Daniel 2:11

KJV

And [it is] a rare thing that the king requireth, and there is none other that can shew it before the king, except the gods, whose dwelling is not with flesh.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it is a rare {H3358} thing {H4406} that the king {H4430} requireth {H7593}, and there is {H383} none {H3809} other {H321} that can shew {H2324} it before {H6925} the king {H4430}, except {H3861} the gods {H426}, whose dwelling {H4070} is {H383} not {H3809} with {H5974} flesh {H1321}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The king is asking a difficult thing; nobody but the gods could tell this to your majesty, and they don't live with mere mortals."

Berean Standard Bible

What the king requests is so difficult that no one can tell it to him except the gods, whose dwelling is not with mortals.”

American Standard Version

And it is a rare thing that the king requireth, and there is no other that can show it before the king, except the gods, whose dwelling is not with flesh.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 2:11 captures the desperate and definitive admission of the Babylonian wise men (Chaldeans) to King Nebuchadnezzar, declaring the impossibility of his demand: to both reveal and interpret a forgotten dream. This verse profoundly underscores the inherent limitations of human wisdom and knowledge when confronted with mysteries that transcend the earthly realm, asserting that such profound insight can only originate from a divine source whose nature is fundamentally distinct from humanity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment in the narrative of Daniel chapter 2. King Nebuchadnezzar, deeply troubled by a dream he could not recall, summoned all his wise men—magicians, enchanters, sorcerers, and astrologers—demanding that they not only interpret his dream but first tell him what the dream was. He issued a severe decree: failure would result in their execution and the destruction of their homes, while success would bring great rewards ([Daniel 2:5-6](/daniel/2-5 "Daniel 2:5-6 - Nebuchadnezzar's Impossible Demand")). The Chaldeans, accustomed to interpreting *known* dreams, were utterly perplexed by this unprecedented request. Their repeated pleas for the king to reveal the dream, met with his unwavering refusal, culminate in the confession of Daniel 2:11. This admission of human impotence sets the stage for Daniel, a servant of the true God, to step forward and demonstrate the unique power and knowledge of the God of Israel, thereby magnifying His glory ([Daniel 2:28](/daniel/2-28 "Daniel 2:28 - God Reveals Mysteries")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Babylon was a hub of advanced knowledge in astronomy, mathematics, and various forms of divination. The "wise men" (Chaldeans) were not merely mystics but also scholars, advisors, and interpreters of omens, holding significant positions in the royal court. Kings in the ancient Near East often relied on such figures for counsel and insight into divine will. However, Nebuchadnezzar's demand in Daniel 2 was extraordinary and culturally unprecedented. No known divinatory practice, no matter how sophisticated, could reveal a forgotten dream. This scenario highlights the absolute power of the Babylonian king, whose word was law and whose whims could determine life or death. The Chaldeans' statement in Daniel 2:11, acknowledging a realm of knowledge accessible only to "gods whose dwelling is not with flesh," reflects a common ancient Near Eastern belief in a transcendent divine sphere, yet it starkly contrasts with the specific, personal revelation characteristic of the God of Israel.
* **Key Themes:** Daniel 2:11 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Daniel and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it establishes the **absolute sovereignty of God** over all earthly powers and human wisdom. The inability of Babylon's most esteemed wise men to meet the king's demand underscores that true knowledge and revelation ultimately reside with God alone, not with human intellect or occult practices. Secondly, it highlights the **limitations of human wisdom** and self-reliance. Despite their esteemed positions and supposed mystical powers, the Chaldeans are utterly helpless, demonstrating that there are mysteries beyond human comprehension that only divine intervention can unravel. Thirdly, the verse sets the stage for the **uniqueness of God's revelation**. By declaring that only "gods, whose dwelling is not with flesh" can reveal such a secret, the Chaldeans unwittingly prepare the audience for the subsequent revelation through Daniel, attributing it not to Daniel's own wisdom but to the God of heaven ([Daniel 2:28](/daniel/2-28 "Daniel 2:28 - God Reveals Mysteries to Daniel")). This theme emphasizes that genuine, hidden truth comes from a transcendent source, distinct from and superior to the material world and human experience.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **rare (Aramaic, _yaqqîyr'_):** (H3358) This Aramaic term, corresponding to the Hebrew "precious," signifies something valuable, weighty, or, in this context, difficult and extraordinary. The Chaldeans use it to describe the king's demand as not just unusual but profoundly unique and beyond the scope of their capabilities, implying its impossibility for human agents.
* **shew (Aramaic, _chăvâʼ'_):** (H2324) Meaning "to show" or "to make known," this word emphasizes the act of revealing hidden information. The Chaldeans' admission that there is "none other that can shew it" directly addresses the king's demand for the dream itself, not just its interpretation, highlighting their utter inability to access or present this concealed knowledge.
* **flesh (Aramaic, _bᵉshar'_):** (H1321) This term refers to humanity in its mortal, physical, and therefore limited state. The phrase "whose dwelling is not with flesh" draws a stark contrast between the finite, earthly existence of humans and the transcendent, unlimited nature of divine beings. It asserts that knowledge of such profound mysteries is exclusive to those who exist beyond the constraints of the material world.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it is a rare thing that the king requireth":** This opening clause is the Chaldeans' direct response to Nebuchadnezzar's demand. They acknowledge the king's request but immediately qualify it as "rare" (or "difficult," "extraordinary"), signaling its unprecedented nature and the extreme challenge it poses to their renowned wisdom and magical arts. It's their polite but firm way of stating the demand is impossible for them.
* **"and there is none other that can shew it before the king":** This is a categorical statement of human impotence. The Chaldeans, representing the pinnacle of Babylonian wisdom, declare that no one—no human, no matter their skill or knowledge—possesses the ability to reveal the king's forgotten dream. This emphasizes the absolute boundary of human capability in the face of truly divine secrets.
* **"except the gods, whose dwelling is not with flesh":** This concluding phrase provides the theological justification for their inability. They concede that only divine beings, specifically those "whose dwelling is not with flesh," possess such knowledge. This highlights the transcendent nature of the gods they conceive of, existing beyond the limitations of human mortality and physical reality. It implicitly contrasts with the God of Israel, who, while transcendent, also chooses to reveal Himself and dwell among His people.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Contrast** is paramount, setting the profound limitations of human wisdom against the boundless knowledge of the divine. The Chaldeans, representing the height of human intellectual and mystical attainment in Babylon, are utterly powerless, thereby magnifying the power of the transcendent God. **Hyperbole** is also present in the declaration that the king's demand is "a rare thing" and that "none other" can show it; while literally true in their context, it emphasizes the extraordinary nature of the request and their complete lack of recourse. Finally, the statement "except the gods, whose dwelling is not with flesh" functions as a **Theological Statement**. It articulates a fundamental difference between the human and divine realms, asserting that true, hidden knowledge originates from a transcendent source. This sets the stage for the true God of Israel, who is indeed "not with flesh" in His essence, to demonstrate His unique power through Daniel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 2:11 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of revelation and the limits of human understanding. It asserts that there are truths and mysteries that lie entirely beyond the grasp of human intellect, ingenuity, or even occult practices. This declaration by the Chaldean wise men, though made from a pagan worldview, unwittingly sets the stage for the demonstration of the true God of Israel's unique power to reveal deep and hidden things. It underscores the biblical principle that genuine wisdom and understanding of divine mysteries do not come from human effort or earthly sources, but are graciously granted by God alone, who transcends all creation and whose thoughts are infinitely higher than our own. This prepares the reader for the New Testament understanding that God has chosen to reveal Himself fully in Christ, and through the Holy Spirit, who searches the deep things of God.

* [Isaiah 55:8-9](/isaiah/55-8 "Isaiah 55:8-9 - God's Thoughts and Ways are Higher")
* [1 Corinthians 2:10-11](/1_corinthians/2-10 "1 Corinthians 2:10-11 - The Spirit Reveals God's Deep Things")
* [Romans 1:18-20](/romans/1-18 "Romans 1:18-20 - God's Revelation in Creation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 2:11 offers a timeless lesson on humility and dependency on God. In an age that often exalts human intellect, scientific advancement, and self-sufficiency, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that there are realms of truth, purpose, and mystery that remain utterly inaccessible without divine revelation. It challenges us to acknowledge the inherent limitations of our own wisdom and to cultivate a posture of humility before the Creator. When faced with life's perplexing questions, overwhelming challenges, or the profound mysteries of God's will, this passage encourages us to turn not to human ingenuity alone, but to the God who delights in revealing His plans and purposes to those who seek Him. Just as Daniel sought and received divine wisdom when all human avenues failed ([Daniel 2:19](/daniel/2-19 "Daniel 2:19 - God Reveals the Mystery to Daniel")), so too are we called to seek God's wisdom through prayer, His Word, and the guidance of His Spirit. Our recognition of God's unique wisdom and His ability to reveal hidden things ultimately leads us to glorify Him alone, attributing true understanding and revelation to His sovereign hand.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you tend to rely more on human wisdom or your own understanding than on divine revelation?**
* **How does acknowledging the limitations of human knowledge deepen your trust and dependency on God?**
* **What specific "rare things" or mysteries in your life or the world are you currently seeking God's wisdom or revelation for?**
* **How can you cultivate a greater posture of humility and expectancy for God's revelation in your daily walk?**

### FAQ
**Why couldn't the wise men simply invent a dream and an interpretation?**

Answer: The king's demand was not merely for an interpretation, which they were accustomed to providing, but for the dream itself, which he had forgotten. Nebuchadnezzar's decree in [Daniel 2:5](/daniel/2-5 "Daniel 2:5 - Nebuchadnezzar's Decree") clearly states that if they did not "make known unto me the dream, and the interpretation thereof, ye shall be cut in pieces." This meant they couldn't simply make something up, as the king would know if it was not his actual dream. Their lives depended on accurately recalling the king's forgotten dream, a feat impossible for any human.

**Who are "the gods" referred to in this verse?**

Answer: The "gods" (Aramaic: _ʼĕlâhh_, H426) referred to by the Chaldeans are the pagan deities of their polytheistic worldview. They believed in a pantheon of gods and goddesses who resided in a transcendent realm, distinct from humanity. Their statement "whose dwelling is not with flesh" reflects their understanding that true, hidden knowledge could only come from these divine beings, as humans (flesh) are limited by their mortal, earthly existence. While they were referring to their false gods, their statement inadvertently highlights a profound truth about the true God of Israel: He is indeed transcendent and not limited by human flesh, yet He chooses to reveal Himself to humanity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel 2:11, with its stark declaration of human inability to access divine mysteries and its assertion that only "gods, whose dwelling is not with flesh" can reveal such truths, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate revelation of God in Jesus Christ. While the Chaldeans posited a distant, disembodied divine realm as the source of ultimate knowledge, the New Testament reveals that God's supreme and final revelation came precisely through His Son, who *did* take on flesh. Jesus is the very **wisdom of God** and the **power of God** ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ, the Power and Wisdom of God")), the one in whom "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, in Whom All Treasures of Wisdom are Hidden")). He is the ultimate "shewer" of God's mysteries, for "no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him" ([Matthew 11:27](/matthew/11-27 "Matthew 11:27 - No One Knows the Father Except the Son")). The incarnation of Christ—God dwelling *with flesh* ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"))—is the paradoxical fulfillment of the Chaldeans' statement. God, who is indeed transcendent and not limited by flesh, chose to bridge that very gap, entering human experience to reveal Himself fully, making accessible the "rare things" of His kingdom and His eternal plan of salvation.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Daniel 5:11

There is a man in thy kingdom, in whom [is] the spirit of the holy gods; and in the days of thy father light and understanding and wisdom, like the wisdom of the gods, was found in him; whom the king Nebuchadnezzar thy father, the king, [I say], thy father, made master of the magicians, astrologers, Chaldeans, [and] soothsayers;

Genesis 41:39

And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, [there is] none so discreet and wise as thou [art]:

Exodus 29:45

And I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will be their God.

John 14:23

Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

Matthew 19:26

But Jesus beheld [them], and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.

Isaiah 57:15

For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name [is] Holy; I dwell in the high and holy [place], with him also [that is] of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.

John 1:14

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.