Daniel 5:18
Daniel 5:18 in Multiple Translations
As for you, O king, the Most High God gave your father Nebuchadnezzar sovereignty and greatness, glory and honor.
O thou king, the most high God gave Nebuchadnezzar thy father a kingdom, and majesty, and glory, and honour:
O thou king, the Most High God gave Nebuchadnezzar thy father the kingdom, and greatness, and glory, and majesty:
As for you, O King, the Most High God gave to Nebuchadnezzar, your father, the kingdom and great power and glory and honour:
Your Majesty, the Most High God gave your father Nebuchadnezzar this kingdom, and power, glory, and majesty.
O King, heare thou, The most high God gaue vnto Nebuchad-nezzar thy father a kingdome, and maiestie, and honour and glory.
thou, O king, God Most High, a kingdom, and greatness, and glory, and honour, gave to Nebuchadnezzar thy father:
“To you, king, the Most High God gave Nebuchadnezzar your father the kingdom, and greatness, and glory, and majesty.
O thou king, the most high God gave Nebuchadnezzar thy father a kingdom, and majesty, and glory, and honor:
O king, the most high God gave to Nabuchodonosor thy father a kingdom, and greatness, and glory, and honour.
◄Your Majesty/O king►, the Supreme God caused the man who was king before you, Nebuchadnezzar, to become a great ruler, who was greatly praised and honored.
Berean Amplified Bible — Daniel 5:18
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 5:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אנתה
אַ֖נְתְּ
מַלְכָּ֑/א
אֱלָהָ/א֙
עלי/א
עִלָּאָ֔/ה
מַלְכוּתָ֤/א
וּ/רְבוּתָ/א֙
וִ/יקָרָ֣/א
וְ/הַדְרָ֔/ה
יְהַ֖ב
לִ/נְבֻכַדְנֶצַּ֥ר
אֲבֽ/וּךְ
אנתה
ʼantâh
H607
you
Adj
אַ֖נְתְּ
ʼantâh
H607
you
Adj
מַלְכָּ֑/א
melek
H4430
king
Adj | Art
אֱלָהָ/א֙
ʼĕlâhh
H426
god
Adj | Art
עלי/א
ʻillay
H5943
Most High
Adj | Art
עִלָּאָ֔/ה
ʻillay
H5943
Most High
Adj | Art
מַלְכוּתָ֤/א
malkûw
H4437
kingdom
Adj | Art
וּ/רְבוּתָ/א֙
rᵉbûw
H7238
greatness
Adj | N-fs | Art
וִ/יקָרָ֣/א
yᵉqâr
H3367
honor
Adj | N-ms | Art
וְ/הַדְרָ֔/ה
hădar
H1923
honor
Adj | N-ms | Art
יְהַ֖ב
yᵉhab
H3052
to give
Adj
לִ/נְבֻכַדְנֶצַּ֥ר
Nᵉbûwkadnetstsar
H5020
Nebuchadnezzar
Adj | N-proper
אֲבֽ/וּךְ
ʼab
H2
father
Adj | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Daniel 5:18
אנתה
ʼantâh
H607
"you"
Adj
The word thou means you, a second-person singular pronoun used to address someone directly. It appears in Aramaic texts, such as in the book of Daniel.
Definition: you, thou (second pers. sing.) Aramaic of at.tah (אַתָּ֫ה "you(m.s.)" H0859A)
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: as for thee, thou. See also: Ezra 7:25; Daniel 4:19; Daniel 6:21.
אַ֖נְתְּ
ʼantâh
H607
"you"
Adj
The word thou means you, a second-person singular pronoun used to address someone directly. It appears in Aramaic texts, such as in the book of Daniel.
Definition: you, thou (second pers. sing.) Aramaic of at.tah (אַתָּ֫ה "you(m.s.)" H0859A)
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: as for thee, thou. See also: Ezra 7:25; Daniel 4:19; Daniel 6:21.
מַלְכָּ֑/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.
אֱלָהָ/א֙
ʼĕlâhh
H426
"god"
Adj | Art
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.
עלי/א
ʻillay
H5943
"Most High"
Adj | Art
A name for God, meaning the Most High, emphasizing His supreme power and authority. It is used in Genesis 14:18-22, where Melchizedek blesses Abram in the name of the Most High God. This title shows God's dominance over all things.
Definition: highest, the Most High Aramaic of il.li (עִלִּי "upper" H5942)
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: (most) high. See also: Daniel 3:26; Daniel 4:29; Daniel 7:25.
עִלָּאָ֔/ה
ʻillay
H5943
"Most High"
Adj | Art
A name for God, meaning the Most High, emphasizing His supreme power and authority. It is used in Genesis 14:18-22, where Melchizedek blesses Abram in the name of the Most High God. This title shows God's dominance over all things.
Definition: highest, the Most High Aramaic of il.li (עִלִּי "upper" H5942)
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: (most) high. See also: Daniel 3:26; Daniel 4:29; Daniel 7:25.
מַלְכוּתָ֤/א
malkûw
H4437
"kingdom"
Adj | Art
A kingdom refers to the territory or area ruled by a king, like King David's kingdom in Israel. It can also mean the reign or period of time a king is in power. The word is used in the Bible to describe royal authority and dominion.
Definition: 1) royalty, reign, kingdom 1a) royalty, kingship, kingly authority 1b) kingdom 1c) realm (of territory) 1d) reign (of time)
Usage: Occurs in 43 OT verses. KJV: kingdom, kingly, realm, reign. See also: Ezra 4:24; Daniel 5:7; Daniel 7:27.
וּ/רְבוּתָ/א֙
rᵉbûw
H7238
"greatness"
Adj | N-fs | Art
Refers to greatness or majesty, describing something or someone of high dignity and importance, as seen in the KJV translations of greatness and majesty.
Definition: greatness
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: greatness, majesty. See also: Daniel 4:19; Daniel 5:18; Daniel 7:27.
וִ/יקָרָ֣/א
yᵉqâr
H3367
"honor"
Adj | N-ms | Art
In the Bible, this Aramaic word means honor or esteem, and is used to describe someone of great dignity or respect. It is translated as 'glory' or 'honor' in the KJV.
Definition: honour, esteem Aramaic of ye.qar (יְקָר "preciousness" H3366)
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: glory, honour. See also: Daniel 2:6; Daniel 4:33; Daniel 7:14.
וְ/הַדְרָ֔/ה
hădar
H1923
"honor"
Adj | N-ms | Art
In the Bible, this word means great honor or magnificence, like the majesty of God. It appears in descriptions of God's glory and power. This concept is key to understanding God's character in the Old Testament.
Definition: honour, majesty Aramaic of ha.dar (הָדַר "to honor" H1921)
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: honour, majesty. See also: Daniel 4:27; Daniel 4:33; Daniel 5:18.
יְהַ֖ב
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.
לִ/נְבֻכַדְנֶצַּ֥ר
Nᵉbûwkadnetstsar
H5020
"Nebuchadnezzar"
Adj | N-proper
Nebuchadnezzar was a king of Babylon who lived during the time of the Divided Monarchy, and is first mentioned in 2 Kings 24:1. He was the father of Belshazzar and is known for capturing Jerusalem and taking Judah captive. His name is Aramaic for may Nebo protect the crown.
Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.24.1; father of: Belshazzar (H1112) Aramaic of ne.vu.khad.nets.tsar (נְבוּכַדְרֶאצַּר, נְבוּכַדְנֶצַּר "Nebuchadnezzar" H5019) § Nebuchadnezzar = "may Nebo protect the crown" the great king of Babylon who captured Jerusalem and carried Judah captive
Usage: Occurs in 30 OT verses. KJV: Nebuchadnezzar. See also: Ezra 2:1; Daniel 3:19; Daniel 5:18.
אֲבֽ/וּךְ
ʼab
H2
"father"
Adj | Suff
The word ab means father, and is used throughout the Bible to refer to paternal relationships, such as God as the father of humanity, or Abraham as the father of the Jewish people.
Definition: father Aramaic of av (אָב "father" H0001)
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: father. See also: Ezra 4:15; Daniel 5:2; Daniel 5:18.
Study Notes — Daniel 5:18
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Daniel 5:18 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Daniel 5:18
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 5:18
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Daniel 5:18
- Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 5:18
- Ellicott's Commentary on Daniel 5:18
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Daniel 5:18
- Cambridge Bible on Daniel 5:18
- Barnes' Notes on Daniel 5:18
- Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 5:18
- Sermons on Daniel 5:18
Context — Daniel Interprets the Handwriting
16But I have heard about you, that you are able to give interpretations and solve difficult problems. Therefore, if you can read this inscription and give me its interpretation, you will be clothed in purple and have a gold chain placed around your neck, and you will be made the third highest ruler in the kingdom.”
17In 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.
18As for you, O king, the Most High God gave your father Nebuchadnezzar sovereignty and greatness, glory and honor.
19Because of the greatness that He bestowed on him, the people of every nation and language trembled in fear before him. He killed whom he wished and kept alive whom he wished; he exalted whom he wished and humbled whom he wished. 20But when his heart became arrogant and his spirit was hardened with pride, he was deposed from his royal throne, and his glory was taken from him.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Daniel 2:37–38 | You, O king, are the king of kings, to whom the God of heaven has given sovereignty, power, strength, and glory. Wherever the sons of men or beasts of the field or birds of the air dwell, He has given them into your hand and has made you ruler over them all. You are that head of gold. |
| 2 | Daniel 4:17 | This decision is the decree of the watchers, the verdict declared by the holy ones, so that the living will know that the Most High rules over the kingdom of mankind and gives it to whom He wishes, setting over it the lowliest of men.’ |
| 3 | Daniel 4:22–25 | you, O king, are that tree! For you have become great and strong; your greatness has grown to reach the sky, and your dominion extends to the ends of the earth. And you, O king, saw a watcher, a holy one, coming down from heaven and saying: ‘Cut down the tree and destroy it, but leave the stump with its roots in the ground, and a band of iron and bronze around it, in the tender grass of the field. Let him be drenched with the dew of heaven, and graze with the beasts of the field till seven times pass him by.’ This is the interpretation, O king, and this is the decree that the Most High has issued against my lord the king: You will be driven away from mankind, and your dwelling will be with the beasts of the field. You will feed on grass like an ox and be drenched with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass you by, until you acknowledge that the Most High rules over the kingdom of mankind and gives it to whom He wishes. |
| 4 | Psalms 47:2 | How awesome is the LORD Most High, the great King over all the earth! |
| 5 | Daniel 3:17–18 | If the God whom we serve exists, then He is able to deliver us from the blazing fiery furnace and from your hand, O king. But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden statue you have set up.” |
| 6 | Psalms 92:8 | But You, O LORD, are exalted forever! |
| 7 | Acts 26:19 | So then, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision. |
| 8 | Acts 26:13 | About noon, O king, as I was on the road, I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining around me and my companions. |
| 9 | Daniel 4:2 | I am pleased to declare the signs and wonders that the Most High God has performed for me. |
| 10 | Daniel 6:22 | My God sent His angel and shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, for I was found innocent in His sight, and I have done no wrong against you, O king.” |
Daniel 5:18 Summary
This verse reminds us that God is the one who gives power and authority to whomever He chooses, as seen in Daniel 5:18. Just like Nebuchadnezzar, we must recognize that our accomplishments and successes are not just our own, but are also a result of God's sovereignty and grace (see Psalm 75:6-7). By acknowledging God's role in our lives, we can cultivate a sense of humility and dependence on Him, rather than relying on our own strength and abilities. This is an important reminder, especially for those in positions of power or influence, as seen in 1 Peter 5:6.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that the Most High God gave Nebuchadnezzar sovereignty and greatness?
This means that God was the ultimate source of Nebuchadnezzar's power and authority, as stated in Daniel 5:18, and is a reminder that all earthly power comes from God, as seen in Romans 13:1-2.
Why is Daniel reminding the king of his father's greatness?
Daniel is reminding the king of his father's greatness to contrast it with the king's current situation and to highlight the fact that God is the one who gives and takes away power, as seen in Daniel 5:19-20 and Job 1:21.
What is the significance of the phrase 'the Most High God' in this verse?
The phrase 'the Most High God' is a title used to emphasize God's sovereignty and authority over all things, as seen in Genesis 14:19-20 and Isaiah 57:15.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter?
This verse sets the stage for the rest of the chapter, which tells the story of how the king's pride and arrogance led to his downfall, and how God is the one who ultimately gives and takes away power, as seen in Daniel 5:19-31 and Proverbs 16:18.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can acknowledge God's sovereignty in my own life, just as Daniel acknowledged God's sovereignty over Nebuchadnezzar?
- How can I balance the desire for greatness and recognition with the humility that comes from recognizing God as the source of all power and authority?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be tempted to take credit for my own accomplishments, rather than giving credit to God?
- How can I use my own position of influence or authority to point others to God's greatness, rather than my own?
Gill's Exposition on Daniel 5:18
O thou king,.... "Hear" (t), O king; so Aben Ezra supplies it; what he was about to say first, in order to prepare him for the meaning of the handwriting, and the cause of it; or, "thou knowest", as
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 5:18
O thou king, the most high God gave Nebuchadnezzar thy father a kingdom, and majesty, and glory, and honour: The most high God gave Nebuchadnezzar thy father a kingdom.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Daniel 5:18
This the prophet repeats, to put Belshazzar in mind how God dealt with his father; for it is good for kings to read over the story of their ancestors, and take warning, and take example. In the first they are seamarks, in the second landmarks.
Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 5:18
Daniel 5:18 O thou king, the most high God gave Nebuchadnezzar thy father a kingdom, and majesty, and glory, and honour:Ver. 18. O thou king, the most high God gave Nebachadnezzar.] See here the necessary and profitable use of history, which hath its name, saith Plato, παρατοισταναιτονρουν, from stopping the flux and overflow of impiety in others; “ Exemplo alterius qui sapit, ille sapit. ” Domestic examples are most prevalent; as not to profit by them is a great provocation, and yet all too common. Lamech was nothing bettered by Cain’ s punishment, but the contrary. Jude inveigheth against such as made no use of Sodom’ s ruin; this was a just presage and desert of their own. And kingdom, and majesty, and glory, and honour.] His offences were much increased by these many obligations.
Ellicott's Commentary on Daniel 5:18
(18) The most high God.—Comp. this and the three following verses with Daniel 4:16-17; Daniel 4:22-25.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Daniel 5:18
Verse 18. Nebuchadnezzar thy father] Or grandfather, as the margin reads, Daniel 5:2. See Clarke on Daniel 5:1.
Cambridge Bible on Daniel 5:18
18–24. Before interpreting the writing Daniel reads the king a lesson. Nebuchadnezzar’s pride, combined with his refusal to recognize the sovereignty of the true God, had brought upon him a bitter humiliation: Belshazzar has exhibited the same faults yet more conspicuously: and the present sign has been sent in order to warn him of the impending punishment. 18 the kingdom, and greatness, and glory, and majesty] Cf. Daniel 4:22; Daniel 4:36.
Barnes' Notes on Daniel 5:18
O thou king, the most high God gave Nebuchadnezzar thy father a kingdom ... - This reference to Nebuchadnezzar is evidently designed to show to Belshazzar the wickedness of his own course, and the
Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 5:18
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 5:18
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
A Guiding Voice in the Storm by Carter Conlon | The sermon titled 'A Guiding Voice in the Storm' based on Acts chapter 27 emphasizes the importance of seeking God's direction and being a guiding voice in the midst of societal st |
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Weighed and Found Wanting by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Daniel preaches to Belshazzar, the grandson of Nebuchadnezzar, about the consequences of pride and disobedience to God. He reminds Belshazzar of how Nebuchadnezzar |
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Daniel - the Lord in the Outworking of History by William Fitch | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the book of Daniel and its themes of God's sovereignty and the victory of faith. The sermon begins by discussing how Daniel and his friends |
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The Rise and Fall of Babylon by John F. Walvoord | John F. Walvoord delves into the early history of Babylon as mentioned in the Bible, tracing its origins from the time of Nimrod to its eventual rise as a center of religious signi |
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The Mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven by Lewis Sperry Chafer | Lewis Sperry Chafer delves into the prophetic visions given to Daniel, outlining the course of the Gentile period from the last captivity to the second coming of Christ. Daniel's d |
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Pray for Kings - Part 7 by Chip Brogden | This sermon emphasizes the importance of praying for those in authority, especially when secular governments go astray or persecute believers. It highlights the spiritual authority |
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Two Kingdoms by Dean Taylor | This sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding the concept of the two kingdoms, highlighting the need to grasp the teachings of Jesus. It delves into the historical context |