Daniel 2:47

KJV

The king answered unto Daniel, and said, Of a truth [it is], that your God [is] a God of gods, and a Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets, seeing thou couldest reveal this secret.

KJV (with Strong's)

The king {H4430} answered {H6032} unto Daniel {H1841}, and said {H560}, Of {H4481} a truth {H7187} it is, that {H1768} your God {H426} is a God {H426} of gods {H426}, and a Lord {H4756} of kings {H4430}, and a revealer {H1541} of secrets {H7328}, seeing thou couldest {H3202} reveal {H1541} this {H1836} secret {H7328}.

Complete Jewish Bible

To Dani'el the king said, "Your God is indeed the God of gods, the Lord of kings and a revealer of secrets, since you have been able to reveal this secret."

Berean Standard Bible

The king said to Daniel, “Your God is truly the God of gods and Lord of kings, the Revealer of Mysteries, since you were able to reveal this mystery.”

American Standard Version

The king answered unto Daniel, and said, Of a truth your God is the God of gods, and the Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets, seeing thou hast been able to reveal this secret.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 2:47 captures a monumental confession from King Nebuchadnezzar, the most powerful monarch of his era, who, in profound awe, acknowledges the supreme deity of Daniel's God. This declaration comes immediately after Daniel, empowered by divine revelation, successfully unveils and interprets the king's forgotten dream, a feat impossible for Babylon's renowned wise men. The verse marks a pivotal moment where the ultimate earthly authority bows before the ultimate heavenly authority, recognizing Yahweh as the sovereign ruler over all gods and kings, and the unique source of all hidden knowledge.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 2:47 stands as the climax of the narrative in [Daniel 2](/daniel/2 "Daniel 2 - Nebuchadnezzar's Dream and Daniel's Interpretation"). The preceding verses detail King Nebuchadnezzar's disturbing dream, his demand for his wise men to not only interpret but also reveal the dream itself, and his decree to execute them when they failed. Daniel, upon hearing of the decree, intercedes through prayer with his companions, and God reveals the dream and its interpretation to him. Daniel then presents this divine revelation to the king, accurately describing the dream of the great statue composed of various materials representing successive world empires. Nebuchadnezzar's response in verse 47 is one of overwhelming astonishment and reverent submission, directly following Daniel's faithful and accurate exposition, which included the declaration that "there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries" ([Daniel 2:28](/daniel/2-28 "Daniel 2:28 - God Reveals Mysteries")). This confession validates Daniel's God and sets the stage for Daniel's elevated status in the Babylonian court.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the Neo-Babylonian Empire, the dominant world power in the late 7th and early 6th centuries BCE. King Nebuchadnezzar II (reigned c. 605-562 BCE) was a formidable ruler, known for his military conquests, grand building projects, and a highly structured, polytheistic religious system. Babylon was a hub of astrological and divinatory practices, with a sophisticated class of "wise men," including magicians, enchanters, sorcerers, and Chaldeans, who served the king. These wise men relied on human wisdom, occult practices, and interpretations of omens. For Nebuchadnezzar, the idea of a single, transcendent God who could reveal secrets beyond human comprehension, and who held authority over all other deities and earthly rulers, was a radical departure from his worldview. His declaration is not necessarily a full conversion to monotheism but a profound acknowledgment of Yahweh's unparalleled power and supremacy, particularly in the realm of divine revelation, a domain where his own religious experts had utterly failed.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Daniel and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the **Absolute Sovereignty of God**. Nebuchadnezzar, the mightiest earthly ruler, declares Daniel's God to be the "God of gods" and the "Lord of kings," a stunning admission that no human power or pagan deity can rival the ultimate authority of Yahweh. This reinforces the biblical truth that [God rules over the kingdoms of men](/daniel/4-17 "Daniel 4:17 - God Rules Over Kingdoms") and [directs the hearts of kings](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - God Directs Kings' Hearts"). Secondly, it highlights **Divine Revelation**. The king explicitly calls God a "revealer of secrets," emphasizing God's unique ability to unveil hidden knowledge, especially prophetic truths about the future. Unlike human wisdom or occult practices, God's revelation is accurate, complete, and originates from a source of perfect knowledge, a theme central to the prophetic nature of Daniel. Lastly, the event serves as a **Vindication of God and His Servants**. Daniel's faithfulness and the power of his God are publicly glorified before the most influential pagan king of the era, elevating both Daniel's status and the recognition of Yahweh in the Babylonian court, demonstrating that [those who honor God, He will honor](/1_samuel/2-30 "1 Samuel 2:30 - God Honors Those Who Honor Him").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **God (Aramaic, _ʼĕlâhh'_):** This Aramaic term corresponds to the Hebrew `אֱלוֹהַּ` (Eloah), meaning "God" or "god." In this context, Nebuchadnezzar's use of `ʼĕlâhh` in the superlative "God of gods" (ʼĕlâhh ʼĕlâhîn) signifies an acknowledgment of Yahweh's supreme deity, indicating His superiority over all other claimed deities or idols worshipped by various nations, including the vast pantheon of Babylonian gods. It denotes the ultimate divine authority.
* **Lord (Aramaic, _mârêʼ'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to domineer," `mârêʼ` signifies a master or sovereign. When Nebuchadnezzar declares God to be the "Lord of kings" (mârêʼ malekîn), he is acknowledging God's ultimate dominion and authority over all earthly rulers and their empires. This phrase implies that even the most powerful human leaders are ultimately subject to God's will and reign, placing Him in a position of absolute control over human history and political power.
* **Revealer (Aramaic, _gᵉlâh'_):** This Aramaic word means "to denude," "to exile," or "to reveal." In the context of "revealer of secrets" (gâlêh râzîn), it emphasizes God's unique attribute as the one who possesses and can disclose hidden things, particularly future events and divine plans. This highlights God's omniscience and His active involvement in communicating truth to humanity, distinguishing Him from human attempts at divination or wisdom.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The king answered unto Daniel, and said,"**: This opening clause establishes the speaker and the recipient of this profound declaration. Nebuchadnezzar's "answer" is not a direct reply to a question from Daniel, but rather a spontaneous outburst of awe and recognition following Daniel's successful revelation and interpretation of the dream. It underscores the king's direct engagement with Daniel and, by extension, with Daniel's God.
* **"Of a truth [it is], that your God [is] a God of gods,"**: Nebuchadnezzar begins with an emphatic affirmation of truth, indicating the undeniable reality of what he is about to declare. His confession that Daniel's God is a "God of gods" is a superlative statement, recognizing Yahweh's unparalleled supremacy over all other deities, including the numerous gods of the Babylonian pantheon. It is an acknowledgment of Yahweh's unique and ultimate divine authority.
* **"and a Lord of kings,"**: This phrase further extends the scope of God's sovereignty from the divine realm to the earthly political sphere. Nebuchadnezzar, himself the most powerful king of his time, humbly acknowledges that Daniel's God is the ultimate "Lord of kings," meaning that all human rulers, regardless of their might or dominion, are ultimately subordinate to God's supreme authority and control.
* **"and a revealer of secrets,"**: This specific attribute directly addresses the immediate context of Daniel's miraculous feat. The king's wise men had failed to reveal the dream, but Daniel's God had succeeded. This highlights God's unique power to disclose hidden knowledge, particularly prophetic truths and divine mysteries, distinguishing Him from any human or pagan source of wisdom.
* **"seeing thou couldest reveal this secret."**: This concluding clause provides the empirical evidence for Nebuchadnezzar's grand confession. The king's recognition of God's attributes ("God of gods," "Lord of kings," "revealer of secrets") is directly tied to Daniel's ability, by divine empowerment, to reveal the forgotten dream and its interpretation. It is the undeniable proof that validates all of Nebuchadnezzar's preceding declarations about Daniel's God.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 2:47 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Hyperbole** or **Superlative Language**, seen in the phrases "God of gods" and "Lord of kings." These expressions are not meant to suggest the literal existence of other true gods or independent kings, but rather to emphasize the absolute, unparalleled supremacy of Yahweh over every conceivable power, whether divine or human. This elevates God to the highest possible status in Nebuchadnezzar's polytheistic worldview. The king's declaration also functions as a form of **Confession** or **Testimony**, a public acknowledgment of divine truth from an unexpected source, lending significant weight to the message of God's sovereignty. Furthermore, there is an element of **Contrast** between the failure of Babylon's wise men and the success of Daniel through his God, which underscores God's unique attribute as the "revealer of secrets." The repetition of the word "secret" (Aramaic: _râz_) at the end of the verse serves to reinforce the central conflict and its divine resolution, highlighting the miraculous nature of the revelation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 2:47 is a profound theological statement, affirming the absolute sovereignty and omniscience of the God of Israel. It asserts that Yahweh is not merely one deity among many, but the supreme authority over all creation, including both spiritual powers ("God of gods") and earthly rulers ("Lord of kings"). This declaration from a pagan monarch underscores the biblical truth that God's dominion extends universally, transcending human kingdoms and religious systems. Furthermore, it highlights God's unique attribute as the ultimate source of truth and revelation, contrasting His perfect knowledge with the limitations of human wisdom and pagan divination. The verse foreshadows the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom, a theme central to Daniel's prophecies, where all earthly powers will eventually give way to the eternal reign of the Most High.

* [Psalm 97:9](/psalm/97-9 "Psalm 97:9 - God is Most High Over All the Earth")
* [Isaiah 45:7](/isaiah/45-7 "Isaiah 45:7 - God Forms Light and Creates Darkness")
* [Romans 1:19-20](/romans/1-19-20 "Romans 1:19-20 - God's Invisible Qualities Revealed in Creation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
King Nebuchadnezzar's confession in Daniel 2:47 serves as a powerful anchor for our faith in a world often characterized by uncertainty and the rise and fall of human powers. It reminds us that no matter how formidable earthly rulers or systems may appear, there is a God who reigns supreme over all. This truth should instill in believers a profound sense of peace and trust, knowing that God is actively involved in history, directing the course of nations and individuals according to His sovereign plan. We are called to live with confidence in His ultimate control, to rely on His revealed Word as the ultimate source of truth, and to be faithful witnesses, like Daniel, through whom God's extraordinary power and wisdom can be displayed to a world in need of His revelation. Our faithfulness, even in challenging circumstances, can lead to God's glory being recognized by those who do not yet know Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Nebuchadnezzar's declaration challenge our own perceptions of earthly power versus divine authority?**
* **In what ways does this verse encourage us to trust in God's sovereignty amidst current global events or personal challenges?**
* **How can we, like Daniel, be instruments through whom God reveals His truth and power to those around us?**
* **What does it mean for our daily lives to live with the conviction that our God is "a revealer of secrets"?**

### FAQ
**Why is Nebuchadnezzar's declaration in Daniel 2:47 so significant?**

Answer: Nebuchadnezzar's declaration is highly significant because it comes from the most powerful pagan monarch of his time, acknowledging the supremacy of the God of Israel. This is not a casual remark but a profound confession born out of undeniable evidence—Daniel's miraculous revelation of the king's forgotten dream and its interpretation. It signifies that even earthly rulers, despite their immense power and polytheistic beliefs, are compelled to recognize the unique, unparalleled authority and knowledge of Yahweh. It demonstrates God's ability to reveal Himself even to those outside the covenant, using extraordinary circumstances to display His sovereignty over all nations and their gods, as seen in [Daniel 4:34-35](/daniel/4-34-35 "Daniel 4:34-35 - Nebuchadnezzar's Praise of God's Eternal Dominion").

**What does it mean for God to be "a God of gods" and "a Lord of kings"?**

Answer: These phrases are superlative expressions emphasizing God's absolute and unrivaled supremacy. "God of gods" (Aramaic: _ʼĕlâhh ʼĕlâhîn_) means that Yahweh is superior to all other deities, idols, or spiritual powers worshipped by humanity. It's not an affirmation of polytheism but a declaration that if there were any other "gods," Daniel's God would be their ultimate sovereign. Similarly, "Lord of kings" (Aramaic: _mârêʼ malekîn_) signifies that God holds ultimate dominion and authority over all earthly rulers and their kingdoms. Even the most powerful monarchs are ultimately subject to His will and plan. This concept is echoed throughout Scripture, affirming that [God sets up kings and removes them](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons").

**How does this event relate to other instances of pagan rulers acknowledging the God of Israel in the Bible?**

Answer: This event in Daniel 2:47 is one of several instances in the Old Testament where pagan rulers acknowledge the power and supremacy of the God of Israel, often as a result of miraculous intervention or prophetic revelation. Examples include Pharaoh's acknowledgment during the plagues in [Exodus 9:27](/exodus/9-27 "Exodus 9:27 - Pharaoh Confesses Sin"), the queen of Sheba's praise of Solomon's God in [1 Kings 10:9](/1_kings/10-9 "1 Kings 10:9 - Queen of Sheba Praises God"), and Cyrus's decree to rebuild the temple in [Ezra 1:2-4](/ezra/1-2-4 "Ezra 1:2-4 - Cyrus's Decree"). These instances collectively demonstrate God's universal sovereignty and His ability to work through and reveal Himself to all peoples, even those who do not explicitly worship Him, for the fulfillment of His divine purposes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel 2:47, with Nebuchadnezzar's declaration of God as the "God of gods, and a Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Daniel served as a revealer of secrets through divine empowerment, Christ is the **ultimate revelation** of God Himself, the very Word made flesh who "has explained Him" ([John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - No One Has Seen God Except the Son")). All the mysteries of God's kingdom and His eternal plan are revealed in and through Jesus, for "in Him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, in Whom All Treasures are Hidden")). Furthermore, if Daniel's God is the "Lord of kings," then Jesus Christ is the **King of kings and Lord of lords**, the one to whom all authority in heaven and on earth has been given ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). The prophetic dream revealed by Daniel pointed to successive earthly kingdoms, but ultimately to a kingdom that the God of heaven would set up, one that would never be destroyed ([Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Eternal Kingdom")). This eternal kingdom is the reign of Christ, who "is before all things, and in Him all things hold together" ([Colossians 1:17](/colossians/1-17 "Colossians 1:17 - Christ is Before All Things")). Thus, Nebuchadnezzar's confession, while significant in its own right, serves as a powerful Old Testament foreshadowing of the comprehensive and absolute sovereignty of Jesus Christ, the one who truly holds all power, reveals all truth, and reigns eternally over all creation.

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 2:28

But there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets, and maketh known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days. Thy dream, and the visions of thy head upon thy bed, are these;

Daniel 2:22

He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what [is] in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him.

Amos 3:7

Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.

Deuteronomy 10:17

For the LORD your God [is] God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward:

Daniel 11:36

And the king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done.

Genesis 41:39

And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, [there is] none so discreet and wise as thou [art]:

Daniel 4:8

But at the last Daniel came in before me, whose name [was] Belteshazzar, according to the name of my god, and in whom [is] the spirit of the holy gods: and before him I told the dream, [saying],