Daniel 4:6

Daniel 4:6 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

So I issued a decree that all the wise men of Babylon be brought before me to interpret the dream for me.

King James Version KJV

Therefore made I a decree to bring in all the wise men of Babylon before me, that they might make known unto me the interpretation of the dream.

American Standard Version ASV

Therefore made I a decree to bring in all the wise men of Babylon before me, that they might make known unto me the interpretation of the dream.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And I gave orders for all the wise men of Babylon to come in before me so that they might make clear to me the sense of my dream.

Free Bible Version FBV

So I ordered all the wise men of Babylon brought before me to explain the dream to me.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

O Belteshazzar, chiefe of the enchanters, because I know, that the spirit of the holy gods is in thee, and no secret troubleth thee, tell mee the visions of my dreame, that I haue seene and the interpretation thereof.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And by me a decree is made, to cause all the wise men of Babylon to come up before me, that the interpretation of the dream they may cause me to know.

World English Bible WEB

Therefore I made a decree to bring in all the wise men of Babylon before me, that they might make known to me the interpretation of the dream.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Therefore I made a decree to bring in all the wise men of Babylon before me, that they might make known to me the interpretation of the dream.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Baltassar, prince of the diviners, because I know that thou hast in thee the spirit of the holy gods, and that no secret is impossible to thee: tell me the visions of my dreams that I have seen, and the interpretation of them.

Translation for Translators T4T

So I summoned all the wise men in Babylon, in order that they would come and tell me what it meant.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Daniel 4:6

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 4:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB בֵּלְטְשַׁאצַּר֮ רַ֣ב חַרְטֻמַיָּ/א֒ דִּ֣י אֲנָ֣ה יִדְעֵ֗ת דִּ֠י ר֣וּחַ אֱלָהִ֤ין קַדִּישִׁין֙ בָּ֔/ךְ וְ/כָל רָ֖ז לָא אָנֵ֣ס לָ֑/ךְ חֶזְוֵ֨י חֶלְמִ֧/י דִֽי חֲזֵ֛ית וּ/פִשְׁרֵ֖/הּ אֱמַֽר

בֵּלְטְשַׁאצַּר֮ Bêlṭᵉshaʼtstsar H1096 Belteshazzar Adj

רַ֣ב rab H7229 great Adj

חַרְטֻמַיָּ/א֒ charṭôm H2749 magician Adj | Art

דִּ֣י dîy H1768 that Adj

אֲנָ֣ה ʼănâʼ H576 me Adj

יִדְעֵ֗ת yᵉdaʻ H3046 to know Adj

דִּ֠י dîy H1768 that Adj

ר֣וּחַ rûwach H7308 spirit Adj

אֱלָהִ֤ין ʼĕlâhh H426 god Adj

קַדִּישִׁין֙ qaddîysh H6922 holy Adj

בָּ֔/ךְ Adj | Suff

וְ/כָל kôl H3606 all Adj | N-ms

רָ֖ז râz H7328 mystery Adj

לָא lâʼ H3809 not Adj

אָנֵ֣ס ʼănaç H598 to constrain Adj

לָ֑/ךְ Adj | Suff

חֶזְוֵ֨י chêzêv H2376 vision Adj

חֶלְמִ֧/י chêlem H2493 dream Adj | Suff

דִֽי dîy H1768 that Adj

חֲזֵ֛ית chăzâʼ H2370 to see Adj

וּ/פִשְׁרֵ֖/הּ pᵉshar H6591 interpretation Adj | N-ms | Suff

אֱמַֽר ʼămar H560 to say Adj

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Daniel 4:6

בֵּלְטְשַׁאצַּר֮ 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.

רַ֣ב rab H7229 "great" Adj

Means great or abundant, used to describe powerful leaders like captains or chiefs in the Bible, such as in Exodus and Numbers.

Definition: adj 1) great 1a) great 1b) great (fig of power) n 2) captain, chief

Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: captain, chief, great, lord, master, stout. See also: Ezra 4:10; Daniel 2:45; Daniel 7:20.

חַרְטֻמַיָּ/א֒ charṭôm H2749 "magician" Adj | Art

In the Bible, this term is used to describe a magician or astrologer who practices divination and claims to have secret knowledge. These individuals were believed to possess mystical powers and were often associated with pagan practices.

Definition: magician, magician-astrologer Aramaic of char.tom (חַרְטֹם "magician" H2748)

Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: magician. See also: Daniel 2:10; Daniel 4:4; Daniel 5:11.

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.

אֲנָ֣ה ʼănâʼ H576 "me" Adj

This is the Hebrew word for I or me, often used to emphasize the speaker. In the book of Daniel, it is used by the prophet to express his own thoughts and feelings.

Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis) Aramaic of a.ni (אֲנִי, אָֽנֹכִ֫י "I" H0589)

Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: I, as for me. See also: Ezra 6:12; Daniel 4:6; Daniel 7:28.

יִדְעֵ֗ת yᵉdaʻ H3046 "to know" Adj

To know in Hebrew can also mean to let someone know or communicate, and is used in different forms, such as to certify, inform, or teach, in the Bible.

Definition: 1) to know 1a) (P'al) to know 1b) (Aphel) to let someone know, communicate, inform, cause to know

Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: certify, know, make known, teach. See also: Ezra 4:12; Daniel 2:30; Daniel 7:16.

דִּ֠י dîy H1768 "that" Adj

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

ר֣וּחַ 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.

אֱלָהִ֤ין 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.

קַדִּישִׁין֙ 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.

בָּ֔/ךְ "" Adj | Suff

וְ/כָל kôl H3606 "all" Adj | N-ms

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.

רָ֖ז râz H7328 "mystery" Adj

This Hebrew word means a secret or mystery, often referring to something hidden or unknown. It appears in the Bible as a secret or confidential matter. In the KJV, it is translated as secret.

Definition: secret

Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: secret. See also: Daniel 2:18; Daniel 2:29; Daniel 4:6.

לָא lâʼ H3809 "not" Adj

Means 'not' or 'nothing', often used to show something is absent or non-existent, like in Genesis. It implies a simple or absolute negation. Used over 2000 times in the Bible.

Definition: no, not, nothing Aramaic of lo (לֹא "not" H3808)

Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: or even, neither, no(-ne, -r), (can-) not, as nothing, without. See also: Ezra 4:13; Daniel 3:16; Jeremiah 10:11.

אָנֵ֣ס ʼănaç H598 "to constrain" Adj

This Hebrew word means to force or constrain someone, often causing them distress. It can also mean to oppress or trouble someone, as seen in the experiences of the Israelites. The word is used to describe a sense of hardship or struggle.

Definition: (P'al) to oppress, compel, constrain Aramaic of a.nas (אָנַס "to compel" H0597)

Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: trouble. See also: Daniel 4:6.

לָ֑/ךְ "" Adj | Suff

חֶזְוֵ֨י chêzêv H2376 "vision" Adj

This word means a sight or appearance, often referring to a vision or dream. It is used in the Bible to describe what people see, either physically or spiritually.

Definition: 1) vision, appearance 1a) vision 1b) appearance

Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: look, vision. See also: Daniel 2:19; Daniel 7:1; Daniel 7:20.

חֶלְמִ֧/י chêlem H2493 "dream" Adj | Suff

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.

דִֽי dîy H1768 "that" Adj

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

חֲזֵ֛ית 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.

וּ/פִשְׁרֵ֖/הּ pᵉshar H6591 "interpretation" Adj | N-ms | Suff

This word refers to the explanation or meaning of something, like a dream. It is used in Daniel 2 and 4 to describe the interpretation of King Nebuchadnezzar's dreams. The word is about finding the solution to a mystery.

Definition: interpretation (of dream) Aramaic of pit.ron (פִּתְרוֹן "interpretation" H6623)

Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: interpretation. See also: Daniel 2:4; Daniel 4:4; Daniel 7:16.

אֱמַֽר 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 4:6

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Daniel 4:6 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Daniel 4:6
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 4:6
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Daniel 4:6
Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 4:6
Cambridge Bible on Daniel 4:6
Barnes' Notes on Daniel 4:6
Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 4:6
Sermons on Daniel 4:6

Context — Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream of a Great Tree

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. 8But 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:

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Daniel 2:2	So the king gave orders to summon the magicians, enchanters, sorcerers, and astrologers to explain his dreams. When they came and stood before the king,
2	Genesis 41:7–8	And the thin heads of grain swallowed up the seven plump, ripe ones. Then Pharaoh awoke and realized it was a dream. 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	Isaiah 8:19	When men tell you to consult the spirits of the dead and the spiritists who whisper and mutter, shouldn’t a people consult their God instead? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living?
4	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.

Daniel 4:6 Summary

In this verse, King Nebuchadnezzar is trying to understand a dream that has frightened him, so he calls for all the wise men in Babylon to come and interpret it for him. This shows that even powerful leaders can be unsure and seeking answers, just like we are sometimes. As we see in Psalm 25:4-5, God is the one who guides us and teaches us His paths, and we can trust in His wisdom, just like Daniel did when he interpreted the king's dream, as seen in Daniel 4:19-37. By seeking God's guidance and truth, we can find peace and understanding, even in uncertain times, as promised in Isaiah 26:3-4.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did King Nebuchadnezzar call for all the wise men of Babylon to interpret his dream?

King Nebuchadnezzar called for the wise men because he was seeking an understanding of his dream, which had frightened him, as seen in Daniel 4:5, and he believed they could provide the interpretation he needed, similar to how Pharaoh sought interpretation of his dreams in Genesis 41:8.

What kind of wise men did King Nebuchadnezzar summon?

The wise men of Babylon included magicians, enchanters, astrologers, and diviners, as mentioned in Daniel 4:7, who were believed to have the ability to interpret dreams and understand the mysteries of the universe, much like the wise men in Exodus 7:11-12 who opposed Moses.

Was King Nebuchadnezzar's approach to understanding his dream similar to how people today might seek answers?

Yes, King Nebuchadnezzar's approach to seeking interpretation of his dream is similar to how people today might seek answers, as seen in Isaiah 2:6, where people seek guidance from various sources, but ultimately, true understanding and wisdom come from God, as proclaimed in Proverbs 2:6.

How does this event relate to the broader theme of the book of Daniel?

This event in Daniel 4:6 sets the stage for the revelation of God's power and wisdom through Daniel, as seen in Daniel 4:8-37, and highlights the king's growing awareness of the one true God, as expressed in Daniel 4:34-37, and Daniel's role as a messenger of God's truth, similar to the prophets in Ezekiel 2:1-7.

Reflection Questions

What are some times in my life when I have sought guidance or interpretation, and how did I go about finding the answers I needed?
How does King Nebuchadnezzar's experience with his dream relate to my own experiences with uncertainty or fear, and what can I learn from his example?
In what ways can I, like King Nebuchadnezzar, recognize the limitations of human wisdom and seek a deeper understanding of God's truth, as seen in Psalm 119:66?
What role does faith and trust in God play in my decision-making and problem-solving, and how can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's sovereignty, as expressed in Romans 11:33-36?

Gill's Exposition on Daniel 4:6

Therefore made I a decree,.... Published a proclamation; signifying it was his mind and will to bring in all the wise men of Babylon before him; all together, supposing that one or other of them, or

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 4:6

Therefore made I a decree to bring in all the wise men of Babylon before me, that they might make known unto me the interpretation of the dream.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Daniel 4:6

Though he had experienced before that these wise men were fooled, and could do nothing either in telling or interpreting his dream, Daniel 2, yet he will try them once again, possibly because they might gain fresh credit with the king; or he would hear what they could do, and if they failed him, he would then make use of Daniel whom he had in reserve. Perhaps these Chaldean doctors and wizards shunned and scorned Daniel’ s company, and he was as much shy of theirs; therefore they came not together; but God had disposed of this whole scene, and, for the honour of his name, suffered Daniel not to be sent for till the last.

Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 4:6

Daniel 4:6 Therefore made I a decree to bring in all the wise [men] of Babylon before me, that they might make known unto me the interpretation of the dream.Ver. 6. Therefore I made a decree to bring in all the wise men of Babylon.] Whom yet he had formerly found to be no better than braggarts and impostors. Was this man truly converted?

Cambridge Bible on Daniel 4:6

6. The ‘wise men’ of Babylon (Daniel 2:12) were summoned before the king, as on the occasion of his previous dream (Daniel 2:2).

Barnes' Notes on Daniel 4:6

Therefore made I a decree - The word here rendered decree (טעם ṭe‛êm) means, commonly, “taste, flavor,” as of wine; then “judgment, discernment, reason;” and then a judgment of a king, a mandate, edict. Compare Daniel 3:10.

Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 4:6

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 4:6

	Sermon	Description
	(Isaiah) How to Prepare for God’s Judgment by David Guzik	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of focusing on the word of God and seeking guidance from it. He encourages the audience to trust in God and look to Him for he
	Alternative Medicine—the Biblical Perspective (Part 1) by Mose Stoltzfus	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the prevalent superstitious beliefs and practices among people, such as relying on omens and lucky charms. He emphasizes that throughout hist
	The Ancient Prophets by Samuel Logan Brengle	Samuel Logan Brengle reflects on his lifelong engagement with the Bible, emphasizing its timeless relevance and the profound lessons drawn from the lives of ancient prophets. He sh
	Spirits That Peep and Mutter by D.L. Moody	D.L. Moody emphasizes the dangers of seeking guidance from familiar spirits and wizards, urging believers to turn to God instead. He warns that those who promote doctrines contrary
	So Saul Died for His Trespass. by F.B. Meyer	F.B. Meyer reflects on the tragic end of Saul, emphasizing his threefold trespass against God: failing to obey God's command regarding Amalek, seeking counsel from a medium, and ne
	A Short Examination of Some of the Scripture-Proofs, Alledged by the Divines at Westminster by Robert Barclay	Robert Barclay addresses the assertions made by others regarding God's will being wholly committed to writing and the ceasing of former ways of revelation. He refutes these claims
	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