Daniel 4:7
Daniel 4:7 in Multiple Translations
When the magicians, enchanters, astrologers, and diviners came in, I told them the dream, and they could not interpret it for me.
Then came in the magicians, the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers: and I told the dream before them; but they did not make known unto me the interpretation thereof.
Then came in the magicians, the enchanters, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers; and I told the dream before them; but they did not make known unto me the interpretation thereof.
Then the wonder-workers, the users of secret arts, the Chaldaeans, and the readers of signs came in to me: and I put the dream before them but they did not make clear the sense of it to me.
When the magicians, enchanters, astrologers, and diviners came in I told them the dream, but they couldn't explain to me what it meant.
Thus were the visions of mine head in my bed. And beholde, I sawe a tree in the middes of the earth and the height thereof was great:
Then coming up are the scribes, the enchanters, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers, and the dream I have told before them, and its interpretation they are not making known to me.
Then the magicians, the enchanters, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers came in; and I told them the dream, but they didn’t make known to me its interpretation.
Then came in the magicians, the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the sooth-sayers: and I told the dream before them; but they did not make known to me the interpretation of it.
This was the vision of my head in my bed: I saw, and behold a tree in the midst of the earth, and the height thereof was exceeding great.
All the men who worked magic, the fortune-tellers, the men who worked sorcery, and men who studied the stars came to me. I told them what I had dreamed, but they could not tell me what it meant.
Berean Amplified Bible — Daniel 4:7
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 4:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/חֶזְוֵ֥י
רֵאשִׁ֖/י
עַֽל
מִשְׁכְּבִ֑/י
חָזֵ֣ה
הֲוֵ֔ית
וַ/אֲל֥וּ
אִילָ֛ן
בְּ/ג֥וֹא
אַרְעָ֖/א
וְ/רוּמֵ֥/הּ
שַׂגִּֽיא
וְ/חֶזְוֵ֥י
chêzêv
H2376
vision
Adj | N-mp
רֵאשִׁ֖/י
rêʼsh
H7217
head
Adj | Suff
עַֽל
ʻal
H5922
since
Adj
מִשְׁכְּבִ֑/י
mishkab
H4903
bed
Adj | Suff
חָזֵ֣ה
chăzâʼ
H2370
to see
Adj
הֲוֵ֔ית
hâvâʼ
H1934
to be
Adj
וַ/אֲל֥וּ
ʼălûw
H431
behold
Adj | Part
אִילָ֛ן
ʼîylân
H363
tree
Adj
בְּ/ג֥וֹא
gav
H1459
midst
Adj | N-ms
אַרְעָ֖/א
ʼăraʻ
H772
earth
Adj | Art
וְ/רוּמֵ֥/הּ
rûwm
H7314
height
Adj | N-ms | Suff
שַׂגִּֽיא
saggîyʼ
H7690
greatly
Adj
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Daniel 4:7
וְ/חֶזְוֵ֥י
chêzêv
H2376
"vision"
Adj | N-mp
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.
רֵאשִׁ֖/י
rêʼsh
H7217
"head"
Adj | Suff
The Hebrew word for head can refer to the physical head or the chief of something. It is used in various contexts, including the book of Genesis and the Psalms.
Definition: 1) chief, head 1a) head (of man) 1b) head (as seat of visions) 1c) chief 1d) sum (essential content)
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: chief, head, sum. See also: Ezra 5:10; Daniel 4:7; Daniel 7:20.
עַֽל
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.
מִשְׁכְּבִ֑/י
mishkab
H4903
"bed"
Adj | Suff
In the Bible, mishkab means a bed or couch, often referring to a place for rest or sleep. It appears in various forms, including in Aramaic. This word is used to describe a physical object.
Definition: couch, bed Aramaic of mish.kav (מִשְׁכָּב "bed" H4904)
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: bed. See also: Daniel 2:28; Daniel 4:7; Daniel 7:1.
חָזֵ֣ה
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.
הֲוֵ֔ית
hâvâʼ
H1934
"to be"
Adj
Similar to H1933, this word means 'to be' or 'to exist', but with a broader range of applications, as seen in Daniel and Ezra. It can describe something coming to pass or becoming known.
Definition: 1) to come to pass, become, be 1a) (P'al) 1a1) to come to pass 1a2) to come into being, arise, become, come to be 1a2a) to let become known (with participle of knowing) 1a3) to be
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: be, become, [phrase] behold, [phrase] came (to pass), [phrase] cease, [phrase] cleave, [phrase] consider, [phrase] do, [phrase] give, [phrase] have, [phrase] judge, [phrase] keep, [phrase] labour, [phrase] mingle (self), [phrase] put, [phrase] see, [phrase] seek, [phrase] set, [phrase] slay, [phrase] take heed, tremble, [phrase] walk, [phrase] would. See also: Ezra 4:12; Daniel 4:1; Daniel 7:23.
וַ/אֲל֥וּ
ʼălûw
H431
"behold"
Adj | Part
This word means behold or lo, used to get someone's attention. It is similar to the Aramaic word for woe, and is often used in the Bible to introduce a surprising or important statement.
Definition: behold!, lo! Aramaic of al.lay (אַלְלַי "woe!" H0480)
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: behold. See also: Daniel 2:31; Daniel 4:10; Daniel 7:8.
אִילָ֛ן
ʼîylân
H363
"tree"
Adj
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.
בְּ/ג֥וֹא
gav
H1459
"midst"
Adj | N-ms
This word means the middle or midst of something, like the center of a room or a group of people. It is used in the Bible to describe a location or position. The KJV translates it as midst or same.
Definition: midst, the midst Aramaic of gev (גֵּו "midst" H1460B)
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: midst, same, there-(where-) in. See also: Ezra 4:15; Daniel 3:21; Daniel 7:15.
אַרְעָ֖/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.
וְ/רוּמֵ֥/הּ
rûwm
H7314
"height"
Adj | N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means height or altitude, used to describe something lofty or elevated, like a mountain peak in the Bible.
Definition: height Aramaic of rum (רוּם "height" H7312)
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: height. See also: Ezra 6:3; Daniel 4:7; Daniel 4:17.
שַׂגִּֽיא
saggîyʼ
H7690
"greatly"
Adj
This word means greatly or exceedingly, describing something large in size or quantity. It's used to emphasize the magnitude of something, like a great multitude.
Definition: adj 1) great, much 1a) great 1b) much, many adv 2) exceedingly
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: exceeding, great(-ly); many, much, sore, very. See also: Ezra 5:11; Daniel 4:9; Daniel 7:28.
Study Notes — Daniel 4:7
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Daniel 4:7 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Daniel 4:7
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 4:7
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Daniel 4:7
- Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 4:7
- Cambridge Bible on Daniel 4:7
- Barnes' Notes on Daniel 4:7
- Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 4:7
- Sermons on Daniel 4:7
Context — Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream of a Great Tree
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: 9“O Belteshazzar, chief of the magicians, I know that the spirit of the holy gods is in you and that no mystery baffles you. So explain to me the visions I saw in my dream, and their interpretation.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 44:25 | who foils the signs of false prophets and makes fools of diviners, who confounds the wise and turns their knowledge into nonsense, |
| 2 | Daniel 2:7 | They answered a second time, “Let the king tell the dream to his servants, and we will give the interpretation.” |
| 3 | Genesis 41:8 | 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. |
| 4 | Jeremiah 27:9–10 | But as for you, do not listen to your prophets, your diviners, your interpreters of dreams, your mediums, or your sorcerers who declare, ‘You will not serve the king of Babylon.’ For they prophesy to you a lie that will serve to remove you from your land; I will banish you and you will perish. |
| 5 | Daniel 2:27 | Daniel answered the king, “No wise man, enchanter, medium, or magician can explain to the king the mystery of which he inquires. |
| 6 | 2 Timothy 3:8–9 | Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these men oppose the truth. They are depraved in mind and disqualified from the faith. But they will not advance much further. For just like Jannes and Jambres, their folly will be plain to everyone. |
| 7 | Daniel 2:10 | The astrologers answered the king, “No one on earth can do what the king requests! No king, however great and powerful, has ever asked anything like this of any magician, enchanter, or astrologer. |
| 8 | Daniel 2:1–2 | In the second year of his reign, Nebuchadnezzar had dreams that troubled his spirit, and sleep escaped him. 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, |
Daniel 4:7 Summary
[This verse shows that the king of Babylon had a dream that he couldn't understand, so he called for the wise men of his kingdom to interpret it for him. However, despite their best efforts, they were unable to provide an interpretation, highlighting the limitations of human wisdom. The king's experience teaches us to trust in God's sovereignty and guidance, rather than relying solely on human understanding, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6. By seeking God's wisdom, we can gain a deeper understanding of His plan and purpose for our lives, just like Daniel did when he interpreted the king's dream.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the king of Babylon call for the magicians, enchanters, astrologers, and diviners to interpret his dream?
The king called for these wise men because he believed they had the power to interpret his dream, as seen in Daniel 4:6, but ultimately, they were unable to provide an interpretation, highlighting the limitations of human wisdom, as noted in Jeremiah 23:16 and Daniel 2:27-28.
What does this verse reveal about the king's understanding of the spiritual realm?
This verse shows that the king recognized the existence of a spiritual realm and believed that certain individuals, like the magicians and enchanters, had access to spiritual knowledge, as seen in Daniel 4:8-9, where he acknowledges the spirit of the holy gods in Daniel.
How does this verse relate to the theme of God's sovereignty in the book of Daniel?
This verse illustrates God's sovereignty by demonstrating the inability of human wisdom to interpret the king's dream, setting the stage for Daniel's interpretation, which will reveal God's plan and purpose, as seen in Daniel 4:17 and Romans 11:33-36.
What can we learn from the king's experience with the wise men of Babylon?
We can learn that human wisdom has its limitations, and true understanding and insight come from God, as stated in Proverbs 3:5-6 and James 1:5-8, emphasizing the importance of seeking God's wisdom and guidance.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I am seeking human wisdom or solutions, rather than trusting in God's sovereignty and guidance?
- How can I, like Daniel, be a vessel for God's wisdom and insight in a world that often relies on human understanding?
- What dreams or visions has God given me, and how can I seek His interpretation and guidance for them, as the king sought interpretation for his dream?
- In what ways can I trust in God's sovereignty, even when human wisdom fails, and how can I share this trust with others, as Daniel shared his faith with the king?
Gill's Exposition on Daniel 4:7
Then came in the magicians, the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers,.... [See comments on Daniel 2:2], and I told the dream before them, but they did not make known unto me the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 4:7
Then came in the magicians, the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers: and I told the dream before them; but they did not make known unto me the interpretation thereof. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Daniel 4:7
And yet this was it they stood upon before, that the king should tell the dream, and they would interpret it, which now they could not do: this shows them to be mere impostors, and that neither their natural skill nor diabolical help could unfold God’ s secrets.
Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 4:7
Daniel 4:7 Then came in the magicians, the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers: and I told the dream before them; but they did not make known unto me the interpretation thereof.Ver. 7. Then came in the magicians.] As if they would do the deed. Seducers make up with boldness what they want of true worth.
Cambridge Bible on Daniel 4:7
7. the magicians, the enchanters, the Chaldeans, and the determiners (of fates)] see on Daniel 1:21, Daniel 2:2, and Daniel 2:27.
Barnes' Notes on Daniel 4:7
Then came in the magicians ... - All the words occurring here are found in Daniel 2:2, and are explained in the note at that verse, except the word rendered “soothsayers.” This occurs in Daniel 2:27.
Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 4:7
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 4:7
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Spirit and Soul by Watchman Nee | Watchman Nee emphasizes the necessity for believers to recognize their spirit, as it is the primary means through which God communicates with humanity. He explains that many Christ |
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Epistle 50 by George Fox | George Fox preaches about dwelling in purity and waiting for the power of God to preserve believers in that purity. He emphasizes knowing the seed of God in one another to overcome |
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(Exodus) Exodus 7:10-13 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the worship of a monster-like creature in ancient Egypt that aimed to prevent the rising of the sun god Ra and create chaos in the form of st |
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(Saved Through the Fire) 12 - God's True Message by Milton Green | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding God's message for today. He refers to various parts of the Bible, particularly Ezekiel 7 and Matthew 24, to e |
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The Faith" or Something Else? by H.J. Vine | H.J. Vine preaches about the importance of holding onto the faith once delivered to the saints, using the conversion of Paul as an example of God's grace and the need to fight the |
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Epistle 388 by George Fox | George Fox preaches to captives in Algiers, urging them to know and do God's will in humility and fear, living lives that preach godliness and righteousness to all, including Turks |
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Why Do So Many Fail & Give Up? by Peter Hammond | Peter Hammond preaches on the challenges and sacrifices required to follow Jesus, emphasizing the need for self-denial, perseverance, and total surrender to God. He highlights the |