Daniel 4:25
Daniel 4:25 in Multiple Translations
You will be driven away from mankind, and your dwelling will be with the beasts of the field. You will feed on grass like an ox and be drenched with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass you by, until you acknowledge that the Most High rules over the kingdom of mankind and gives it to whom He wishes.
That they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and they shall wet thee with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass over thee, till thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.
that thou shalt be driven from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and thou shalt be made to eat grass as oxen, and shalt be wet with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass over thee; till thou know that the Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.
That they will send you out from among men, to be with the beasts of the field; they will give you grass for your food like the oxen, and you will be wet with the dew of heaven, and seven times will go by you, till you are certain that the Most High is ruler in the kingdom of men, and gives it to any man at his pleasure.
You will be driven away from human society and you will live with the wild animals. You will eat grass like the cattle, and you will be soaked with the dew of heaven. You will be like this for seven times until you acknowledge that the Most High rules over human kingdoms, and that he gives them to those he chooses.
All these things shall come vpon the King Nebuchad-nezzar.
and they are driving thee away from men, and with the beast of the field is thy dwelling, and the herb as oxen they do cause thee to eat, and by the dew of the heavens they are wetting thee, and seven times do pass over thee, till that thou knowest that the Most High is ruler in the kingdom of men, and to whom He willeth He giveth it.
You will be driven from men and your dwelling shall be with the animals of the field. You will be made to eat grass as oxen, and will be wet with the dew of the sky, and seven times shall pass over you, until you know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever he will.
That they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and they shall wet thee with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass over thee, till thou shalt know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.
All these things came upon king Nabuchodonosor.
Your advisors will force you to live away from other people. You will live in the fields with the wild animals. You will eat grass like cows do, and dew from the sky will cause your body to be damp/wet every morning. You will live that way for seven years, until you learn that it is the Supreme God who rules over the kingdoms of the world, and he appoints the ones whom he chooses to rule them.
Berean Amplified Bible — Daniel 4:25
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 4:25 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כֹּ֣לָּ/א
מְּטָ֔א
עַל
נְבוּכַדְנֶצַּ֖ר
מַלְכָּֽ/א
כֹּ֣לָּ/א
kôl
H3606
all
Adj | Art
מְּטָ֔א
mᵉṭâʼ
H4291
to reach
Adj
עַל
ʻal
H5922
since
Adj
נְבוּכַדְנֶצַּ֖ר
Nᵉbûwkadnetstsar
H5020
Nebuchadnezzar
Adj
מַלְכָּֽ/א
melek
H4430
king
Adj | Art
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 4:25
כֹּ֣לָּ/א
kôl
H3606
"all"
Adj | 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.
מְּטָ֔א
mᵉṭâʼ
H4291
"to reach"
Adj
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.
עַל
ʻal
H5922
"since"
Adj
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.
נְבוּכַדְנֶצַּ֖ר
Nᵉbûwkadnetstsar
H5020
"Nebuchadnezzar"
Adj
Nebuchadnezzar was a king of Babylon who lived during the time of the Divided Monarchy, and is first mentioned in 2 Kings 24:1. He was the father of Belshazzar and is known for capturing Jerusalem and taking Judah captive. His name is Aramaic for may Nebo protect the crown.
Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.24.1; father of: Belshazzar (H1112) Aramaic of ne.vu.khad.nets.tsar (נְבוּכַדְרֶאצַּר, נְבוּכַדְנֶצַּר "Nebuchadnezzar" H5019) § Nebuchadnezzar = "may Nebo protect the crown" the great king of Babylon who captured Jerusalem and carried Judah captive
Usage: Occurs in 30 OT verses. KJV: Nebuchadnezzar. See also: Ezra 2:1; Daniel 3:19; Daniel 5:18.
מַלְכָּֽ/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.
Study Notes — Daniel 4:25
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Daniel 4:25 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Daniel 4:25
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 4:25
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Daniel 4:25
- Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 4:25
- Ellicott's Commentary on Daniel 4:25
- Cambridge Bible on Daniel 4:25
- Barnes' Notes on Daniel 4:25
- Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 4:25
- Sermons on Daniel 4:25
Context — Daniel Interprets the Second Dream
23And you, O king, saw a watcher, a holy one, coming down from heaven and saying: ‘Cut down the tree and destroy it, but leave the stump with its roots in the ground, with a band of iron and bronze around it, in the tender grass of the field. Let him be drenched with the dew of heaven, and graze with the beasts of the field till seven times pass him by.’
24This is the interpretation, O king, and this is the decree that the Most High has issued against my lord the king:
25You will be driven away from mankind, and your dwelling will be with the beasts of the field. You will feed on grass like an ox and be drenched with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass you by, until you acknowledge that the Most High rules over the kingdom of mankind and gives it to whom He wishes.
26As for the command to leave the stump of the tree with its roots, your kingdom will be restored to you as soon as you acknowledge that Heaven rules. 27Therefore, may my advice be pleasing to you, O king. Break away from your sins by doing what is right, and from your iniquities by showing mercy to the oppressed. Perhaps there will be an extension of your prosperity.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Daniel 4:17 | This 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.’ |
| 2 | Jeremiah 27:5 | By My great power and outstretched arm, I made the earth and the men and beasts on the face of it, and I give it to whom I please. |
| 3 | Psalms 83:18 | May they know that You alone, whose name is the LORD, are Most High over all the earth. |
| 4 | Daniel 2:21 | He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. |
| 5 | Psalms 106:20 | They exchanged their Glory for the image of a grass-eating ox. |
| 6 | Job 30:3–8 | Gaunt from poverty and hunger, they gnawed the dry land, and the desolate wasteland by night. They plucked mallow among the shrubs, and the roots of the broom tree were their food. They were banished from among men, shouted down like thieves, so that they lived on the slopes of the wadis, among the rocks and in holes in the ground. They cried out among the shrubs and huddled beneath the nettles. A senseless and nameless brood, they were driven off the land. |
| 7 | Daniel 5:21–31 | He was driven away from mankind, and his mind was like that of a beast. He lived with the wild donkeys and ate grass like an ox, and his body was drenched with the dew of heaven until he acknowledged that the Most High God rules over the kingdom of mankind, setting over it whom He wishes. But you his son, O Belshazzar, have not humbled your heart, even though you knew all this. Instead, you have exalted yourself against the Lord of heaven. The vessels from His house were brought to you, and as you drank wine from them with your nobles, wives, and concubines, you praised your gods of silver and gold, bronze and iron, wood and stone, which cannot see or hear or understand. But you have failed to glorify the God who holds in His hand your very breath and all your ways. Therefore He sent the hand that wrote the inscription. Now this is the inscription that was written: MENE, MENE, TEKEL, PARSIN. And this is the interpretation of the message: MENE means that God has numbered the days of your reign and brought it to an end. TEKEL means that you have been weighed on the scales and found deficient. PERES means that your kingdom has been divided and given over to the Medes and Persians.” Then Belshazzar gave the command, and they clothed Daniel in purple, placed a gold chain around his neck, and proclaimed him the third highest ruler in the kingdom. That very night Belshazzar king of the Chaldeans was slain, and Darius the Mede received the kingdom at the age of sixty-two. |
| 8 | Psalms 75:7 | but it is God who judges; He brings down one and exalts another. |
| 9 | Mark 5:3–4 | This man had been living in the tombs and could no longer be restrained, even with chains. Though he was often bound with chains and shackles, he had broken the chains and shattered the shackles. Now there was no one with the strength to subdue him. |
| 10 | Daniel 4:32–35 | 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.” At that moment the sentence against Nebuchadnezzar was fulfilled. He was driven away from mankind. He ate grass like an ox, and his body was drenched with the dew of heaven, until his hair grew like the feathers of an eagle and his nails like the claws of a bird. But at the end of those days I, Nebuchadnezzar, looked up to heaven, and my sanity was restored to me. Then I praised the Most High, and I honored and glorified Him who lives forever: “For His dominion is an everlasting dominion, and His kingdom endures from generation to generation. All the peoples of the earth are counted as nothing, and He does as He pleases with the army of heaven and the peoples of the earth. There is no one who can restrain His hand or say to Him, ‘What have You done?’” |
Daniel 4:25 Summary
[This verse, Daniel 4:25, is telling us that the king will be punished for his pride by being forced to live like an animal, eating grass and being wet from the dew, until he acknowledges that God is in control of everything, similar to what we see in Psalm 103:19. This is a reminder that God is the one who gives power and takes it away, as seen in Daniel 2:21 and Romans 13:1-2. The king's story teaches us that true power and wisdom come from recognizing God's sovereignty over our lives. By acknowledging God's rule, we can, like the king, be restored to a right relationship with Him, as mentioned in Daniel 4:26.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be driven away from mankind and dwell with the beasts of the field?
This phrase suggests a complete removal from human society, forcing the king to live like an animal, as seen in Daniel 4:25, until he acknowledges God's sovereignty over human kingdoms, similar to what is described in Psalm 83:18 and Isaiah 37:16.
Why does the verse mention the king feeding on grass like an ox?
The image of the king eating grass like an ox in Daniel 4:25 emphasizes his complete debasement and loss of royal dignity, much like the humble state described in Matthew 5:5, where the meek will inherit the earth.
What is the significance of the seven times that shall pass the king by?
The seven times in Daniel 4:25 likely represent a period of completion or fulfillment, similar to the seven days of creation in Genesis 1:1-2:25, after which the king will come to recognize God's rule over human kingdoms, as also mentioned in Romans 13:1-2.
How does this verse relate to the king's restoration?
The king's acknowledgment of God's sovereignty, as stated in Daniel 4:25, is a condition for his restoration, as further explained in Daniel 4:26, where it is said that his kingdom will be restored when he acknowledges Heaven's rule, similar to the principle in Luke 17:33, where one must lose their life to gain it.
Reflection Questions
- What are the areas in my life where I need to acknowledge God's sovereignty, just like the king in Daniel 4:25?
- How can I, like the king, be restored to a right relationship with God by acknowledging His rule over my life?
- What are the 'beasts of the field' in my life that I need to be aware of, and how can I avoid being driven away from God's presence?
- In what ways can I humble myself, like the king who ate grass like an ox, to recognize my dependence on God?
Gill's Exposition on Daniel 4:25
That they shall drive thee from men,.... From conversation with men, as unfit for it; from his court and palace, from his nobles and princes.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 4:25
That they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and they shall wet thee with the dew of heaven, and seven
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Daniel 4:25
Because thou hast lived a brutish, epicurean life, and wert lifted up above the common race of mankind in thy heart, therefore thy fate shall be, not to be cast out to live among the basest and meanest sort of men, which were hard enough; no, not among herdsmen, as if that were too good for him; but among the beasts, to herd with them. This was such a thundering peal, that it was wonderful the king could endure to hear without wrath and fury boiling in his heart, yet the Lord withheld him. How hard is it for lofty princes to learn this lesson, that God is the giver of all they have, and will call them to account severely for all they do, and make the kings and kingdoms of the world to know they are his, and not theirs, and that their tenure is but at the will of the Lord solely, who can alter and alienate the property of all their enjoyments, being the high Lord paramount above all!
Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 4:25
Daniel 4:25 That they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and they shall wet thee with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass over thee, till thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.Ver. 25. That they shall drive thee.] He saith not who, whether angels or men, nor whither, for avoiding of envy and displeasure. This was a high point of heavenly wisdom, which adviseth to observe, “ Quis, quid, ubi, quibus auxiliis, cur, quomodo, quando. ” Nebuchadnezzar, who had driven so many before him out of their countries, is now, by a just judgment of God, himself driven out from company, lest, being mad, he should do much mischief: for his brutish conditions, he had now the brutes for his companions. He was wont to be fed with dainty fare; he now eateth grass as an ox. For his purple robe, horrido pilo totus obtegitur, he is all covered with hair; and for his precious ointments he is wet with the dew of heaven, ferinae vitae damnatus. His disease, say some, was the lycanthropy; not a frenzy only, as that of Ericus, King of Sweden, who, being expelled his kingdom, for grief fell mad; for, besides the brutish change of his mind, his body was much changed in feeding and living among wild beasts. Deformed he was, not transformed, so that the beasts took him for a beast, as going upon all four, and feeding as they did, although in shape differing from them, as a monster among them. But when all is said that can be said, sure it is that this change was supernatural, as appeareth by the occasion, manner, degree, time, &c., every circumstance seeming a new creation. And seven times shall pass over thee.] For the glory of God’ s justice in his expulsion, and of his mercy in his restoration. See Daniel 4:16.
Till thou know.] God will be sure to tame his rebels, for is it fit that he should lay down the bucklers first? Oecolampadius; Diod. Willet. Mr Huet.
Ellicott's Commentary on Daniel 4:25
(25) They shall drive thee.—The third person plural verb in the active with an impersonal subject frequently stands for the second person singular passive. Thus these words mean “thou shalt be driven.” (Comp. Luke 16:9.)
Cambridge Bible on Daniel 4:25
25. The sense of vv.15, 16, 17 b explained more distinctly: Nebuchadnezzar, imagining himself to be an animal, will act himself, and be treated by others, accordingly. that they shall drive thee … and they shall make thee to eat … and they shall wet thee] R.V. that thou shalt be driven … and thou shalt be made to eat … and shalt be wet. In Aramaic, the 3rd pers. plur. with indef. subject is often used where we should employ the passive, even though the agent implicitly referred to is God, see e.g. Daniel 2:30 (lit. ‘that they should make known’), Daniel 3:4 (lit. ‘they command’), Daniel 4:16 (lit. ‘let them change … let them give’), 31 (lit. ‘they speak’),—in all which passages A.V. itself paraphrases by the passive. The same usage occurs sometimes in Biblical Hebrew (see on Daniel 1:12); and it is frequent in the later language, as Abhoth, iv. 7 (cited on Daniel 4:26)[242]. Cf. Matthew 5:15; Luke 6:38; Luke 6:44; Luke 12:20 (ἀπαιτοῦσιν); Revelation 12:6 τρέφωσιν (Daniel 4:14 τρέφεται). [242] See further examples in Dalman, Die Worte Jesu (1898), p. 184.
Barnes' Notes on Daniel 4:25
That they shall drive thee from men - That is, thou shalt be driven from the habitations of men; from the place which thou hast occupied among men.
Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 4:25
25. Kuenen (Onderzoek, 2:487, note 5) discredits entirely this story of Nebuchadnezzar’s temporary insanity, but most modern scholars, including some of the leading Assyriologists, believe,
Sermons on Daniel 4:25
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Esther #3 Ch. 5-7 by Chuck Missler | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Esther from the Bible. He highlights a scene where the king wants to reward Mordecai, but Haman, who wants to hang Mordecai, co |
|
Some Considerations Proposed to the City of London, &C. by Isaac Penington | Isaac Penington preaches a sermon urging the City of London and the nation of England to calm their spirits and wait for the Lord's plans, cautioning against rushing into ruin and |
|
God the Sovereign of All Kingdoms by Samuel Davies | Samuel Davies preaches about the sovereignty of God over the kingdoms of men, emphasizing that God's omnipotence did not end after creation but continues to govern the world. He ex |
|
Pray for Kings - Part 7 by Chip Brogden | This sermon emphasizes the importance of praying for those in authority, especially when secular governments go astray or persecute believers. It highlights the spiritual authority |
|
Two Kingdoms by Dean Taylor | This sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding the concept of the two kingdoms, highlighting the need to grasp the teachings of Jesus. It delves into the historical context |
|
Nebuchadnezzar's Dream by Arno Clemens Gaebelein | Arno Clemens Gaebelein preaches on the prophetic unfolding in the Book of Daniel, focusing on the great pivotal chapter introducing the times of the Gentiles. The chapter reveals t |
|
Dvd 33 the Theocratic Kingdom by Art Katz | This sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding the mystery of Israel's restoration and its inseparable connection to the establishment of God's rule on earth through a lite |