Daniel 2:39

KJV

And after thee shall arise another kingdom inferior to thee, and another third kingdom of brass, which shall bear rule over all the earth.

KJV (with Strong's)

And after {H870} thee shall arise {H6966} another {H317} kingdom {H4437} inferior {H772} to thee {H4481}, and another {H317} third {H8523} kingdom {H4437} of brass {H5174}, which shall bear rule {H7981} over all {H3606} the earth {H772}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But after you another kingdom will rise, inferior to you; then a third kingdom, of bronze, which will rule the whole world.

Berean Standard Bible

But after you, there will arise another kingdom, inferior to yours. Next, a third kingdom, one of bronze, will rule the whole earth.

American Standard Version

And after thee shall arise another kingdom inferior to thee; and another third kingdom of brass, which shall bear rule over all the earth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 2:39 is a pivotal verse within Daniel's inspired interpretation of King Nebuchadnezzar's prophetic dream, revealing the divinely ordained succession of world empires. Following the identification of Babylon as the head of gold, this verse specifically foretells the rise of two subsequent global powers: a second kingdom, described as "inferior" to Babylon, and a third kingdom, characterized by "brass," which would exert dominion "over all the earth." This prophecy underscores God's absolute sovereignty over human history, demonstrating His foreknowledge and control over the rise and fall of nations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 2:39 is an integral part of Daniel's interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar's dream, which spans [Daniel 2:31-45](/daniel/2-31 "Daniel 2:31-45 - Daniel Interprets Nebuchadnezzar's Dream"). The dream itself, detailed in [Daniel 2:31-35](/daniel/2-31 "Daniel 2:31-35 - The Image of Various Metals"), depicts a colossal statue composed of different metals, each symbolizing a successive kingdom. Having identified the head of gold as Nebuchadnezzar's Babylonian Empire in [Daniel 2:38](/daniel/2-38 "Daniel 2:38 - Babylon as the Head of Gold"), Daniel 2:39 logically progresses the prophetic timeline, introducing the next two empires in the sequence. This verse, therefore, serves as a crucial link in the unfolding revelation of gentile world history, leading ultimately to the establishment of God's eternal kingdom.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Daniel is set during the Babylonian exile, a period when the Jewish people were under the dominion of a powerful foreign empire. King Nebuchadnezzar, as the reigning monarch, held immense power, and dreams were often considered significant omens or divine communications in ancient Near Eastern cultures. However, Nebuchadnezzar's forgotten dream, and Daniel's miraculous ability to both recall and interpret it, highlight the unique nature of God's revelation through His prophet. The Aramaic language, in which this section of Daniel is written, reflects the lingua franca of the Babylonian and Persian empires, further grounding the narrative in its historical setting. The concept of successive empires was a known historical phenomenon, but Daniel's prophecy reveals them as part of a divinely orchestrated plan, not merely human ambition.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Daniel and biblical prophecy. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty over History**, demonstrating God's absolute control over the affairs of humanity and His ability to ordain the rise and fall of empires. The dream's revelation of "what shall be in the latter days" ([Daniel 2:28](/daniel/2-28 "Daniel 2:28 - God Reveals Mysteries")) underscores God's comprehensive foreknowledge. Another key theme is the **Succession of World Empires**, providing a divinely revealed timeline of dominant global powers that would follow Babylon, each with distinct characteristics. Furthermore, the progression from gold to silver to brass highlights a theme of **Decreasing Glory, Increasing Reach**. While each subsequent kingdom is "inferior" in terms of intrinsic value, they often represent broader territorial dominion or a different kind of military strength, setting the stage for even more extensive rule before the ultimate establishment of God's eternal and unshakeable kingdom ([Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Everlasting Kingdom")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **inferior (Aramaic, _ʼăraʻ'_):** This Aramaic word (H772) literally means "earth" or "ground." In this context, it is used figuratively to imply something lower, less valuable, or of lesser intrinsic quality compared to the preceding element. When applied to the second kingdom, it signifies that while powerful, it would not possess the same unique glory, absolute dominion, or perhaps the singular, unchallenged authority that characterized Nebuchadnezzar's Babylonian Empire, the head of gold.
* **kingdom (Aramaic, _malkûw'_):** This Aramaic term (H4437) refers to dominion, rule, or a realm. It can denote both the abstract concept of kingship or the concrete territory and people ruled by a king. Its repetition in the verse emphasizes the focus on successive political entities, each exercising supreme authority over a significant portion of the known world, highlighting the prophetic nature of the dream concerning global powers.
* **brass (Aramaic, _nᵉchâsh'_):** This Aramaic word (H5174) corresponds to the Hebrew term for copper or bronze. In ancient warfare, bronze was widely used for armor, weapons, and military implements due to its strength and durability. Symbolically, its use to describe the third kingdom points to an empire characterized by formidable military might, aggressive expansion, and widespread conquest, capable of subduing vast territories.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And after thee shall arise another kingdom inferior to thee,"**: This clause directly follows the identification of Nebuchadnezzar's Babylon as the head of gold. It prophesies the emergence of a second global empire, distinct from Babylon, that would succeed it. The term "inferior" suggests a decline in intrinsic value or perhaps absolute authority compared to the first kingdom, as symbolized by silver being less valuable than gold.
* **"and another third kingdom of brass,"**: This part of the verse introduces the third empire in the prophetic sequence. It is specifically identified by the metal "brass" (or bronze), which, as noted in the key word analysis, symbolizes military strength, durability, and a capacity for widespread conquest. This kingdom would follow the second, continuing the succession of world powers.
* **"which shall bear rule over all the earth."**: This final clause describes the extensive dominion of the third kingdom. The phrase "bear rule over all the earth" indicates a vast territorial reach, implying an empire that would conquer and govern an unprecedented expanse of the known world, exerting its authority broadly and decisively.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Daniel 2:39, and indeed the entire dream interpretation, is **Symbolism**. The different metals of the colossal image—gold, silver, and brass—symbolically represent a succession of world empires, each possessing distinct characteristics and a specific order in God's prophetic timeline. The entire image functions as an extended **Metaphor** for the unfolding of gentile world history, from Babylon's dominance through subsequent powers. The verse itself is a direct instance of **Prophecy**, a divinely inspired foretelling of future events, demonstrating God's omniscience and sovereign control over human affairs. There is also a clear **Contrast** established between the kingdoms, moving from the most precious metal (gold) to less precious ones (silver, then brass), highlighting a diminishing intrinsic value while simultaneously implying an increasing territorial reach or military prowess for the later empires. This progression also serves as **Foreshadowing**, pointing forward to the historical fulfillment of these empires and ultimately to the establishment of God's eternal kingdom, which will supersede all earthly powers.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 2:39 profoundly illustrates the biblical truth of God's meticulous sovereignty over human history. It reveals that the rise and fall of nations, the shifting tides of global power, and the very destinies of empires are not random occurrences but are meticulously orchestrated within God's divine plan. Even the most powerful earthly rulers operate within boundaries set by the Almighty, a truth that offers immense comfort and stability to believers. This passage assures us that despite the apparent chaos or formidable might of human governments, God remains on His throne, actively working out His purposes, guiding history towards its ultimate Christ-centered consummation. It challenges any notion of human autonomy or absolute power, placing all earthly authority firmly under the dominion of the Creator.

* [Daniel 7:3-7](/daniel/7-3 "Daniel 7:3-7 - The Four Beasts Representing Empires")
* [Psalm 75:6-7](/psalms/75-6 "Psalm 75:6-7 - God Exalts and Abases Rulers")
* [Isaiah 46:9-10](/isaiah/46-9 "Isaiah 46:9-10 - God Declares the End from the Beginning")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The prophetic sweep of Daniel 2:39, revealing the transient nature of even the mightiest earthly empires, offers profound comfort and a vital perspective for believers today. In a world often characterized by political instability, global conflicts, and the seemingly overwhelming power of nations, this verse reminds us that no earthly authority operates outside the sovereign will of God. Empires rise and fall according to His divine decree, and their glory, however impressive, is fleeting. This understanding liberates us from undue fear or anxiety concerning geopolitical shifts, redirecting our hope and allegiance from temporal powers to the eternal Kingdom of God. It calls us to trust in God's ultimate authority, to pray for those in authority with wisdom and humility, and to live as citizens of a heavenly kingdom that will never be destroyed, even as we faithfully engage with our earthly responsibilities. Our ultimate hope is not in the strength of any nation, but in the unshakeable reign of the King of kings.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the temporary nature of these ancient empires encourage or challenge your perspective on current world powers and geopolitical events?**
* **In what ways does God's foreknowledge of history, as demonstrated in Daniel 2:39, strengthen your personal faith and trust in His plan?**
* **If all earthly kingdoms are ultimately subject to God's sovereignty, how might this understanding influence your prayers or actions regarding global events and societal issues?**

### FAQ
**Which historical empires are typically identified as the "second" and "third" kingdoms in Daniel 2:39?**

Answer: Based on historical fulfillment and consistent biblical interpretation, the "second kingdom inferior to thee" (following Babylon) is universally identified as the Medo-Persian Empire. This empire, led by Cyrus the Great, famously conquered Babylon in 539 BC, as recorded in [Daniel 5:30-31](/daniel/5-30 "Daniel 5:30-31 - The Fall of Babylon"). The "third kingdom of brass" is identified as the Grecian (Hellenistic) Empire, which rose to prominence under Alexander the Great, swiftly conquering the Persian Empire. These empires are also depicted in parallel visions in [Daniel 7](/daniel/7 "Daniel 7 - Daniel's Vision of Four Beasts") and [Daniel 8](/daniel/8 "Daniel 8 - Daniel's Vision of the Ram and Goat").

**In what sense was the second kingdom "inferior" to the first?**

Answer: The "inferiority" of the second kingdom (Medo-Persia) to the first (Babylon) is primarily understood in terms of the decreasing value of the metals in Nebuchadnezzar's dream (gold to silver). While Medo-Persia was a vast and powerful empire, its administration was perhaps less absolute and centralized than Babylon's, with a more federated structure allowing for greater autonomy among its provinces. It also lacked the unique, singular glory and unchallenged dominion that characterized Babylon under Nebuchadnezzar, who was described as the "head of gold" ([Daniel 2:38](/daniel/2-38 "Daniel 2:38 - Babylon as the Head of Gold")). The silver, though valuable, symbolized a kingdom of lesser intrinsic glory compared to the golden age of Babylon.

**How did the "kingdom of brass" truly "bear rule over all the earth"?**

Answer: The "kingdom of brass" refers to the Grecian Empire under Alexander the Great. Alexander's conquests were remarkably swift and extensive, stretching from Greece across Persia, Egypt, and into India. For the ancient world, this empire was indeed unprecedented in its territorial reach and military dominance. While not literally encompassing every square inch of the globe, the phrase "over all the earth" (Aramaic: _kôl ’ăraʻ_) signifies its universal dominion over the known and inhabited world of that era, exerting a pervasive cultural and political influence that left an indelible mark on subsequent history.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel 2:39, in its prophetic sequence of earthly empires, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ and the establishment of His eternal Kingdom. The succession of human kingdoms, each rising and falling, demonstrates their inherent temporality and ultimate inadequacy to provide lasting peace or perfect rule. This sets the stage for the "stone cut out of the mountain without hands" ([Daniel 2:45](/daniel/2-45 "Daniel 2:45 - The Stone Crushes the Image")), which represents God's own Kingdom that "shall never be destroyed, nor shall its sovereignty be left to another people" ([Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Everlasting Kingdom")). This stone is Christ Himself, the cornerstone upon whom God's eternal Kingdom is built. While the "kingdom of brass" sought to "bear rule over all the earth," its dominion was limited and fleeting. In stark contrast, Jesus Christ, the true King, possesses all authority in heaven and on earth ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). His Kingdom is not of this world ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Is Not of This World")), yet it is destined to fill the whole earth, crushing all rival powers and establishing a reign of righteousness and peace that will have no end ([Luke 1:33](/luke/1-33 "Luke 1:33 - His Kingdom Will Never End")). Thus, the transient empires of Daniel 2:39 serve as a dramatic backdrop, highlighting the eternal, universal, and perfectly just reign of Christ, to whom every knee will one day bow ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Jesus' Exaltation and Universal Lordship")).

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 2:32

This image's head [was] of fine gold, his breast and his arms of silver, his belly and his thighs of brass,

Daniel 5:28

PERES; Thy kingdom is divided, and given to the Medes and Persians.

Daniel 5:31

And Darius the Median took the kingdom, [being] about threescore and two years old.

Isaiah 44:28

That saith of Cyrus, [He is] my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure: even saying to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be built; and to the temple, Thy foundation shall be laid.

Isaiah 45:5

¶ I [am] the LORD, and [there is] none else, [there is] no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me:

Daniel 10:20

Then said he, Knowest thou wherefore I come unto thee? and now will I return to fight with the prince of Persia: and when I am gone forth, lo, the prince of Grecia shall come.

Daniel 8:20

The ram which thou sawest having [two] horns [are] the kings of Media and Persia.