Daniel 2:48

KJV

Then the king made Daniel a great man, and gave him many great gifts, and made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon, and chief of the governors over all the wise [men] of Babylon.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {H116} the king {H4430} made {H7236} Daniel {H1841} a great man {H7236}, and gave {H3052} him many {H7690} great {H7260} gifts {H4978}, and made him ruler {H7981} over {H5922} the whole {H3606} province {H4083} of Babylon {H895}, and chief {H7229} of the governors {H5460} over {H5922} all {H3606} the wise {H2445} men of Babylon {H895}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The king promoted Dani'el to a high rank, gave him many rich gifts and made him governor of the entire province of Bavel and head of all the sages of Bavel.

Berean Standard Bible

Then the king promoted Daniel and gave him many generous gifts. He made him ruler over the entire province of Babylon and chief administrator over all the wise men of Babylon.

American Standard Version

Then the king made Daniel great, and gave him many great gifts, and made him to rule over the whole province of Babylon, and to be chief governor over all the wise men of Babylon.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 2:48 records the profound and immediate exaltation of Daniel by King Nebuchadnezzar, following Daniel's divinely inspired interpretation of the king's forgotten dream. This pivotal verse marks Daniel's dramatic transition from a captive Judean exile to a man of immense power and influence within the Babylonian Empire, being made a great man, receiving lavish gifts, and appointed ruler over the entire province of Babylon, as well as chief over all the wise men of the kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 2:48 serves as the climactic resolution to the narrative arc initiated by Nebuchadnezzar's troubling dream and his demand for its revelation and interpretation. The king's decree to execute all the wise men of Babylon for their failure (as seen in [Daniel 2:12](/daniel/2-12 "Daniel 2:12 - Decree to Kill the Wise Men")) sets the stage for Daniel's miraculous intervention. Daniel, along with his companions, sought God for wisdom ([Daniel 2:17-18](/daniel/2-17 "Daniel 2:17-18 - Daniel Seeks God's Help")), and upon receiving the revelation, he humbly attributed all glory to God ([Daniel 2:27-30](/daniel/2-27 "Daniel 2:27-30 - Daniel Attributes Wisdom to God")). The king's astonished response in [Daniel 2:46-47](/daniel/2-46 "Daniel 2:46-47 - Nebuchadnezzar's Response to Daniel")—falling prostrate and acknowledging Daniel's God as "God of gods, and Lord of kings"—directly precedes and necessitates Daniel's subsequent elevation described in this verse. This immediate promotion solidifies Daniel's position and influence, setting the stage for his continued prophetic ministry and service in the Babylonian and later Persian courts.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the Neo-Babylonian Empire under Nebuchadnezzar II (605-562 BC), a period of immense imperial power and cultural sophistication. Babylon was renowned for its intellectual elite, including astrologers, magicians, and diviners, collectively referred to as "wise men" (Aramaic: _chakkîym_). These individuals held significant positions as royal advisors and interpreters of omens, making their failure to interpret the king's dream a grave matter. For a foreign captive like Daniel, who had been deported from Judah during the first siege of Jerusalem ([Daniel 1:1-6](/daniel/1-1 "Daniel 1:1-6 - Daniel and His Companions Taken to Babylon")), to be elevated to such a high office was extraordinary. This elevation, however, was not entirely without precedent in the ancient Near East, where capable individuals, even foreigners, could rise in the service of powerful monarchs (e.g., Joseph in Egypt, as seen in [Genesis 41:39-44](/genesis/41-39 "Genesis 41:39-44 - Joseph's Elevation in Egypt")). Nebuchadnezzar's absolute authority allowed him to grant such power and wealth instantaneously.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes central to the book of Daniel. Firstly, **Divine Sovereignty** is paramount, demonstrating God's ultimate control over human kingdoms and rulers, humbling the proud and exalting the humble according to His divine purpose. Secondly, the theme of **Divine Wisdom vs. Human Wisdom** is starkly highlighted; the "wise men" of Babylon, with all their occult knowledge, were utterly helpless, while Daniel's God-given wisdom proved uniquely effective and superior ([Daniel 2:10-11](/daniel/2-10 "Daniel 2:10-11 - The Wise Men's Failure")). Thirdly, **Faithfulness and Divine Favor** are evident, as Daniel's unwavering commitment to God and his humble attribution of glory to Him directly resulted in his unprecedented elevation. This echoes the biblical principle that those who honor God will be honored by Him. Finally, the narrative showcases **God's Ability to Use His Servants in Pagan Environments**, demonstrating that even in a hostile, idolatrous empire, God can raise up and empower His faithful people to bear witness to His truth and influence the course of history.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **king (Aramaic, _melek'_):** This term refers to Nebuchadnezzar, the powerful monarch of the Neo-Babylonian Empire. His actions in this verse underscore his absolute authority and the profound impact of Daniel's revelation on him. The king's recognition of Daniel's God as supreme is a testament to the divine power at work.
* **made...a great man (Aramaic, _rᵉbâh'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to increase" or "to make great," this word signifies a dramatic and significant elevation in Daniel's status, influence, and authority. It implies not just a title but a substantial increase in power and respect, transforming him from a captive to a highly esteemed figure in the royal court.
* **wise (Aramaic, _chakkîym'_):** This term refers to the professional class of advisors, diviners, astrologers, and magicians in Babylon. Daniel's appointment as "chief of the governors over all the wise [men] of Babylon" signifies the ultimate triumph of God's revealed wisdom over the limited and ultimately powerless human and occult wisdom of the Babylonian court. It represents a profound shift in the hierarchy of intellectual and spiritual authority within the empire.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then the king made Daniel a great man,"**: This clause immediately follows Nebuchadnezzar's awe-struck confession of Daniel's God. It signifies a complete reversal of Daniel's previous status as a captive, elevating him to a position of immense personal prestige and influence within the Babylonian court.
* **"and gave him many great gifts,"**: These gifts were tangible expressions of the king's profound gratitude and favor. In ancient Near Eastern courts, such lavish presents were not merely tokens but symbols of high honor, wealth, and the king's personal endorsement, solidifying Daniel's new standing.
* **"and made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon,"**: This grants Daniel significant administrative and political authority. The "province of Babylon" was a vast and crucial administrative division of the empire, placing Daniel in a position of immense secular power, second only to the king himself.
* **"and chief of the governors over all the wise [men] of Babylon."**: This final appointment is highly significant. Daniel, a Hebrew exile who relied on the one true God, is now placed in a supervisory role over the very class of court advisors—the astrologers, magicians, and soothsayers—who had failed the king and represented the pinnacle of pagan wisdom. This demonstrates the decisive triumph of God's wisdom over all human and occult knowledge.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to emphasize the dramatic shift in Daniel's fortunes. **Juxtaposition** is prominent, contrasting Daniel's former status as a captive with his new position as a powerful ruler and chief over the wise men. This highlights the unexpected and divinely orchestrated nature of his elevation. The use of **hyperbole** or **exaggeration** in phrases like "many great gifts," "whole province of Babylon," and "chief of the governors over all the wise [men]" underscores the extraordinary magnitude of Daniel's promotion, emphasizing the king's overwhelming gratitude and the vastness of Daniel's new authority. There is also a strong sense of **irony** in Daniel, a foreign exile from a conquered nation, being placed in charge of the indigenous intellectual elite of the conquering empire. This reversal of roles powerfully illustrates God's sovereign hand at work, overturning human expectations and demonstrating His ability to elevate the humble and confound the wise of the world.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel's dramatic elevation in Daniel 2:48 serves as a profound theological statement about God's sovereignty, His faithfulness to His servants, and the superiority of divine wisdom over all human knowledge. God demonstrates His power to raise up individuals from obscurity to positions of great influence, not through human machinations, but through divine revelation and humble obedience. This event underscores that true authority and lasting success come from God alone, who orchestrates the affairs of nations and individuals to accomplish His purposes. Daniel's experience is a powerful testament to the truth that when we honor God, He honors us, often in ways far beyond our imagination or merit.

* [Genesis 41:41](/genesis/41-41 "Joseph's Elevation in Egypt")
* [Proverbs 22:4](/proverbs/22-4 "Humility and the Fear of the Lord")
* [1 Samuel 2:7](/1_samuel/2-7 "God Humbles and Exalts")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel's story in this verse offers profound encouragement and practical lessons for believers today. It reminds us that our true worth and potential for influence are not determined by our circumstances, social standing, or worldly achievements, but by our relationship with God and our willingness to be faithful to Him. When we prioritize seeking God's wisdom and humbly use the gifts and opportunities He provides for His glory, He can open doors and grant us influence in unexpected places, even in environments that may seem hostile or secular. Daniel's example challenges us to trust God's timing and methods, understanding that His ways are higher than our ways, and He can elevate us to impact our spheres of influence for His kingdom, demonstrating His truth and power to a watching world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Daniel's elevation challenge our understanding of success and influence in the world?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to rely more on God's wisdom rather than your own or the world's?**
* **How can you demonstrate faithfulness to God in your current sphere of influence, no matter how small or large?**

### FAQ
**Why did King Nebuchadnezzar elevate Daniel so dramatically?**

Answer: King Nebuchadnezzar was utterly astonished and deeply impressed by Daniel's unique ability to not only reveal the forgotten dream but also provide its accurate interpretation. No other wise man in his kingdom could accomplish this feat. The king recognized that Daniel's insight came from a divine source, leading him to acknowledge Daniel's God as "a God of gods, and a Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets" ([Daniel 2:47](/daniel/2-47 "Daniel 2:47 - Nebuchadnezzar's Confession")). This profound recognition of God's supreme power, demonstrated through Daniel, compelled the king to bestow such immense honor and authority upon him.

**Does this mean Daniel became a pagan leader or compromised his faith?**

Answer: No, Daniel did not become a pagan leader or compromise his faith. While he served in a pagan court and held high office within the Babylonian Empire, the book of Daniel consistently shows his unwavering devotion to the one true God. His position allowed him to bear witness to God's power and truth within a pagan system, influencing the most powerful ruler of his time. Later chapters, such as [Daniel 6](/daniel/6 "Daniel in the Lions' Den"), clearly demonstrate his continued faithfulness, even when it meant risking his life. His service was a testament to God's ability to use His servants even in challenging, non-ideal environments.

**What was the significance of Daniel becoming "chief of the governors over all the wise [men] of Babylon"?**

Answer: This appointment was profoundly significant. It symbolized the ultimate triumph of divine wisdom over human and occult knowledge. The "wise men of Babylon" represented the pinnacle of their culture's intellectual and spiritual understanding, yet they failed completely where Daniel, through God's revelation, succeeded. By placing Daniel in charge of them, Nebuchadnezzar effectively declared the superiority of Daniel's God and His wisdom over all the gods and wisdom of Babylon. It was a public vindication of God's truth and a humbling of the proud, self-proclaimed wise.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel's dramatic elevation from captive to ruler in Babylon, marked by the king's recognition of his divine wisdom and the bestowal of vast authority, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate exaltation of Jesus Christ. Daniel, an exile who faithfully served God and revealed divine truth, became a channel through whom the most powerful earthly king acknowledged the supreme God. This points to Christ, who, though He "emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humiliation")), was ultimately "highly exalted and given the name that is above every name" ([Philippians 2:9](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9 - Christ's Exaltation")). Daniel's God-given wisdom, which surpassed all human wisdom, anticipates Christ, who is Himself the [wisdom of God](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God") and "in whom 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")). Just as Daniel was made ruler over a province and chief over the wise men, Christ has been given [all authority in heaven and on earth](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Christ"), and He reigns as [King of Kings and Lord of Lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords"), far above all earthly powers and wisdom, fulfilling the prophetic pattern of God's humble servants being exalted to positions of ultimate 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 2:6

But if ye shew the dream, and the interpretation thereof, ye shall receive of me gifts and rewards and great honour: therefore shew me the dream, and the interpretation thereof.

Daniel 4:9

O Belteshazzar, master of the magicians, because I know that the spirit of the holy gods [is] in thee, and no secret troubleth thee, tell me the visions of my dream that I have seen, and the interpretation thereof.

Daniel 5:11

There is a man in thy kingdom, in whom [is] the spirit of the holy gods; and in the days of thy father light and understanding and wisdom, like the wisdom of the gods, was found in him; whom the king Nebuchadnezzar thy father, the king, [I say], thy father, made master of the magicians, astrologers, Chaldeans, [and] soothsayers;

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]:

Genesis 41:43

And he made him to ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried before him, Bow the knee: and he made him [ruler] over all the land of Egypt.

Daniel 5:16

And I have heard of thee, that thou canst make interpretations, and dissolve doubts: now if thou canst read the writing, and make known to me the interpretation thereof, thou shalt be clothed with scarlet, and [have] a chain of gold about thy neck, and shalt be the third ruler in the kingdom.

Daniel 5:29

Then commanded Belshazzar, and they clothed Daniel with scarlet, and [put] a chain of gold about his neck, and made a proclamation concerning him, that he should be the third ruler in the kingdom.