BSBKJVWEBYLTASVBBEWMBT4TDBY|HymnsMusicDonate
Menu
Home › Berean Standard Bible  › Daniel 4  › Daniel 4:20

Daniel 4:20

← Daniel 4:19 Daniel 4:21 →

Daniel 4:20 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

The tree you saw that grew large and strong, whose top reached the sky and was visible to all the earth,

King James Version KJV

The tree that thou sawest, which grew, and was strong, whose height reached unto the heaven, and the sight thereof to all the earth;

American Standard Version ASV

The tree that thou sawest, which grew, and was strong, whose height reached unto heaven, and the sight thereof to all the earth;

Bible in Basic English BBE

The tree which you saw, which became tall and strong, stretching up to heaven and seen from the ends of the earth;

Free Bible Version FBV

“The tree you saw was growing strong and tall, reaching high into the sky so it could be seen by everyone in the whole world.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Where as the King sawe a watchman, and an holy one, that came downe from heauen, and said, Hew downe the tree and destroy it, yet leaue the stumpe of the rootes thereof in the earth, and with a bande of yron and brasse binde it among the grasse of the fielde, and let it be wette with the dewe of heauen, and let his portion be with the beastes of the fielde, till seuen times passe ouer him,

Young's Literal Translation YLT

The tree that thou hast seen, that hath become great and strong, and its height doth reach to the heavens, and its vision to all the land,

World English Bible WEB

The tree that you saw, which grew and was strong, whose height reached to the sky and its sight to all the earth;

Noah Webster Bible WBS

The tree that thou sawest, which grew, and was strong, whose hight reached to the heaven, and the sight of it to all the earth;

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And whereas the king saw a watcher, and a holy one come down from heaven, and say: Cut down the tree and destroy it, but leave the stump of the roots thereof in the earth, and let it be bound with iron and brass among the grass without, and let it be sprinkled with the dew of heaven, and let his feeding be with the wild beasts, till seven times pass over him.

Translation for Translators T4T

In your dream/vision you saw a very strong and very tall tree. It seemed to reach to the sky, with the result that everyone in the world could see it.

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 4:20

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 4:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וְ/דִ֣י חֲזָ֣ה מַלְכָּ֡/א עִ֣יר וְ/קַדִּ֣ישׁ נָחִ֣ת מִן שְׁמַיָּ֡/א וְ/אָמַר֩ גֹּ֨דּוּ אִֽילָנָ֜/א וְ/חַבְּל֗וּ/הִי בְּרַ֨ם עִקַּ֤ר שָׁרְשׁ֨וֹ/הִי֙ בְּ/אַרְעָ֣/א שְׁבֻ֔קוּ וּ/בֶ/אֱסוּר֙ דִּֽי פַרְזֶ֣ל וּ/נְחָ֔שׁ בְּ/דִתְאָ֖/א דִּ֣י בָרָ֑/א וּ/בְ/טַ֧ל שְׁמַיָּ֣/א יִצְטַבַּ֗ע וְ/עִם חֵיוַ֤ת בָּרָ/א֙ חֲלָקֵ֔/הּ עַ֛ד דִּֽי שִׁבְעָ֥ה עִדָּנִ֖ין יַחְלְפ֥וּן עֲלֽוֹ/הִי
וְ/דִ֣י dîy H1768 that Adj | Rel
חֲזָ֣ה chăzâʼ H2370 to see Adj
מַלְכָּ֡/א melek H4430 king Adj | Art
עִ֣יר ʻîyr H5894 watcher Adj
וְ/קַדִּ֣ישׁ qaddîysh H6922 holy Adj | Adj
נָחִ֣ת nᵉchath H5182 to descend Adj
מִן min H4481 from Adj
שְׁמַיָּ֡/א shâmayin H8065 heaven Adj | Art
וְ/אָמַר֩ ʼămar H560 to say Adj | V-Qal
גֹּ֨דּוּ gᵉdad H1414 to chop Adj
אִֽילָנָ֜/א ʼîylân H363 tree Adj | Art
וְ/חַבְּל֗וּ/הִי chăbal H2255 to destroy Adj | V-Piel-Impv-2mp | Suff
בְּרַ֨ם bᵉram H1297 nevertheless Adj
עִקַּ֤ר ʻiqqar H6136 root Adj
שָׁרְשׁ֨וֹ/הִי֙ shôresh H8330 root Adj | Suff
בְּ/אַרְעָ֣/א ʼăraʻ H772 earth Adj | N-fs | Art
שְׁבֻ֔קוּ shᵉbaq H7662 to be left Adj
וּ/בֶ/אֱסוּר֙ ʼĕçûwr H613 bond Adj | Prep | N-ms
דִּֽי dîy H1768 that Adj
פַרְזֶ֣ל parzel H6523 iron Adj
וּ/נְחָ֔שׁ nᵉchâsh H5174 bronze Adj | N-ms
בְּ/דִתְאָ֖/א detheʼ H1883 grass Adj | N-ms | Art
דִּ֣י dîy H1768 that Adj
בָרָ֑/א bar H1251 field Adj | Art
וּ/בְ/טַ֧ל ṭal H2920 dew Adj | Prep | N-ms
שְׁמַיָּ֣/א shâmayin H8065 heaven Adj | Art
יִצְטַבַּ֗ע tsᵉbaʻ H6647 to drench Adj
וְ/עִם ʻim H5974 with Adj | Prep
חֵיוַ֤ת chêyvâʼ H2423 beast Adj
בָּרָ/א֙ bar H1251 field Adj | Art
חֲלָקֵ֔/הּ chălâq H2508 portion Adj | Suff
עַ֛ד ʻad H5705 till Adj
דִּֽי dîy H1768 that Adj
שִׁבְעָ֥ה shibʻâh H7655 seven Adj
עִדָּנִ֖ין ʻiddân H5732 time Adj
יַחְלְפ֥וּן chălaph H2499 to pass Adj
עֲלֽוֹ/הִי ʻal H5922 since Adj | Suff
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 4:20

וְ/דִ֣י dîy H1768 "that" Adj | Rel
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.
חֲזָ֣ה 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.
מַלְכָּ֡/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.
עִ֣יר ʻîyr H5894 "watcher" Adj
A watcher refers to an angel acting as a guardian, always watching and protecting, as seen in the Bible's description of heavenly beings.
Definition: waking, watchful, wakeful one, watcher, angel
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: watcher. See also: Daniel 4:10; Daniel 4:14; Daniel 4:20.
וְ/קַדִּ֣ישׁ qaddîysh H6922 "holy" Adj | Adj
This Hebrew word means something or someone that is holy or set apart, used to describe God, angels, or sacred things, conveying a sense of reverence and awe.
Definition: 1) holy, separate 2) (TWOT) angels, saints
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: holy (One), saint. See also: Daniel 4:5; Daniel 5:11; Daniel 7:27.
נָחִ֣ת nᵉchath H5182 "to descend" Adj
This word is similar to H5181, also meaning to descend, but it can also mean to deposit or lay something down. It is used in the Bible to describe things like laying up treasures or coming down from a high place.
Definition: 1) to descend 1a) (P'al) to descend 1b) (Aphel) to deposit 1c) (Hophal) to be deposed, be cast down
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: carry, come down, depose, lay up, place. See also: Ezra 5:15; Daniel 4:10; Daniel 5:20.
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.
שְׁמַיָּ֡/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.
וְ/אָמַר֩ 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.
גֹּ֨דּוּ gᵉdad H1414 "to chop" Adj
This Hebrew word means to cut down something, like a tree. It is used in the Bible to describe the act of chopping or hewing down. In the book of Isaiah, it describes the destruction of idols.
Definition: to cut down, hew down Aramaic of ga.dad (גָּדַד "to cut" H1413)
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: hew down. See also: Daniel 4:11; Daniel 4:20.
אִֽילָנָ֜/א ʼîylân H363 "tree" Adj | Art
This word simply means a tree, like the ones found in the garden of Eden in Genesis 2:9 or the tree of life in Revelation 22:2. It is often used in biblical descriptions of nature and creation.
Definition: ram Aramaic of a.yil (אַ֫יִל "terebinth" H0352D)
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: tree. See also: Daniel 4:7; Daniel 4:17; Daniel 4:23.
וְ/חַבְּל֗וּ/הִי chăbal H2255 "to destroy" Adj | V-Piel-Impv-2mp | Suff
This word means to hurt or destroy something, causing damage or ruin. It is used in the Old Testament to describe physical harm or destruction. In the KJV, it is translated as 'destroy' or 'hurt'.
Definition: 1) to hurt, destroy 1a) (Pael) to hurt, destroy 1b) (Ithpael) to be destroyed
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: destroy, hurt. See also: Ezra 6:12; Daniel 6:23; Daniel 7:14.
בְּרַ֨ם bᵉram H1297 "nevertheless" Adj
The word 'nevertheless' shows contrast, like in a sentence saying 'I'm tired, but I'll go anyway'. In the Bible, it's used to highlight surprising or unexpected events, like in the stories of Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: only, nevertheless, but
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: but, nevertheless, yet. See also: Ezra 5:13; Daniel 4:12; Daniel 5:17.
עִקַּ֤ר ʻiqqar H6136 "root" Adj
Refers to a root or stump of a tree, like the one in Isaiah 11:1 where a new shoot sprouts from the stump of Jesse. This word symbolizes new life and growth. It is also used in Job 14:8 to describe a tree cut down.
Definition: root, stock Aramaic of e.qer (עֵ֫קֶר "descendant" H6133)
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: stump. See also: Daniel 4:12; Daniel 4:20; Daniel 4:23.
שָׁרְשׁ֨וֹ/הִי֙ shôresh H8330 "root" Adj | Suff
A root is the underground part of a plant. In the Bible, it can also mean a source or foundation, like in the book of Daniel.
Definition: root Aramaic of she.resh (שֹׁ֫רֶשׁ "root" H8328)
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: root. See also: Daniel 4:12; Daniel 4:20; Daniel 4:23.
בְּ/אַרְעָ֣/א ʼăraʻ H772 "earth" Adj | N-fs | 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.
שְׁבֻ֔קוּ shᵉbaq H7662 "to be left" Adj
This word means to leave something or someone alone, allowing it to remain as is. It can also mean to quit or stop doing something. In the Bible, it's translated as leave or let alone.
Definition: 1) to leave, let alone 1a) (P'al) to leave, let alone 1b) (Ithpael) to be left
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: leave, let alone. See also: Ezra 6:7; Daniel 4:12; Daniel 4:23.
וּ/בֶ/אֱסוּר֙ ʼĕçûwr H613 "bond" Adj | Prep | N-ms
A bond refers to a restraint, like a prisoner's manacles. It is also translated as imprisonment, emphasizing a state of being held captive.
Definition: band, bond, imprisonment Aramaic of e.sur (אֵסוּר "bond" H0612)
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: band, imprisonment. See also: Ezra 7:26; Daniel 4:12; Daniel 4:20.
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.
פַרְזֶ֣ל parzel H6523 "iron" Adj
In biblical Hebrew, this word means iron, a strong metal used for tools and weapons. It appears in the Bible as a translation from the Aramaic word 'barzel'.
Definition: iron Aramaic of bar.zel (בַּרְזֶל "iron" H1270)
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: iron. See also: Daniel 2:33; Daniel 2:45; Daniel 7:19.
וּ/נְחָ֔שׁ nᵉchâsh H5174 "bronze" Adj | N-ms
Bronze refers to a type of copper alloy, like the bronze serpent Moses made in Numbers 21:9. It was a common material in ancient times.
Definition: copper, bronze Aramaic of ne.chu.shah (נְחוּשָׁה "bronze" H5154)
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: brass. See also: Daniel 2:32; Daniel 4:12; Daniel 7:19.
בְּ/דִתְאָ֖/א detheʼ H1883 "grass" Adj | N-ms | Art
In the Bible, this word means a sprout or grass, often referring to new growth. It appears in descriptions of natural scenery. The word is similar to the Aramaic term for grass.
Definition: grass Aramaic of de.she (דֶּ֫שֶׁא "grass" H1877)
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: tender grass. See also: Daniel 4:12; Daniel 4:20.
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.
בָרָ֑/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/טַ֧ל ṭal H2920 "dew" Adj | Prep | N-ms
This Aramaic word for dew is similar to the Hebrew word, and refers to the moisture that covers the ground and plants at night. It is used in the Bible to describe the beauty of nature.
Definition: dew Aramaic of tal (טַל "dew" H2919)
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: dew. See also: Daniel 4:12; Daniel 4:22; Daniel 5:21.
שְׁמַיָּ֣/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.
יִצְטַבַּ֗ע tsᵉbaʻ H6647 "to drench" Adj
Tsᵉbaʻ means to drench or dip something in a liquid, like water or dye. It's used to describe wetting or soaking an object, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to dip, wet (something) 1a) (Pael) to wet 1b) (Ithpael) to be wet
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: wet. See also: Daniel 4:12; Daniel 4:22; Daniel 5:21.
וְ/עִם ʻim H5974 "with" Adj | Prep
Means 'with' in the Bible, showing something is done together or at the same time, like in Genesis 1:26 where God says 'Let us make man in our image'.
Definition: 1) with 1a) together with, with 1b) with, during
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: by, from, like, to(-ward), with. See also: Ezra 5:2; Daniel 4:12; Daniel 7:21.
חֵיוַ֤ת 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.
בָּרָ/א֙ 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.
חֲלָקֵ֔/הּ chălâq H2508 "portion" Adj | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a portion or share of something, like a part of a larger whole. It is used to describe a person's inheritance or possession. This concept is seen in the Old Testament, particularly in the book of Joshua.
Definition: portion, possession, lot Aramaic of che.leq (חֵ֫לֶק "portion" H2506A)
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: portion. See also: Ezra 4:16; Daniel 4:12; Daniel 4:20.
עַ֛ד ʻad H5705 "till" Adj
This Hebrew word is similar to H5704, meaning until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Numbers when describing the Israelites' travels.
Definition: prep 1) even to, until, up to, during conj 2) until, up to the time that, ere that
Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] and, at, for, (hither-) to, on till, (un-) to, until, within. See also: Ezra 4:21; Daniel 5:21; Daniel 7:28.
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.
שִׁבְעָ֥ה shibʻâh H7655 "seven" Adj
This word means the number seven, often considered sacred. It can also imply a week or an indefinite number, and is used to describe something happening seven times.
Definition: seven Aramaic of she.va (שֶׁ֫בַע "seven" H7651)
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: seven (times). See also: Ezra 7:14; Daniel 4:20; Daniel 4:29.
עִדָּנִ֖ין ʻiddân H5732 "time" Adj
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.
יַחְלְפ֥וּן chălaph H2499 "to pass" Adj
This Hebrew word means for time to pass or go by, like one day turning into another. It is used in the Bible to describe the passage of time, often in a neutral or matter-of-fact way.
Definition: 1) to pass by, pass over 1a) (Pe) to pass by, pass over
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: pass. See also: Daniel 4:13; Daniel 4:22; Daniel 4:29.
עֲלֽוֹ/הִי ʻal H5922 "since" Adj | Suff
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.

Study Notes — Daniel 4:20

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Daniel 4:10–12 In these visions of my mind as I was lying in bed, I saw this come to pass: There was a tree in the midst of the land, and its height was great. The tree grew large and strong; its top reached the sky, and it was visible to the ends of the earth. Its leaves were beautiful, its fruit was abundant, and upon it was food for all. Under it the beasts of the field found shelter, in its branches the birds of the air nested, and from it every creature was fed.
2 Ezekiel 31:3 Look at Assyria, a cedar in Lebanon, with beautiful branches that shaded the forest. It towered on high; its top was among the clouds.
3 Ezekiel 31:16 I made the nations quake at the sound of its downfall, when I cast it down to Sheol with those who descend to the Pit. Then all the trees of Eden, the choicest and best of Lebanon, all the well-watered trees, were consoled in the earth below.

Daniel 4:20 Summary

The tree in Daniel 4:20 is a picture of something that has grown strong and tall, reaching up to the sky and visible to everyone, much like a mighty kingdom (as described in Daniel 2:39). This represents King Nebuchadnezzar's powerful kingdom, which had spread far and wide, and was known by all (as seen in Psalm 19:4). Just like a tree needs strong roots to support its growth, we need to make sure our own 'tree' of influence and reputation is rooted in humility and a dependence on God, rather than pride and self-sufficiency, as encouraged in Jeremiah 17:7-8 and Psalm 127:1.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the tree in Daniel 4:20 represent?

The tree in Daniel 4:20 represents King Nebuchadnezzar, as explained in Daniel 4:22, and symbolizes his greatness and dominion over the earth, much like the tree in Ezekiel 31:3-9, which also represents a powerful king.

Why is the tree described as reaching the sky and visible to all the earth?

The tree is described this way to emphasize the vastness of King Nebuchadnezzar's kingdom and his reputation, which had spread far and wide, much like the description of the kingdom of Babylon in Daniel 2:39, and the reach of God's creation in Psalm 19:4.

Is the tree a symbol of pride or arrogance?

While the tree does represent King Nebuchadnezzar's greatness, it also serves as a warning against pride and arrogance, as seen in the consequences that follow in Daniel 4:23-37, and echoed in Proverbs 16:18, which warns that pride goes before a fall.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are the ways in which I, like the tree, have grown strong and visible in my own life, and how can I use this influence for God's glory?
  2. How can I, like Daniel, approach those in positions of power and authority with humility and a desire to serve, as seen in Daniel 4:19?
  3. In what ways can I ensure that my own 'tree' of influence and reputation is rooted in humility and a dependence on God, rather than pride and self-sufficiency, as encouraged in Jeremiah 17:7-8?

Gill's Exposition on Daniel 4:20

The tree which thou sawest, e.] In these two verses is related part of the dream, which respects the flourishing estate of Nebuchadnezzar and his kingdom [See comments on Daniel 4:10], [See comments

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 4:20

The tree that thou sawest, which grew, and was strong, whose height reached unto the heaven, and the sight thereof to all the earth; The tree that thou sawest ... Whose leaves were fair, and the

Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 4:20

Daniel 4:20 The tree that thou sawest, which grew, and was strong, whose height reached unto the heaven, and the sight thereof to all the earth;Ver. 20. The tree that thou sawest.] See on Daniel 4:11.

Ellicott's Commentary on Daniel 4:20

(20) It should be noticed that both in this and in the following verse the description of the tree given in Daniel 4:11-12 is curtailed. It was observed that, on the contrary, there was an expansion of details in the interpretation of the former dream. (See Note on Daniel 4:23.)

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Daniel 4:20

Verse 20. The tree that thou sawest] The dream is so fully interpreted in the following verses that it needs no comment.

Cambridge Bible on Daniel 4:20

19–27. Daniel’s interpretation of the dream.

Barnes' Notes on Daniel 4:20

The tree that thou sawest ... - In these two verses Daniel refers to the leading circumstances respecting the tree as it appeared in the dream, without any allusion as yet to the order to cut it down.

Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 4:20

20-22. See Daniel 4:10-12, and for the greatness of Nebuchadnezzar’s empire, Introduction, III, 3, 4.

Sermons on Daniel 4:20

SermonDescription
Zac Poonen From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Daniel) ch.4:1-5:31 by Zac Poonen In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Nebuchadnezzar and his encounter with God. Nebuchadnezzar had a vision of a great tree that provided shade and food for all liv
Arno Clemens Gaebelein Nebuchadnezzar's Dream Vision. His Insanity and Restoration by Arno Clemens Gaebelein Arno Clemens Gaebelein preaches on the story of King Nebuchadnezzar's pride, fall, and restoration as a warning against self-exaltation and the consequences of turning away from Go
← Daniel 4:19 Daniel 4:21 →

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

Donate