Daniel 5:9

Verse

Berean Standard Bible

Then King Belshazzar became even more terrified, his face grew even more pale, and his nobles were bewildered.

American Standard Version (1901)

Then was king Belshazzar greatly troubled, and his countenance was changed in him, and his lords were perplexed.

Bible in Basic English

Then King Belshazzar was greatly troubled and the colour went from his face, and his lords were at a loss.

Free Bible Version

This made King Belshazzar even more frightened and his face grew even paler. His nobles also were in panic.

King James (Authorized) Version

Then was king Belshazzar greatly troubled, and his countenance was changed in him, and his lords were astonied.

Translation for Translators

So King Belshazzar became more afraid. His face became even paler/whiter. And all his officials who were there at the feast did not know what to do.

Unlocked Literal Bible

Then King Belshazzar was greatly alarmed and the look on his face changed. His noblemen were perplexed.

Noah Webster Bible

Then was the king Belshazzar greatly troubled, and his countenance was changed in him, and his lords were astonished.

World English Bible

Then King Belshazzar was greatly troubled, and his face was changed in him, and his lords were perplexed.

Young's Literal Translation

then the king Belshazzar is greatly troubled, and his countenance is changing in him, and his great men are perplexed.

Context

The Handwriting on the Wall

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.

Summary

In this verse, King Belshazzar's reaction to the mysterious writing on the wall reveals his fear and confusion. The appearance of the hand writing on the wall signifies a divine message of judgment against him and his kingdom. Belshazzar's response reflects his lack of understanding and his need for interpretation from someone with spiritual insight. This event serves as a warning about the consequences of pride, arrogance, and disregard for God's authority, ultimately leading to the downfall of the Babylonian empire.

Commentary

Keil-Delitzsch
John Gill

Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary

By this not only was the astonishment of the king heightened, but the officers of state also were put into confusion. "In משׁתּבּשׁין lies not merely the idea of consternation, but of confusion, of great commotion in the assembly" (Hitzig). The whole company was thrown into confusion. The magnates spoke without intelligence, and were perplexed about the matter. Not only was the tumult that arose from the loud confused talk of the king and the nobles heard by those who were there present, but the queen-mother, who was living in the palace, the wife of Nebuchadnezzar, also heard it and went into the banqueting hall. As soon as she perceived the cause of the commotion, she directed the attention of her royal son to Daniel, who in the days of his father Nebuchadnezzar had already, as an interpreter of dreams and of mysteries, shown that the spirit of the holy gods dwelt in him (Dan 5:10-12).

Daniel 5:9

The Handwriting on the Wall

Scripture
Sermons
Commentary

Berean Standard Bible

Then King Belshazzar became even more terrified, his face grew even more pale, and his nobles were bewildered.

American Standard Version (1901)

Then was king Belshazzar greatly troubled, and his countenance was changed in him, and his lords were perplexed.

Bible in Basic English

Then King Belshazzar was greatly troubled and the colour went from his face, and his lords were at a loss.

Free Bible Version

This made King Belshazzar even more frightened and his face grew even paler. His nobles also were in panic.

King James (Authorized) Version

Then was king Belshazzar greatly troubled, and his countenance was changed in him, and his lords were astonied.

Translation for Translators

So King Belshazzar became more afraid. His face became even paler/whiter. And all his officials who were there at the feast did not know what to do.

Unlocked Literal Bible

Then King Belshazzar was greatly alarmed and the look on his face changed. His noblemen were perplexed.

Noah Webster Bible

Then was the king Belshazzar greatly troubled, and his countenance was changed in him, and his lords were astonished.

World English Bible

Then King Belshazzar was greatly troubled, and his face was changed in him, and his lords were perplexed.

Young's Literal Translation

then the king Belshazzar is greatly troubled, and his countenance is changing in him, and his great men are perplexed.

Keil-Delitzsch
John Gill

Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary

Daniel 5:9

Verse

Context

The Handwriting on the Wall

Summary

Commentary

Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary

John Gill Bible Commentary

Daniel 5:9

The Handwriting on the Wall

Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary

John Gill Bible Commentary