Daniel 2:16

KJV

Then Daniel went in, and desired of the king that he would give him time, and that he would shew the king the interpretation.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then Daniel {H1841} went in {H5954}, and desired {H1156} of {H4481} the king {H4430} that he would give {H5415} him time {H2166}, and that he would shew {H2324} the king {H4430} the interpretation {H6591}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then Dani'el went in and asked the king to give him time to tell the king the interpretation.

Berean Standard Bible

So Daniel went in and asked the king to give him some time, so that he could give him the interpretation.

American Standard Version

And Daniel went in, and desired of the king that he would appoint him a time, and he would show the king the interpretation.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 2:16 marks a pivotal moment in the narrative, showcasing Daniel's extraordinary faith and courage in the face of a royal decree threatening the lives of all Babylonian wise men. Instead of despairing or fleeing, Daniel boldly approaches King Nebuchadnezzar, requesting a specific period of time during which he promises to reveal the king's forgotten dream and its interpretation, thereby setting the stage for God's miraculous intervention and the demonstration of divine wisdom over human futility.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 2:16 immediately follows King Nebuchadnezzar's furious decree to execute all the wise men of Babylon because they could not tell him his dream and its interpretation. This drastic measure, initiated in [Daniel 2:12](/daniel/2-12 "Daniel 2:12 - King Nebuchadnezzar's Decree"), directly threatened Daniel and his three friends, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, who were counted among the wise men. The verse thus highlights Daniel's decisive and courageous action, contrasting sharply with the despair and inability of the other Chaldean wise men. His request for "time" is a direct response to the king's urgent and lethal demand, demonstrating a profound trust in God's ability to reveal secrets, which is further elaborated in [Daniel 2:17-19](/daniel/2-17 "Daniel 2:17-19 - Daniel and Friends Pray for Revelation").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the Neo-Babylonian Empire under Nebuchadnezzar II (605-562 BC), a period of immense imperial power and cultural dominance. Babylonian society placed great emphasis on divination, astrology, and dream interpretation, with a class of "wise men" (magicians, enchanters, sorcerers, and Chaldeans) serving the king. However, their wisdom was rooted in human speculation and pagan practices. Nebuchadnezzar's absolute authority meant his word was law, and his decrees, even those born of rage, carried immediate and deadly consequences. Daniel, as a Jewish exile, was a foreigner in this court, making his direct approach to the king even more remarkable and culturally audacious. His request for time implies a period for divine consultation, a concept alien to the Babylonian diviners who relied on their own established techniques.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully introduces several key themes that run throughout the book of Daniel. Firstly, it underscores the **Sovereignty of God** over human rulers and earthly kingdoms, demonstrating that true wisdom and revelation come from Him alone, not from human ingenuity or pagan practices. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Revelation versus Human Futility**, contrasting the helplessness of the Babylonian wise men with Daniel's confident reliance on God to "shew the king the interpretation." Thirdly, Daniel's action exemplifies **Courage and Faith in God** in the face of overwhelming odds and mortal danger. His willingness to "go in" to the king, despite the decree, foreshadows the many instances where Daniel and his friends will stand firm in their faith, as seen in [Daniel 3](/daniel/3 "Daniel 3 - The Fiery Furnace") and [Daniel 6](/daniel/6 "Daniel 6 - Daniel in the Lions' Den").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **desired (Aramaic, _bᵉʻâʼ'_):** This Aramaic verb signifies "to seek or ask," implying a purposeful and earnest request. Daniel did not merely suggest or hope; he actively "desired" or "petitioned" the king, indicating a confident and deliberate approach. This word highlights Daniel's initiative and the directness of his appeal to the highest authority in the land.
* **time (Aramaic, _zᵉmân'_):** This term refers to an "appointed occasion" or a specific "season." Daniel was not asking for an indefinite delay but a distinct, designated period. This suggests a calculated request, allowing for a focused period of prayer and divine consultation, rather than a desperate plea for postponement. It implies an expectation of a specific divine answer within that timeframe.
* **shew (Aramaic, _chăvâʼ'_):** Meaning "to show" or "to make known," this verb conveys the idea of a clear and complete disclosure. Daniel's confidence was not in his own ability to guess or deduce, but in God's power to "shew" or reveal the precise dream and its meaning. This word emphasizes the supernatural origin of the forthcoming interpretation, distinguishing it from the failed attempts of the king's own wise men.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then Daniel went in,"**: This clause signifies Daniel's courageous and decisive action. "Went in" (Aramaic: `ʻălal`) implies entering the king's presence, a formidable and dangerous act given the king's recent wrath and decree. It underscores Daniel's unique position of favor or boldness, allowing him access where others might fear to tread.
* **"and desired of the king that he would give him time,"**: Daniel's request is specific and strategic. He "desired" (`bᵉʻâʼ`) or earnestly petitioned the king, not for a reprieve from the death sentence, but for a period of "time" (`zᵉmân`). This "time" was not for himself to conjure an answer, but for God to reveal it, demonstrating his faith that a divine solution was attainable.
* **"and that he would shew the king the interpretation."**: This final clause reveals the audacious promise Daniel makes. He confidently asserts that he will "shew" (`chăvâʼ`) or make known to the king not only the dream itself (implied by the need for interpretation) but also its "interpretation" (`pᵉshar`). This promise, made without immediate knowledge of the dream or its meaning, is a profound act of faith and a direct challenge to the impotence of the Babylonian diviners.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices. **Contrast** is prominent, setting Daniel's confident, faith-filled approach against the fear and inability of the other wise men. Daniel's singular action stands out amidst the general despair. **Foreshadowing** is also present, as Daniel's bold promise to "shew the king the interpretation" anticipates the miraculous divine revelation that follows in [Daniel 2:19-23](/daniel/2-19 "Daniel 2:19-23 - God Reveals the Mystery to Daniel"). The very act of "going in" to the king's presence can be seen as **Symbolism** of Daniel's role as God's chosen vessel, a mediator of divine truth in a pagan court, much like Joseph in Egypt. The narrative tension created by the death decree and Daniel's calm request also builds **Suspense**, drawing the reader into the unfolding drama of divine intervention.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 2:16 is a profound testament to the power of faith and divine access, illustrating that true wisdom and deliverance come from God alone. Daniel's bold request, made in the face of certain death, underscores the biblical principle that in moments of human impossibility, God's omnipotence and omniscience are magnified. His confidence was not in his own intellect but in the God who "reveals deep and hidden things" ([Daniel 2:22](/daniel/2-22 "Daniel 2:22 - God Reveals Secrets")). This episode sets the stage for the demonstration of God's sovereignty over earthly kingdoms and His unique ability to unveil the future, establishing a foundational theme for the entire book of Daniel and its prophetic messages.

* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord") - "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." Daniel exemplifies this trust.
* [Psalm 27:1](/psalm/27-1 "Psalm 27:1 - The Lord is My Light and Salvation") - "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" Daniel's fearlessness before the king echoes this sentiment.
* [James 1:5](/james/1-5 "James 1:5 - Asking for Wisdom") - "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." Daniel's seeking of divine wisdom perfectly aligns with this New Testament directive.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 2:16 serves as a powerful model for believers facing seemingly insurmountable challenges. When confronted with situations beyond human capacity, Daniel did not succumb to despair or rely on worldly wisdom. Instead, he demonstrated profound courage rooted in his faith, directly approaching the highest authority with a request for time, believing that God would provide the answer. This teaches us the vital importance of seeking God's intervention first and foremost, even when the path forward is unclear or fraught with danger. Daniel's willingness to step out in faith, promising an interpretation he did not yet possess, reminds us that our confidence should be in God's ability to work through us, not in our own limited resources. It calls us to cultivate a life of deep trust and dependence on God, acknowledging Him as the ultimate source of wisdom, revelation, and deliverance in every circumstance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you currently facing seemingly impossible situations that require divine intervention?**
* **How does Daniel's courage in approaching the king challenge your own willingness to act boldly in faith, even when the outcome is uncertain?**
* **What steps can you take to cultivate a deeper reliance on God for wisdom and guidance, rather than leaning on your own understanding or worldly solutions?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of Daniel asking for "time"?**

Answer: Daniel's request for "time" (Aramaic: `zᵉmân`) was highly significant. It was not a plea for delay out of fear or an attempt to buy time for human strategizing. Instead, it was a deliberate and faith-filled request for an appointed period during which he and his friends could seek revelation from God. This "time" allowed for a concerted prayer effort, as described in [Daniel 2:17-18](/daniel/2-17 "Daniel 2:17-18 - Daniel and Friends Pray"), demonstrating that the solution would come through divine intervention, not human ingenuity. It underscored his confidence that God would indeed "shew" the mystery within a specific window of opportunity.

**How did Daniel gain access to the king, given the king's rage?**

Answer: The text doesn't explicitly state how Daniel gained immediate access, but it implies his standing as one of the "wise men" who had been appointed by the king ([Daniel 1:19-20](/daniel/1-19 "Daniel 1:19-20 - Daniel and Friends Excel")). It's likely that Daniel, known for his wisdom and integrity, was able to secure an audience through the chief of the king's guard, Arioch, who was tasked with executing the wise men ([Daniel 2:14-15](/daniel/2-14 "Daniel 2:14-15 - Daniel Intervenes")). Daniel's calm and wise approach to Arioch, coupled with his reputation, probably facilitated his direct appeal to Nebuchadnezzar, highlighting his exceptional courage and God-given favor.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel 2:16, with Daniel's bold approach to the king and his promise to reveal the interpretation, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate revelation and mediation found in Jesus Christ. Just as Daniel stood as a unique intercessor between the furious king and the condemned wise men, so Christ stands as the ultimate Mediator between a holy God and a condemned humanity ([1 Timothy 2:5](/1_timothy/2-5 "1 Timothy 2:5 - Christ, the One Mediator")). Daniel's ability to "shew the king the interpretation" points to Jesus, who is the very embodiment of divine wisdom and the ultimate revealer of God's mysteries. He is the one through whom all things were made and in whom all truth is found ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - In Christ Are Hidden All Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledge")). Furthermore, Daniel's courageous faith in the face of death's decree prefigures Christ's own unwavering obedience to the Father, even unto death on the cross, thereby securing salvation and revealing God's ultimate plan for humanity ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). In Christ, the "time" of waiting for revelation is fulfilled, as He is the complete and final word from God ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken by His Son")), making known the Father's will and providing the true interpretation of God's redemptive purposes for all eternity.

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 1:18

Now at the end of the days that the king had said he should bring them in, then the prince of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar.

Daniel 1:19

And the king communed with them; and among them all was found none like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: therefore stood they before the king.

Daniel 2:9

But if ye will not make known unto me the dream, [there is but] one decree for you: for ye have prepared lying and corrupt words to speak before me, till the time be changed: therefore tell me the dream, and I shall know that ye can shew me the interpretation thereof.

Daniel 2:11

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.