, and not a trace of them could be found. But the stone that had struck the statue became a great mountain and filled the whole earth.
36This was the dream; now we will tell the king its interpretation.
37You, O king, are the king of kings, to whom the God of heaven has given sovereignty, power, strength, and glory.
38Wherever the sons of men or beasts of the field or birds of the air dwell, He has given them into your hand and has made you ruler over them all. You are that head of gold. 39But after you, there will arise another kingdom, inferior to yours. Next, a third kingdom, one of bronze, will rule the whole earth.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 26:7 | For this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Behold, I will bring against Tyre from the north Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, king of kings, with horses and chariots, with cavalry and a great company of troops. |
| 2 | Jeremiah 27:6–7 | So now I have placed all these lands under the authority of My servant Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon. I have even made the beasts of the field subject to him. All nations will serve him and his son and grandson, until the time of his own land comes; then many nations and great kings will enslave him. |
| 3 | Ezra 7:12 | Artaxerxes, king of kings. To Ezra the priest, the scribe of the Law of the God of heaven: Greetings. |
| 4 | Psalms 62:11 | God has spoken once; I have heard this twice: that power belongs to God, |
| 5 | Isaiah 47:5 | “Sit in silence and go into darkness, O Daughter of Chaldea. For you will no longer be called the queen of kingdoms. |
| 6 | Daniel 5:18 | As for you, O king, the Most High God gave your father Nebuchadnezzar sovereignty and greatness, glory and honor. |
| 7 | Ezra 1:2 | “This is what Cyrus king of Persia says: ‘The LORD, the God of heaven, who has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, has appointed me to build a house for Him at Jerusalem in Judah. |
| 8 | Revelation 4:11 | “Worthy are You, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for You created all things; by Your will they exist and came to be.” |
| 9 | 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.” |
| 10 | Revelation 1:5 | and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us and has released us from our sins by His blood, |
Daniel 2:37 Summary
Daniel 2:37 tells us that Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, was given great power and authority by God, who is the King of kings. This means that God is the one who ultimately gives power to leaders, as seen in other verses like Psalm 75:6-7 and Romans 13:1-2. This truth should help us understand that God is in control of all things, even when it seems like human leaders are in charge. By recognizing God's sovereignty, we can trust in His plan and submit to His will, just as Nebuchadnezzar was called to do.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be the 'king of kings'?
This title signifies the greatest authority and power, given by God, as seen in Daniel 2:37, and also referenced in other scriptures like Ezekiel 26:7 and Revelation 19:16, where God is the ultimate King of kings.
How did Nebuchadnezzar receive such power and glory?
According to Daniel 2:37, it was the God of heaven who gave Nebuchadnezzar sovereignty, power, strength, and glory, demonstrating God's sovereignty over all nations and leaders, as also stated in Daniel 4:17 and Romans 13:1-2.
Is this verse only talking about Nebuchadnezzar or does it have a broader application?
While Daniel 2:37 is directly addressing Nebuchadnezzar, the principle of God giving authority to rulers is seen throughout the Bible, such as in Jeremiah 27:5-7 and Psalm 75:6-7, indicating God's involvement in the rise and fall of nations.
What does this verse teach us about God's relationship with human leaders?
Daniel 2:37 shows that God is the one who gives power and authority to human leaders, as also seen in John 19:11 and Proverbs 21:1, emphasizing God's sovereignty over all earthly rulers and governments.
Reflection Questions
- How does recognizing God as the giver of all power and authority affect my perspective on current world leaders and events?
- In what ways can I acknowledge and submit to God's sovereignty in my own life, just as Nebuchadnezzar was called to recognize God's sovereignty over him?
- What are some ways I can practically apply the truth that God is the King of kings in my daily decisions and interactions?
- How can I use Daniel 2:37 to share the gospel with others, emphasizing God's power and authority over all things?
Gill's Exposition on Daniel 2:37
Thou, O king, art a king of kings,.... Having many kings subject and tributary to him, or would have; as the kings of Judah, Ammon, Moab, and others, and who were even his captives and prisoners; see Jeremiah 52:32.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 2:37
Thou, O king, art a king of kings: for the God of heaven hath given thee a kingdom, power, and strength, and glory. Thou ... art a king of kings.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Daniel 2:37
A king of kings; he means Nebuchadnezzar in person, together with his successors, Evil-merodach and Belshazzar. The prophet would not mind the king of any thing past, nor of any other governments but those with whom his church were then and to be concerned for the future, till the coming of the Messiah, by whose coming they should support and comfort themselves against all their sufferings by oppressors; and also God would have the prophet mind Nebuchadnezzar of the stone cut out of the mountain without hands, growing and breaking in pieces all earthly power. The God of heaven hath given thee a kingdom; it came not to thee by thy ancestors, or by fortune, or by thy valour, but the great God of heaven hath the bestowing of those, and giveth them to whomsoever he will. Power, and strength, and glory; authority; victorious armies, with great prosperity.
Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 2:37
Daniel 2:37 Thou, O king, [art] a king of kings: for the God of heaven hath given thee a kingdom, power, and strength, and glory.Ver. 37. Thou, O king, art a king of kings.] And yet the whole Babylonian empire was but as a crust cast by God, the great housekeeper of the world, to his dogs, as Luther somewhere saith of the Turkish.
Ellicott's Commentary on Daniel 2:37
(37, 38) Interpretation of the vision. Nebuchadnezzar is the head; or, in other words, he is the first of the four kingdoms which are denoted by the image. His kingdom was the largest that the world had till then known; in fact, a writer cited by Josephus (Ap. i. 20), compares him to Hercules. We find a similar allusion to the beasts of the field as Nebuchadnezzar’s servants Jeremiah 27:6; Jeremiah 28:14. The title of “king of kings” is also ascribed to Nebuchadnezzar by Ezekiel (Ezekiel 26:7). We are therefore left in no doubt as to what is meant by the first of the four empires. It is the Babylonian Empire, of which Nebuchadnezzar was in every sense the head, being the actual founder of it, and its mainstay during his long reign of forty-three years.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Daniel 2:37
Verse 37. The God of heaven] Not given by thy own gods, nor acquired by thy own skill and prowess; it is a Divine gift. Power] To rule this kingdom. And strength] To defend it against all foes. And glory.] Great honour and dignity.
Cambridge Bible on Daniel 2:37
37. a king of kings] king of kings,—a title applied to Nebuchadnezzar in Ezekiel 26:7, though (Prince) not the customary Babylonian form of address. It is, however, one that was borne constantly by the Persian kings: cf. Ezra 7:12; and see the series of inscriptions of Persian kings, published in Records of the Past, 1st ser., i. iii ff., v. 151 ff., ix. 65 ff. An Aramaic inscription found at Saqqarah, near Cairo, is dated in the 4th year of “Xerxes, king of kings” for, &c.] unto whom the God of heaven (Daniel 2:19) hath given the kingdom, the power, the strength, and the glory. Daniel ascribes Nebuchadnezzar’s dominion to the Providence of God, exactly as is done (in other terms) by Jeremiah (Jeremiah 25:9; Jeremiah 27:6; Jeremiah 28:14).
Barnes' Notes on Daniel 2:37
Thou, O King, art a king of kings - The phrase “king of kings” is a Hebraism, to denote a supreme monarch, or one who has other kings under him as tributary, Ezra 7:12; Ezekiel 26:7.
Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 2:37
36-38. The head of gold is Nebuchadnezzar, whom God has made king of kings, putting all peoples of the world and the beasts of the field beneath his hand, and who, in himself, represented the Babylonian world-empire.
Sermons on Daniel 2:37
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Daniel - the Lord in the Outworking of History by William Fitch | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the book of Daniel and its themes of God's sovereignty and the victory of faith. The sermon begins by discussing how Daniel and his friends |
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The Rise and Fall of Babylon by John F. Walvoord | John F. Walvoord delves into the early history of Babylon as mentioned in the Bible, tracing its origins from the time of Nimrod to its eventual rise as a center of religious signi |
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The Mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven by Lewis Sperry Chafer | Lewis Sperry Chafer delves into the prophetic visions given to Daniel, outlining the course of the Gentile period from the last captivity to the second coming of Christ. Daniel's d |
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The Nations the Enemies of Israel-Their Final Opposition to Jerusalem Followed by Judgment Upon Them by Arno Clemens Gaebelein | Arno Clemens Gaebelein preaches about the distinction between the nation of Israel and the nations, highlighting God's chosen people and the disobedience of Israel leading to the d |
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Be a Man - Part 1 by Ken Graves | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the theme of violence in stories and the battle between good and evil. He compares the portrayal of Jesus as a gentle figure to the reality o |
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Why God Used D. L. Moody by R.A. Torrey | R.A. Torrey emphasizes the reasons why God used D. L. Moody so powerfully, highlighting Moody's complete surrender to God, his fervent prayer life, and his deep commitment to study |
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Of the Omnipotence of God. by John Gill | John Gill emphasizes the omnipotence of God, asserting that His power is inherent to His nature and essential for His divine attributes. He explains that God's omnipotence is evide |