Daniel 2:36

This [is] the dream; and we will tell the interpretation thereof before the king.

This {H1836} is the dream {H2493}; and we will tell {H560} the interpretation {H6591} thereof before {H6925} the king {H4430}.

"That is what you dreamt, and now we will give the king its interpretation.

This was the dream; now we will tell the king its interpretation.

This is the dream; and we will tell the interpretation thereof before the king.

Commentary

Context of Daniel 2:36

Daniel 2:36 marks a pivotal moment in the narrative of King Nebuchadnezzar's dream, a central event during the early years of the Babylonian exile. King Nebuchadnezzar had a disturbing dream that he could not remember, yet it troubled him deeply. He demanded that his wise men not only tell him the dream but also provide its interpretation, threatening their lives if they failed. After the Babylonian wise men, astrologers, and sorcerers proved incapable, Daniel, a Hebrew captive, stepped forward. Through divine revelation, God revealed both the forgotten dream and its meaning to Daniel. This verse, "This [is] the dream; and we will tell the interpretation thereof before the king," serves as Daniel's confident declaration to Nebuchadnezzar, transitioning from the recounting of the dream (which he had just done, miraculously) to delivering its profound prophetic significance.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Revelation and Wisdom: This verse underscores that true wisdom and knowledge of future events come directly from God, not from human ingenuity or pagan practices. Daniel's ability to know and interpret the dream highlights God's unique power to reveal secrets (Daniel 2:28).
  • God's Sovereignty Over Kingdoms: The very act of God revealing a dream about successive world empires, long before they emerged, demonstrates His ultimate control over human history and political powers. This sets the stage for the prophecy of God's eternal kingdom that will ultimately supersede all earthly realms (Daniel 2:44).
  • Prophetic Authority: Daniel speaks with unwavering assurance, knowing that his words are not his own, but a direct message from the Almighty. This establishes his prophetic authority and validates the coming interpretation as divinely inspired truth.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "we will tell the interpretation" (Hebrew: pishra') signifies not just a guess or a philosophical explanation, but a definitive, authoritative unveiling of the dream's true meaning. The plural "we" is likely a majestic plural, or it could subtly include God, the ultimate source of the interpretation, with Daniel as His messenger. It conveys the certainty and divine backing behind Daniel's forthcoming words to the king.

Significance and Practical Application

Daniel 2:36 is more than just a transition point; it is a declaration of confidence in God's revealed truth. For us today, it reinforces the belief that God is not silent but reveals His plans and purposes, often through His Word. When faced with confusing circumstances or seeking understanding about the future, we can look to the Scriptures, which provide a more sure word of prophecy. This verse encourages us to trust in God's perfect knowledge and His sovereign control over all human affairs, reminding us that He has a plan for history that culminates in His everlasting kingdom. It calls us to seek wisdom and understanding from Him, rather than from worldly sources.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Daniel 2:23

    I thank thee, and praise thee, O thou God of my fathers, who hast given me wisdom and might, and hast made known unto me now what we desired of thee: for thou hast [now] made known unto us the king's matter.

  • Daniel 2:24

    ¶ Therefore Daniel went in unto Arioch, whom the king had ordained to destroy the wise [men] of Babylon: he went and said thus unto him; Destroy not the wise [men] of Babylon: bring me in before the king, and I will shew unto the king the interpretation.
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