Daniel 4 Geneva Bible (1599)
Audio: World English Bible (WEB), read by Winfred W. Henson · About the recordings
Notes on this text (1)
- Original 16th-century spelling.
1 I Nebuchad-nezzar being at rest in mine house, and flourishing in my palace,
1 Nebuchadnezzar the king, to all the peoples, nations, and languages, who dwell in all the earth: Peace be multiplied to you.
2 Saw a dreame, which made me afraide, and the thoughtes vpon my bed, and the visions of mine head troubled me.
2 It has seemed good to me to show the signs and wonders that the Most High God has worked toward me.
3 Therefore made I a decree, that they should bring all the wise men of Babel before mee, that they might declare vnto me the interpretation of the dreame.
3 How great are his signs! How mighty are his wonders! His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom. His dominion is from generation to generation.
4 So came the inchanters, the astrologians, the Caldeans and the sothsayers, to whom I tolde the dreame, but they could not shew me the interpretation thereof,
4 I, Nebuchadnezzar, was at rest in my house, and flourishing in my palace.
5 Till at the last Daniel came before mee, (whose name was Belteshazzar, according to the name of my god, which hath the spirite of the holy gods in him) and before him I tolde the dreame, saying,
5 I saw a dream which made me afraid; and the thoughts on my bed and the visions of my head troubled me.
6 O Belteshazzar, chiefe of the enchanters, because I know, that the spirit of the holy gods is in thee, and no secret troubleth thee, tell mee the visions of my dreame, that I haue seene and the interpretation thereof.
6 Therefore I made a decree to bring in all the wise men of Babylon before me, that they might make known to me the interpretation of the dream.
7 Thus were the visions of mine head in my bed. And beholde, I sawe a tree in the middes of the earth and the height thereof was great:
7 Then the magicians, the enchanters, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers came in; and I told them the dream, but they didn’t make known to me its interpretation.
8 A great tree and strong, and the height thereof reached vnto heauen, and the sight thereof to the endes of all the earth.
8 But at last, Daniel came in before me, whose name was Belteshazzar according to the name of my god, and in whom is the spirit of the holy gods. I told the dream before him, saying,
9 The boughes thereof were faire and the fruite thereof much, and in it was meate for all: it made a shadow vnder it for the beastes of the fielde, and the foules of the heauen dwelt in the boughes thereof, and all flesh fedde of it.
9 “Belteshazzar, master of the magicians, because I know that the spirit of the holy gods is in you and no secret troubles you, tell me the visions of my dream that I have seen, and its interpretation.
10 I sawe in the visions of mine head vpon my bed, and beholde, a watchman and an holy one came downe from heauen,
10 These were the visions of my head on my bed: I saw, and behold, a tree in the middle of the earth; and its height was great.
11 And cried aloude, and said thus, Hew downe the tree, and breake off his branches: shake off his leaues, and scatter his fruite, that the beastes may flee from vnder it, and the foules from his branches.
11 The tree grew and was strong. Its height reached to the sky and its sight to the end of all the earth.
12 Neuerthelesse leaue the stumpe of his rootes in the earth, and with a band of yron and brasse binde it among the grasse of the fielde, and let it be wet with the dewe of heauen, and let his portion be with the beastes among the grasse of the fielde.
12 Its leaves were beautiful, and it had much fruit, and in it was food for all. The animals of the field had shade under it, and the birds of the sky lived in its branches, and all flesh was fed from it.
13 Let his heart be changed from mans nature, and let a beasts heart be giuen vnto him, and let seuen times be passed ouer him.
13 “I saw in the visions of my head on my bed, and behold, a holy watcher came down from the sky.
14 The sentence is according to the decree of the watchmen, and according to the word of the holy ones: the demaunde was answered, to the intent that liuing men may knowe, that the most High hath power ouer the kingdome of men, and giueth it to whomsoeuer he will, and appointeth ouer it the most abiect among men.
14 He cried aloud and said this: ‘Cut down the tree, and cut off its branches! Shake off its leaves and scatter its fruit! Let the animals get away from under it and the birds from its branches.
15 This is the dreame, that I King Nebuchad-nezzar haue seene: therefore thou, O Belteshazzar, declare the interpretation thereof: for all the wisemen of my kingdome are not able to shewe mee the interpretation: but thou art able, for the spirit of the holy gods is in thee.
15 Nevertheless leave the stump of its roots in the earth, even with a band of iron and bronze, in the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet with the dew of the sky. Let his portion be with the animals in the grass of the earth.
16 Then Daniel (whose name was Belteshazzar) held his peace by the space of one houre, and his thoughts troubled him, and the King spake and said, Belteshazzar, let neither the dreame, nor the interpretation thereof trouble thee. Belteshazzar answered and saide, My lord, the dreame be to them that hate thee, and the interpretation thereof to thine enemies.
16 Let his heart be changed from man’s, and let an animal’s heart be given to him. Then let seven times pass over him.
17 The tree that thou sawest, which was great and mightie, whose height reached vnto the heauen, and the sight thereof through all the world,
17 “‘The sentence is by the decree of the watchers and the demand by the word of the holy ones, to the intent that the living may know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever he will, and sets up over it the lowest of men.’
18 Whose leaues were faire and the fruit thereof much, and in it was meate for all, vnder the which the beastes of the fielde dwelt, and vpon whose branches the foules of the heauen did sit,
18 “This dream I, King Nebuchadnezzar, have seen; and you, Belteshazzar, declare the interpretation, because all the wise men of my kingdom are not able to make known to me the interpretation; but you are able, for the spirit of the holy gods is in you.”
19 It is thou, O King, that art great and mightie: for thy greatnesse is growen, and reacheth vnto heauen, and thy dominion to the endes of the earth.
19 Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was stricken mute for a while, and his thoughts troubled him. The king answered, “Belteshazzar, don’t let the dream or the interpretation trouble you.” Belteshazzar answered, “My lord, may the dream be for those who hate you, and its interpretation to your adversaries.
20 Where as the King sawe a watchman, and an holy one, that came downe from heauen, and said, Hew downe the tree and destroy it, yet leaue the stumpe of the rootes thereof in the earth, and with a bande of yron and brasse binde it among the grasse of the fielde, and let it be wette with the dewe of heauen, and let his portion be with the beastes of the fielde, till seuen times passe ouer him,
20 The tree that you saw, which grew and was strong, whose height reached to the sky and its sight to all the earth;
21 This is the interpretation, O King, and it is the decree of the most High, which is come vpon my lord the King,
21 whose leaves were beautiful and its fruit plentiful, and in it was food for all; under which the animals of the field lived, and on whose branches the birds of the sky had their habitation—
22 That they shall driue thee from men, and thy dwelling shalbe with the beasts of the fielde: they shall make thee to eate grasse as the oxen, and they shall wet thee with the dewe of heauen: and seuen times shall passe ouer thee, till thou knowe, that the most High beareth rule ouer the kingdome of men, and giueth it to whom so euer he will.
22 it is you, O king, that have grown and become strong; for your greatness has grown, and reaches to the sky, and your dominion to the end of the earth.
23 Where as they sayd, that one should leaue the stumpe of the tree rootes, thy kingdome shall remaine vnto thee: after that, thou shalt knowe, that the heauens haue the rule.
23 “Whereas the king saw a holy watcher coming down from the sky and saying, ‘Cut down the tree, and destroy it; nevertheless leave the stump of its roots in the earth, even with a band of iron and bronze, in the tender grass of the field, and let it be wet with the dew of the sky. Let his portion be with the animals of the field, until seven times pass over him.’
24 Wherefore, O King, let my counsell be acceptable vnto thee, and breake off thy sinnes by righteousnes, and thine iniquities by mercy toward the poore: lo, let there be an healing of thine errour.
24 “This is the interpretation, O king, and it is the decree of the Most High, which has come on my lord the king:
25 All these things shall come vpon the King Nebuchad-nezzar.
25 You will be driven from men and your dwelling shall be with the animals of the field. You will be made to eat grass as oxen, and will be wet with the dew of the sky, and seven times shall pass over you, until you know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever he will.
26 At the end of twelue moneths, he walked in the royall palace of Babel.
26 Whereas it was commanded to leave the stump of the roots of the tree, your kingdom will be restored to you after you learn that Heaven rules.
27 And the King spake and sayde, Is not this great Babel, that I haue built for the house of the kingdome by the might of my power, and for the honour of my maiestie?
27 Therefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable to you, and break off your sins by righteousness, and your iniquities by showing mercy to the poor. Perhaps there may be a lengthening of your tranquility.”
28 While the worde was in the Kings mouth, a voyce came downe from heauen, saying, O King Nebuchad-nezzar, to thee be it spoken, Thy kingdome is departed from thee,
28 All this came on the King Nebuchadnezzar.
29 And they shall driue thee from men, and thy dwelling shalbe with the beastes of the fielde: they shall make thee to eate grasse, as the oxen, and seuen times shall passe ouer thee, vntill thou knowest, that the most High beareth rule ouer the kingdome of men, and giueth it vnto whomsoeuer he will.
29 At the end of twelve months he was walking in the royal palace of Babylon.
30 The very same houre was this thing fulfilled vpon Nebuchad-nezzar, and hee was driuen from men, and did eate grasse as the oxen, and his body was wet with the dewe of heauen, till his heares were growen as eagles feathers, and his nailes like birds clawes.
30 The king spoke and said, “Is not this great Babylon, which I have built for the royal dwelling place by the might of my power and for the glory of my majesty?”
31 And at the ende of these dayes I Nebuchad-nezzar lift vp mine eyes vnto heauen, and mine vnderstanding was restored vnto me, and I gaue thankes vnto the most High, and I praysed and honoured him that liueth for euer, whose power is an euerlasting power, and his kingdome is from generation to generation.
31 While the word was in the king’s mouth, a voice came from the sky, saying, “O King Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is spoken: ‘The kingdom has departed from you.
32 And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and according to his will he worketh in the armie of heauen, and in the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, nor say vnto him, What doest thou?
32 You shall be driven from men, and your dwelling shall be with the animals of the field. You shall be made to eat grass like oxen. Seven times shall pass over you, until you know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever he will.’”
33 At the same time was mine vnderstanding restored vnto me, and I returned to the honour of my kingdome: my glory and my beautie was restored vnto me, and my counsellours and my princes sought vnto me, and I was established in my kingdome, and my glory was augmented toward me.
33 This was fulfilled the same hour on Nebuchadnezzar. He was driven from men and ate grass like oxen; and his body was wet with the dew of the sky until his hair had grown like eagles’ feathers, and his nails like birds’ claws.
34 Now therefore I Nebuchad-nezzar prayse and extoll and magnifie the King of heauen, whose workes are all trueth, and his wayes iudgement, and those that walke in pride, he is able to abase.
34 At the end of the days I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted up my eyes to heaven, and my understanding returned to me; and I blessed the Most High, and I praised and honored him who lives forever, for his dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom from generation to generation.
35 Not in this translation
35 All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing; and he does according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth; and no one can stop his hand, or ask him, “What are you doing?”
36 Not in this translation
36 At the same time my understanding returned to me; and for the glory of my kingdom, my majesty and brightness returned to me. My counselors and my lords sought me; and I was established in my kingdom, and excellent greatness was added to me.
37 Not in this translation
37 Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven; for all his works are truth, and his ways justice; and those who walk in pride he is able to abase.
Cross references (33)
Related passages for each verse, from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge as collected and ranked by readers at OpenBible.info.
- 1 Daniel 6:25; 1 Peter 1:2; Daniel 3:4; 1 Chronicles 12:18; Ephesians 1:2
- 2 Daniel 3:26; Psalm 66:16; Acts 22:3–16; Psalm 51:14; Joshua 7:19
- 3 Psalm 145:13; Isaiah 25:1; Daniel 2:44; Daniel 7:14; Revelation 11:15
- 4 Isaiah 47:7–8; Ezekiel 29:3; 1 Thessalonians 5:2–3; Psalm 30:6–7; Isaiah 56:12
- 5 Daniel 2:1; Daniel 7:28; Job 7:13–14; Daniel 5:5–6; Daniel 2:28–29
- 6 Daniel 2:2; Genesis 41:7–8; Isaiah 47:12–14; Isaiah 8:19
- 7 Isaiah 44:25; Daniel 2:7; Daniel 2:27; Genesis 41:8; 2 Timothy 3:8–9
- 8 Daniel 1:7; Daniel 5:14; Daniel 4:18; Daniel 2:11; Daniel 4:9
- 9 Daniel 5:11; Daniel 2:48; Daniel 4:8; Genesis 41:38; Ezekiel 28:3
- 10 Daniel 4:5; Jeremiah 12:2; Isaiah 10:33–34; Psalm 37:35–36; Ezekiel 31:3–18
- 11 Daniel 4:21–22; Matthew 11:23; Deuteronomy 9:1; Genesis 11:4
- 12 Luke 13:19; Lamentations 4:20; Ezekiel 17:23; Ezekiel 31:6–7; Mark 13:32
- 13 Deuteronomy 33:2; Daniel 7:1; Daniel 8:13; Zechariah 14:5; Daniel 4:23
- 14 Matthew 3:10; Ezekiel 31:12–13; Daniel 4:23; Daniel 4:12; Luke 3:9
- 15 Job 14:7–9; Daniel 4:25–27; Ezekiel 29:14–15
- 16 Daniel 4:23; Revelation 12:14; Isaiah 6:10; Daniel 4:25; Hebrews 1:11
- 17 Daniel 2:21; Daniel 4:25; 1 Samuel 2:8; Psalm 75:6–7; Jeremiah 27:5–7
- 18 Genesis 41:8; Daniel 5:15; Genesis 41:15; Daniel 5:8; Daniel 4:7–9
- 19 Daniel 8:27; Daniel 7:28; 1 Samuel 3:17; Daniel 4:24; Daniel 10:16–17
- 20 Ezekiel 31:3; Daniel 4:10–12; Ezekiel 31:16
- 22 2 Samuel 12:7; Daniel 2:37–38; Jeremiah 27:6–8; Daniel 5:18–23; Psalm 108:4
- 23 Daniel 5:21; Daniel 4:13–16
- 24 Psalm 107:40; Isaiah 46:10–11; Job 40:11–12; Job 1:12–19; Psalm 2:7
- 25 Daniel 4:17; Jeremiah 27:5; Psalm 83:18; Daniel 2:21; Psalm 106:20
- 26 Daniel 4:15; Matthew 21:20; Daniel 2:37; Matthew 5:34; Luke 15:21
- 27 Isaiah 55:6–7; Jonah 3:9; Acts 8:22; Ezekiel 18:27–32; James 4:8–10
- 28 Numbers 23:19; Zechariah 1:6; Proverbs 10:24; Matthew 24:35
- 29 Revelation 2:21; Genesis 6:3; 1 Peter 3:20; 2 Peter 3:15; Ecclesiastes 8:11
- 30 Proverbs 16:18; Revelation 17:5; Ezekiel 29:3; Isaiah 10:8–15; Revelation 18:10
- 31 Acts 9:3–5; Revelation 16:7; Luke 12:20; Daniel 4:24; Daniel 5:28
- 32 Daniel 5:21; Jeremiah 27:5; Proverbs 8:15–16; Job 12:18–21; Exodus 9:29
- 33 Daniel 4:25; Daniel 4:32; Daniel 5:21; Isaiah 30:14; Job 20:5
- 34 Revelation 4:10; Daniel 12:7; Psalm 145:13; Daniel 2:44; Jeremiah 10:10
Cross references: OpenBible.info (CC BY), drawn mainly from the public-domain Treasury of Scripture Knowledge. · Sources & licences
What the Fathers said
Passages from the Church Fathers that expound or quote this chapter, verbatim from the public-domain Schaff edition (19th-century English translations).
How these were chosen
“Commentary” is the opening of a homily or exposition on this chapter (John Chrysostom’s homilies, Augustine’s tractates, sermons and expositions of the Psalms). “Quotes” are sentences where the edition’s own footnotes identify a quotation of a verse here, kept only when the wording matches the verse. Only works whose authorship is not in doubt are used. Psalms follow the Hebrew/English numbering (Augustine numbers them as the Septuagint does: his Psalm 50 is Psalm 51 here).
… quencheth fire, so alms quencheth sin." Again it is written, "Shut up alms in the heart of a poor man, and it shall make supplication for thee before the Lord." Again it is written, "Hear, O king, my counsel, and redeem thy sins by alms." And many other testimonies of the Divine oracles are there, whereby it is shown that …
Read in context · Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, series 1, vol. 6 (1888)
After this, saith he, I, Nabuchodonosor, lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and I blessed the Most High, and to Him that liveth for ever I gave praise and glory.
Read in context · Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, series 2, vol. 7 (1894)
… think also that I have the Spirit of God," and again, "that good thing which was committed to thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us." And of Daniel it is fitting to say that "the Holy Spirit of God is in him," and similarly of men who are like these in virtue.
Read in context · Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, series 2, vol. 8 (1895)
And what [of this], that he called him "Belteshazzar, the name of" his own "god"? Thus [it seems] they accounted their gods to be nothing wonderful, when he called even the captive thus; he who commands all men to worship the image, manifold and of various colors, and who adores the dragon.
Read in context · Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, series 1, vol. 14 (1889)
They are kings of men, who reign upon earth, but not without the power from above: and this Nebuchadnezzar once learned by experience, when he said; For His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and His power from generation to generation.
Read in context · Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, series 2, vol. 7 (1894)