Daniel 5:11
Daniel 5:11 in Multiple Translations
There is a man in your kingdom who has the spirit of the holy gods in him. In the days of your father he was found to have insight, intelligence, and wisdom like that of the gods. Your father, King Nebuchadnezzar, appointed him chief of the magicians, enchanters, astrologers, and diviners. Your own father, the king,
There is a man in thy kingdom, in whom is the spirit of the holy gods; and in the days of thy father light and understanding and wisdom, like the wisdom of the gods, was found in him; whom the king Nebuchadnezzar thy father, the king, I say, thy father, made master of the magicians, astrologers, Chaldeans, and soothsayers;
There is a man in thy kingdom, in whom is the spirit of the holy gods; and in the days of thy father light and understanding and wisdom, like the wisdom of the gods, were found in him; and the king Nebuchadnezzar thy father, the king, I say, thy father, made him master of the magicians, enchanters, Chaldeans, and soothsayers;
There is a man in your kingdom in whom is the spirit of the holy gods; and in the days of your father, light and reason like the wisdom of the gods were seen in him: and King Nebuchadnezzar, your father, made him master of the wonder-workers, and the users of secret arts, and the Chaldaeans, and the readers of signs;
There's a man in your kingdom who has the spirit of the holy gods in him. In your father's time he was found to have understanding and insight, and wisdom like that of the gods. Your Majesty's father, King Nebuchadnezzar put him in charge of the magicians, enchanters, astrologers, and diviners. Your father did this
There is a man in thy kingdome, in whom is the spirit of the holy gods, and in the dayes of thy father light and vnderstanding and wisdome like the wisdome of the gods, was found in him: whom the King Nebuchad-nezzar thy father, the King, I say, thy father, made chiefe of the enchanters, astrologians, Caldeans, and soothsayers,
there is a man in thy kingdom in whom [is] the spirit of the holy gods: and, in the days of thy father, light, and understanding, and wisdom — as the wisdom of the gods — was found in him; and king Nebuchadnezzar thy father, chief of the scribes, enchanters, Chaldeans, soothsayers, established him — thy father, O king —
There is a man in your kingdom in whom is the spirit of the holy gods; and in the days of your father, light and understanding and wisdom, like the wisdom of the gods, were found in him. The king, Nebuchadnezzar, your father—yes, the king, your father—made him master of the magicians, enchanters, Chaldeans, and soothsayers,
There is a man in thy kingdom, in whom is the spirit of the holy gods; and in the days of thy father light and understanding and wisdom, like the wisdom of the gods, was found in him; whom the king Nebuchadnezzar thy father, the king, I say , thy father, made master of the magicians, astrologers, Chaldeans, and sooth-sayers;
There is a man in thy kingdom that hath the spirit of the holy gods in him: and in the days of thy father knowledge and wisdom were found in him: for king Nabuchodonosor thy father appointed him prince of the wise men, enchanters, Chaldeans, and soothsayers, thy father, I say, O king:
There is a man in your kingdom who has the spirit of the holy gods in him. When Nebuchadnezzar was ruling, they discovered that this man understood many things and was wise, just like the gods. The man who was king previously, Nebuchadnezzar, appointed him to be in charge of all the men in Babylon who worked magic, the men who worked sorcery, the men who studied the stars, and the fortune-tellers.
Berean Amplified Bible — Daniel 5:11
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Daniel 5:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)
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Hebrew Word Reference — Daniel 5:11
Study Notes — Daniel 5:11
- Context
- Cross References
- Daniel 5:11 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Daniel 5:11
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 5:11
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Daniel 5:11
- Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 5:11
- Ellicott's Commentary on Daniel 5:11
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Daniel 5:11
- Cambridge Bible on Daniel 5:11
- Barnes' Notes on Daniel 5:11
- Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 5:11
- Sermons on Daniel 5:11
Context — The Handwriting on the Wall
11There is a man in your kingdom who has the spirit of the holy gods in him. In the days of your father he was found to have insight, intelligence, and wisdom like that of the gods. Your father, King Nebuchadnezzar, appointed him chief of the magicians, enchanters, astrologers, and diviners. Your own father, the king,
12did this because Daniel, the one he named Belteshazzar, was found to have an extraordinary spirit, as well as knowledge, understanding, and the ability to interpret dreams, explain riddles, and solve difficult problems. Summon Daniel, therefore, and he will give you the interpretation.” 13So Daniel was brought before the king, who asked him, “Are you Daniel, one of the exiles my father the king brought from Judah?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Daniel 4:8–9 | But 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: “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. |
| 2 | Daniel 2:47–48 | The king said to Daniel, “Your God is truly the God of gods and Lord of kings, the Revealer of Mysteries, since you were able to reveal this mystery.” Then the king promoted Daniel and gave him many generous gifts. He made him ruler over the entire province of Babylon and chief administrator over all the wise men of Babylon. |
| 3 | Daniel 4:18 | This is the dream that I, King Nebuchadnezzar, saw. Now, Belteshazzar, tell me the interpretation, because none of the wise men of my kingdom can interpret it for me. But you are able, because the spirit of the holy gods is in you.” |
| 4 | Daniel 5:14 | I have heard that the spirit of the gods is in you, and that you have insight, intelligence, and extraordinary wisdom. |
| 5 | Revelation 3:9 | Look at those who belong to the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews but are liars instead. I will make them come and bow down at your feet, and they will know that I love you. |
| 6 | Genesis 41:11–15 | One night both the chief baker and I had dreams, and each dream had its own meaning. Now a young Hebrew was there with us, a servant of the captain of the guard. We told him our dreams and he interpreted them for us individually. And it happened to us just as he had interpreted: I was restored to my position, and the other man was hanged.” So Pharaoh sent for Joseph, who was quickly brought out of the dungeon. After he had shaved and changed his clothes, he went in before Pharaoh. Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I had a dream, and no one can interpret it. But I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it.” |
| 7 | Acts 12:22 | And they began to shout, “This is the voice of a god, not a man!” |
| 8 | 2 Samuel 14:17 | And now your servant says, ‘May the word of my lord the king bring me rest, for my lord the king is able to discern good and evil, just like the angel of God. May the LORD your God be with you.’” |
| 9 | Daniel 2:11 | What the king requests is so difficult that no one can tell it to him except the gods, whose dwelling is not with mortals.” |
| 10 | Acts 16:16 | One day as we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl with a spirit of divination, who earned a large income for her masters by fortune-telling. |
Daniel 5:11 Summary
This verse is talking about a man named Daniel who had a special connection to God and was very wise. He was recognized by King Nebuchadnezzar for his exceptional abilities and was appointed as chief of the magicians and diviners. Just like Daniel, we can all cultivate a deep understanding and wisdom by seeking a close relationship with God and being humble enough to learn from others, as seen in Proverbs 1:7 and James 1:5. By doing so, we can become a source of wisdom and guidance for those around us, just like Daniel was for King Belshazzar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the man being referred to in Daniel 5:11?
The man being referred to is Daniel, who was given the name Belteshazzar by King Nebuchadnezzar, as mentioned in Daniel 5:12. He was a wise and knowledgeable man who served as chief of the magicians, enchanters, astrologers, and diviners in the kingdom.
What does it mean to have the 'spirit of the holy gods' in Daniel 5:11?
In this context, having the 'spirit of the holy gods' refers to Daniel's exceptional wisdom, insight, and intelligence, which were recognized by King Nebuchadnezzar, as seen in Daniel 5:12 and Daniel 1:17. This phrase highlights Daniel's unique abilities and his connection to the one true God.
Why did King Nebuchadnezzar appoint Daniel as chief of the magicians and diviners?
King Nebuchadnezzar appointed Daniel as chief because of his extraordinary spirit, knowledge, understanding, and ability to interpret dreams, as mentioned in Daniel 5:12. This is also seen in Daniel 1:20, where Daniel and his friends were found to be ten times wiser than all the magicians and enchanters in the kingdom.
What can we learn from the queen's suggestion to summon Daniel in Daniel 5:11?
The queen's suggestion shows that she recognized Daniel's wisdom and expertise, and she believed that he could provide the interpretation of the handwriting on the wall, as seen in Daniel 5:12. This teaches us the importance of seeking wise counsel and recognizing the gifts and abilities that God has given to others, as mentioned in Proverbs 11:14.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can recognize and utilize the unique gifts and abilities that God has given to others in my life?
- How can I, like Daniel, cultivate a deep understanding and wisdom that is rooted in my relationship with God?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to seek wise counsel and guidance, and how can I humble myself to receive it?
- In what ways can I, like the queen, be a voice of reason and wisdom in the midst of chaos and uncertainty, and point others to the wisdom and guidance of God?
Gill's Exposition on Daniel 5:11
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 5:11
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Daniel 5:11
Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 5:11
Ellicott's Commentary on Daniel 5:11
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Daniel 5:11
Cambridge Bible on Daniel 5:11
Barnes' Notes on Daniel 5:11
Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 5:11
Sermons on Daniel 5:11
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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An Excellent Spirit by Michael Howard | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a burning desire to do more than just passively observe one's circumstances. He references the story of Daniel in th |
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Now We Have Received by C.H. Spurgeon | The preacher delves into the Greek word 'huperecho,' which means to excel, be superior, and hold others in higher regard. Paul emphasizes the importance of esteeming others as more |
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The Word of Wisdom by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith emphasizes the significance of the Holy Spirit's manifestations in the life of a believer, particularly focusing on the gift of wisdom. He explains the difference betwe |
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From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Daniel) ch.2:36-3:30 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the sovereignty of God as depicted in the book of Daniel. He highlights God's sovereignty over the physical bodies of Daniel and his friends, |
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K-484 Discipleship by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker expresses his deep concern for the state of the world and the future. He believes that the current cultural changes are just the beginning and that thin |
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May God Give Us Light by Carter Conlon | This sermon is a powerful call to resist the temptations and delicacies of the world, to stand firm in faith like Daniel did, and to choose to walk in the light of God's truth. It |
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1 Corinthians 14:20 by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom delivers a sermon urging the congregation to maintain order and reverence in the church, emphasizing the importance of edifying one another through spiritual gifts |







