Daniel 4:5

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Daniel 4:5 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

I had a dream, and it frightened me; while in my bed, the images and visions in my mind alarmed me.

King James Version KJV

I saw a dream which made me afraid, and the thoughts upon my bed and the visions of my head troubled me.

American Standard Version ASV

I saw a dream which made me afraid; and the thoughts upon my bed and the visions of my head troubled me.

Bible in Basic English BBE

I saw a dream which was a cause of great fear to me; I was troubled by the images of my mind on my bed, and by the visions of my head.

Free Bible Version FBV

But then one night I had a dream that really scared me—I saw visions that terrified me while I lay in my bed.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Till at the last Daniel came before mee, (whose name was Belteshazzar, according to the name of my god, which hath the spirite of the holy gods in him) and before him I tolde the dreame, saying,

Young's Literal Translation YLT

a dream I have seen, and it maketh me afraid, and the conceptions on my bed, and the visions of my head, do trouble me.

World English Bible WEB

I saw a dream which made me afraid; and the thoughts on my bed and the visions of my head troubled me.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

I saw a dream which made me afraid, and the thoughts upon my bed and the visions of my head troubled me.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Till their colleague Daniel came in before me, whose name is Baltassar, according to the name of my god, who hath in him the spirit of the holy gods: and I told the dream before him.

Translation for Translators T4T

But one night I had a dream that caused me to be very afraid. I saw visions that terrified me as I lay on my bed.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Daniel 4:5

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 4:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וְ/עַ֣ד אָחֳרֵ֡ין עַל֩ קָֽדָמַ֨/י דָּנִיֵּ֜אל דִּֽי שְׁמֵ֤/הּ בֵּלְטְשַׁאצַּר֙ כְּ/שֻׁ֣ם אֱלָהִ֔/י וְ/דִ֛י רֽוּחַ אֱלָהִ֥ין קַדִּישִׁ֖ין בֵּ֑/הּ וְ/חֶלְמָ֖/א קָֽדָמ֥וֹ/הִי אַמְרֵֽת

וְ/עַ֣ד ʻad H5705 till Adj | Prep

אָחֳרֵ֡ין ʼochŏrêyn H318 finally Adj

עַל֩ ʻălal H5954 to come Adj

קָֽדָמַ֨/י qŏdâm H6925 before Adj | Suff

דָּנִיֵּ֜אל Dânîyêʼl H1841 Daniel Adj

דִּֽי dîy H1768 that Adj

שְׁמֵ֤/הּ shum H8036 name Adj | Suff

בֵּלְטְשַׁאצַּר֙ Bêlṭᵉshaʼtstsar H1096 Belteshazzar Adj

כְּ/שֻׁ֣ם shum H8036 name Adj | N-ms

אֱלָהִ֔/י ʼĕlâhh H426 god Adj | Suff

וְ/דִ֛י dîy H1768 that Adj | Rel

רֽוּחַ rûwach H7308 spirit Adj

אֱלָהִ֥ין ʼĕlâhh H426 god Adj

קַדִּישִׁ֖ין qaddîysh H6922 holy Adj

בֵּ֑/הּ Adj | Suff

וְ/חֶלְמָ֖/א chêlem H2493 dream Adj | N-ms | Art

קָֽדָמ֥וֹ/הִי qŏdâm H6925 before Adj | Suff

אַמְרֵֽת ʼămar H560 to say Adj

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Daniel 4:5

וְ/עַ֣ד ʻad H5705 "till" Adj | Prep

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.

אָחֳרֵ֡ין ʼochŏrêyn H318 "finally" Adj

This Hebrew word means finally or last, used to describe the end of a time period or a remaining part of something. It appears in Deuteronomy and Isaiah, marking the conclusion of events. The word signifies a sense of completion.

Definition: 1) end, outcome 1a) hid part (of cows) 1b) end (of time) 1c) remnant, descendants

Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: at last. See also: Daniel 4:5.

עַל֩ ʻălal H5954 "to come" Adj

This word means to enter or come into a place, and it can also mean to introduce someone or something. In the Bible, it is used to describe entering a room or bringing someone in. The KJV translates it as come in or bring in.

Definition: 1) to thrust in, go in, come in 1a) (P'al) to go in, come in 1b) (Aphel) to bring in 1c) (Hophal) to be brought in

Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: bring in, come in, go in. See also: Daniel 2:16; Daniel 5:7; Daniel 6:19.

קָֽדָמַ֨/י qŏdâm H6925 "before" Adj | Suff

Before something or someone, like in the book of Isaiah where it talks about things that happened before. It can also mean in front of or from the presence of, as seen in the story of Moses and the burning bush in Exodus.

Definition: 1) before, in front of 1a) before 1b) from before

Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: before, [idiom] from, [idiom] I (thought), [idiom] me, [phrase] of, [idiom] it pleased, presence. See also: Ezra 4:18; Daniel 5:13; Daniel 7:20.

דָּנִיֵּ֜אל Dânîyêʼl H1841 "Daniel" Adj

The prophet Daniel, also called Belteshazzar, lived during the Exile and Return, and his name means God is my judge.

Definition: A prophet living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Ezk.14.14; also called Belteshazzar at Dan.1.7; 2.26; 4.8,9,18,19; 5.12; 10.1; Aramaic of da.niy.yel (דָּנִיֵּאל, דָּנִאֵל "Daniel" H1840) § Daniel = "God is my judge" 1) the 4th of the greater prophets, taken as hostage in the first deportation to Babylon, because of the gift of God of the interpretation of dreams, he became the 2nd in command of the Babylon empire and lasted through the end of the Babylonian empire and into the Persian empire. His prophecies are the key to the understanding of end time events. Noted for his purity and holiness by contemporary prophet, Ezekiel 1a) also, 'Belteshazzar' (H01095 or H01096)

Usage: Occurs in 43 OT verses. KJV: Daniel. See also: Daniel 2:13; Daniel 5:29; 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.

שְׁמֵ֤/הּ shum H8036 "name" Adj | Suff

This word for name is similar to H8034, but used in Aramaic portions of the Bible, still referring to a person's identity or reputation. It carries the same meaning as H8034, emphasizing the significance of names in biblical culture. This concept appears in various biblical books.

Definition: name Aramaic of shem (שֵׁם "name" H8034)

Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: name. See also: Ezra 5:1; Daniel 2:20; Daniel 5:12.

בֵּלְטְשַׁאצַּר֙ Bêlṭᵉshaʼtstsar H1096 "Belteshazzar" Adj

Belteshazzar, another name for Daniel, appears in Daniel 1:7 and 10:1. It signifies Daniel's role as a prophet with God's gift of interpretation.

Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Ezk.14.14; also called Belteshazzar at Dan.1.7; 2.26; 4.8,9,18,19; 5.12; 10.1; Aramaic of da.niy.yel (דָּנִיֵּאל, דָּנִאֵל "Daniel" H1840) § Belteshazzar = "lord of the straitened's treasure" 1) the 4th of the greater prophets, taken as hostage in the first deportation to Babylon; because of the gift of God of the interpretation of dreams, he became the 2nd in command of the Babylon empire and lasted through the end of the Babylonian empire and into the Persian empire. His prophecies are the key to the understanding of end time events. Noted for his purity and holiness by contemporary prophet, Ezekiel 1a) also, 'Daniel' (H1840 or H1841)

Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: Belteshazzar. See also: Daniel 2:26; Daniel 4:15; Daniel 5:12.

כְּ/שֻׁ֣ם shum H8036 "name" Adj | N-ms

Definition: name Aramaic of shem (שֵׁם "name" H8034)

Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: name. See also: Ezra 5:1; Daniel 2:20; Daniel 5:12.

אֱלָהִ֔/י ʼĕlâhh H426 "god" Adj | Suff

This word means God, referring to the God of Israel or a heathen deity, as seen in various KJV translations. It is used to describe a divine being.

Definition: 1) god, God 1a) god, heathen deity 1b) God (of Israel)

Usage: Occurs in 78 OT verses. KJV: God, god. See also: Ezra 4:24; Daniel 2:19; Jeremiah 10:11.

וְ/דִ֛י dîy H1768 "that" Adj | Rel

Definition: part of relation 1) who, which, that mark of genitive 2) that of, which belongs to, that conj 3) that, because

רֽוּחַ rûwach H7308 "spirit" Adj

This word for spirit is used to describe the wind, a person's mind, or their emotions, and is seen in the writings of King Solomon.

Definition: 1) spirit, wind 1a) wind 1b) spirit 1b1) of man 1b2) seat of the mind

Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: mind, spirit, wind. See also: Daniel 2:35; Daniel 5:12; Daniel 7:15.

אֱלָהִ֥ין ʼĕlâhh H426 "god" Adj

This word means God, referring to the God of Israel or a heathen deity, as seen in various KJV translations. It is used to describe a divine being.

Definition: 1) god, God 1a) god, heathen deity 1b) God (of Israel)

Usage: Occurs in 78 OT verses. KJV: God, god. See also: Ezra 4:24; Daniel 2:19; Jeremiah 10:11.

קַדִּישִׁ֖ין qaddîysh H6922 "holy" 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.

בֵּ֑/הּ "" Adj | Suff

וְ/חֶלְמָ֖/א chêlem H2493 "dream" Adj | N-ms | Art

This word simply means a dream, like the ones Joseph had in Genesis 37. It appears in the Bible when someone has a vision or dream from God.

Definition: dream Aramaic of cha.lom (חֲלוֹם "dream" H2472)

Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: dream. See also: Daniel 2:4; Daniel 4:2; Daniel 7:1.

קָֽדָמ֥וֹ/הִי qŏdâm H6925 "before" Adj | Suff

Definition: 1) before, in front of 1a) before 1b) from before

Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: before, [idiom] from, [idiom] I (thought), [idiom] me, [phrase] of, [idiom] it pleased, presence. See also: Ezra 4:18; Daniel 5:13; Daniel 7:20.

אַמְרֵֽת ʼămar H560 "to say" Adj

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.

Study Notes — Daniel 4:5

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Daniel 4:5 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Daniel 4:5
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 4:5
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Daniel 4:5
Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 4:5
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Daniel 4:5
Cambridge Bible on Daniel 4:5
Barnes' Notes on Daniel 4:5
Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 4:5
Sermons on Daniel 4:5

Context — Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream of a Great Tree

3How great are His signs, how mighty His wonders! His kingdom is an eternal kingdom; His dominion endures from generation to generation. 4I, Nebuchadnezzar, was at ease in my house and flourishing in my palace.

5I had a dream, and it frightened me; while I was in my bed, the images and visions in my mind alarmed me.

6So I issued a decree that all the wise men of Babylon be brought before me to interpret the dream for me. 7When the magicians, enchanters, astrologers, and diviners came in, I told them the dream, but they could not interpret it for me.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Daniel 2:1	In the second year of his reign, Nebuchadnezzar had dreams that troubled his spirit, and sleep escaped him.
2	Job 7:13–14	When I think my bed will comfort me and my couch will ease my complaint, then You frighten me with dreams and terrify me with visions,
3	Daniel 2:28–29	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: As you lay on your bed, O king, your thoughts turned to the future, and the Revealer of Mysteries made known to you what will happen.
4	Genesis 41:1	After two full years had passed, Pharaoh had a dream: He was standing beside the Nile,
5	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.”
6	Daniel 5:5–6	At that moment the fingers of a human hand appeared and wrote on the plaster of the wall, near the lampstand in the royal palace. As the king watched the hand that was writing, his face grew pale and his thoughts so alarmed him that his hips gave way and his knees knocked together.
7	Daniel 5:10	Hearing the outcry of the king and his nobles, the queen entered the banquet hall. “O king, may you live forever!” she said. “Do not let your thoughts terrify you, or your face grow pale.

Daniel 4:5 Summary

This verse tells us that King Nebuchadnezzar had a dream that frightened him and left him feeling uneasy, as stated in Daniel 4:5. This dream was so disturbing that it caused him to seek help from his advisors, as described in Daniel 4:6-7, and this seeking of wisdom and guidance is a key aspect of his spiritual journey. Just like Nebuchadnezzar, we may experience times of uncertainty or fear, but we can take comfort in knowing that God is always with us and desires to guide us, as promised in Isaiah 41:10 and Psalm 23:4. By seeking God's presence and guidance, we can find peace and wisdom, even in the midst of challenging circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was Nebuchadnezzar frightened by his dream?

Nebuchadnezzar was frightened by his dream because it was a disturbing and uninterpretable vision that left him feeling uneasy and seeking understanding, as seen in Daniel 4:5, and this fear is a natural human response to the unknown, as described in Proverbs 28:1.

What kind of images and visions appeared to Nebuchadnezzar in his dream?

The Bible does not specify the exact nature of the images and visions that appeared to Nebuchadnezzar, but it is clear that they were alarming and left a lasting impression on him, as stated in Daniel 4:5, and this is reminiscent of other prophetic dreams in the Bible, such as those experienced by Joseph in Genesis 37:5-11.

Is it significant that Nebuchadnezzar was at ease in his house and flourishing in his palace before having the dream?

Yes, it is significant because it highlights the contrast between Nebuchadnezzar's outward prosperity and his inner turmoil, as described in Daniel 4:4-5, and this contrast is a common theme in the Bible, as seen in Luke 12:15-21, where Jesus warns against trusting in wealth and material possessions.

How does Nebuchadnezzar's response to his dream reflect his character?

Nebuchadnezzar's response to his dream reflects his character as a seeking and humble individual, as he recognizes his limitations and seeks help from others, as seen in Daniel 4:6-7, and this humility is a key aspect of his spiritual journey, as described in Daniel 4:37, where he acknowledges the sovereignty of God.

Reflection Questions

What are some areas in my life where I am seeking comfort and security, and how might God be using circumstances to awaken me to His presence?
How do I respond to disturbing or uninterpretable events in my life, and what can I learn from Nebuchadnezzar's example of seeking help and guidance?
What are some ways that I can cultivate a sense of humility and recognition of my limitations, as Nebuchadnezzar did in response to his dream?
How can I apply the principle of seeking wisdom and guidance from God and others, as Nebuchadnezzar did in Daniel 4:6-7, to my own life and decision-making processes?

Gill's Exposition on Daniel 4:5

I saw a dream which made me afraid,.... Things were represented to his fancy in a dream, as if he saw them with his eyes, as the tree, its leaves and fruit; the shaking and cutting it down to the stump, c.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 4:5

I saw a dream which made me afraid, and the thoughts upon my bed and the visions of my head troubled me. No JFB commentary on this verse.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Daniel 4:5

There is no felicity in this world lasting; a black cloud, big with storm and tempest, spoils the fairest sun-shine day. They that fear not God shall be frighted by him. God doth justly make epicures and tyrants uneasy in the midst of their fool’ s paradise, where if the fool saith in his heart, There is no God, he shall soon find in his heart to think otherwise.

Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 4:5

Daniel 4:5 I saw a dream which made me afraid, and the thoughts upon my bed and the visions of my head troubled me.Ver. 5. I saw a dream, which made me afraid.] It is seldom seen that God alloweth unto the greatest darlings of the world a perfect contentment; something they must complain of that shall give an unsavoury verdure to their sweetest morsels, and make their very felicity miserable.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Daniel 4:5

Verse 5. I saw a dream] See this dream circumstantially explained in the following verses.

Cambridge Bible on Daniel 4:5

5. the thoughts] imaginations (without the art.); cf. R.V. marg. The word is a peculiar one, and is found only here in the O.T. The idea expressed by it is probably that of fancyings, imaginings (in Syr. it means a mirage); in the Targums it is used especially (like the cognate verb) of sinful imaginations, as Isaiah 57:17 (for the Heb. ‘way’), Ezekiel 38:10. visions of my head] Daniel 2:28. troubled me] alarmed me: cf. Daniel 4:19, Daniel 5:6; Daniel 5:10, Daniel 7:15; Daniel 7:28; also Daniel 5:9. The corresponding Hebrew word means to perturb or dismay.

Barnes' Notes on Daniel 4:5

I saw a dream - That is, he saw a representation made to him in a dream. There is something incongruous in our language in saying of one that he saw a dream.

Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 4:5

5-7. See notes Daniel 2:1-2. In the coronation decree of Nabonidus recently found in the ruins of Babylon (see Babylonian and Oriental Record, September, 1896) this king, the father of Belshazzar,

Sermons on Daniel 4:5

	Sermon	Description
	Nebuchadnezzars Dream by Peter Bisset	In this sermon, the preacher draws parallels between the story of Daniel and the plight of sinners who are under the sentence of death. He emphasizes that it doesn't matter what me
	God's Provision for the Children of Israel by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the provision of God for the children of Israel as they journeyed through the wilderness. He begins by highlighting the contrasting rea
	(Genesis) Genesis 41 Introduction by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Joseph in Genesis chapter 41. Joseph, who was previously forgotten and imprisoned, is released when he interprets Pharaoh's dre
	(Daniel: The Man God Uses #2) the Revelation of Christ by Ed Miller	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the dream of a statue or man with different body parts made of different materials. He explains that these represent different kingdoms, star
	Study in Daniel 3 Daniel-3 by William MacDonald	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the book of Daniel. He highlights the moment when King Nebuchadnezzar sees a fourth man in
	The Attributes of God by Thomas Watson	Thomas Watson preaches about the attributes of God, focusing on His omnipresence, immutability, eternity, and wisdom. He highlights God's infinite presence in all places at once, H
	The Meaning of the Church by Raymond Golsworthy	Raymond Golsworthy delves into the mystery and importance of the church, emphasizing that it is not a physical building but rather 'people' saved by the Lord, added to daily by God