Daniel 4:19
Daniel 4:19 in Multiple Translations
For 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!
¶ Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was astonied for one hour, and his thoughts troubled him. The king spake, and said, Belteshazzar, let not the dream, or the interpretation thereof, trouble thee. Belteshazzar answered and said, My lord, the dream be to them that hate thee, and the interpretation thereof to thine enemies.
Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was stricken dumb for a while, and his thoughts troubled him. The king answered and said, Belteshazzar, let not the dream, or the interpretation, trouble thee. Belteshazzar answered and said, My lord, the dream be to them that hate thee, and the interpretation thereof to thine adversaries.
Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was at a loss for a time, his thoughts troubling him. The king made answer and said, Belteshazzar, do not be troubled by the dream or by the sense of it. Belteshazzar, answering, said, My lord, may the dream be about your haters, and its sense about those who are against you.
When Daniel (also called Belteshazzar) heard this, he was upset for a while, disturbed as he thought about it. The king told him, “Belteshazzar, don't be worried about the dream and what it means.” “My lord, I only wish this dream was for those who hate you and the explanation for your enemies,” Daniel replied.
It is thou, O King, that art great and mightie: for thy greatnesse is growen, and reacheth vnto heauen, and thy dominion to the endes of the earth.
'Then Daniel, whose name [is] Belteshazzar, hath been astonished about one hour, and his thoughts do trouble him; the king hath answered and said, O Belteshazzar, let not the dream and its interpretation trouble thee. Belteshazzar hath answered and said, My lord, the dream — to those hating thee, and its interpretation — to thine enemies!
Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was stricken mute for a while, and his thoughts troubled him. The king answered, “Belteshazzar, don’t let the dream or the interpretation, trouble you.” Belteshazzar answered, “My lord, may the dream be for those who hate you, and its interpretation to your adversaries.
Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was astonished for one hour, and his thoughts troubled him. The king spoke, and said, Belteshazzar, let not the dream, or the interpretation of it, trouble thee. Belteshazzar answered, and said, My lord, the dream be to them that hate thee, and the interpretation of it to thy enemies.
It is thou, O king, who art grown great and become mighty: for thy greatness hath grown, and hath reached to heaven, and thy power unto the ends of the earth.
I, whose new name was Belteshazzar, did not say anything for some time, because I was very worried/disturbed about the meaning of the dream. Finally, the king said to me, “Belteshazzar, do not be afraid about the dream and about what it means.” I replied, “Sir, I wish that the events that were predicted in your dream would happen to your enemies, and not to you.
Berean Amplified Bible — Daniel 4:19
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 4:19 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אנתה
אַנְתְּ
ה֣וּא
מַלְכָּ֔/א
דִּ֥י
רְבַ֖ית
וּ/תְקֵ֑פְתְּ
וּ/רְבוּתָ֤/ךְ
רְבָת֙
וּ/מְטָ֣ת
לִ/שְׁמַיָּ֔/א
וְ/שָׁלְטָנָ֖/ךְ
לְ/ס֥וֹף
אַרְעָֽ/א
אנתה
ʼantâh
H607
you
Adj
אַנְתְּ
ʼantâh
H607
you
Adj
ה֣וּא
hûwʼ
H1932
he/she/it
Adj
מַלְכָּ֔/א
melek
H4430
king
Adj | Art
דִּ֥י
dîy
H1768
that
Adj
רְבַ֖ית
rᵉbâh
H7236
to grow great
Adj
וּ/תְקֵ֑פְתְּ
tᵉqêph
H8631
to grow strong
Adj | V-Qal-Perf-2ms
וּ/רְבוּתָ֤/ךְ
rᵉbûw
H7238
greatness
Adj | N-fs | Suff
רְבָת֙
rᵉbâh
H7236
to grow great
Adj
וּ/מְטָ֣ת
mᵉṭâʼ
H4291
to reach
Adj | V-Qal-Perf-3fs
לִ/שְׁמַיָּ֔/א
shâmayin
H8065
heaven
Adj | N-mp | Art
וְ/שָׁלְטָנָ֖/ךְ
sholṭân
H7985
dominion
Adj | N-ms | Suff
לְ/ס֥וֹף
çôwph
H5491
end
Adj | N-ms
אַרְעָֽ/א
ʼăraʻ
H772
earth
Adj | Art
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Daniel 4:19
אנתה
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.
אַנְתְּ
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.
ה֣וּא
hûwʼ
H1932
"he/she/it"
Adj
This Hebrew word means 'he', 'she', or 'it', often used to emphasize the subject of a sentence, as seen in Genesis and Exodus. It can also be used as a demonstrative, meaning 'this' or 'that'.
Definition: 1) he, she, it 1a) (emphasising and resuming subject) 1b)(anticipating subj) 1c) as demons pron 1d) (relative) 1e) (affirming existence)
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] are, it, this. See also: Ezra 5:8; Daniel 3:15; Daniel 7:24.
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.
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.
רְבַ֖ית
rᵉbâh
H7236
"to grow great"
Adj
This verb means to grow or increase, like a person getting taller. It is used in the Bible to describe something or someone getting bigger or more important. The KJV translates it as grow or make great.
Definition: 1) to grow great 1a) (P'al) to grow long, grow tall and large, grow great, increase 1b) (Pael) to make great
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: make a great man, grow. See also: Daniel 2:48; Daniel 4:17; Daniel 4:30.
וּ/תְקֵ֑פְתְּ
tᵉqêph
H8631
"to grow strong"
Adj | V-Qal-Perf-2ms
This word means to become strong or stubborn. It can describe someone growing in physical or emotional strength, but also becoming hardened or arrogant. It's used in various contexts, including descriptions of God's power and human relationships.
Definition: 1) to grow strong, be hardened 1a) (P'al) 1a1) to grow strong, be hardened 1a2) to grow arrogant (fig) 1b) (Pael) to make strong, make firm, make stringent
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: make firm, harden, be(-come) strong. See also: Daniel 4:8; Daniel 4:19; Daniel 6:8.
וּ/רְבוּתָ֤/ךְ
rᵉbûw
H7238
"greatness"
Adj | N-fs | Suff
Refers to greatness or majesty, describing something or someone of high dignity and importance, as seen in the KJV translations of greatness and majesty.
Definition: greatness
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: greatness, majesty. See also: Daniel 4:19; Daniel 5:18; Daniel 7:27.
רְבָת֙
rᵉbâh
H7236
"to grow great"
Adj
This verb means to grow or increase, like a person getting taller. It is used in the Bible to describe something or someone getting bigger or more important. The KJV translates it as grow or make great.
Definition: 1) to grow great 1a) (P'al) to grow long, grow tall and large, grow great, increase 1b) (Pael) to make great
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: make a great man, grow. See also: Daniel 2:48; Daniel 4:17; Daniel 4:30.
וּ/מְטָ֣ת
mᵉṭâʼ
H4291
"to reach"
Adj | V-Qal-Perf-3fs
This Hebrew word means to reach or arrive at a place, like when the Israelites finally reached the Promised Land in Joshua 1:11.
Definition: 1) to reach, come upon, attain 1a) (P'al) 1a1) to reach, come to 1a2) to reach, extend 1a3) to come upon
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: come, reach. See also: Daniel 4:8; Daniel 4:25; Daniel 7:22.
לִ/שְׁמַיָּ֔/א
shâmayin
H8065
"heaven"
Adj | N-mp | 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.
וְ/שָׁלְטָנָ֖/ךְ
sholṭân
H7985
"dominion"
Adj | N-ms | Suff
This word refers to a kingdom or empire, describing a territory under the control of a ruler or government. It can also refer to the power or authority of that ruler. The KJV translates it as 'dominion'.
Definition: 1) dominion, sovereignty 1a) dominion, sovereignty 1b) realm
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: dominion. See also: Daniel 3:33; Daniel 7:6; Daniel 7:27.
לְ/ס֥וֹף
çôwph
H5491
"end"
Adj | N-ms
This Aramaic word means end, and is used in the Bible to describe the conclusion of something. It is similar to the Hebrew word for end, and is used in Daniel and other books.
Definition: end, conclusion Aramaic of soph (סוֹף "end" H5490)
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: end. See also: Daniel 4:8; Daniel 6:27; Daniel 7:28.
אַרְעָֽ/א
ʼăraʻ
H772
"earth"
Adj | Art
The Hebrew word for earth or planet, referring to the world we live in, as seen in the Bible's description of creation in Genesis. It can also imply something low or earthly. In Psalm 90:2, Moses prays to God who has been the earth's home since the beginning.
Definition: : planet earth, world, ground Aramaic of e.rets (אֶ֫רֶץ ": soil" H0776H)
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: earth, interior. See also: Ezra 5:11; Daniel 4:17; Jeremiah 10:11.
Study Notes — Daniel 4:19
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Daniel 4:19 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Daniel 4:19
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 4:19
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Daniel 4:19
- Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 4:19
- Ellicott's Commentary on Daniel 4:19
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Daniel 4:19
- Cambridge Bible on Daniel 4:19
- Barnes' Notes on Daniel 4:19
- Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 4:19
- Sermons on Daniel 4:19
Context — Daniel Interprets the Second Dream
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, 21whose foliage was beautiful and whose fruit was abundant, providing food for all, under which the beasts of the field lived, and in whose branches the birds of the air nested—Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Daniel 8:27 | I, Daniel, was exhausted and lay ill for days. Then I got up and went about the king’s business. I was confounded by the vision; it was beyond understanding. |
| 2 | Daniel 7:28 | Thus ends the matter. As for me, Daniel, my thoughts troubled me greatly, and my face turned pale. But I kept the matter to myself.” |
| 3 | Daniel 4:24 | This is the interpretation, O king, and this is the decree that the Most High has issued against my lord the king: |
| 4 | Daniel 10:16–17 | And suddenly one with the likeness of a man touched my lips, and I opened my mouth and said to the one standing before me, “My lord, because of the vision, I am overcome with anguish, and I have no strength. How can I, your servant, speak with you, my lord? Now I have no strength, nor is any breath left in me.” |
| 5 | 1 Samuel 3:17 | “What was the message He gave you?” Eli asked. “Do not hide it from me. May God punish you, and ever so severely, if you hide from me anything He said to you.” |
| 6 | Daniel 4:4–5 | I, Nebuchadnezzar, was at ease in my house and flourishing in my palace. I had a dream, and it frightened me; while in my bed, the images and visions in my mind alarmed me. |
| 7 | Jeremiah 4:19 | My anguish, my anguish! I writhe in pain! Oh, the pain in my chest! My heart pounds within me; I cannot be silent. For I have heard the sound of the horn, the alarm of battle. |
| 8 | 2 Samuel 18:31–32 | Just then the Cushite came and said, “May my lord the king hear the good news: Today the LORD has avenged you of all who rose up against you!” The king asked the Cushite, “Is the young man Absalom all right?” And the Cushite replied, “May what has become of the young man happen to the enemies of my lord the king and to all who rise up against you to harm you.” |
| 9 | Daniel 1:7 | The chief official gave them new names: To Daniel he gave the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abednego. |
| 10 | 1 Kings 18:7 | Now as Obadiah went on his way, Elijah suddenly met him. When Obadiah recognized him, he fell facedown and said, “Is it you, my lord Elijah?” |
Daniel 4:19 Summary
[This verse shows that Daniel was troubled by the king's dream because he knew it meant something bad was going to happen, but he didn't want it to happen to the king. He wished that the bad thing would happen to the king's enemies instead, which is a kind and compassionate response. This reminds us that we should care about the well-being of those around us, even if they are not always kind to us, as Jesus taught in Matthew 5:44. By trusting in God's sovereignty, as seen in Romans 8:28, we can face difficult situations with confidence and compassion.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Daniel perplexed after hearing the king's dream?
Daniel was perplexed because he knew the dream's interpretation would be difficult for the king to hear, as it spoke of a coming judgment, similar to the one prophesied in Isaiah 13:19, which spoke of Babylon's eventual downfall.
What did Daniel mean by wishing the dream applied to the king's enemies?
Daniel was expressing a desire that the judgment spoken of in the dream would not come upon the king, but rather upon those who opposed him, demonstrating his compassion and concern for the king's well-being, as seen in Daniel 4:27, where Daniel later urges the king to repent.
How did the king respond to Daniel's initial alarm?
The king encouraged Daniel not to be alarmed by the dream or its interpretation, showing a level of trust and confidence in Daniel's ability to understand and explain the dream, much like the trust Moses had in God to guide him, as seen in Exodus 4:12.
What can we learn from Daniel's reaction to the king's dream?
We can learn the importance of compassion and empathy, even towards those in positions of power, as Daniel demonstrated, and also the value of trusting in God's sovereignty, as expressed in Psalm 103:19, which reminds us that God's throne is established in heaven.
Reflection Questions
- How do I respond when faced with difficult or unsettling news, and what can I learn from Daniel's example?
- In what ways can I demonstrate compassion and concern for those around me, even if they are in positions of power or influence?
- What role does trust in God's sovereignty play in my life, and how can I cultivate a deeper sense of trust, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6?
- How can I balance honesty and sensitivity when sharing difficult truths with others, as Daniel had to do with the king?
Gill's Exposition on Daniel 4:19
Then Daniel (whose name was Belteshazzar) was astonied for one hour,.... Not at the difficulty of interpreting the dream, which was plain and easy to him; but at the sad and shocking things he saw
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 4:19
Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was astonied for one hour, and his thoughts troubled him. The king spake, and said, Belteshazzar, let not the dream, or the interpretation thereof, trouble thee.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Daniel 4:19
His thoughts troubled him, because he foresaw such tragical things coming upon the king, for whom he had such reverence for the high favours and honours he had conferred on him, and he was afraid to declare them; these things coming upon him while he was acted by a Spirit of prophecy, doubled his consternation, and troubled his thoughts, ,17. Let not the dream, or the interpretation thereof, trouble thee; speak out freely, let the event be what it will. Though this king were a tyrant, and an enemy of God and his people, yet the prophet is grieved for him, and prayed for him that God would avert his judgments from him, and lay them rather upon his enemies, .
Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 4:19
Daniel 4:19 Then Daniel, whose name [was] Belteshazzar, was astonied for one hour, and his thoughts troubled him. The king spake, and said, Belteshazzar, let not the dream, or the interpretation thereof, trouble thee. Belteshazzar answered and said, My lord, the dream [be] to them that hate thee, and the interpretation thereof to thine enemies.Ver. 19. Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar.] Which name he took no felicity at all in, but the contrary. Nevertheless, for the Chaldeans’ sake, in whose tongue he wrote these things, and at whose good he therein aimed, he here addeth it. Was astonished for an hour.] So was not Nebuchadnezzar, who was the man concerned. Ea fere est improbarum securitas; the godly, who have less cause, are frightened often, when the wicked are hardened. See Habakkuk 3:16. But they who tremble not in time of threatening, shall be crushed to pieces in time of punishing. My lord, the dream be to them that hate thee.] Daniel, after a certain pause makes this mannerly preamble to the interpretation of the dream, which could not be very pleasing.
But truth must be spoken, however it be taken. So Philo brings in Joseph prefacing to the interpretation of Pharaoh’ s baker’ s dream, Utinam tale somnium non vidisses, &c., I would, sir, you had not so dreamed; but since you have, I mast deal plainly with you. Bradford.
Ellicott's Commentary on Daniel 4:19
(19) Hour.—Literally, moment. (Comp. Daniel 3:6.) To them that hate thee.—A delicate way of expressing his hopes for the best. “May that which is implied in the interpretation overtake thine enemies.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Daniel 4:19
Verse 19. Daniel - was astonied for one hour] He saw the design of the dream, and he felt the great delicacy of interpreting it. He was not puzzled by the difficulties of it. He felt for the king, and for the nation; and with what force and delicacy does he express the general portent; "The dream to them that hate thee, and the interpretation thereof to thine enemies!"
Cambridge Bible on Daniel 4:19
19–27. Daniel’s interpretation of the dream.
Barnes' Notes on Daniel 4:19
Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar - Daniel 4:8. It has been objected that the mention in this edict of “both” the names by which Daniel was known is an improbable circumstance; that a pagan
Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 4:19
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 4:19
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Daniel) Antiochus and Antichrist by David Guzik | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the vision of Daniel in chapter 8 of the Bible. The vision reveals the rise and fall of four world empires: Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and |
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The Wearing Down of the Saints by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of people waiting in line to be prayed for and seeking a touch or word from a man instead of seeking God directly. The speaker refer |
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Give God His Rightful Place by Friedel Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the consequences of losing one's royal authority and the feeling of emptiness and desolation that comes with it. He uses the example of a ki |
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(1 Samuel) the Training of a Prophet by David Guzik | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Eli and his sons in the book of 1 Samuel. Eli's sons were corrupt priests who were stealing from God and committing immorality wi |
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Nebuchadnezzar's Pride and Punishment by John F. Walvoord | John F. Walvoord preaches on the profound story of Nebuchadnezzar's spiritual journey in Daniel 4, highlighting the king's recognition of the sovereignty of God after experiencing |
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Take Heed, Lest You Fall by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the role of a prophet and the importance of listening to God's voice. The prophet in focus is described as having a fierce loyalty to God and |
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In Time of War by Samuel Davies | Samuel Davies preaches a powerful sermon on the Valley of Vision, using the prophecy in Isaiah to warn about the impending danger faced by Jerusalem due to their sins and lack of r |