Daniel 5:8

Daniel 5:8 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

So all the king’s wise men came in, but they could not read the inscription or interpret it for him.

King James Version KJV

Then came in all the king’s wise men: but they could not read the writing, nor make known to the king the interpretation thereof.

American Standard Version ASV

Then came in all the king’s wise men; but they could not read the writing, nor make known to the king the interpretation.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Then all the king's wise men came in: but they were not able to make out the writing or give the sense of it to the king.

Free Bible Version FBV

However, after all the king's wise men had come in, they could not read the writing or explain to him what it meant.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Then came all the Kings wise men, but they could neither reade the writing, nor shewe the King the interpretation.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

Then coming up are all the wise men of the king, and they are not able to read the writing, and the interpretation to make known to the king;

World English Bible WEB

Then all the king’s wise men came in; but they could not read the writing, and couldn’t make known to the king the interpretation.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Then came in all the king's wise men : but they could not read the writing, nor make known to the king the interpretation of it.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Then came in all the king’s wise men, but they could neither read the writing, nor declare the interpretation to the king.

Translation for Translators T4T

But when all those wise men came in, none of them could read the writing, or tell him what it meant.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Daniel 5:8

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 5:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB אֱדַ֨יִן֙ עללין עָֽלִּ֔ין כֹּ֖ל חַכִּימֵ֣י מַלְכָּ֑/א וְ/לָֽא כָהֲלִ֤ין כְּתָבָ/א֙ לְ/מִקְרֵ֔א ו/פשר/א וּ/פִשְׁרֵ֖/הּ לְ/הוֹדָעָ֥ה לְ/מַלְכָּֽ/א

אֱדַ֨יִן֙ ʼĕdayin H116 then Adj

עללין ʻălal H5954 to come Adj

עָֽלִּ֔ין ʻălal H5954 to come Adj

כֹּ֖ל kôl H3606 all Adj

חַכִּימֵ֣י chakkîym H2445 wise Adj

מַלְכָּ֑/א melek H4430 king Adj | Art

וְ/לָֽא lâʼ H3809 not Adj | Part

כָהֲלִ֤ין kᵉhal H3546 be able Adj

כְּתָבָ/א֙ kᵉthâb H3792 inscription Adj | Art

לְ/מִקְרֵ֔א qᵉrâʼ H7123 to read Adj | V-Qal-Inf-a

ו/פשר/א pᵉshar H6591 interpretation Adj | N-ms | Art

וּ/פִשְׁרֵ֖/הּ pᵉshar H6591 interpretation Adj | N-ms | Suff

לְ/הוֹדָעָ֥ה yᵉdaʻ H3046 to know Adj | V-Hiphil-Inf-a

לְ/מַלְכָּֽ/א melek H4430 king Adj | N-ms | Art

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Daniel 5:8

אֱדַ֨יִן֙ ʼĕdayin H116 "then" Adj

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.

עללין ʻălal H5954 "to come" Adj

This word means to enter or come into a place, and it can also mean to introduce someone or something. In the Bible, it is used to describe entering a room or bringing someone in. The KJV translates it as come in or bring in.

Definition: 1) to thrust in, go in, come in 1a) (P'al) to go in, come in 1b) (Aphel) to bring in 1c) (Hophal) to be brought in

Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: bring in, come in, go in. See also: Daniel 2:16; Daniel 5:7; Daniel 6:19.

עָֽלִּ֔ין ʻălal H5954 "to come" Adj

Definition: 1) to thrust in, go in, come in 1a) (P'al) to go in, come in 1b) (Aphel) to bring in 1c) (Hophal) to be brought in

Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: bring in, come in, go in. See also: Daniel 2:16; Daniel 5:7; Daniel 6:19.

כֹּ֖ל kôl H3606 "all" Adj

The Hebrew word for all or everything, used in the Bible to describe the entirety of something, like all people or all things. It appears in Genesis and Psalms to emphasize God's power over everything. This word is often translated as 'all' or 'every' in English Bibles.

Definition: 1) all, whole, the whole 1a) the whole of, all 1b) every, any, none

Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: all, any, + (forasmuch) as, + be-(for this) cause, every, + no (manner, -ne), + there (where) -fore, + though, what (where, who) -soever, (the) whole. See also: Ezra 4:14; Daniel 3:29; Daniel 7:27.

חַכִּימֵ֣י chakkîym H2445 "wise" Adj

In the Bible, this word means wise or intelligent, describing someone with good judgment. It is used to describe a wise man, like a Magian. The word appears in various books, including Proverbs and Psalms.

Definition: wise man, wise

Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: wise. See also: Daniel 2:12; Daniel 2:27; Daniel 5:15.

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.

וְ/לָֽא lâʼ H3809 "not" Adj | Part

Means 'not' or 'nothing', often used to show something is absent or non-existent, like in Genesis. It implies a simple or absolute negation. Used over 2000 times in the Bible.

Definition: no, not, nothing Aramaic of lo (לֹא "not" H3808)

Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: or even, neither, no(-ne, -r), (can-) not, as nothing, without. See also: Ezra 4:13; Daniel 3:16; Jeremiah 10:11.

כָהֲלִ֤ין kᵉhal H3546 "be able" Adj

To be able means to have the strength or power to do something, like when the Israelites were able to defeat their enemies with God's help. It's about being capable or strong enough to accomplish a task.

Definition: 1) to be able 1a) (P'al) to be able

Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: be able, could. See also: Daniel 2:26; Daniel 5:8; Daniel 5:15.

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.

לְ/מִקְרֵ֔א qᵉrâʼ H7123 "to read" Adj | V-Qal-Inf-a

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.

ו/פשר/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.

וּ/פִשְׁרֵ֖/הּ pᵉshar H6591 "interpretation" Adj | N-ms | Suff

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.

לְ/הוֹדָעָ֥ה yᵉdaʻ H3046 "to know" Adj | V-Hiphil-Inf-a

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.

לְ/מַלְכָּֽ/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.

Study Notes — Daniel 5:8

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Daniel 5:8 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Daniel 5:8
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 5:8
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Daniel 5:8
Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 5:8
Ellicott's Commentary on Daniel 5:8
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Daniel 5:8
Cambridge Bible on Daniel 5:8
Barnes' Notes on Daniel 5:8
Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 5:8
Sermons on Daniel 5:8

Context — The Handwriting on the Wall

6his face grew pale and his thoughts so alarmed him that his hips gave way and his knees knocked together. 7The king called out for the enchanters, astrologers, and diviners to be brought in, and he said to these wise men of Babylon, “Whoever reads this inscription and tells me its interpretation will be clothed in purple and have a gold chain placed around his neck, and he will be made the third highest ruler in the kingdom.”

8So all the king’s wise men came in, but they could not read the inscription or interpret it for him.

9Then King Belshazzar became even more terrified, his face grew even more pale, and his nobles were bewildered. 10Hearing the outcry of the king and his nobles, the queen entered the banquet hall. “O king, may you live forever!” she said. “Do not let your thoughts terrify you, or your face grow pale.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	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.
2	Daniel 4:7	When the magicians, enchanters, astrologers, and diviners came in, I told them the dream, and they could not interpret it for me.
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	Daniel 5:15	Now the wise men and enchanters were brought before me to read this inscription and interpret it for me, but they could not give its interpretation.
5	Isaiah 47:9	These two things will overtake you in a moment, in a single day: loss of children, and widowhood. They will come upon you in full measure, in spite of your many sorceries and the potency of your spells.
6	Isaiah 47:12–15	So take your stand with your spells and with your many sorceries, with which you have wearied yourself from your youth. Perhaps you will succeed; perhaps you will inspire terror! You are wearied by your many counselors; let them come forward now and save you— your astrologers who observe the stars, who monthly predict your fate. Surely they are like stubble; the fire will burn them up. They cannot deliver themselves from the power of the flame. There will be no coals to warm them or fire to sit beside. This is what they are to you— those with whom you have labored and traded from youth— each one strays in his own direction; not one of them can save you.

Daniel 5:8 Summary

[This verse shows that even the smartest and most learned people cannot understand God's messages without His help. The king's wise men were unable to interpret the inscription, which teaches us that true wisdom and understanding come from God (Proverbs 9:10). We should always seek God's guidance and revelation in our lives, rather than relying solely on human wisdom. By doing so, we can gain a deeper understanding of His plans and purposes for us, just like Daniel did in Daniel 5:13-31.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why were the king's wise men unable to interpret the inscription?

The king's wise men were unable to interpret the inscription because it was a divine message that required spiritual understanding, as seen in Daniel 5:8, and only God can reveal such mysteries (Deuteronomy 29:29).

What does this verse reveal about the limitations of human wisdom?

This verse shows that human wisdom has its limits, and even the most learned and skilled individuals cannot understand or interpret divine messages without God's guidance (1 Corinthians 1:20, Proverbs 3:5-6).

How does this verse relate to the concept of spiritual blindness?

This verse illustrates spiritual blindness, where individuals are unable to understand or interpret spiritual truths due to their lack of spiritual discernment (1 Corinthians 2:14, Matthew 13:13-15).

What can we learn from the king's wise men's failure to interpret the inscription?

We can learn that true wisdom and understanding come from God, and that we should humbly seek His guidance and revelation in all matters, rather than relying solely on human wisdom (Proverbs 9:10, James 1:5-6).

Reflection Questions

What are some areas in my life where I am relying on human wisdom rather than seeking God's guidance?
How can I cultivate spiritual discernment to better understand and interpret God's messages in my life?
What are some ways I can humble myself and seek God's revelation, rather than relying on my own understanding?
In what ways can I apply the lesson of spiritual blindness from this verse to my own life and relationships?

Gill's Exposition on Daniel 5:8

Then came in all the king's wise men,.... The whole college of them, the persons before described; over whom, in Nebuchadnezzar's time, Daniel was the chief of the governors, Daniel 2:48, these came

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 5:8

Then came in all the king's wise men: but they could not read the writing, nor make known to the king the interpretation thereof. Then came in all the king's wise men: but they could not read the writing.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Daniel 5:8

The rabbies say it was not in the Chaldee character, though the words were Chaldee, but the old Hebrew, Canaanitish, Phoenician, and Samaritan letters; or else because only the initial letters, M. T. P., were written. But God reserved this honour for Daniel, and to him that He might have all the glory. Besides, this interpretation was figurative, about weighing in a balance.

Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 5:8

Daniel 5:8 Then came in all the king’ s wise [men]: but they could not read the writing, nor make known to the king the interpretation thereof.Ver. 8. But they could not read the writing.] Utpote caecitate et stupore pervulsi; they could not so read it as to make any good sense of it. It may be the initial letters only were set down, or else without pricks, or in a strange character, the Samaritan, or some other. The honour of the work was reserved for a better man.

Ellicott's Commentary on Daniel 5:8

(8) Then—i.e., after the king had addressed the wise men whom he had summoned. But why could not they read an inscription which Daniel deciphered at first sight? It has been conjectured (1) that the character was old Semitic, or one which the wise men did not know; (2) that the language of the inscription was unknown to them; (3) that the words were written in vertical columns, and the wise men endeavoured to read them horizontally. The only true explanation is to be found in the supernatural character of the inscription, and in the inspiration of Daniel. In this way God asserts Himself against the false wisdom of the heathens.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Daniel 5:8

Verse 8. They could not read the writing] Because it was in the pure Hebrew, not the Chaldean character. See below.

Cambridge Bible on Daniel 5:8

8. The wise men, however, failed either to read or to explain the writing.

Barnes' Notes on Daniel 5:8

Then came in all the king’s wise men - The classes above referred to, Daniel 5:7. But they could not read the writing - The character was an unknown character to them.

Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 5:8

7-9. This Babylonian king, like his “father,” forgetting Daniel, calls for help from the same worthless crowd of “witches” (Wyclif) and Chaldeans (see note Daniel 2:2; some ancient texts omit

Sermons on Daniel 5:8

	Sermon	Description
	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
	Applying the Test of Biblical Accuracy by A.W. Tozer	Greek Word Studies for aid_number 35832 delves into the origins and meanings of 'pharmakeia', primarily signifying the use of medicine, drugs, spells, and sorcery. The practice of
	Deliverance - Part 2 by Derek Prince	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Moses and the magicians in the book of Exodus. He highlights the supernatural powers displayed by both Moses and the magicians, b
	About Astrology by Jack Hayford	Jack Hayford addresses the topic of astrology, emphasizing the Bible's rejection and condemnation of it, warning of the confusion and tragic consequences that come with practicing

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