Daniel · Unlocked Literal Bible
Daniel 4 Unlocked Literal Bible
Audio: World English Bible (WEB), read by Winfred W. Henson · About the recordings
1 King Nebuchadnezzar sent this decree to all peoples, nations, and languages who lived on the earth: May your peace increase.
1 Nebuchadnezzar the king, to all the peoples, nations, and languages, who dwell in all the earth: Peace be multiplied to you.
2 It has seemed good to me to tell you about the signs and wonders that the Most High has done for me.
2 It has seemed good to me to show the signs and wonders that the Most High God has worked toward me.
3 How great are his signs, and how mighty are his wonders! His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion lasts from generation to generation.”
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 I, Nebuchadnezzar, was living happily in my house, and I was enjoying prosperity in my palace.
4 I, Nebuchadnezzar, was at rest in my house, and flourishing in my palace.
5 But a dream I had made me afraid. As I lay there, the images I saw and the visions in my mind troubled me.
5 I saw a dream which made me afraid; and the thoughts on my bed and the visions of my head troubled me.
6 So I gave a decree to bring before me all the men of Babylon who had wisdom so they could interpret the dream for me.
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 Then came the magicians, those who claimed to speak with the dead, the wise men, and the astrologers. I told them the dream, but they could not interpret it for me.
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 But at last Daniel came in—the one who is named Belteshazzar after the name of my god, and in whom is the spirit of the holy gods—and I told him the dream.
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 “Belteshazzar, chief of the magicians, I know that the spirit of the holy gods is in you and that no mystery is too difficult for you. Tell me what I saw in my dream and what it means.
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 These were the sights that I saw in my mind as I lay upon my bed: I looked, and there was a tree in the middle of the earth, and its height was very great.
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 The tree grew and became strong. Its top reached to the heavens, and it could be seen to the ends of the whole earth.
11 The tree grew and was strong. Its height reached to the sky and its sight to the end of all the earth.
12 Its leaves were beautiful, its fruit was abundant, and on it was food for all. The wild animals found shade under it, and the birds of the heavens lived in its branches. All living creatures were fed from it.
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 I saw in my mind as I lay on my bed, and a holy messenger came down from the heavens.
13 “I saw in the visions of my head on my bed, and behold, a holy watcher came down from the sky.
14 He shouted and said, 'Chop down the tree and cut off its branches, strip off its leaves, and scatter its fruit. Let the animals flee from under it and the birds fly away from its branches.
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 Leave the stump of its roots in the earth, bound with a band of iron and bronze, in the middle of the tender grass of the field. Let it be wet with the dew from the heavens. Let it live with the animals among the plants on the ground.
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 Let his mind be changed from a man's mind, and let an animal's mind be given to him until seven years pass by.
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 This decision is by the decree reported by the messenger. It is a decision made by the holy ones so that those who are alive may know that the Most High rules over the kingdoms of people and gives them to anyone he wishes to place over them, even to the most humble men.'
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 I, King Nebuchadnezzar, had this dream. Now you, Belteshazzar, tell me the interpretation, because none of the men with wisdom in my kingdom can interpret it for me. But you are able to do so, because the spirit of the holy gods is in you.”
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 Then Daniel, who was also named Belteshazzar, was greatly upset for a while, and his thoughts alarmed him. The king said, “Belteshazzar, do not let the dream or its interpretation alarm you.” Belteshazzar replied, “My master, may the dream be for those who hate you; may its interpretation be for your enemies.
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 The tree that you saw—which grew and became strong, and whose top reached up to the heavens, and which could be seen to the ends of the whole earth—
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 whose leaves were beautiful, and whose fruit was abundant, so that in it was food for all, and under it the animals of the field found shade, and in which the birds of the heavens lived—
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 this tree is you, king, you who have grown so strong. Your greatness has grown and reaches to the heavens, and your authority reaches to the ends of the earth.
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 You, king, saw a holy messenger coming down from heaven and saying, 'Chop down the tree and destroy it, but leave the stump of its roots in the earth, bound with a band of iron and bronze, in the middle of the tender grass of the field. Let it be wet with the dew from the heavens. Let it live with the wild animals in the fields until seven years pass by.'
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 This is the interpretation, king. It is a decree of the Most High that has reached you, my master the king.
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 You will be driven from among men, and you will live with the wild animals in the fields. You will be made to eat grass like an ox, and you will be wet with the dew from the heavens, and seven years will pass by until you acknowledge that the Most High rules over the kingdoms of people and that he gives them to anyone he wishes.
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 As it was commanded to leave the stump of the roots of the tree, in this way your kingdom will be returned to you from the time you learn that heaven rules.
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 Therefore, king, let my advice be acceptable to you. Stop sinning and do what is right. Turn away from your iniquities by showing mercy to the oppressed, and it may be that your prosperity will be extended.”
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 All these things happened to King Nebuchadnezzar. Twelve months later he was walking on the roof of the royal palace in Babylon,
28 All this came on the King Nebuchadnezzar.
29 Not in this translation
29 At the end of twelve months he was walking in the royal palace of Babylon.
30 and he said, “Is this not the great Babylon, which I have built for my royal residence, for the glory of my majesty?”
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 While the words were still on the lips of the king, a voice came from heaven: “King Nebuchadnezzar, it is announced to you that this kingdom has been taken away from you.
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 You will be driven away from people, and your home will be with the wild animals in the fields. You will be made to eat grass like an ox. Seven years will pass until you acknowledge that the Most High rules over the kingdoms of people and he gives them to anyone he wishes.”
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 This decree against Nebuchadnezzar was carried out immediately. He was driven away from people. He ate grass like an ox, and his body was wet with the dew from the heavens. His hair grew as long as eagles' feathers, and his nails became like birds' claws.
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 At the end of the days I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven, and my sanity was given back to me. “I praised the Most High, and I honored and glorified the one who lives forever. For his reign is an everlasting reign, and his kingdom endures from all generations to all generations.
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 All the earth's inhabitants are considered by him to be as nothing; he does among the army of heaven and the inhabitants of the earth whatever suits his will. No one can stop him or challenge him. No one can say to him, 'Why have you done this?'”
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 At the same time that my sanity returned to me, my majesty and splendor returned to me for the glory of my kingdom. My counselors and my noblemen sought my favor. I was brought back to my throne, and even more greatness was given to me.
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 Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise, extol, and honor the King of heaven, for all his deeds are right, and his ways are just. He can humble those who walk in their own pride.
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 (35)
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
- 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
- 35 Job 42:2; Psalm 135:6; Psalm 115:3; Romans 11:33–36; Isaiah 40:15–17
- 36 Proverbs 22:4; Daniel 4:34; Daniel 4:32; Daniel 4:15–16; Matthew 6:33
- 37 James 4:6–7; Psalm 33:4–5; 1 Peter 5:5–6; 1 Samuel 2:3; Deuteronomy 32:4
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)