Daniel 2:3

KJV

And the king said unto them, I have dreamed a dream, and my spirit was troubled to know the dream.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the king {H4428} said {H559} unto them, I have dreamed {H2492} a dream {H2472}, and my spirit {H7307} was troubled {H6470} to know {H3045} the dream {H2472}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The king said to them, "I had a dream which will keep troubling my spirit until I know what it means."

Berean Standard Bible

he said to them, “I have had a dream, and my spirit is anxious to understand it.”

American Standard Version

And the king said unto them, I have dreamed a dream, and my spirit is troubled to know the dream.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 2:3 profoundly sets the stage for a monumental divine revelation, capturing the intense personal and political crisis faced by King Nebuchadnezzar. The powerful Babylonian monarch, having experienced a dream of significant import, finds himself in a state of deep distress because he cannot recall its content, yet its unsettling impression lingers. This verse immediately establishes the king's profound need for understanding and foreshadows the impending demonstration of God's unique sovereignty and the limitations of all human wisdom in comparison to divine knowledge.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the pivotal moment following King Nebuchadnezzar's summons of his wise men—magicians, enchanters, sorcerers, and Chaldeans—in [Daniel 2:2](/daniel/2-2 "Daniel 2:2 - King's Demand for Wise Men"). The king's demand for an interpretation of a dream he cannot remember creates an impossible scenario for his counselors, who are accustomed to interpreting dreams once they are recounted. His inability to recall the dream, coupled with his "troubled spirit," elevates the stakes dramatically, setting up the narrative tension that can only be resolved by supernatural intervention. This immediate context highlights the futility of human wisdom when confronted with divine mysteries and prepares the reader for Daniel's entrance as God's chosen vessel for revelation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, dreams were widely considered significant conduits of divine or supernatural messages, particularly for rulers. Kings often consulted their court diviners, astrologers, and wise men for interpretation, believing these dreams held omens or prophecies regarding their reign or kingdom. Babylon, renowned for its advancements in astrology and divination, had a well-established class of such wise men. Nebuchadnezzar, as the absolute monarch of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, wielded immense power, and his decrees were law. His "troubled spirit" over a forgotten dream was not a mere personal annoyance but a matter of state security and personal well-being, as he likely perceived it as a divine warning or prophecy that he was neglecting. The king's demand for both the dream and its interpretation was an unprecedented challenge, designed to test the true capabilities of his wise men, distinguishing genuine divine insight from mere human speculation or manipulation.
* **Key Themes:** Daniel 2:3 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Daniel and biblical theology. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the **limitations of human wisdom and power** in the face of divine revelation. Despite having the most learned men of his empire at his command, Nebuchadnezzar's profound need could only be met by God, a theme echoed in [1 Corinthians 1:25](/1_corinthians/1-25 "1 Corinthians 1:25 - God's Wisdom vs. Man's Wisdom"). Secondly, it underscores the **sovereignty of God** over all earthly rulers and kingdoms. God is the one who gives the dream, troubles the king's spirit, and orchestrates the events that will ultimately glorify His name and reveal His eternal plan, as seen in [Daniel 4:35](/daniel/4-35 "Daniel 4:35 - God's Dominion"). Lastly, the king's "troubled spirit" highlights the **universal human need for truth and understanding**, especially when faced with the unknown or the seemingly supernatural. This distress serves as the catalyst for the entire dramatic unfolding of [Daniel chapter 2](/daniel/2 "Daniel 2 - Nebuchadnezzar's Dream and Daniel's Interpretation"), ultimately leading to God's self-disclosure through His faithful servant Daniel, who alone can reveal the "deep and hidden things" ([Daniel 2:22](/daniel/2-22 "Daniel 2:22 - God Reveals Secrets")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **King (Hebrew, _melek'_):** From H4428, this term denotes a monarch or royal figure. In Daniel 2:3, "the king" refers specifically to Nebuchadnezzar, the powerful ruler of Babylon. His title emphasizes his absolute authority and the immense pressure placed upon his wise men to fulfill his demand. The fact that even such a powerful figure is subject to divine influence (a troubled spirit, a forgotten dream) underscores God's ultimate sovereignty over all earthly powers.
* **Dream (Hebrew, _chălôwm'_):** From H2472, this word refers to a nocturnal vision or a dream. The repetition of "dreamed a dream" (with the verb form from H2492, _châlam_) emphasizes the king's experience. This dream is not merely a fleeting thought but a divinely sent message, significant enough to profoundly disturb the king even after its specific content has vanished from his memory. Its importance is underscored by the king's desperate need to recall and understand it, indicating its perceived prophetic or ominous nature.
* **Troubled (Hebrew, _pâʻam'_):** From H6470, this primitive root means "to tap," "beat regularly," or "to impel or agitate." When applied to the spirit, as here, it conveys a strong sense of agitation, disquiet, or profound disturbance. Nebuchadnezzar's spirit was not merely annoyed or slightly concerned; it was deeply agitated and restless, indicating a significant inner turmoil caused by the forgotten dream. This intense emotional state drives his urgent and non-negotiable demand to his wise men, highlighting the severity of his predicament.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the king said unto them":** This clause signifies a direct command or declaration from Nebuchadnezzar to his assembled wise men. It establishes the king's authority and sets the stage for the impossible demand he is about to make, initiating the central conflict of the chapter.
* **"I have dreamed a dream":** This statement reveals the source of the king's distress—a dream. The repetition of the root word for "dream" emphasizes the reality and impact of this nocturnal experience. It was not a casual thought but a vivid and significant event that profoundly affected him.
* **"and my spirit was troubled to know the dream":** This final clause articulates the king's internal state and the specific nature of his problem. His "spirit" (Hebrew, _rûwach'_, H7307) was deeply agitated or disturbed, not just by the dream itself, but by his inability "to know" (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_, H3045) or recall its content. The distress stems from the lingering impression of the dream's importance combined with his frustrating inability to grasp its details and meaning, creating an urgent need for revelation.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 2:3 employs several powerful literary devices to heighten the narrative's impact. **Dramatic Irony** is immediately evident, as the reader knows that only God can reveal the dream, while the king and his wise men are trapped in human limitations. This creates a sense of anticipation for divine intervention. The king's "troubled spirit" serves as a form of **Pathos**, evoking empathy for his profound internal distress and emphasizing the gravity of the situation. Furthermore, the verse acts as a crucial moment of **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the supernatural events to come and the ultimate revelation of God's sovereignty through Daniel. The king's forgotten dream and his deep agitation establish the **Central Conflict** of the chapter, setting up an impossible challenge that only divine wisdom can overcome.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 2:3 is a profound testament to God's sovereign control over human affairs, even those of powerful pagan rulers. The king's forgotten dream and "troubled spirit" are not random occurrences but divinely orchestrated events designed to humble human pride and demonstrate that true wisdom and revelation come only from God. This situation highlights the inherent limitations of human knowledge and power when confronted with the mysteries of God's plan. It sets the stage for God to reveal His purposes through His chosen vessel, Daniel, thereby exalting Himself above all earthly deities and demonstrating His ultimate dominion over all kingdoms and ages.

* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5-6 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord")
* [Isaiah 45:7](/isaiah/45-7 "Isaiah 45:7 - God Forms Light and Creates Darkness")
* [Job 12:22](/job/12-22 "Job 12:22 - God Reveals Deep Things")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The profound distress of King Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 2:3 resonates with the human experience of facing the unknown, feeling a deep sense of unease, or grappling with circumstances beyond our control or comprehension. Just as the king's spirit was troubled by a forgotten but significant dream, we too can experience spiritual or emotional disquiet when confronted with life's uncertainties, unfulfilled longings, or a sense that something crucial is missing or unclear. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that true peace and understanding do not come from human wisdom, power, or divination, but from seeking the One who knows all things—the God who reveals secrets and holds the future in His hands. It encourages us to bring our "troubled spirits" and unanswered questions to God, trusting that He is sovereign even in our confusion, and that He can provide clarity and peace where human efforts fail. Our greatest comfort lies in knowing that God is actively working His purposes, even through our distress, to draw us closer to Him and reveal His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you feel a "troubled spirit" or a sense of unease about the unknown?**
* **How often do you rely on human wisdom or your own understanding rather than seeking divine revelation and guidance?**
* **What does Nebuchadnezzar's situation teach us about the limitations of earthly power and the ultimate sovereignty of God?**

### FAQ
**Why couldn't King Nebuchadnezzar remember his dream, and why was this so significant?**

Answer: The text indicates that Nebuchadnezzar had "dreamed a dream, and my spirit was troubled to know the dream." While the Bible doesn't explicitly state *why* he couldn't remember, the most common theological interpretation is that God sovereignly removed the memory of the dream's details from the king's mind. This was not due to a natural lapse but a divine act designed to create an impossible situation for the Babylonian wise men. The significance lies in this very impossibility: it exposed the futility of human wisdom and divination, setting the stage for God alone to demonstrate His power and knowledge through Daniel. This ensured that when the dream and its interpretation were revealed, there would be no doubt that the revelation came from the one true God, not from human ingenuity or pagan magic. This divine orchestration highlighted God's ultimate control over all earthly affairs and His unique ability to reveal hidden things ([Daniel 2:22](/daniel/2-22 "Daniel 2:22 - God Reveals Hidden Things")).

**What does it mean that Nebuchadnezzar's "spirit was troubled"?**

Answer: The phrase "my spirit was troubled" (KJV) or "my mind was troubled" (NIV) refers to a deep inner agitation, disquiet, or profound emotional disturbance. The Hebrew word (H6470, _pâʻam_) implies a beating or agitation, suggesting a restless and unsettled state of mind. It was not merely a mild annoyance but a significant personal and perhaps existential crisis for the king. The dream, though forgotten in its specifics, left a powerful and unsettling impression on his psyche, indicating its great importance and potential ominous nature. This deep internal turmoil compelled him to desperately seek its content and meaning, driving the narrative forward and underscoring the urgency of his demand to his wise men. His troubled spirit highlights the human need for understanding and peace, which ultimately only God can provide ([John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Jesus Gives Peace")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel 2:3, with King Nebuchadnezzar's "troubled spirit" and his desperate need to "know the dream," powerfully foreshadows the ultimate human condition and the divine solution found in Jesus Christ. Humanity, in its fallen state, often experiences a "troubled spirit," a deep disquiet arising from ignorance of God's ultimate plan, the meaning of life, and the path to peace. Like Nebuchadnezzar, we are often confronted with mysteries we cannot unravel by human wisdom or effort. Christ, however, is the ultimate Revealer of God's mysteries, 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 Wisdom is Hidden")). He is the "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), who not only reveals God's will but also perfectly fulfills it. The prophetic dream of Nebuchadnezzar, which ultimately pointed to God's eternal kingdom, finds its ultimate realization in the kingdom established by Christ, a kingdom that will never be destroyed ([Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Eternal Kingdom")). Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus brings peace to troubled spirits, reveals the Father's heart, and unveils the grand narrative of redemption, which was merely glimpsed in the ancient prophecies. He is the Word of God, through whom all things are made known, the ultimate fulfillment of all divine revelation ([Hebrews 1:1-3](/hebrews/1-1-3 "Hebrews 1:1-3 - God Speaks Through His Son")).

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

Genesis 40:8

And they said unto him, We have dreamed a dream, and [there is] no interpreter of it. And Joseph said unto them, [Do] not interpretations [belong] to God? tell me [them], I pray you.

Genesis 41:15

And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I have dreamed a dream, and [there is] none that can interpret it: and I have heard say of thee, [that] thou canst understand a dream to interpret it.

Daniel 2:1

¶ And in the second year of the reign of Nebuchadnezzar Nebuchadnezzar dreamed dreams, wherewith his spirit was troubled, and his sleep brake from him.

Daniel 4:5

I saw a dream which made me afraid, and the thoughts upon my bed and the visions of my head troubled me.