Daniel 2:34

Thou sawest till that a stone was cut out without hands, which smote the image upon his feet [that were] of iron and clay, and brake them to pieces.

Thou sawest {H2370}{H1934} till {H5705} that a stone {H69} was cut out {H1505} without {H3809} hands {H3028}, which smote {H4223} the image {H6755} upon {H5922} his feet {H7271} that were of iron {H6523} and clay {H2635}, and brake {H1855} them {H1994} to pieces {H1855}.

As you watched, a stone separated itself without any human hand, struck the statue on its feet made of iron and clay, and broke them in pieces.

As you watched, a stone was cut out, but not by human hands. It struck the statue on its feet of iron and clay, and crushed them.

Thou sawest till that a stone was cut out without hands, which smote the image upon its feet that were of iron and clay, and brake them in pieces.

Daniel 2:34 is a pivotal verse within King Nebuchadnezzar's prophetic dream, interpreted by the prophet Daniel. It describes the dramatic and unexpected climax of a vision depicting a colossal statue, which symbolizes the rise and fall of successive world empires, ultimately leading to the establishment of an eternal, divine kingdom.

Context

This verse is part of Daniel's divinely inspired interpretation of a disturbing dream experienced by King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, as detailed in Daniel chapter 2. The dream featured a magnificent, yet terrifying, image composed of various materials: a head of gold, chest and arms of silver, belly and thighs of bronze, legs of iron, and feet partly of iron and partly of clay. Each material represented a distinct world empire, with Babylon as the head of gold. Verse 34 highlights the sudden appearance of a "stone" that strikes and utterly demolishes the image, specifically targeting its most vulnerable point: the feet of iron and clay, which symbolize a final, divided, and inherently fragile kingdom.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty Over History: The dream powerfully illustrates God's ultimate control over the course of human history, demonstrating His authority to raise up and bring down empires according to His sovereign will. This theme provides comfort and assurance that God is ultimately in control of all earthly affairs.
  • The Messianic Kingdom: The "stone cut out without hands" is a profound symbol of God's kingdom, which is not established by human effort, military might, or political maneuvering, but rather by divine, supernatural intervention. This kingdom, universally understood as the eternal reign of Christ, will ultimately supersede and endure beyond all temporary earthly powers.
  • The Fragility of Human Empires: The complete destruction of the colossal image, despite its initial grandeur, underscores the temporary and ultimately perishable nature of all human governments, systems, and ambitions when confronted with God's supreme and eternal authority.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "cut out without hands" (Aramaic: דִּי לָא בִידַיִן – dî lāʾ bîḏayin) is critical to understanding the verse's meaning. This specific wording emphasizes that the origin and power of this "stone" are entirely supernatural and divine, not a product of human labor, strategy, or strength. This directly contrasts with the humanly-built image and powerfully reinforces the idea that God's kingdom is fundamentally different—heavenly, eternal, and distinct from all earthly kingdoms that rise and fall through human ambition and conflict.

Significance and Application

Daniel 2:34 offers a profound message of hope and eternal perspective for believers. It provides assurance that despite the constant turmoil, conflicts, and rise of various global powers throughout history, God's ultimate plan for humanity and the world will prevail. The stone, representing God's kingdom, starts small but is destined to grow and fill the entire earth, as further explained in the very next verse and comprehensively interpreted in Daniel 2:44. This prophecy encourages us not to place our ultimate trust or hope in fleeting human institutions, political systems, or economic powers, but to fix our gaze on the eternal, unshakable kingdom of God. It fosters patience, faith, and a deep understanding that divine justice and ultimate victory belong solely to God.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Daniel 2:44

    And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, [but] it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.

  • Daniel 2:45

    Forasmuch as thou sawest that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it brake in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold; the great God hath made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter: and the dream [is] certain, and the interpretation thereof sure.

  • Daniel 8:25

    And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify [himself] in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand.

  • Isaiah 60:12

    For the nation and kingdom that will not serve thee shall perish; yea, [those] nations shall be utterly wasted.

  • Zechariah 12:3

    And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it.

  • 2 Corinthians 5:1

    ¶ For we know that if our earthly house of [this] tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

  • Isaiah 28:16

    Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner [stone], a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.
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