Daniel 2:29

KJV

As for thee, O king, thy thoughts came [into thy mind] upon thy bed, what should come to pass hereafter: and he that revealeth secrets maketh known to thee what shall come to pass.

KJV (with Strong's)

As for thee {H607}, O king {H4430}, thy thoughts {H7476} came {H5559} into thy mind upon {H5922} thy bed {H4903}, what {H4101} should come to pass {H1934} hereafter {H311}{H1836}: and he that revealeth {H1541} secrets {H7328} maketh known {H3046} to thee what {H4101} shall come to pass {H1934}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Your majesty, when you were in bed, you began thinking about what would take place in the future; and he who reveals secrets has revealed to you what will happen.

Berean Standard Bible

As you lay on your bed, O king, your thoughts turned to the future, and the Revealer of Mysteries made known to you what will happen.

American Standard Version

as for thee, O king, thy thoughts came into thy mind upon thy bed, what should come to pass hereafter; and he that revealeth secrets hath made known to thee what shall come to pass.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 2:29 serves as Daniel's humble yet profound declaration to King Nebuchadnezzar, establishing the divine source of the revelation he is about to impart. It reveals that the king's troubled thoughts about the future, which occupied his mind while on his bed, were not merely random anxieties but divinely orchestrated inquiries. This verse directly attributes the ability to disclose these hidden matters and future events solely to God, the true revealer of secrets, thereby setting the stage for the interpretation of the dream and underscoring God's absolute sovereignty over human history and revelation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 2:29 is situated within the dramatic narrative of King Nebuchadnezzar's forgotten dream and his demand for its interpretation, a test that none of his Babylonian wise men, astrologers, or sorcerers could pass. Following the king's decree to execute all the wise men for their failure, Daniel, along with his companions, sought divine intervention through prayer. God revealed the dream and its meaning to Daniel in a night vision, prompting Daniel's profound prayer of thanksgiving and praise in [Daniel 2:20-23](/daniel/2-20 "Daniel 2:20-23 - Daniel's Prayer of Praise"). Daniel then approaches Arioch, the captain of the king's guard, and is brought before the king. This verse forms part of Daniel's introductory remarks to Nebuchadnezzar, where he explicitly disclaims any personal wisdom or superiority, instead directing all credit and glory to the "God in heaven" who alone "reveals mysteries" ([Daniel 2:28](/daniel/2-28 "Daniel 2:28 - God Reveals Secrets")). It directly precedes the detailed description of the dream itself, beginning in [Daniel 2:31](/daniel/2-31 "Daniel 2:31 - Nebuchadnezzar's Dream of the Statue").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Nebuchadnezzar ruled the Neo-Babylonian Empire, a dominant power in the ancient Near East during the late 7th and early 6th centuries BCE. Kings of this era were often preoccupied with the stability and longevity of their empires, their legacy, and the succession of power. Dreams were frequently considered significant omens or divine messages, and their interpretation was a vital task for royal advisors, often priests or diviners. The king's "bed" was not merely a place of rest but often a setting for deep reflection and contemplation, especially concerning matters of state and future security. The inability of the Babylonian wise men to recall or interpret the dream highlights the limitations of human wisdom and pagan divination in contrast to the true prophetic revelation available through the God of Israel. This cultural backdrop emphasizes the extraordinary nature of Daniel's divinely granted ability.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Daniel and biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty**, demonstrating that God is the ultimate ruler over human history, knowing and ordaining future events, including the rise and fall of empires, long before they occur. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Revelation**, asserting that true knowledge of the future, particularly concerning God's plans, originates solely from Him. Human wisdom, even that of the most powerful earthly rulers or their most learned advisors, is utterly insufficient to grasp these divine mysteries, as evidenced by the failure of Nebuchadnezzar's wise men in [Daniel 2:10-11](/daniel/2-10 "Daniel 2:10-11 - The Wise Men's Failure"). Finally, it reinforces the theme of **God's Uniqueness and Supremacy** over all pagan deities and human systems of knowledge, portraying Him as the singular "revealer of secrets" who intervenes directly in human affairs to accomplish His purposes.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **thoughts (Aramaic, _raʻyôwn'_):** This Aramaic word (H7476) signifies a "grasp" or, figuratively, a "mental conception" or "cogitation." It refers to the king's deep internal reflections, the specific ideas and concerns that occupied his mind as he lay on his bed. It implies a deliberate, perhaps even anxious, process of thinking about the future of his kingdom, indicating a profound internal preoccupation.
* **revealeth (Aramaic, _gᵉlâh'_):** This Aramaic word (H1541) means "to denude," "uncover," or "reveal." It is used here in a figurative sense to denote the act of disclosing hidden knowledge or mysteries. The participle "he that revealeth" emphasizes God's active and unique role as the one who uncovers what is secret, contrasting sharply with the inability of human wisdom to do so.
* **secrets (Aramaic, _râz'_):** This Aramaic term (H7328) refers to a "mystery" or "secret." It denotes knowledge that is hidden, concealed, and inaccessible to ordinary human understanding. The use of the plural "secrets" emphasizes the profound and multifaceted nature of the divine knowledge that God alone can disclose, encompassing not just the dream but its future implications for human history.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"As for thee, O king, thy thoughts came [into thy mind] upon thy bed":** This clause directly addresses King Nebuchadnezzar, acknowledging his personal experience. It describes how profound "thoughts" or "mental conceptions" arose in his mind while he was resting on his bed. This sets the personal stage for the divine intervention, showing that God was responding to the king's specific, internal preoccupations about the future. The phrase "upon thy bed" highlights a moment of personal reflection and vulnerability for the powerful monarch.
* **"what should come to pass hereafter":** This specifies the content of the king's thoughts: his deep concern and curiosity about future events. The phrase emphasizes the prophetic nature of the king's inquiry, indicating he was pondering the destiny of his kingdom and the world beyond his immediate reign. This human desire to know the future is a universal theme, here met by divine revelation concerning the grand sweep of history.
* **"and he that revealeth secrets maketh known to thee what shall come to pass.":** This is the pivotal assertion of the verse, attributing the power of revelation solely to God. Daniel declares that it is not by his own wisdom, but by the "revealer of secrets" (God) that the future events the king pondered are now being made known to him. This statement establishes God's unique sovereignty over all hidden knowledge and future history, setting the foundation for the dream's interpretation and highlighting His absolute control.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Apostrophe** is evident in the direct address, "As for thee, O king," which immediately draws the listener into the personal nature of the revelation. **Contrast** is a pervasive element, implicitly setting the limitations of human thought and knowledge (the king's mere "thoughts" about the future) against the omniscient and revealing power of God ("he that revealeth secrets maketh known"). This contrast elevates God's authority and wisdom above all earthly power and wisdom. The phrase "he that revealeth secrets" functions as a **Divine Epithet**, a title that encapsulates a core attribute of God, emphasizing His unique capacity to disclose hidden truths and future events. This epithet also serves as a **Leitmotif** throughout Daniel's discourse, establishing God as the sole source of true understanding and prophecy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 2:29 profoundly underscores the biblical truth of God's omniscience and His active involvement in human history. It establishes that God is not a distant, disengaged deity but one who knows the end from the beginning and sovereignly orchestrates all events, even responding to the private thoughts of a pagan king. This divine attribute of revealing secrets highlights His unique power and wisdom, contrasting sharply with the futility of human attempts to predict or control the future. The verse sets the stage for the unfolding of God's comprehensive plan for the ages, demonstrating that the rise and fall of empires are not random occurrences but are under His ultimate control, all leading to the establishment of His eternal kingdom.

* [Isaiah 46:9-10](/isaiah/46-9 "Isaiah 46:9-10 - God Declares the End from the Beginning")
* [Amos 3:7](/amos/3-7 "Amos 3:7 - God Reveals Secrets to His Prophets")
* [Deuteronomy 29:29](/deuteronomy/29-29 "Deuteronomy 29:29 - The Secret Things Belong to God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 2:29 offers profound comfort and challenge for believers navigating an uncertain world. In an age where anxieties about the future—be it economic, political, or personal—can be overwhelming, this verse reminds us that God is not only aware of "what shall come to pass" but is actively revealing His purposes. It calls us to shift our trust from human predictions, self-reliance, or even fear, to the sovereign God who holds all of history in His hands. Just as Nebuchadnezzar's deepest thoughts were known and addressed by God, so too are our concerns and questions. This should inspire us to seek God's wisdom through His Word and prayer, trusting that He will make known to us what we need to know, when we need to know it, for His glory and our good. It encourages a posture of humble dependence, recognizing that true insight into life's mysteries comes not from human ingenuity but from divine revelation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you feel most anxious about "what should come to pass hereafter"?**
* **How does the truth that God "revealeth secrets" and "maketh known what shall come to pass" impact your trust in His providence?**
* **What practical steps can you take to rely more on God's revealed truth (His Word) rather than human speculation or your own anxieties about the future?**

### FAQ

**Why was King Nebuchadnezzar so troubled by a dream he couldn't remember?**

Answer: King Nebuchadnezzar was troubled not just by the dream itself, but by its profound impact and his inability to recall its details, which prevented his wise men from interpreting it. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, dreams were often considered divine messages or omens, especially for rulers. A forgotten but deeply disturbing dream would imply a significant, unaddressed divine warning or revelation concerning his kingdom's future, causing immense anxiety for a king whose power and legacy were paramount. His demand for both the dream and its interpretation was a test of his wise men's true supernatural abilities, which they failed, highlighting the unique power of the God of Daniel.

**Does this verse imply that God gives everyone prophetic dreams about the future?**

Answer: No, Daniel 2:29 does not imply that God gives everyone prophetic dreams about the future. While God certainly communicated through dreams in biblical times, as seen with Joseph ([Genesis 37](/genesis/37 "Genesis 37 - Joseph's Dreams")) or Pharaoh ([Genesis 41](/genesis/41 "Genesis 41 - Pharaoh's Dreams")), this verse specifically highlights God's unique attribute as the "revealer of secrets" to His chosen instruments (like Daniel) concerning His sovereign plan for history. It emphasizes that ultimate knowledge of the future comes from Him, not necessarily that everyone will receive direct, detailed prophetic dreams. Today, God primarily reveals His will and future plans through His completed written Word, the Bible, which is sufficient for all matters of faith and life ([2 Timothy 3:16-17](/2_timothy/3-16 "2 Timothy 3:16-17 - All Scripture is God-breathed")).

**How does Daniel's humility in this verse relate to his role as a prophet?**

Answer: Daniel's humility in Daniel 2:29 is crucial to his role as a true prophet. By explicitly stating that the knowledge comes not from his own wisdom but from "he that revealeth secrets," Daniel deflects all glory from himself and directs it solely to God. This humility is a hallmark of true biblical prophets, who consistently emphasize that they are merely messengers of God's word, not the source of the revelation itself. This contrasts sharply with false prophets or pagan diviners who often sought personal glory or financial gain. Daniel's humility authenticates his message and underscores the divine origin and authority of the interpretation he is about to deliver, preparing the king to receive God's truth rather than Daniel's.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel 2:29, with its declaration that God is the "revealer of secrets" who makes known "what shall come to pass," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the immediate context points to the unfolding of Gentile empires and the establishment of God's eternal kingdom, Christ is the very embodiment of God's revealed wisdom and the ultimate fulfillment of all prophetic history. He is the "mystery of God" made manifest ([Colossians 2:2](/colossians/2-2 "Colossians 2:2 - The Mystery of God, Christ")), 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")). The future Daniel foretold, culminating in a kingdom that would never be destroyed ([Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Eternal Kingdom")), is the spiritual kingdom inaugurated by Christ's first advent and consummated at His second coming. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Christ revealed God's ultimate plan for salvation and redemption, a plan hidden for ages but now made known through the gospel ([Romans 16:25-26](/romans/16-25 "Romans 16:25-26 - The Revelation of the Mystery")). He is the one who unveils the future, as seen in the book of Revelation, where He is depicted as the Lamb who opens the seven seals, revealing God's final purposes ([Revelation 5:1-7](/revelation/5-1 "Revelation 5:1-7 - The Lamb Opens the Scroll")). Thus, the "he that revealeth secrets" in Daniel is ultimately revealed and fully realized in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the Alpha and Omega, who declares, "I am the first and the last, and the living one" ([Revelation 1:17-18](/revelation/1-17 "Revelation 1:17-18 - Christ, the First and the Last")).

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 2:28

But there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets, and maketh known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days. Thy dream, and the visions of thy head upon thy bed, are these;

Amos 4:13

For, lo, he that formeth the mountains, and createth the wind, and declareth unto man what [is] his thought, that maketh the morning darkness, and treadeth upon the high places of the earth, The LORD, The God of hosts, [is] his name.

Daniel 2:47

The king answered unto Daniel, and said, Of a truth [it is], that your God [is] a God of gods, and a Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets, seeing thou couldest reveal this secret.

Daniel 2:22

He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what [is] in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him.

Ezekiel 38:10

Thus saith the Lord GOD; It shall also come to pass, [that] at the same time shall things come into thy mind, and thou shalt think an evil thought: