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Daniel 5:17

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Daniel 5:17 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

In response, Daniel said to the king, “You may keep your gifts for yourself and give your rewards to someone else. Nevertheless, I will read the inscription for the king and interpret it for him.

King James Version KJV

¶ Then Daniel answered and said before the king, Let thy gifts be to thyself, and give thy rewards to another; yet I will read the writing unto the king, and make known to him the interpretation.

American Standard Version ASV

Then Daniel answered and said before the king, Let thy gifts be to thyself, and give thy rewards to another; nevertheless I will read the writing unto the king, and make known to him the interpretation.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Then Daniel made answer and said to the king, Keep your offerings for yourself, and give your rewards to another; but I, after reading the writing to the king, will give him the sense of it.

Free Bible Version FBV

Daniel answered the king, “Keep your gifts and give your rewards to another. Even so I will read the writing to Your Majesty and explain to you what it means.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Then Daniel answered, and sayd before the King, Keepe thy rewards to thy selfe, and giue thy giftes to another: yet I will reade the writing vnto the King, and shew him the interpretation.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

Then hath Daniel answered and said before the king, 'Thy gifts be to thyself, and thy fee to another give; nevertheless, the writing I do read to the king, and the interpretation I cause him to know;

World English Bible WEB

Then Daniel answered before the king, “Let your gifts be to yourself, and give your rewards to another. Nevertheless, I will read the writing to the king, and make known to him the interpretation.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Then Daniel answered and said before the king, Let thy gifts be to thyself, and give thy rewards to another; yet I will read the writing to the king, and make known to him the interpretation.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

To which Daniel made answer, and said before the king: Thy rewards be to thyself, and the gifts of thy house give to another: but the writing I will read to thee, O king, and shew thee the interpretation thereof.

Translation for Translators T4T

I replied, “I do not want your gifts; keep them, or give them to someone else. But I will read for you the writing on the wall, and I will tell you what it means.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Daniel 5:17

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 5:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB בֵּ/אדַ֜יִן עָנֵ֣ה דָנִיֵּ֗אל וְ/אָמַר֙ קֳדָ֣ם מַלְכָּ֔/א מַתְּנָתָ/ךְ֙ לָ֣/ךְ לֶֽהֶוְיָ֔ן וּ/נְבָ֥זְבְּיָתָ֖/ךְ לְ/אָחֳרָ֣ן הַ֑ב בְּרַ֗ם כְּתָבָ/א֙ אֶקְרֵ֣א לְ/מַלְכָּ֔/א וּ/פִשְׁרָ֖/א אֲהוֹדְעִנֵּֽ/הּ
בֵּ/אדַ֜יִן ʼĕdayin H116 then Adj | Adv
עָנֵ֣ה ʻănâh H6032 to answer Adj
דָנִיֵּ֗אל Dânîyêʼl H1841 Daniel Adj
וְ/אָמַר֙ ʼămar H560 to say Adj | V-Qal
קֳדָ֣ם qŏdâm H6925 before Adj
מַלְכָּ֔/א melek H4430 king Adj | Art
מַתְּנָתָ/ךְ֙ mattᵉnâʼ H4978 gift Adj | Suff
לָ֣/ךְ Adj | Suff
לֶֽהֶוְיָ֔ן hâvâʼ H1934 to be Adj
וּ/נְבָ֥זְבְּיָתָ֖/ךְ nᵉbizbâh H5023 reward Adj | N-fp | Suff
לְ/אָחֳרָ֣ן ʼochŏrân H321 another Adj | Adj
הַ֑ב yᵉhab H3052 to give Adj
בְּרַ֗ם bᵉram H1297 nevertheless Adj
כְּתָבָ/א֙ kᵉthâb H3792 inscription Adj | Art
אֶקְרֵ֣א qᵉrâʼ H7123 to read Adj
לְ/מַלְכָּ֔/א melek H4430 king Adj | N-ms | Art
וּ/פִשְׁרָ֖/א pᵉshar H6591 interpretation Adj | N-ms | Art
אֲהוֹדְעִנֵּֽ/הּ yᵉdaʻ H3046 to know Adj | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Daniel 5:17

בֵּ/אדַ֜יִן ʼĕdayin H116 "then" Adj | Adv
Then or at that time, referring to a specific point in the past or future, like in the story of creation when God said 'then' the earth was formed. It is used to show a sequence of events. The KJV translates it as 'then' or 'now'.
Definition: then, afterwards, thereupon, from that time Aramaic of az (אָז "then" H0227A)
Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: now, that time, then. See also: Ezra 4:9; Daniel 4:16; Daniel 7:19.
עָנֵ֣ה ʻănâh H6032 "to answer" Adj
To answer or respond to something, often by speaking or singing. In the Bible, it can mean to pay attention or testify, as seen in 1 Samuel 12:3.
Definition: 1) to answer, respond 1a) (P'al) 1a1) to answer, make reply 1a2) to respond
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: answer, speak. See also: Psalms 60:7; Daniel 3:24; Daniel 7:2.
דָנִיֵּ֗אל 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.
וְ/אָמַר֙ ʼămar H560 "to say" Adj | V-Qal
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.
קֳדָ֣ם qŏdâm H6925 "before" Adj
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.
מַלְכָּ֔/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.
מַתְּנָתָ/ךְ֙ mattᵉnâʼ H4978 "gift" Adj | Suff
Describes a present or gift, including sacrificial offerings or bribes, with the word being in Aramaic.
Definition: gift Aramaic of mat.ta.nah (מַתָּנָה "gift" H4979)
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: gift. See also: Daniel 2:6; Daniel 2:48; Daniel 5:17.
לָ֣/ךְ "" Adj | Suff
לֶֽהֶוְיָ֔ן 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.
וּ/נְבָ֥זְבְּיָתָ֖/ךְ nᵉbizbâh H5023 "reward" Adj | N-fp | Suff
This Hebrew word means a reward or gift, often given generously. It is used to describe a largess or a generous gift. In the Bible, it is used to describe God's reward for the faithful.
Definition: reward
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: reward. See also: Daniel 2:6; Daniel 5:17.
לְ/אָחֳרָ֣ן ʼochŏrân H321 "another" Adj | Adj
The Hebrew word for another or other, used to describe something different or distinct, like in the phrase 'another time'.
Definition: other, another Aramaic of a.cher (אַחֵר "another" H0312)
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: (an-) other. See also: Daniel 2:11; Daniel 3:29; Daniel 7:24.
הַ֑ב yᵉhab H3052 "to give" Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to give or provide something, like a gift or a foundation. It appears in various forms, such as giving, laying, or paying. For example, it is used in Genesis when God gives instructions to Noah.
Definition: 1) to give, provide 1a) (P'al) 1a1) to give 1a2) to place, lay (foundations) 1b) (Hithp'al) 1b1) to be given 1b2) to be paid
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: deliver, give, lay, [phrase] prolong, pay, yield. See also: Ezra 4:20; Daniel 4:13; Daniel 7:27.
בְּרַ֗ם bᵉram H1297 "nevertheless" Adj
The word 'nevertheless' shows contrast, like in a sentence saying 'I'm tired, but I'll go anyway'. In the Bible, it's used to highlight surprising or unexpected events, like in the stories of Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: only, nevertheless, but
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: but, nevertheless, yet. See also: Ezra 5:13; Daniel 4:12; Daniel 5:17.
כְּתָבָ/א֙ kᵉthâb H3792 "inscription" Adj | Art
This word is similar to H3791, but it specifically refers to an inscription or written decree. It is used in the book of Daniel to describe a written command. The KJV translates it as 'writing' or 'prescribing'.
Definition: 1) a writing 1a) writing, inscription 1b) written decree, written requirement
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: prescribing, writing(-ten). See also: Ezra 6:18; Daniel 5:17; Daniel 6:11.
אֶקְרֵ֣א qᵉrâʼ H7123 "to read" Adj
This word means to read or call out loud, often used to describe reading scripture or proclaiming a message. In the book of Nehemiah, the priest Ezra reads the law aloud to the people.
Definition: 1) to call, read aloud, read out, shout 1a) (P'al) 1a1) to call, proclaim 1a2) to read aloud, read out 1b)(Ithp'el) to be summoned, be called
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: call, cry, read. See also: Ezra 4:18; Daniel 5:8; Daniel 5:17.
לְ/מַלְכָּ֔/א melek H4430 "king" Adj | N-ms | 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.
וּ/פִשְׁרָ֖/א pᵉshar H6591 "interpretation" Adj | N-ms | Art
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.
אֲהוֹדְעִנֵּֽ/הּ yᵉdaʻ H3046 "to know" Adj | Suff
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.

Study Notes — Daniel 5:17

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 2 Kings 5:16 But Elisha replied, “As surely as the LORD lives, before whom I stand, I will not accept it.” And although Naaman urged him to accept it, he refused.
2 Genesis 14:23 that I will not accept even a thread, or a strap of a sandal, or anything that belongs to you, lest you should say, ‘I have made Abram rich.’
3 2 Kings 5:26 But Elisha questioned him, “Did not my spirit go with you when the man got down from his chariot to meet you? Is this the time to accept money and clothing, olive groves and vineyards, sheep and oxen, menservants and maidservants?
4 Acts 8:20 But Peter replied, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money!
5 Psalms 119:46 I will speak of Your testimonies before kings, and I will not be ashamed.
6 Daniel 2:6 But if you tell me the dream and its interpretation, you will receive from me gifts and rewards and great honor. So tell me the dream and its interpretation.”
7 2 Kings 3:13 Elisha, however, said to the king of Israel, “What have we to do with each other? Go to the prophets of your father and of your mother!” “No,” replied the king of Israel, “for it is the LORD who has summoned these three kings to deliver them into the hand of Moab.”
8 Daniel 5:29 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.

Daniel 5:17 Summary

[Daniel 5:17 shows us that Daniel was a man who was not motivated by personal gain, but rather by a desire to serve others and glorify God. He refused the king's gifts and rewards, and instead offered to interpret the inscription for the king out of a sense of duty and obedience to God, as seen in Psalms 119:57-60. This verse teaches us that our motivation for serving others should be to glorify God, not to gain personal benefits. By following Daniel's example, we can learn to cultivate a heart of humility and a desire to serve others, rather than seeking personal gain or recognition, as seen in Matthew 20:26-28.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Daniel refuse the king's gifts and rewards?

Daniel refused the king's gifts and rewards because he wanted to make it clear that his interpretation of the inscription was not motivated by personal gain, but rather by his desire to serve God and the king, as seen in Daniel 5:17 and supported by Proverbs 15:16, which teaches that it is better to have a little with the fear of the Lord than to have great wealth without it.

What can we learn from Daniel's response to the king's offer?

We can learn from Daniel's response that our motivation for serving others should be to glorify God, not to gain personal benefits, as seen in 1 Corinthians 10:31, which says that we should do everything for the glory of God.

How does Daniel's behavior in this verse reflect his character?

Daniel's behavior in this verse reflects his character as a humble and God-fearing man who is not motivated by personal gain, but rather by a desire to serve others and glorify God, as seen in Daniel 6:3, which says that Daniel was a man of exceptional quality and that he was faithful.

What does this verse teach us about the importance of integrity?

This verse teaches us that integrity is essential in our relationships with others, and that we should always strive to act with honesty and transparency, as seen in Proverbs 10:9, which says that the man of integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that I can serve others without expecting anything in return, just like Daniel did in this verse?
  2. How can I cultivate a heart of humility and a desire to serve others, rather than seeking personal gain or recognition?
  3. What are some areas in my life where I may be motivated by personal gain, and how can I shift my focus to serving others and glorifying God?
  4. How can I apply the principle of integrity from this verse to my daily life and relationships?

Gill's Exposition on Daniel 5:17

Then Daniel answered and said before the king,.... With great freedom, boldness, and intrepidity: let thy gifts be to thyself; remain with thee; I neither want them, nor desire them; nor will I

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 5:17

Then Daniel answered and said before the king, Let thy gifts be to thyself, and give thy rewards to another; yet I will read the writing unto the king, and make known to him the interpretation.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Daniel 5:17

Did not Daniel receive gifts and honour, from Nebuchadnezzar, on the like occasion? Answ. He was then young, and the captivity was to be long, and he by his place could be helpful to his poor brethren; but now the time of the captivity was near expired, and Babylon in distress by invasion and siege, and that night king, city, and kingdom lost; and there the time was different, and the case also. Moreover Daniel would not receive a reward for so sad a message.

Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 5:17

Daniel 5:17 Then Daniel answered and said before the king, Let thy gifts be to thyself, and give thy rewards to another; yet I will read the writing unto the king, and make known to him the interpretation.Ver. 17. Let thy gifts be to thyself.] Honours, pleasures, riches, “ Haec tria pro trino numine mmadus habet. ” But as Moses, by the force of his faith, overcame them all, so did Daniel here, throwing off the offers of them, and answering the king’ s proud speech with a grave invective, which he beginneth somewhat abruptly, not without indignation, as having to deal with a wicked and desperate man, rejected of God. Ministers must carry in them a retired majesty, saith one, toward the persons of wicked men.

Ellicott's Commentary on Daniel 5:17

(17) Let thy gifts be to thyself.—Daniel refused the king’s offer of reward at first, but afterwards accepted it. In this way he showed his determination to speak the truth without any respect to fee, gift, or reward. (Comp. the conduct of Elisha, 2 Kings 5:16; 2 Kings 8:9.)

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Daniel 5:17

Verse 17. Let thy gifts be to thyself] They could be of little use to any, as the city was in a few hours to be taken and pillaged.

Cambridge Bible on Daniel 5:17

17. Daniel rejects the proffered honours: he will read the writing; but he will do so quite irrespectively of any promises made to him by the heathen king. before the king] cf. on Daniel 2:8. rewards] See the note on Daniel 2:6. yet] nevertheless (R.V.) brings out the force of the adverb used more distinctly (cf. Daniel 4:15; Daniel 4:23 [R.V.]).

Barnes' Notes on Daniel 5:17

Then Daniel answered and said before the king, Let thy gifts be to thyself - That is, “I do not desire them; I do not act from a hope of reward.” Daniel means undoubtedly to intimate that what he

Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 5:17

17-23. According to our text (the Greek is shorter) Daniel refuses to recognize his equality with the Babylonian Magi by accepting the presents which had previously been promised to them (Daniel

Sermons on Daniel 5:17

SermonDescription
Welcome Detweiler Belshazzer by Welcome Detweiler In this sermon, the preacher uses the story of Belshazzar from the book of Daniel to illustrate the consequences of ignoring God's offer of salvation. Belshazzar, a pleasure-loving
St. John Chrysostom Hebrews 11:20-27 by St. John Chrysostom John Chrysostom preaches on the importance of faith in the lives of Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, and Daniel, highlighting their unwavering trust in God's promises and their willing
David Wilkerson Enter Into His Rest by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher begins by leading the congregation in praise and worship, emphasizing the importance of praising and magnifying the name of Jesus. He encourages the be
Leonard Ravenhill Elijah - Part 6 by Leonard Ravenhill This sermon emphasizes the importance of repentance, restitution, and rebuilding altars in our lives. It highlights the need to repair broken relationships, fulfill vows made to Go
St. John Chrysostom 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
Paris Reidhead The Believable Christian by Paris Reidhead Paris Reidhead preaches on the importance of fellowship in the fullness of the Holy Spirit, using Acts 8:5-25 as a background. He emphasizes the need to preach Christ in all aspect
John Ridley The Impotent Man by John Ridley In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of the "Triangle of Life" that exists in every town and city. He describes how people are always busy with their daily activities,
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