Daniel 2:36

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 2:36 serves as Daniel's confident and authoritative declaration to King Nebuchadnezzar, marking the pivotal transition from the miraculous recounting of the king's forgotten dream to the unveiling of its profound prophetic interpretation. This verse powerfully underscores Daniel's divine appointment as God's messenger, asserting that the dream's contents are now fully known and its hidden meaning is about to be revealed, thereby setting the stage for one of the Bible's most significant prophecies concerning successive world empires and the ultimate establishment of God's eternal kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 2:36 is strategically placed at a climactic point within Daniel chapter 2. Preceding this verse, King Nebuchadnezzar, the formidable ruler of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, was deeply troubled by a dream whose details he could not recall. He issued an extraordinary decree, demanding that his wise men not only interpret the dream but first recount its forgotten contents, threatening execution for failure. After all the Chaldean astrologers, enchanters, and sorcerers proved impotent, Daniel, one of the Hebrew exiles, stepped forward. Following earnest prayer with his companions, God supernaturally revealed both the dream and its interpretation to Daniel in a night vision, prompting Daniel's heartfelt praise to God for His wisdom and power, as recorded in [Daniel 2:20-23](/daniel/2-20-23 "Daniel 2:20-23 - Daniel's Prayer of Praise"). Upon being brought before the king, Daniel humbly deflected any credit from himself, attributing his unique ability solely to the "God in heaven who reveals mysteries" ([Daniel 2:28](/daniel/2-28 "Daniel 2:28 - God Reveals Mysteries")). He then proceeded to recount the king's dream of the colossal multi-metallic statue, culminating in the description of the stone that struck its feet. Verse 36 precisely marks the moment Daniel transitions from recounting the dream to delivering its divinely revealed interpretation, a crucial pivot that validates the authenticity of his revelation and heralds the imminent unveiling of God's sovereign plan for human history.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Daniel chapter 2 are set in the opulent court of Babylon during the early years of the Judean exile, likely around 603-602 BC, following Nebuchadnezzar's initial conquest of Jerusalem in 605 BC. Daniel and his three friends were among the first wave of exiles, chosen for their intelligence and trained in the Chaldean language and literature to serve in the king's court. Babylonian culture was deeply steeped in various forms of divination, including astrology, omen interpretation, and dream analysis, as dreams were widely believed to be messages from the gods. The king's demand for both the dream and its interpretation was, in itself, not entirely unusual for the era, as it served as a common test for diviners to prove their genuine connection to the divine realm. However, Nebuchadnezzar's unprecedented demand that the dream be *recalled* for him was a deliberate measure designed to expose charlatans and ensure the veracity of any interpretation. This historical backdrop profoundly emphasizes the stark contrast between the impotence and deceit of pagan wisdom and the omnipotence and truth of the one true God of Israel, who alone could reveal such secrets. The setting within the most powerful earthly empire of the time also underscores God's absolute sovereignty over all human kingdoms, even those that held His people captive.
* **Key Themes:** Daniel 2:36 contributes significantly to several foundational themes woven throughout the book of Daniel and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it powerfully reinforces the theme of **Divine Revelation and Wisdom**. Daniel's unique ability to both recall and interpret the king's forgotten dream unequivocally demonstrates that true wisdom, knowledge of future events, and understanding of divine mysteries originate solely from God, not from human intellect, magical practices, or pagan deities. This highlights God's unparalleled power to reveal secrets and His active, intimate involvement in human affairs, a theme consistently showcased from Daniel's refusal of the king's food ([Daniel 1:8](/daniel/1-8 "Daniel 1:8 - Daniel's Resolve to Not Defile Himself")) to the mysterious writing on the wall ([Daniel 5:5](/daniel/5-5 "Daniel 5:5 - The Handwriting on the Wall")). Secondly, the verse serves as the crucial gateway for the theme of **God's Sovereignty Over Kingdoms**. The dream itself, and its subsequent interpretation, meticulously details a succession of world empires, culminating in the ultimate establishment of God's eternal and indestructible kingdom. This pre-knowledge of future empires, revealed centuries before their emergence, provides irrefutable proof of God's ultimate control over human history, political powers, and the rise and fall of nations, as explicitly stated in [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons"). Finally, Daniel's confident and unwavering declaration in this verse firmly establishes his **Prophetic Authority**. He speaks with absolute assurance, knowing that his words are not his own conjecture but a direct, divinely inspired message. This validates the coming interpretation as absolute truth, serving as a foundational moment for Daniel's role as a prophet of God's unfolding plan.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **dream (Aramaic, _chêlem'_):** (H2493) This Aramaic term refers to the nocturnal vision that profoundly troubled King Nebuchadnezzar. In the ancient Near East, dreams were often regarded as significant, sometimes divine, communications. Here, the specific use of "dream" emphasizes that the revelation is not a product of human thought or a mere psychological experience, but a distinct, divinely orchestrated message intended to convey profound prophetic truth. Daniel's ability to accurately recall and interpret this "dream" validates his unique connection to the true God, sharply distinguishing him from the impotent pagan diviners.
* **tell (Aramaic, _ʼămar'_):** (H560) This verb, meaning "to say, speak, or declare," carries significant weight in this context. It is not merely a casual recounting but a formal, authoritative declaration. The use of the plural "we" ("we will tell") is often understood as a majestic plural, indicating Daniel's authority as God's representative. Alternatively, it could subtly include God Himself as the ultimate source of the revelation, with Daniel serving as His instrument, underscoring the divine backing and absolute certainty behind the forthcoming interpretation. It signifies a definitive unveiling, not a speculative guess.
* **interpretation (Aramaic, _pᵉshar'_):** (H6591) This word denotes the authoritative explanation or unveiling of a hidden meaning. It is distinct from merely recounting the dream; it is the revelation of its profound significance and prophetic implications. The term highlights that the dream's meaning was not self-evident but required divine insight to unlock. Daniel's ability to provide the "interpretation" confirms that he possesses wisdom far beyond human capability, directly from the "God in heaven who reveals mysteries" ([Daniel 2:28](/daniel/2-28 "Daniel 2:28 - God Reveals Mysteries")).

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"This [is] the dream;":** This initial clause serves as Daniel's definitive and irrefutable confirmation that he has accurately recounted the king's forgotten dream, a feat that no other wise man in Babylon could accomplish. It establishes his unparalleled credibility and prepares the king for the subsequent, even more astonishing, revelation of its profound meaning. The emphasis here is on the direct, undeniable accuracy of Daniel's words, thereby validating his divine source of information and setting the stage for the interpretation.
* **"and we will tell the interpretation thereof":** This clause signifies the pivotal transition from simply recounting the dream to explaining its prophetic significance. The use of "we" (as discussed in the Key Word Analysis) conveys a powerful sense of divine authority and absolute certainty. Daniel is not offering a speculative guess or a human analysis, but a divinely revealed understanding. This statement builds immense anticipation for the profound truths about to be unveiled concerning the future of human kingdoms and God's sovereign plan.
* **"before the king.":** This final phrase emphasizes the public, formal, and official nature of the revelation. The interpretation is delivered directly to the highest earthly authority, King Nebuchadnezzar, in his royal court. This setting underscores the universal scope and cosmic significance of the prophecy, which concerns not only the king's reign but also the succession of world empires, all under the sovereign gaze of the God of heaven. It highlights the direct confrontation between divine truth and human power, establishing God's ultimate supremacy.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 2:36 employs several effective literary devices that enhance its impact and convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Foreshadowing**, as Daniel's confident declaration sets the stage for the detailed prophetic interpretation that immediately follows, hinting at the momentous revelations concerning future empires and God's ultimate, eternal kingdom. There is also a strong element of **Dramatic Irony**, as the audience (and Daniel himself) already knows the dream and its interpretation, while the powerful king, despite his authority, remains ignorant until Daniel speaks, creating narrative tension and highlighting God's superior knowledge. The phrase "we will tell" can be seen as a form of **Majestic Plural** (or a subtle inclusion of God's direct involvement), lending an air of solemn authority and divine backing to Daniel's words. Furthermore, the verse functions as a crucial **Transition Point** in the narrative, skillfully moving the story from the intense tension of the king's forgotten dream and the wise men's abject failure to the triumphant unveiling of God's sovereign plan for history. This transition is powerfully marked by Daniel's direct, confident, and authoritative tone, which stands in stark contrast to the desperation and impotence of the Babylonian wise men.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 2:36 is a powerful statement of God's active involvement in human history and His unique ability to reveal the future. It underscores the biblical truth that God is not a distant, detached deity but one who sovereignly orchestrates the rise and fall of nations, communicating His eternal purposes to His chosen servants. This verse establishes the foundational principle that all earthly power is ultimately subservient to divine authority, and that human history is moving according to God's predetermined plan, culminating in the establishment of His eternal, indestructible kingdom. It profoundly reaffirms the concept of a "revealed theology," where understanding divine mysteries and the trajectory of history comes not from human intellect, political foresight, or pagan practices, but exclusively through God's gracious and authoritative self-disclosure.

* [Amos 3:7](/amos/3-7 "Amos 3:7 - God Reveals His Secrets to His Servants")
* [Psalm 75:6-7](/psalms/75-6-7 "Psalm 75:6-7 - God Exalts and Brings Down")
* [Isaiah 46:9-10](/isaiah/46-9-10 "Isaiah 46:9-10 - God Declares the End from the Beginning")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 2:36 calls us to profound reflection on the ultimate source of true wisdom and authority in a world often characterized by uncertainty and competing claims to truth. In an age saturated with information, opinions, and predictions from various sources, this verse serves as a potent reminder that ultimate truth and understanding of history's trajectory come from God alone. Daniel's unwavering confidence, rooted entirely in divine revelation, challenges us to critically examine our own sources of trust and to place our ultimate reliance not in human ingenuity, political leaders, economic systems, or worldly philosophies, but in the sovereign God who "changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings" ([Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons")). For believers, it reinforces the profound assurance that God is actively working out His eternal purposes, even amidst global turmoil, political upheaval, and seemingly chaotic events. This should inspire both deep humility, recognizing our absolute dependence on God for genuine insight and guidance, and unwavering courage, knowing that His perfect plan will ultimately prevail. It encourages us to diligently seek His Word as the primary, infallible source of truth and guidance, trusting that He has revealed what we need to know about His kingdom and our place within it, empowering us to live with purpose and hope.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Daniel's unwavering confidence in God's revelation challenge my own reliance on human wisdom, expert opinions, or worldly solutions when facing personal or global uncertainty?**
* **In what specific areas of my life do I need to trust more fully in God's sovereign control and His revealed plan, rather than attempting to control outcomes or succumb to anxiety?**
* **How can understanding God's ultimate plan for history, as foreshadowed in Nebuchadnezzar's dream and Daniel's interpretation, impact my perspective on current events, future anxieties, and my daily walk of faith?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a deeper reliance on divine revelation (God's Word) for wisdom, guidance, and spiritual nourishment in my daily life, moving beyond superficial engagement?**

### FAQ
**Why was it so important for Daniel to tell the king the dream first, before interpreting it?**

Answer: It was critically important for Daniel to tell the king the dream first because Nebuchadnezzar had completely forgotten its details. This specific demand was a deliberate and unprecedented test designed to expose the fraudulent nature of his own wise men. If they truly possessed divine insight, they should be able to recall the forgotten dream itself, not just offer a plausible interpretation. By accurately recounting the dream, detail by detail, Daniel provided irrefutable and undeniable proof that his knowledge came from a supernatural source—the God of heaven—thereby validating his subsequent interpretation as genuinely divine and not merely a clever guess or human speculation. This established his credibility and the absolute authority of God's message "before the king" ([Daniel 2:36](/daniel/2-36 "Daniel 2:36 - Daniel's Declaration to the King")), ensuring the king would receive the interpretation with conviction.

**What is the significance of the "we" in "we will tell the interpretation"?**

Answer: The "we" in Daniel's declaration, "we will tell the interpretation" (Aramaic: _nᵉhăweʼ_ from H560), is generally understood in one of two significant ways, both emphasizing divine authority. It could be interpreted as a **majestic plural**, a common rhetorical device used by powerful figures (such as kings or prophets speaking on behalf of God) to convey solemnity, authority, and the weight of their pronouncement. In this sense, Daniel, as God's chosen representative, speaks with the full authority of the divine. Alternatively, it could subtly include God Himself, implying that Daniel is merely the faithful messenger, and God is the ultimate "we" who will reveal the interpretation through him. Both interpretations underscore that the interpretation is not Daniel's personal conjecture or human wisdom, but a divinely backed, authoritative, and certain unveiling of truth, meant to be received as God's own word.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel 2:36, while directly addressing Nebuchadnezzar's prophetic dream, finds its ultimate and most profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Just as Daniel was the divinely appointed revealer of mysteries and God's sovereign plan in his time, Jesus is the ultimate and perfect revealer of God's will and eternal purposes for humanity. He is the very Word made flesh, the one through whom God has fully and finally disclosed Himself, as [John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - No One Has Seen God, Except the Son") profoundly declares, "No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father's side, he has made him known." The dream's climactic prophecy of a stone cut without human hands that strikes the feet of the great statue, utterly destroying all earthly kingdoms and growing into a great mountain that fills the whole earth ([Daniel 2:34-35](/daniel/2-34-35 "Daniel 2:34-35 - The Stone Destroys the Statue")), is a powerful and unmistakable foreshadowing of Christ's eternal kingdom. Jesus, the "stone" rejected by human builders but made the cornerstone by God ([Matthew 21:42](/matthew/21-42 "Matthew 21:42 - The Stone the Builders Rejected")), establishes a spiritual kingdom that will ultimately supersede and endure beyond all human empires. His first coming inaugurated this kingdom ([Matthew 4:17](/matthew/4-17 "Matthew 4:17 - Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at Hand")), and His glorious second coming will bring its full and irreversible consummation, when He reigns supreme as "King of Kings and Lord of Lords" ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords")). Thus, Daniel's confident declaration of an "interpretation" points forward to Christ, who not only interprets God's grand plan for history but embodies, fulfills, and brings to pass the everlasting dominion that will never be destroyed ([Daniel 7:14](/daniel/7-14 "Daniel 7:14 - The Son of Man's Eternal Dominion")).

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 2:23

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.