Daniel 4:18
Daniel 4:18 in Multiple Translations
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.”
This dream I king Nebuchadnezzar have seen. Now thou, O Belteshazzar, declare the interpretation thereof, forasmuch as all the wise men of my kingdom are not able to make known unto me the interpretation: but thou art able; for the spirit of the holy gods is in thee.
This dream I, king Nebuchadnezzar, have seen; and thou, O Belteshazzar, declare the interpretation, forasmuch as all the wise men of my kingdom are not able to make known unto me the interpretation; but thou art able; for the spirit of the holy gods is in thee.
This dream I, King Nebuchadnezzar, saw; and do you, O Belteshazzar, make clear the sense of it, for all the wise men of my kingdom are unable to make the sense of it clear to me; but you are able, for the spirit of the holy gods is in you.
This is what I, King Nebuchadnezzar, saw in my dream. Now it's up to you, Belteshazzar, to give me the explanation as you have before. None of the wise men in my kingdom could explain it to me. But you can, because the spirit of the holy gods is in you.”
Whose leaues were faire and the fruit thereof much, and in it was meate for all, vnder the which the beastes of the fielde dwelt, and vpon whose branches the foules of the heauen did sit,
'This dream I have seen, I king Nebuchadnezzar; and thou, O Belteshazzar, the interpretation tell, because that all the wise men of my kingdom are not able to cause me to know the interpretation, and thou [art] able, for the spirit of the holy gods [is] in thee.
“This dream I, King Nebuchadnezzar, have seen; and you, Belteshazzar, declare the interpretation, because all the wise men of my kingdom are not able to make known to me the interpretation; but you are able, for the spirit of the holy gods is in you.”
This dream I king Nebuchadnezzar have seen. Now thou, O Belteshazzar, declare the interpretation of it, forasmuch as all the wise men of my kingdom are not able to make known to me the interpretation: but thou art able; for the spirit of the holy gods is in thee.
And the branches thereof were most beautiful, and its fruit exceeding much, and in it was food for all, under which the beasts of the field dwelt, and the birds of the air had their abode in its branches.
Belteshazzar, that is what I, King Nebuchadnezzar, saw in my dream. Now tell me what the dream means. No one else can tell me. I asked all the very wise men in my kingdom to tell me what it means, but they were unable to do that. But you can tell me, because the spirit of the holy gods is in you.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Daniel 4:18
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 4:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/עָפְיֵ֤/הּ
שַׁפִּיר֙
וְ/אִנְבֵּ֣/הּ
שַׂגִּ֔יא
וּ/מָז֨וֹן
לְ/כֹ֖לָּ/א
בֵ֑/הּ
תְּחֹת֗וֹ/הִי
תְּדוּר֙
חֵיוַ֣ת
בָּרָ֔/א
וּ/בְ/עַנְפ֕וֹ/הִי
יִשְׁכְּנָ֖ן
צִפֲּרֵ֥י
שְׁמַיָּֽ/א
וְ/עָפְיֵ֤/הּ
ʻŏphîy
H6074
foliage
Adj | N-ms | Suff
שַׁפִּיר֙
shappîyr
H8209
fair
Adj
וְ/אִנְבֵּ֣/הּ
ʼêb
H4
fruit
Adj | N-ms | Suff
שַׂגִּ֔יא
saggîyʼ
H7690
greatly
Adj
וּ/מָז֨וֹן
mâzôwn
H4203
food
Adj | N-ms
לְ/כֹ֖לָּ/א
kôl
H3606
all
Adj | N-ms | Art
בֵ֑/הּ
Adj | Suff
תְּחֹת֗וֹ/הִי
tᵉchôwth
H8460
under
Adj | Suff
תְּדוּר֙
dûwr
H1753
to dwell
Adj
חֵיוַ֣ת
chêyvâʼ
H2423
beast
Adj
בָּרָ֔/א
bar
H1251
field
Adj | Art
וּ/בְ/עַנְפ֕וֹ/הִי
ʻănaph
H6056
bough
Adj | Prep | N-mp | Suff
יִשְׁכְּנָ֖ן
shᵉkan
H7932
to dwell
Adj
צִפֲּרֵ֥י
tsᵉphar
H6853
bird
Adj
שְׁמַיָּֽ/א
shâmayin
H8065
heaven
Adj | Art
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Daniel 4:18
וְ/עָפְיֵ֤/הּ
ʻŏphîy
H6074
"foliage"
Adj | N-ms | Suff
This word means foliage or leafage, describing the leaves and twigs of a tree. It is used in the Bible to describe the natural world.
Definition: leafage, foliage Aramaic of o.phe (עֳפָיִם "branch" H6073)
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: leaves. See also: Daniel 4:9; Daniel 4:11; Daniel 4:18.
שַׁפִּיר֙
shappîyr
H8209
"fair"
Adj
This word means fair or beautiful, often used to describe nice foliage. It is used in the Bible to describe attractive scenery and pleasing landscapes, highlighting the beauty of creation.
Definition: fair, beautiful (of foliage)
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: fair. See also: Daniel 4:9; Daniel 4:18.
וְ/אִנְבֵּ֣/הּ
ʼêb
H4
"fruit"
Adj | N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this word means a green plant or fruit, symbolizing new life and growth. It is used to describe the beauty of nature in the Garden of Eden.
Definition: fruit, fresh, young, greening Aramaic of ev (אֵב "greenery" H0003)
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: fruit. See also: Daniel 4:9; Daniel 4:11; Daniel 4:18.
שַׂגִּ֔יא
saggîyʼ
H7690
"greatly"
Adj
This word means greatly or exceedingly, describing something large in size or quantity. It's used to emphasize the magnitude of something, like a great multitude.
Definition: adj 1) great, much 1a) great 1b) much, many adv 2) exceedingly
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: exceeding, great(-ly); many, much, sore, very. See also: Ezra 5:11; Daniel 4:9; Daniel 7:28.
וּ/מָז֨וֹן
mâzôwn
H4203
"food"
Adj | N-ms
The Aramaic word mazon means food or feed, similar to the Hebrew word, and is used to refer to the act of eating or the food itself, often translated as meat.
Definition: food, feed Aramaic of ma.zon (מָזוֹן "food" H4202)
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: meat. See also: Daniel 4:9; Daniel 4:18.
לְ/כֹ֖לָּ/א
kôl
H3606
"all"
Adj | N-ms | Art
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.
בֵ֑/הּ
""
Adj | Suff
תְּחֹת֗וֹ/הִי
tᵉchôwth
H8460
"under"
Adj | Suff
The Hebrew word for under or beneath, often used to describe a physical location or position. It is used in various biblical contexts, including descriptions of geography and architecture.
Definition: under Aramaic of ta.chat (תַּחַת ": under" H8478)
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: under. See also: Jeremiah 10:11; Daniel 4:18; Daniel 7:27.
תְּדוּר֙
dûwr
H1753
"to dwell"
Adj
This word is similar to H1752 and also means to reside or stay in a place. It is used in the Aramaic language and has the same meaning as H1752. In the book of Daniel, it describes where the Jews lived.
Definition: (P'al) to dwell Aramaic of dur (דּוּר "to dwell" H1752)
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: dwell. See also: Daniel 2:38; Daniel 4:18; Daniel 6:26.
חֵיוַ֣ת
chêyvâʼ
H2423
"beast"
Adj
This word refers to any kind of animal, from small creatures to large beasts. It is used in the Bible to talk about animals in general, and is translated as 'beast'.
Definition: beast, animal Aramaic of chay.yah (חַיָּה "living thing" H2416C)
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: beast. See also: Daniel 2:38; Daniel 5:21; Daniel 7:23.
בָּרָ֔/א
bar
H1251
"field"
Adj | Art
The word 'bar' is also used to describe a field or open area. It appears in Aramaic passages, like those found in the book of Daniel, to describe rural landscapes and fields.
Definition: field Aramaic of bar (בָּר "field" H1250B)
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: field. See also: Daniel 2:38; Daniel 4:18; Daniel 4:29.
וּ/בְ/עַנְפ֕וֹ/הִי
ʻănaph
H6056
"bough"
Adj | Prep | N-mp | Suff
A bough or branch, like a twig, is what the Hebrew word 'anaph' describes, used to cover limbs. It appears in the Bible as a natural image.
Definition: bough, branch Aramaic of a.naph (עָנָף "branch" H6057)
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: bough, branch. See also: Daniel 4:9; Daniel 4:11; Daniel 4:18.
יִשְׁכְּנָ֖ן
shᵉkan
H7932
"to dwell"
Adj
Similar to H7931, this word also means to live or stay, but it's used in slightly different contexts, like in the book of Ezra. It's about having a place to call home.
Definition: 1) to dwell, reside 1a) (P'al) to dwell 1b) (Pael) to cause to dwell
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: cause to dwell, have habitation. See also: Ezra 6:12; Daniel 4:18.
צִפֲּרֵ֥י
tsᵉphar
H6853
"bird"
Adj
The Hebrew word for bird is a general term that refers to any type of bird. It is used in the Bible to describe the creation of birds in Genesis 1:25. The word is also used in Psalm 104:12 to describe birds living near water.
Definition: bird Aramaic of tsip.por (צִפּוֹר "bird" H6833)
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: bird. See also: Daniel 4:9; Daniel 4:18; Daniel 4:30.
שְׁמַיָּֽ/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.
Study Notes — Daniel 4:18
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Daniel 4:18 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Daniel 4:18
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 4:18
- Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 4:18
- Ellicott's Commentary on Daniel 4:18
- Cambridge Bible on Daniel 4:18
- Barnes' Notes on Daniel 4:18
- Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 4:18
- Sermons on Daniel 4:18
Context — Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream of a Great Tree
16Let his mind be changed from that of a man, and let him be given the mind of a beast till seven times pass him by.
17This decision is the decree of the watchers, the verdict declared by the holy ones, so that the living will know that the Most High rules over the kingdom of mankind and gives it to whom He wishes, setting over it the lowliest of men.’
18This 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.”
19For 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! 20The tree you saw that grew large and strong, whose top reached the sky and was visible to all the earth,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Daniel 5:15 | Now the wise men and enchanters were brought before me to read this inscription and interpret it for me, but they could not give its interpretation. |
| 2 | Genesis 41:8 | In the morning his spirit was troubled, so he summoned all the magicians and wise men of Egypt. Pharaoh told them his dreams, but no one could interpret them for him. |
| 3 | Daniel 5:8 | So all the king’s wise men came in, but they could not read the inscription or interpret it for him. |
| 4 | 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.” |
| 5 | Daniel 4:7–9 | When the magicians, enchanters, astrologers, and diviners came in, I told them the dream, and they could not interpret it for me. 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: “O Belteshazzar, chief of the magicians, I know that the spirit of the holy gods is in you and that no mystery baffles you. So explain to me the visions I saw in my dream, and their interpretation. |
| 6 | Daniel 2:7 | They answered a second time, “Let the king tell the dream to his servants, and we will give the interpretation.” |
| 7 | Isaiah 47:12–14 | So take your stand with your spells and with your many sorceries, with which you have wearied yourself from your youth. Perhaps you will succeed; perhaps you will inspire terror! You are wearied by your many counselors; let them come forward now and save you— your astrologers who observe the stars, who monthly predict your fate. Surely they are like stubble; the fire will burn them up. They cannot deliver themselves from the power of the flame. There will be no coals to warm them or fire to sit beside. |
| 8 | Isaiah 19:3 | Then the spirit of the Egyptians will be emptied out from among them, and I will frustrate their plans, so that they will resort to idols and spirits of the dead, to mediums and spiritists. |
| 9 | Daniel 2:26–28 | 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?” Daniel answered the king, “No wise man, enchanter, medium, or magician can explain to the king the mystery of which he inquires. But 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: |
| 10 | 1 Kings 14:2–3 | and Jeroboam said to his wife, “Now get up, disguise yourself so they will not recognize you as my wife, and go to Shiloh. For Ahijah the prophet is there; it was he who spoke about my kingship over this people. Take with you ten loaves of bread, some cakes, and a jar of honey, and go to him. He will tell you what will become of the boy.” |
Daniel 4:18 Summary
In Daniel 4:18, King Nebuchadnezzar is seeking the interpretation of a dream that he had, and he believes that Belteshazzar, also known as Daniel, is the only one who can help him understand it. The king recognizes that Daniel has a special gift from God, which is the spirit of the holy gods, that enables him to interpret dreams and visions, as seen in (Daniel 1:17 and Genesis 41:15-16). This verse reminds us that God is the one who gives us wisdom and understanding, and we should seek Him for guidance in our lives, as stated in (Proverbs 2:6 and James 1:5). By humbling ourselves before God and acknowledging His power and authority, we can, like Daniel, be used by God to bring wisdom and guidance to others, as seen in (1 Corinthians 2:13-14 and Acts 2:17).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of King Nebuchadnezzar's dream in Daniel 4:18?
The dream is a warning from God to the king, as seen in the preceding verses, Daniel 4:16-17, where it is declared that the Most High rules over the kingdom of mankind and gives it to whom He wishes, as also stated in Daniel 4:25 and Romans 13:1-2.
Why does King Nebuchadnezzar ask Belteshazzar for the interpretation of the dream?
The king asks Belteshazzar because none of the wise men of his kingdom can interpret it for him, and he believes that the spirit of the holy gods is in Belteshazzar, as stated in Daniel 4:18, similar to how Joseph interpreted dreams in Genesis 41:15-16 and Daniel 1:17.
What does the phrase 'the spirit of the holy gods' mean in this context?
The phrase refers to the divine enablement given to Belteshazzar, also known as Daniel, to interpret the dream, as seen in Daniel 4:18 and Daniel 5:11-12, where Daniel is described as having the spirit of the holy gods in him, similar to the spirit of God that rested on Bezalel in Exodus 35:31.
How does this verse relate to the overall theme of the book of Daniel?
This verse highlights the theme of God's sovereignty over human kingdoms, as seen in Daniel 4:17 and Daniel 5:21, where God sets up and removes kings according to His will, as stated in Daniel 2:21 and Jeremiah 27:5-7.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to recognize God's sovereignty and submit to His will, just like King Nebuchadnezzar is being called to do?
- How can I, like Belteshazzar, be a vessel for God's wisdom and guidance in the lives of those around me, as seen in 1 Corinthians 2:13-14 and James 1:5-6?
- What are some dreams or visions that I have had that I need to seek interpretation for, and how can I seek God's guidance in understanding them, as seen in Acts 2:17 and 1 Corinthians 14:1-5?
- In what ways can I, like King Nebuchadnezzar, humble myself before God and acknowledge His power and authority in my life, as seen in 1 Peter 5:6-7 and James 4:10?
Gill's Exposition on Daniel 4:18
This dream I King Nebuchadnezzar have seen,.... So things were represented to him by a vision in a dream: now thou, O Belteshazzar, declare the interpretation thereof; at once, directly; as he was
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 4:18
This dream I king Nebuchadnezzar have seen. Now thou, O Belteshazzar, declare the interpretation thereof, forasmuch as all the wise men of my kingdom are not able to make known unto me the
Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 4:18
Daniel 4:18 This dream I king Nebuchadnezzar have seen. Now thou, O Belteshazzar, declare the interpretation thereof, forasmuch as all the wise [men] of my kingdom are not able to make known unto me the interpretation: but thou [art] able; for the spirit of the holy gods [is] in thee.Ver. 18. This dream I king Nebuchadnezzar have seen.] Such as would have resolution, must fully relate their doubts.
Ellicott's Commentary on Daniel 4:18
(18) This dream.—More correctly translated, This in a dream I saw—i.e., it was communicated to me in a vision.
Cambridge Bible on Daniel 4:18
18. Nebuchadnezzar closes his description of his dream by appealing to Daniel to interpret it. for the spirit &c.] See Daniel 4:8.
Barnes' Notes on Daniel 4:18
This dream I king Nebuchadnezzar have seen - This is the dream which I saw. He had detailed it at length as it appeared to him, without pretending to be able to explain it.
Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 4:18
18, 19. Compare Daniel 4:8 and Daniel 2:17-26. Daniel is at first greatly troubled and “astonished as it were for a moment” (Bevan), but when Nebuchadnezzar encourages him he replies that he is
Sermons on Daniel 4:18
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
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 |
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Spirit and Soul by Watchman Nee | Watchman Nee emphasizes the necessity for believers to recognize their spirit, as it is the primary means through which God communicates with humanity. He explains that many Christ |
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Deliverance - Part 2 by Derek Prince | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Moses and the magicians in the book of Exodus. He highlights the supernatural powers displayed by both Moses and the magicians, b |
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About Astrology by Jack Hayford | Jack Hayford addresses the topic of astrology, emphasizing the Bible's rejection and condemnation of it, warning of the confusion and tragic consequences that come with practicing |