King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
¶ Nebuchadnezzar the king, unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you.
Complete Jewish Bible:
[The following letter was sent out:] "From: N'vukhadnetzar the king "To: All the peoples, nations and languages living throughout the earth: "Shalom rav! [Abundant peace!]
Berean Standard Bible:
King Nebuchadnezzar, To the people of every nation and language who dwell in all the earth: May your prosperity be multiplied.
American Standard Version:
Nebuchadnezzar the king, unto all the peoples, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth: Peace be multiplied unto you.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
Nebuchadnezzar{H5020} the king{H4430}, unto all{H3606} people{H5972}, nations{H524}, and languages{H3961}, that dwell{H1753} in all{H3606} the earth{H772}; Peace{H8001} be multiplied{H7680} unto you.
Cross-References (KJV):
Daniel 6:25
- ¶ Then king Darius wrote unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you.
1 Peter 1:2
- Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.
Daniel 3:4
- Then an herald cried aloud, To you it is commanded, O people, nations, and languages,
Ezra 4:17
- ¶ [Then] sent the king an answer unto Rehum the chancellor, and [to] Shimshai the scribe, and [to] the rest of their companions that dwell in Samaria, and [unto] the rest beyond the river, Peace, and at such a time.
Ephesians 1:2
- Grace [be] to you, and peace, from God our Father, and [from] the Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Chronicles 12:18
- Then the spirit came upon Amasai, [who was] chief of the captains, [and he said], Thine [are we], David, and on thy side, thou son of Jesse: peace, peace [be] unto thee, and peace [be] to thine helpers; for thy God helpeth thee. Then David received them, and made them captains of the band.
Daniel 3:29
- Therefore I make a decree, That every people, nation, and language, which speak any thing amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made a dunghill: because there is no other God that can deliver after this sort.
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Commentary for Daniel 4:1
Daniel 4:1 sets the stage for a significant communication from King Nebuchadnezzar, the ruler of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, which held sway over much of the ancient Near East during the 7th and 6th centuries BCE. The verse introduces a letter or proclamation that Nebuchadnezzar is sending to "all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth." This indicates the broad scope of his influence and authority, as well as the multicultural and multilingual nature of his empire, which was typical of ancient Near Eastern empires of the time.
The opening phrase of the letter, "Peace be multiplied unto you," is a standard greeting of the era, wishing well-being and prosperity upon the recipients. It reflects the ancient Near Eastern custom of beginning official correspondence with a blessing of peace, a practice that can also be seen in other contemporary texts.
The historical context of this verse is rooted in a time when Nebuchadnezzar had already established his power, having conquered Jerusalem and deported the Jews to Babylon, as recounted in earlier chapters of Daniel and other historical books like 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles. The themes of the chapter, as hinted at by this verse, will likely involve the sovereignty of God over earthly rulers, divine retribution for pride and arrogance, and the eventual restoration and acknowledgment of God's supreme authority, as Nebuchadnezzar's own experience will soon illustrate.
In summary, Daniel 4:1 reflects the widespread dominion of Nebuchadnezzar and the diverse populations under his rule. It also introduces a message that is about to unfold, one that will demonstrate the humbling of a proud king and the recognition of a higher divine power, which are central themes in the book of Daniel.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H5020
There are 29 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: נְבוּכַדְנֶצַּר
Transliteration: Nᵉbûwkadnetstsar
Pronunciation: neb-oo-kad-nets-tsar'
Description: (Aramaic) corresponding to נְבוּכַדְנֶאצַּר; {Nebukadnetstsar (or -retstsar, or -retstsor), king of Babylon}; Nebuchadnezzar. - Strong's Number: H4430
There are 131 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: מֶלֶךְ
Transliteration: melek
Pronunciation: meh'-lek
Description: (Aramaic) corresponding to מֶלֶךְ; a king; king, royal. - Strong's Number: H3606
There are 75 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: כֹּל
Transliteration: kôl
Pronunciation: kole
Description: (Aramaic) corresponding to כֹּל; {properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)}; all, any, + (forasmuch) as, + be-(for this) cause, every, + no (manner, -ne), + there (where) -fore, + though, what (where, who) -soever, (the) whole. - Strong's Number: H5972
There are 14 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: עַם
Transliteration: ʻam
Pronunciation: am
Description: (Aramaic) corresponding to עַם; {a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of Israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock}; people. - Strong's Number: H524
There are 33 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אֻמָּה
Transliteration: ʼummâh
Pronunciation: oom-maw'
Description: (Aramaic) corresponding to אֻמַּה; {a collection, i.e. community of persons}; nation. - Strong's Number: H3961
There are 7 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: לִשָּׁן
Transliteration: lishshân
Pronunciation: lish-shawn'
Description: (Aramaic) corresponding to לָשׁוֹן; speech, i.e. a nation; language. - Strong's Number: H1753
There are 6 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: דּוּר
Transliteration: dûwr
Pronunciation: dure
Description: (Aramaic) corresponding to דּוּר; to reside; dwell. - Strong's Number: H772
There are 1041 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אֲרַע
Transliteration: ʼăraʻ
Pronunciation: ar-ah'
Description: (Aramaic) corresponding to אֶרֶץ; the earth; by implication (figuratively) low; earth, interior. - Strong's Number: H8001
There are 4 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: שְׁלָם
Transliteration: shᵉlâm
Pronunciation: shel-awm'
Description: (Aramaic) corresponding to שָׁלוֹם; prosperity; peace. - Strong's Number: H7680
There are 3 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: שְׂגָא
Transliteration: sᵉgâʼ
Pronunciation: seg-aw'
Description: (Aramaic) corresponding to שָׂגָא; to increase; grow, be multiplied.