Daniel 5:21

Daniel 5:21 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

He was driven away from mankind, and his mind was like that of a beast. He lived with the wild donkeys and ate grass like an ox, and his body was drenched with the dew of heaven until he acknowledged that the Most High God rules over the kingdom of mankind, setting over it whom He wishes.

King James Version KJV

And he was driven from the sons of men; and his heart was made like the beasts, and his dwelling was with the wild asses: they fed him with grass like oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven; till he knew that the most high God ruled in the kingdom of men, and that he appointeth over it whomsoever he will.

American Standard Version ASV

and he was driven from the sons of men, and his heart was made like the beasts’, and his dwelling was with the wild asses; he was fed with grass like oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven; until he knew that the Most High God ruleth in the kingdom of men, and that he setteth up over it whomsoever he will.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And he was sent out from among the sons of men; and his heart was made like the beasts', and he was living with the asses of the fields; he had grass for his food like the oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven, till he was certain that the Most High is ruler in the kingdom of men, and gives power over it to anyone at his pleasure.

Free Bible Version FBV

He was driven away from human society and his mind became like that of an animal. He lived with the wild donkeys and ate grass like cattle, and he was soaked with the dew of heaven until he acknowledged that the Most High rules over human kingdoms, and that he gives them to anyone he chooses.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And hee was driuen from the sonnes of men, and his heart was made like the beastes, and his dwelling was with the wilde asses: they fed him with grasse like oxen, and his body was wet with the dewe of the heauen, till he knewe, that the most high God bare rule ouer the kingdome of men, and that he appointeth ouer it, whomsoeuer he pleaseth.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and from the sons of men he is driven, and his heart with the beasts hath been like, and with the wild asses [is] his dwelling; the herb like oxen they cause him to eat, and by the dew of the heavens is his body wet, till that he hath known that God Most High is ruler in the kingdom of men, and whom He willeth He raiseth up over it.

World English Bible WEB

He was driven from the sons of men, and his heart was made like the animals’, and his dwelling was with the wild donkeys. He was fed with grass like oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of the sky, until he knew that the Most High God rules in the kingdom of men, and that he sets up over it whomever he will.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And he was driven from the sons of men; and his heart was made like the beasts, and his dwelling was with the wild asses: they fed him with grass like oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven; till he knew that the most high God ruleth in the kingdom of men, and that he appointeth over it whomsoever he will.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And he was driven out from the sons of men, and his heart was made like the beasts, and his dwelling was with the wild asses, and he did eat grass like an ox, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven: till he knew that the most High ruled in the kingdom of men, and that he will set over it whomsoever it shall please him.

Translation for Translators T4T

His officials sent him away in order that he would not be near other people. God caused him to have a mind like animals have. He lived among the wild donkeys. He ate grass like cows do, and dew from the sky caused his body to be damp/wet each morning. He was like that until he learned that the Supreme God is really the one who rules the kingdoms of this world, and that he appoints whomever he chooses to rule those kingdoms.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Daniel 5:21

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 5:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וּ/מִן בְּנֵי֩ אֲנָשָׁ֨/א טְרִ֜יד וְ/לִבְבֵ֣/הּ עִם חֵיוְתָ֣/א שוי שַׁוִּ֗יְו וְ/עִם עֲרָֽדַיָּ/א֙ מְדוֹרֵ֔/הּ עִשְׂבָּ֤/א כְ/תוֹרִין֙ יְטַ֣עֲמוּנֵּ֔/הּ וּ/מִ/טַּ֥ל שְׁמַיָּ֖/א גִּשְׁמֵ֣/הּ יִצְטַבַּ֑ע עַ֣ד דִּֽי יְדַ֗ע דִּֽי שַׁלִּ֞יט אֱלָהָ֤/א עלי/א עִלָּאָ/ה֙ בְּ/מַלְכ֣וּת אֲנָשָׁ֔/א וּ/לְ/מַן דִּ֥י יִצְבֵּ֖ה יְהָקֵ֥ים עלי/ה עֲלַֽ/הּ

וּ/מִן min H4481 from Adj | Prep

בְּנֵי֩ bên H1123 son Adj

אֲנָשָׁ֨/א ʼĕnâsh H606 man Adj | Art

טְרִ֜יד ṭᵉrad H2957 to chase away Adj

וְ/לִבְבֵ֣/הּ lᵉbab H3825 heart Adj | N-ms | Suff

עִם ʻim H5974 with Adj

חֵיוְתָ֣/א chêyvâʼ H2423 beast Adj | Art

שוי shᵉvâh H7739 be like Adj

שַׁוִּ֗יְו shᵉvâh H7739 be like Adj

וְ/עִם ʻim H5974 with Adj | Prep

עֲרָֽדַיָּ/א֙ ʻărâd H6167 wild donkey Adj | Art

מְדוֹרֵ֔/הּ mᵉdôwr H4070 dwelling Adj | Suff

עִשְׂבָּ֤/א ʻâsh H6211 moth Adj | Art

כְ/תוֹרִין֙ tôwr H8450 bullock Adj | N-mp

יְטַ֣עֲמוּנֵּ֔/הּ ṭᵉʻam H2939 to feed Adj | Suff

וּ/מִ/טַּ֥ל ṭal H2920 dew Adj | Prep | N-ms

שְׁמַיָּ֖/א shâmayin H8065 heaven Adj | Art

גִּשְׁמֵ֣/הּ geshem H1655 body Adj | Suff

יִצְטַבַּ֑ע tsᵉbaʻ H6647 to drench Adj

עַ֣ד ʻad H5705 till Adj

דִּֽי dîy H1768 that Adj

יְדַ֗ע yᵉdaʻ H3046 to know Adj

דִּֽי dîy H1768 that Adj

שַׁלִּ֞יט shallîyṭ H7990 ruling Adj

אֱלָהָ֤/א ʼĕlâhh H426 god Adj | Art

עלי/א ʻillay H5943 Most High Adj | Art

עִלָּאָ/ה֙ ʻillay H5943 Most High Adj | Art

בְּ/מַלְכ֣וּת malkûw H4437 kingdom Adj | N-fs

אֲנָשָׁ֔/א ʼĕnâsh H606 man Adj | Art

וּ/לְ/מַן mân H4479 who? Adj | Prep | Pron

דִּ֥י dîy H1768 that Adj

יִצְבֵּ֖ה tsᵉbâʼ H6634 to will Adj

יְהָקֵ֥ים qûwm H6966 to stand Adj

עלי/ה ʻal H5922 since Adj | Suff

עֲלַֽ/הּ ʻal H5922 since Adj | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Daniel 5:21

וּ/מִן min H4481 "from" Adj | Prep

This word is used to show where something comes from, like from a place or at a certain time, and is often translated as from or out of.

Definition: 1) from, out of, by, by reason of, at, more than 1a) from, out of (of place) 1b) from, by, as a result of, by reason of, at, according to, (of source) 1c) from (of time) 1d) beyond, more than (in comparisons)

Usage: Occurs in 83 OT verses. KJV: according, after, [phrase] because, [phrase] before, by, for, from, [idiom] him, [idiom] more than, (out) of, part, since, [idiom] these, to, upon, [phrase] when. See also: Ezra 4:12; Daniel 3:22; Jeremiah 10:11.

בְּנֵי֩ bên H1123 "son" Adj

This word means a child or son, and is used to describe family relationships in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including 'son' and 'young one', and is an important concept in biblical family structures. The word is used to show lineage and heritage.

Definition: son, child Aramaic of ben (בֵּן ": child" H1121)

Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: child, son, young. See also: Ezra 6:9; Daniel 2:38; Daniel 6:25.

אֲנָשָׁ֨/א ʼĕnâsh H606 "man" Adj | Art

A human being or mankind, used to describe people in general, as seen in Psalm 8 and Isaiah 52. This word refers to humans as individuals or collectively.

Definition: 1) man, human being 2) mankind (collective) Aramaic of e.nosh (אֱנוֹשׁ "human" H0582)

Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: man, [phrase] whosoever. See also: Ezra 4:11; Daniel 4:29; Daniel 7:13.

טְרִ֜יד ṭᵉrad H2957 "to chase away" Adj

This word means to chase away or expel someone, like driving them out. It is used in the Bible to describe forcing someone to leave.

Definition: (P'al) to drive away, drive from, chase away Aramaic of ta.rad (טָרַד "to pursue" H2956)

Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: drive. See also: Daniel 4:22; Daniel 4:30; Daniel 5:21.

וְ/לִבְבֵ֣/הּ lᵉbab H3825 "heart" Adj | N-ms | Suff

The heart refers to a person's inner self, including their thoughts and feelings. In the book of Daniel, it describes the heart of a king, while in the book of Ezra, it talks about the heart of the people turning back to God.

Definition: heart, mind Aramaic of le.vav (לֵבָב "heart" H3824)

Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: heart. See also: Daniel 2:30; Daniel 5:21; Daniel 7:4.

עִם ʻim H5974 "with" Adj

Means 'with' in the Bible, showing something is done together or at the same time, like in Genesis 1:26 where God says 'Let us make man in our image'.

Definition: 1) with 1a) together with, with 1b) with, during

Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: by, from, like, to(-ward), with. See also: Ezra 5:2; Daniel 4:12; Daniel 7:21.

חֵיוְתָ֣/א chêyvâʼ H2423 "beast" Adj | Art

This word refers to any kind of animal, from small creatures to large beasts. It is used in the Bible to talk about animals in general, and is translated as 'beast'.

Definition: beast, animal Aramaic of chay.yah (חַיָּה "living thing" H2416C)

Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: beast. See also: Daniel 2:38; Daniel 5:21; Daniel 7:23.

שוי shᵉvâh H7739 "be like" Adj

This word means to resemble or be made like something, and it is used in the Bible to describe people or things that are similar. It is used in the book of Isaiah to describe God's people being made like him. The word is often translated as 'make like' or 'be set'.

Definition: (Pael) to become like Aramaic of sha.vah (שָׁוָה "be like" H7737A)

Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: make like. See also: Daniel 3:29; Daniel 5:21.

שַׁוִּ֗יְו shᵉvâh H7739 "be like" Adj

Definition: (Pael) to become like Aramaic of sha.vah (שָׁוָה "be like" H7737A)

Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: make like. See also: Daniel 3:29; Daniel 5:21.

וְ/עִם ʻim H5974 "with" Adj | Prep

Means 'with' in the Bible, showing something is done together or at the same time, like in Genesis 1:26 where God says 'Let us make man in our image'.

Definition: 1) with 1a) together with, with 1b) with, during

Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: by, from, like, to(-ward), with. See also: Ezra 5:2; Daniel 4:12; Daniel 7:21.

עֲרָֽדַיָּ/א֙ ʻărâd H6167 "wild donkey" Adj | Art

The Hebrew word for a wild donkey, also known as an onager, is used in the Bible to describe a strong and free animal. It appears in Job 39:5 and Jeremiah 2:24. This word is often translated as 'wild ass' in the KJV.

Definition: wild ass Aramaic of a.rod (עָרוֹד "wild donkey" H6171)

Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: wild ass. See also: Daniel 5:21.

מְדוֹרֵ֔/הּ mᵉdôwr H4070 "dwelling" Adj | Suff

A dwelling refers to a place where people live, derived from the Aramaic word for sojourning. It describes a home or residence, often used in biblical descriptions of everyday life.

Definition: dwelling place Aramaic of ma.gur (מָגוֹר "sojourning" H4033)

Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: dwelling. See also: Daniel 2:11; Daniel 4:29; Daniel 5:21.

עִשְׂבָּ֤/א ʻâsh H6211 "moth" Adj | Art

In the Bible, this word refers to a moth or grass, symbolizing something that is fragile or easily destroyed. It is first used in Job 4:19 to describe the fragility of human life. The word is also related to vegetation and herbage.

Definition: moth

Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: moth. See also H5906 (עַיִשׁ). See also: Job 4:19; Daniel 4:12; Psalms 39:12.

כְ/תוֹרִין֙ tôwr H8450 "bullock" Adj | N-mp

In Hebrew, this word means a bull or young ox, often used for sacrifice, as seen in the Aramaic word 'shor' meaning cattle.

Definition: bull, young bull, ox (for sacrifice) Aramaic of shor (שׁוֹר "cattle" H7794)

Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: bullock, ox. See also: Ezra 6:9; Daniel 4:22; Daniel 5:21.

יְטַ֣עֲמוּנֵּ֔/הּ ṭᵉʻam H2939 "to feed" Adj | Suff

This word means to feed or cause someone to eat. It is an Aramaic equivalent of a Hebrew word for 'taste'. In the KJV, it is translated as 'feed' or 'make to eat'.

Definition: (P'al) to feed, cause to eat Aramaic of ta.am (טָעַם "to taste" H2938)

Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: make to eat, feed. See also: Daniel 4:22; Daniel 5:2; Daniel 5:21.

וּ/מִ/טַּ֥ל ṭal H2920 "dew" Adj | Prep | N-ms

This Aramaic word for dew is similar to the Hebrew word, and refers to the moisture that covers the ground and plants at night. It is used in the Bible to describe the beauty of nature.

Definition: dew Aramaic of tal (טַל "dew" H2919)

Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: dew. See also: Daniel 4:12; Daniel 4:22; Daniel 5:21.

שְׁמַיָּ֖/א shâmayin H8065 "heaven" Adj | Art

This Aramaic word for heaven is similar to the Hebrew word, referring to the sky and the abode of God. It is used to describe the dwelling place of God in the Bible.

Definition: 1) heaven, heavens, sky 1a) visible sky 1b) Heaven (as abode of God)

Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: heaven. See also: Ezra 5:11; Daniel 4:12; Jeremiah 10:11.

גִּשְׁמֵ֣/הּ geshem H1655 "body" Adj | Suff

In a unique sense, this word refers to the human body, possibly comparing it to a strong, steady rain. The KJV translates it as body. It is used in a figurative way.

Definition: body

Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: body. See also: Daniel 3:27; Daniel 4:30; Daniel 7:11.

יִצְטַבַּ֑ע tsᵉbaʻ H6647 "to drench" Adj

Tsᵉbaʻ means to drench or dip something in a liquid, like water or dye. It's used to describe wetting or soaking an object, as seen in various KJV translations.

Definition: 1) to dip, wet (something) 1a) (Pael) to wet 1b) (Ithpael) to be wet

Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: wet. See also: Daniel 4:12; Daniel 4:22; Daniel 5:21.

עַ֣ד ʻad H5705 "till" Adj

This Hebrew word is similar to H5704, meaning until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Numbers when describing the Israelites' travels.

Definition: prep 1) even to, until, up to, during conj 2) until, up to the time that, ere that

Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] and, at, for, (hither-) to, on till, (un-) to, until, within. See also: Ezra 4:21; Daniel 5:21; Daniel 7:28.

דִּֽי 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.

יְדַ֗ע 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.

דִּֽי 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

שַׁלִּ֞יט shallîyṭ H7990 "ruling" Adj

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means having authority or being a ruler. It describes someone with mastery or power, like a captain or leader. This concept appears in various books, including the historical accounts of Israel's kings.

Definition: 1) having mastery, having authority, ruling 1a) having or exercising mastery, ruling 1b) ruler (subst) 1c) having authority 1c1) it is authorised

Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: captain, be lawful, rule(-r). See also: Ezra 4:20; Daniel 4:22; Daniel 5:29.

אֱלָהָ֤/א 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.

עִלָּאָ/ה֙ ʻillay H5943 "Most High" Adj | Art

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.

בְּ/מַלְכ֣וּת malkûw H4437 "kingdom" Adj | N-fs

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.

אֲנָשָׁ֔/א ʼĕnâsh H606 "man" Adj | Art

A human being or mankind, used to describe people in general, as seen in Psalm 8 and Isaiah 52. This word refers to humans as individuals or collectively.

Definition: 1) man, human being 2) mankind (collective) Aramaic of e.nosh (אֱנוֹשׁ "human" H0582)

Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: man, [phrase] whosoever. See also: Ezra 4:11; Daniel 4:29; Daniel 7:13.

וּ/לְ/מַן mân H4479 "who?" Adj | Prep | Pron

This word is used to ask questions, like 'who?' or 'what?'. It appears in Daniel 2:25, where the king asks, 'Who can tell me what my dream means?'

Definition: who?, what?, whoever, whosoever Aramaic of mah (מָה "what?" H4100)

Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: what, who(-msoever, [phrase] -so). See also: Ezra 5:3; Daniel 3:15; Daniel 5:21.

דִּ֥י 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

יִצְבֵּ֖ה tsᵉbâʼ H6634 "to will" Adj

To will or be pleased, this term describes a desire or inclination, often used to describe God's will. It can also mean to be willing or pleased, and is used in the Bible to talk about decision-making and intention.

Definition: 1) to desire, be inclined, be willing, be pleased 1a) (P'al) 1a1) to desire 1a2) to be pleased 1a3) to will (without hindrance) (of God)

Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: will, would. See also: Daniel 4:14; Daniel 4:32; Daniel 7:19.

יְהָקֵ֥ים qûwm H6966 "to stand" Adj

Qum means to establish or confirm something, like setting up a new system or lifting someone up to a position of power, as described in the books of Kings and Chronicles.

Definition: : establish/stand_firm/confirm/fulfill/fix 1) to arise, stand 1a) (P'al) 1a1) to arise from 1a2) to come on the scene (fig) 1a3) to arise (out of inaction) 1a4) to stand 1a5) to endure 1b) (Pael) to set up, establish 1c) (Aphel) 1c1) to set up 1c2) to lift up 1c3) to establish 1c4) to appoint 1d) (Hophal) to be made to stand

Usage: Occurs in 30 OT verses. KJV: appoint, establish, make, raise up self, (a-) rise (up), (make to) stand, set (up). See also: Ezra 5:2; Daniel 4:14; Daniel 7:24.

עלי/ה ʻal H5922 "since" Adj | Suff

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.

עֲלַֽ/הּ ʻal H5922 "since" Adj | Suff

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.

Study Notes — Daniel 5:21

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Context
Cross References
Daniel 5:21 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Daniel 5:21
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 5:21
Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 5:21
Ellicott's Commentary on Daniel 5:21
Cambridge Bible on Daniel 5:21
Barnes' Notes on Daniel 5:21
Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 5:21
Sermons on Daniel 5:21

Context — Daniel Interprets the Handwriting

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.

21He was driven away from mankind, and his mind was like that of a beast. He lived with the wild donkeys and ate grass like an ox, and his body was drenched with the dew of heaven until he acknowledged that the Most High God rules over the kingdom of mankind, setting over it whom He wishes.

22But you his son, O Belshazzar, have not humbled your heart, even though you knew all this. 23Instead, you have exalted yourself against the Lord of heaven. The vessels from His house were brought to you, and as you drank wine from them with your nobles, wives, and concubines, you praised your gods of silver and gold, bronze and iron, wood and stone, which cannot see or hear or understand. But you have failed to glorify the God who holds in His hand your very breath and all your ways.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Daniel 4:25	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.
2	Ezekiel 17:24	Then all the trees of the field will know that I am the LORD. I bring the tall tree down and make the low tree tall. I dry up the green tree and make the withered tree flourish. I, the LORD, have spoken, and I have done it.’”
3	Daniel 4:35	All the peoples of the earth are counted as nothing, and He does as He pleases with the army of heaven and the peoples of the earth. There is no one who can restrain His hand or say to Him, ‘What have You done?’”
4	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.’
5	Job 30:3–7	Gaunt from poverty and hunger, they gnawed the dry land, and the desolate wasteland by night. They plucked mallow among the shrubs, and the roots of the broom tree were their food. They were banished from among men, shouted down like thieves, so that they lived on the slopes of the wadis, among the rocks and in holes in the ground. They cried out among the shrubs and huddled beneath the nettles.
6	Psalms 83:17–18	May they be ever ashamed and terrified; may they perish in disgrace. May they know that You alone, whose name is the LORD, are Most High over all the earth.
7	Daniel 4:32–33	You will be driven away from mankind to live with the beasts of the field, and you will feed on grass like an ox. And seven times will pass you by, until you acknowledge that the Most High rules over the kingdom of mankind and gives it to whom He wishes.” At that moment the sentence against Nebuchadnezzar was fulfilled. He was driven away from mankind. He ate grass like an ox, and his body was drenched with the dew of heaven, until his hair grew like the feathers of an eagle and his nails like the claws of a bird.
8	Exodus 9:14–16	Otherwise, I will send all My plagues against you and your officials and your people, so you may know that there is no one like Me in all the earth. For by this time I could have stretched out My hand and struck you and your people with a plague to wipe you off the earth. But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display My power to you, and that My name might be proclaimed in all the earth.
9	Daniel 4:37	Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, for all His works are true and all His ways are just. And He is able to humble those who walk in pride.

Daniel 5:21 Summary

[This verse, Daniel 5:21, tells us that when we let pride and arrogance take over our lives, we can lose touch with our humanity and our relationship with God, just like King Nebuchadnezzar, who was once a powerful king but ended up living with wild animals. It's a reminder that we need to stay humble and acknowledge God's sovereignty in our lives, as seen in Psalm 95:6 and Isaiah 66:2. By doing so, we can avoid the kind of downfall that King Nebuchadnezzar experienced and instead live a life that honors God, as encouraged in 1 Corinthians 10:31 and Colossians 3:17.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to have a mind like that of a beast?

In Daniel 5:21, having a mind like that of a beast means to lose rational thought and behave irrationally, as seen in the case of King Nebuchadnezzar, who was driven away from mankind and lived with wild animals, much like the description in Psalm 32:9, where it warns against being like a horse or mule without understanding.

Why was King Nebuchadnezzar driven away from mankind?

King Nebuchadnezzar was driven away from mankind because of his arrogance and pride, as stated in Daniel 5:20, which led to his downfall and his mind being like that of a beast, until he acknowledged the Most High God's rule over the kingdom of mankind, as described in Daniel 5:21 and supported by Jeremiah 27:5.

What is the significance of eating grass like an ox?

Eating grass like an ox, as mentioned in Daniel 5:21, signifies a complete reversal of King Nebuchadnezzar's former life of luxury and power, and it also points to his loss of human dignity and his reduction to a beast-like state, which is a consequence of his pride, as warned in Proverbs 16:18.

How long did King Nebuchadnezzar live with the wild donkeys?

The exact duration of King Nebuchadnezzar's time living with the wild donkeys is not specified in Daniel 5:21, but it is implied that it lasted until he acknowledged the Most High God's rule over the kingdom of mankind, which is the central message of this verse, echoing the theme of God's sovereignty in Daniel 4:32 and Psalm 103:19.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that pride and arrogance can lead to a downfall in our own lives, and how can we humble ourselves before God, as seen in 1 Peter 5:6?
How can we, like King Nebuchadnezzar, acknowledge and submit to the sovereignty of the Most High God in our daily lives, as encouraged in Romans 11:36 and Colossians 1:16?
In what ways can we balance our desire for power and recognition with the need for humility and dependence on God, as taught in Matthew 20:26 and Philippians 2:3-5?
What are some practical steps we can take to ensure that we do not become like King Nebuchadnezzar, who was driven away from mankind due to his pride, and instead cultivate humility and a willingness to learn from God's Word, as advised in James 1:5 and Proverbs 1:7?
How can we use our experiences, whether they are times of prosperity or times of hardship, to acknowledge and glorify the Most High God, as expressed in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 and Psalm 107:1?

Gill's Exposition on Daniel 5:21

And he was driven from the sons of men,.... From their company, and from conversation with them; his madness was of that kind, that he chose rather to be with beasts than men; it drove him from men,

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 5:21

And he was driven from the sons of men; and his heart was made like the beasts, and his dwelling was with the wild asses: they fed him with grass like oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of

Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 5:21

Daniel 5:21 And he was driven from the sons of men; and his heart was made like the beasts, and his dwelling [was] with the wild asses: they fed him with grass like oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven; till he knew that the most high God ruled in the kingdom of men, and [that] he appointeth over it whomsoever he will.Ver. 21. And he was driven.] See on Daniel 4:22. Lege historiam, ne fias historia.

Ellicott's Commentary on Daniel 5:21

(21) His dwelling . . .—This is a fact supplementary to what is stated in Daniel 4.

Cambridge Bible on Daniel 5:21

21. See Daniel 4:25; Daniel 4:32-33. the wild asses] An untamable animal, which roamed in the open plains (see Job 39:5-8; and cf. Genesis 16:12): to dwell with the wild asses would thus be a special mark of wildness and savagery. they fed him] or he was fed (R.V.): Daniel 4:25; Daniel 4:32 (‘make to eat’). till he knew, &c.] Daniel 4:25; Daniel 4:32. appointeth] setteth up (R.V.), as Daniel 4:17 (A.V.) for the same word. ‘Appointeth’ is not strong enough.

Barnes' Notes on Daniel 5:21

And he was driven ... - See this fully explained in Daniel 4:25-33.

Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 5:21

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 5:21

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	Studies in the Psalms 02 I Shall Not Be Moved by Neil Fraser	In this sermon, the preacher references two passages from the Bible - Daniel 4 and Acts 4 - to emphasize that God is still in control despite the rise and fall of earthly rulers. H
	Esther #3 Ch. 5-7 by Chuck Missler	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Esther from the Bible. He highlights a scene where the king wants to reward Mordecai, but Haman, who wants to hang Mordecai, co
	Some Considerations Proposed to the City of London, &C. by Isaac Penington	Isaac Penington preaches a sermon urging the City of London and the nation of England to calm their spirits and wait for the Lord's plans, cautioning against rushing into ruin and
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	The Trees of the Field, and Their Appointed Destiny by J.C. Philpot	J.C. Philpot preaches on the transformative work of the Lord in different characters represented by trees: the high tree symbolizing presumptuous professors, the low tree represent
	Why Revival Tarries by William McCrea	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of attending prayer meetings and participating in gospel campaigns. He highlights the significance of prayer in serving God a
	Predestination by Thomas Bradbury	Thomas Bradbury preaches on the unfailing mercy and inexhaustible patience of God towards His wayward children, highlighting His gracious dealings in restoring, saving, and deliver