Daniel 2:8
Daniel 2:8 in Multiple Translations
The king replied, “I know for sure that you are stalling for time, because you see that my word is final.
The king answered and said, I know of certainty that ye would gain the time, because ye see the thing is gone from me.
The king answered and said, I know of a certainty that ye would gain time, because ye see the thing is gone from me.
The king made answer and said, I am certain that you are attempting to get more time, because you see that my decision is fixed;
“It's obvious to me that you're just trying to buy time!” said the king. “You can see that I can't remember the dream.
Then the King answered, and sayd, I knowe certeinly that ye would gaine the time, because ye see the thing is gone from me.
The king hath answered and said, 'Of a truth I know that time ye are gaining, because that ye have seen that the thing is gone from me,
The king answered, “I know of a certainty that you are trying to gain time, because you see the thing has gone from me.
The king answered and said, I know of certainty that ye would gain the time, because ye see the thing is gone from me.
The king answered, and said: I know for certain that you seek to gain time, since you know that the thing is gone from me.
The king replied, “I know that you are just trying to get more time, because you know that I will do to you what I said that I would do.
Berean Amplified Bible — Daniel 2:8
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 2:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
עָנֵ֤ה
מַלְכָּ/א֙
וְ/אָמַ֔ר
מִן
יַצִּיב֙
יָדַ֣ע
אֲנָ֔ה
דִּ֥י
עִדָּנָ֖/א
אַנְתּ֣וּן
זָבְנִ֑ין
כָּ/ל
קֳבֵל֙
דִּ֣י
חֲזֵית֔וֹן
דִּ֥י
אַזְדָּ֖א
מִנִּ֥/י
מִלְּתָֽ/א
עָנֵ֤ה
ʻănâh
H6032
to answer
Adj
מַלְכָּ/א֙
melek
H4430
king
Adj | Art
וְ/אָמַ֔ר
ʼămar
H560
to say
Adj | V-Qal
מִן
min
H4481
from
Adj
יַצִּיב֙
yatstsîyb
H3330
certain
Adj
יָדַ֣ע
yᵉdaʻ
H3046
to know
Adj
אֲנָ֔ה
ʼănâʼ
H576
me
Adj
דִּ֥י
dîy
H1768
that
Adj
עִדָּנָ֖/א
ʻiddân
H5732
time
Adj | Art
אַנְתּ֣וּן
ʼantûwn
H608
you
Adj
זָבְנִ֑ין
zᵉban
H2084
to buy
Adj
כָּ/ל
kôl
H3606
all
Adj | Conj
קֳבֵל֙
qᵉbêl
H6903
before
Adj
דִּ֣י
dîy
H1768
that
Adj
חֲזֵית֔וֹן
chăzâʼ
H2370
to see
Adj
דִּ֥י
dîy
H1768
that
Adj
אַזְדָּ֖א
ʼăzâd
H230
gone
Adj
מִנִּ֥/י
min
H4481
from
Adj | Suff
מִלְּתָֽ/א
millâh
H4406
word
Adj | Art
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Daniel 2:8
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/אָמַ֔ר
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.
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.
יַצִּיב֙
yatstsîyb
H3330
"certain"
Adj
This word means 'certain' or 'sure', describing something as fixed or reliable. It is used in the Bible to convey truth and certainty, such as in descriptions of God's promises.
Definition: n 1) the truth adv 2) surely, reliably, truly adj 3) reliable, true, certain, sure
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: certain(-ty), true, truth. See also: Daniel 2:8; Daniel 3:24; Daniel 7:16.
יָדַ֣ע
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.
אֲנָ֔ה
ʼănâʼ
H576
"me"
Adj
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.
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.
עִדָּנָ֖/א
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.
אַנְתּ֣וּן
ʼantûwn
H608
"you"
Adj
This Aramaic word is a way of saying 'you' to a group of people. It is used in the Bible to address a crowd or a group of listeners.
Definition: you, thou (second pers. pl.) Aramaic of at.tem (אַתֶּם "you(m.p.)" H0859D)
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: ye. See also: Daniel 2:8.
זָבְנִ֑ין
zᵉban
H2084
"to buy"
Adj
This Hebrew word means to buy or acquire something, it is translated as gain in the KJV Bible. It is used to describe purchasing or obtaining something through payment.
Definition: 1) to buy, gain 1a) (P'al) gain (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: gain. See also: Daniel 2:8.
כָּ/ל
kôl
H3606
"all"
Adj | Conj
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.
קֳבֵל֙
qᵉbêl
H6903
"before"
Adj
This Hebrew word is used to describe something that is in front of or before something else. It can also mean because of or on account of something. The word is used in various contexts throughout the Old Testament, including in the books of Genesis and Isaiah.
Definition: subst 1) front prep 2) in front of, before, because of, in view of, by reason of, because of this, therefore conj 3) because that, inasmuch as, although, according as, before adv 4) accordingly, then
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] according to, [phrase] as, [phrase] because, before, [phrase] for this cause, [phrase] forasmuch as, [phrase] by this means, over against, by reason of, [phrase] that, [phrase] therefore, [phrase] though, [phrase] wherefore. See also: Ezra 4:14; Daniel 3:7; Daniel 6:23.
דִּ֣י
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.
חֲזֵית֔וֹן
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.
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.
אַזְדָּ֖א
ʼăzâd
H230
"gone"
Adj
This word means to be gone or firm, and it appears in a few places in the Bible, like in descriptions of something that has disappeared. It is similar to other words that mean to go away or to be strong.
Definition: (P'al) to be gone Aramaic of a.zal (אָזַל "be gone" H0235)
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: be gone. See also: Daniel 2:5; Daniel 2:8.
מִנִּ֥/י
min
H4481
"from"
Adj | Suff
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.
מִלְּתָֽ/א
millâh
H4406
"word"
Adj | Art
Similar to H4405, this word means a word, command, or subject. It's used in the Bible to describe what God commands or what people discuss.
Definition: 1) word, thing 1a) word, utterance, command 1b) thing, affair, matter
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: commandment, matter, thing. word. See also: Daniel 2:5; Daniel 4:30; Daniel 7:28.
Study Notes — Daniel 2:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Daniel 2:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Daniel 2:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 2:8
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Daniel 2:8
- Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 2:8
- Ellicott's Commentary on Daniel 2:8
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Daniel 2:8
- Cambridge Bible on Daniel 2:8
- Barnes' Notes on Daniel 2:8
- Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 2:8
- Sermons on Daniel 2:8
Context — Nebuchadnezzar’s Troubling Dream
6But 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.”
7They answered a second time, “Let the king tell the dream to his servants, and we will give the interpretation.”
8The king replied, “I know for sure that you are stalling for time because you see that my word is final.
9If you do not tell me the dream, there is only one decree for you. You have conspired to speak before me false and fraudulent words, hoping the situation will change. Therefore tell me the dream, and I will know that you can give me its interpretation.” 10The astrologers answered the king, “No one on earth can do what the king requests! No king, however great and powerful, has ever asked anything like this of any magician, enchanter, or astrologer.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Colossians 4:5 | Act wisely toward outsiders, redeeming the time. |
| 2 | Ephesians 5:16 | redeeming the time, because the days are evil. |
Daniel 2:8 Summary
[The king in Daniel 2:8 is frustrated because he thinks the wise men are delaying in telling him the dream and its meaning. He knows his word is final, and they should be obeying him quickly, just like we should obey God's word, as seen in John 14:15, where Jesus says, 'If you love me, you will keep my commandments.' The king's concern shows how important it is to listen to and follow God's commands without delay. By obeying God's word, we can experience His wisdom and guidance, just like Daniel did when he received the interpretation of the dream in Daniel 2:19.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the king's concern in Daniel 2:8?
The king is concerned that the wise men are stalling for time, as they realize the finality of his word, similar to the finality of God's word in Psalm 119:89, which says, 'Forever, O Lord, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens.'
Why does the king think the wise men are stalling?
The king believes the wise men are stalling because they know his word is final and they are unable to tell him the dream and its interpretation, highlighting the limitations of human wisdom, as seen in 1 Corinthians 1:20, where it says, 'Where is the wise man?'
What is the king's tone in this verse?
The king's tone is one of frustration and impatience, similar to the tone of the Lord in Ezekiel 22:30, where He says, 'I sought for a man among them who should build up the wall and stand in the breach before me for the land, that I should not destroy it.'
How does this verse relate to the overall story of Daniel?
This verse highlights the king's desperation to know the dream and its interpretation, which sets the stage for Daniel's intervention and the revelation of God's plan, as seen in Daniel 2:19, where Daniel says, 'Then the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision of the night.'
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be stalling or procrastinating, and how can I apply the lesson from this verse to move forward?
- How do I respond when faced with the 'final word' of God, and what does this reveal about my trust in Him?
- In what ways can I, like Daniel, be a vessel for God's revelation and wisdom in a world that often seeks its own solutions?
- What are some 'final words' from God that I need to heed in my own life, and how can I apply them to my circumstances?
Gill's Exposition on Daniel 2:8
The king answered and said, I know of certainty,.... I see plainly and clearly what you are at, and am fully assured you mean nothing, but that ye would gain the time: or buy (f), or redeem time, as
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 2:8
The king answered and said, I know of certainty that ye would gain the time, because ye see the thing is gone from me. I know ... that ye would gain the time - literally, buy.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Daniel 2:8
This ye do in policy, to escape punishment; when taken up with other affairs, I may forget to make further inquiry after this thing, but it shall not serve your turn.
Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 2:8
Daniel 2:8 The king answered and said, I know of certainty that ye would gain the time, because ye see the thing is gone from me.Ver. 8. I know of certainty.] There is no halting before a cripple. Politicians can sound the depth of one another. That ye would gain the time.] Chald., Buy or redeem it - that is, make your advantage of it to evade the danger. And indeed if these sorcerers could have gained longer time much might have been done; for either the king might have died or been employed in war, or pacified by the mediation of friends, &c. Time often cooleth the rage of hasty men. How Hubert de Burgo, Earl of Kent, escaped the king’ s wrath by a little respite, see Goodwin’ s Catalogue of Bish., p. 193.
Ellicott's Commentary on Daniel 2:8
(8) Gain time.—They hoped that by continual postponement they would induce the king to let the matter pass over; or, if not, that they might be able to wheedle the dream out of him,
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Daniel 2:8
Verse 8. That ye would gain the time] The king means either that they wished to prolong the time that he might recollect it, or get indifferent about it; or that they might invent something in the place of it; or make their escape to save their lives, after having packed up their valuables. See Daniel 2:9.
Cambridge Bible on Daniel 2:8
8. of certainty] We should say now, ‘of a certainty.’ Murray quotes from North’s Plutarch (1580), ‘It is of certainty that her proper name was Nicostrata.’ would gain time (R.V.)] lit. are buying the time. Their repeated request to the king to tell them his dream is proof to him that they have no power to reveal secrets, and that they could not therefore interpret his dream, even though he were to describe it to them: hence he charges them with buying the time, i.e. with endeavouring to defer the fatal moment when the truth must appear, and when their inability to interpret his dream must be exposed. because ye see that the word spoken by me is sure, (9) That, if, &c.] Because you see that I am resolved to punish you, if you do not fulfil the conditions I lay down (Daniel 2:5).
Barnes' Notes on Daniel 2:8
The king answered and said, I know of certainty that ye would gain the time - Margin, “buy.” The Chaldee word זבנין zâbenı̂yn (from זבן zeban) means, to get for oneself, buy, gain, procure.
Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 2:8
6-9. Gifts are promised to anyone who can tell the dream and its meaning, while the strong affirmation of the magicians that they could give a true interpretation if they only knew what the dream was
Sermons on Daniel 2:8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Youth Ministry by Voddie Baucham | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the purpose and plan of the College and Careers ministry. Their purpose is to see unbelieving students become committed followers of Jesus Chr |
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Is It Ok to Have a Beer as a Christian? by Bob Jennings | This sermon discusses the balance between being 'all things to all men' and maintaining biblical principles, particularly in the context of engaging in activities like pub theology |
|
Joshua (Part 4) by Richard Sipley | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about how his congregation built an education building in Miami in just nine months, without incurring any debt. He emphasizes t |
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Redeeming the Time by William B. Riley | William B. Riley emphasizes the importance of redeeming our time for God, sharing a personal story of a boy he spoke to years ago who later became a pastor. He reflects on the prof |
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The Prison Epistles 08 Balanced chr.life by David Clifford | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on Colossians chapter 4 and highlights three exhortations: prayer, walk, and speech. The first exhortation is about prayer, emphasizing the impo |
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Third Decade 3.9.1985 by George Verwer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of believers being witnesses and sharing the reality and life in Christ with others. They highlight the significance of person |
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Doulosministry March 1982 by George Verwer | In this sermon, the speaker shares his experience with a close friend who showed him the incredible capabilities of a computer. He also mentions the success of the book exhibition |