Daniel 2:9

KJV

But if ye will not make known unto me the dream, [there is but] one decree for you: for ye have prepared lying and corrupt words to speak before me, till the time be changed: therefore tell me the dream, and I shall know that ye can shew me the interpretation thereof.

KJV (with Strong's)

But if {H2006} ye will not {H3809} make known {H3046} unto me the dream {H2493}, there is but one {H1932}{H2298} decree {H1882} for you: for ye have prepared {H2164} lying {H3538} and corrupt {H7844} words {H4406} to speak {H560} before {H6925} me, till {H5705} the time {H5732} be changed {H8133}: therefore {H3861} tell {H560} me the dream {H2493}, and I shall know {H3046} that {H1768} ye can shew {H2324} me the interpretation {H6591} thereof.

Complete Jewish Bible

that if you don't tell me the dream, there is only one sentence passed on all of you. So you've conspired to mislead me with lies in the hope that time will change things. Now, just tell me the dream! That will convince me that you will also be able to give me its correct interpretation."

Berean Standard Bible

If you do not tell me the dream, there is only one decree for you. You have conspired to speak before me false and fraudulent words, hoping the situation will change. Therefore tell me the dream, and I will know that you can give me its interpretation.”

American Standard Version

But if ye make not known unto me the dream, there is but one law for you; for ye have prepared lying and corrupt words to speak before me, till the time be changed: therefore tell me the dream, and I shall know that ye can show me the interpretation thereof.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
King Nebuchadnezzar, tormented by a forgotten but profoundly significant dream, issues a dire ultimatum to his Chaldean wise men. This verse captures his intense suspicion and frustration, as he accuses them of attempting to deceive him with "lying and corrupt words" in a bid to stall for time. He unequivocally declares that failure to reveal the dream itself, prior to its interpretation, will result in a singular, irreversible decree of execution, underscoring the high stakes and the king's unyielding demand for undeniable proof of their supernatural insight.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The narrative of Daniel 2 opens with King Nebuchadnezzar's profound distress over a dream he cannot recall, leading him to summon his wise men in [Daniel 2:1](/daniel/2-1 "Daniel 2:1 - Nebuchadnezzar's Troubled Spirit"). Initially, he demands an interpretation, but as the wise men plead for the dream itself, his suspicion escalates. In [Daniel 2:5](/daniel/2-5 "Daniel 2:5 - The King's Absolute Decree"), the king declares his irreversible decree: failure to reveal both the dream and its meaning will result in their dismemberment and the destruction of their homes. Conversely, success promises great rewards. Daniel 2:9, therefore, serves as the king's final, exasperated ultimatum, accusing the wise men of deceit and stalling tactics, thereby setting the stage for Daniel's divine intervention.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Near Eastern monarchs often relied on a class of "wise men" (magicians, enchanters, sorcerers, Chaldeans/astrologers) for counsel, omens, and dream interpretation. These individuals held significant power and prestige, often serving as advisors to the king. However, their authority was contingent upon their perceived ability to access divine or hidden knowledge. Nebuchadnezzar's demand, while seemingly arbitrary, was a shrewd test. He understood that genuine divine revelation would include knowledge of the dream itself, whereas human conjecture or occult practices would require the dream to be provided. The threat of execution was a common, albeit extreme, measure for kings to enforce their will and maintain absolute control, reflecting the brutal realities of Babylonian imperial power.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within the book of Daniel. Firstly, it highlights **the limits of human wisdom and power** when confronted with divine mysteries. The most learned men of Babylon, despite their supposed supernatural abilities, are utterly helpless before the king's demand, underscoring that true knowledge of God's plans comes only through His revelation (as seen in [Daniel 2:27-28](/daniel/2-27 "Daniel 2:27-28 - Daniel Attributes Wisdom to God")). Secondly, it emphasizes **God's sovereignty over earthly rulers and secrets**. Nebuchadnezzar's impossible demand creates a vacuum that only God can fill, demonstrating His ultimate control over history and His ability to reveal "deep and secret things" ([Daniel 2:22](/daniel/2-22 "Daniel 2:22 - God Reveals Secrets")). Finally, it sets the stage for **divine intervention and vindication**, as Daniel, a servant of the true God, is empowered to succeed where all human wisdom fails, thereby glorifying God and establishing His prophet's authority.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **dream (Aramaic, _chêlem'_):** (H2493) From a root corresponding to _châlam_, meaning a dream. In this context, it refers to the specific, divinely-sent nocturnal vision that has deeply troubled Nebuchadnezzar. The king's insistence on knowing the dream itself, not just its interpretation, elevates its significance beyond a mere psychological experience, pointing to its divine origin and profound implications for the kingdom.
* **prepared (Aramaic, _zᵉman'_):** (H2164) Corresponding to _zâman_, meaning "to agree (on a time and place); prepare." Here, it carries the nuance of pre-arrangement or concoction. The king accuses the wise men of deliberately fabricating or rehearsing "lying and corrupt words," implying a premeditated attempt to deceive him rather than an honest admission of their inability.
* **lying (Aramaic, _kᵉdab'_):** (H3538) From a root corresponding to _kâzav_, meaning "false." This word directly labels the wise men's words as untrue, deceitful, and lacking any basis in reality or genuine insight. The king perceives their excuses and pleas as deliberate falsehoods designed to manipulate him and avoid the consequences of their lack of true knowledge.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But if ye will not make known unto me the dream, [there is but] one decree for you:"** The king reiterates his non-negotiable ultimatum. The phrase "one decree" (Aramaic, _dâth chadâ_) emphasizes the singularity and finality of his decision. There is no alternative punishment; their failure to reveal the dream will inevitably lead to the same severe consequence for all of them, as previously stated in [Daniel 2:5](/daniel/2-5 "Daniel 2:5 - The King's Unwavering Decree"). This highlights the absolute nature of Nebuchadnezzar's authority.
* **"for ye have prepared lying and corrupt words to speak before me, till the time be changed:"** This clause reveals the king's deep suspicion and accusation. He believes the wise men are not genuinely incapable but are deliberately stalling, concocting "false and ruinous words" (as indicated by _kᵉdab_ and _shᵉchath_) to buy time. The phrase "till the time be changed" (Aramaic, _‘ad-di yiš·teh·neh ‘id·da·na’_) suggests they hoped for a shift in the king's mood, a distraction, or perhaps even that he might forget the dream, thereby escaping their predicament. This underscores the king's shrewdness in perceiving their manipulative tactics.
* **"therefore tell me the dream, and I shall know that ye can shew me the interpretation thereof."** This is the crux of the king's test and his logic. He asserts that if they can truly access supernatural knowledge, they should be able to reveal the dream itself. Only then will he be convinced of their genuine ability to provide a trustworthy interpretation. This demand serves as a critical plot device, demonstrating the bankruptcy of human wisdom and setting the stage for divine revelation through Daniel.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 2:9 employs several potent literary devices. The king's speech uses **Repetition** of the demand to "tell me the dream," underscoring his unwavering resolve and the impossibility of the task for the wise men. His accusation of "lying and corrupt words" is a form of **Direct Address** that conveys his contempt and suspicion, highlighting the moral bankruptcy of the Chaldeans' practices. The phrase "till the time be changed" functions as **Foreshadowing**, subtly hinting at the imminent change that *will* occur—not through the wise men's deception, but through God's intervention via Daniel. This sets up a dramatic **Irony**, as the very "time" the wise men hoped to manipulate will indeed "change," but in a way that exposes their fraud and glorifies the true God. The entire interaction serves as a **Contrast** between the limited, deceptive wisdom of Babylon and the true, divine wisdom that will soon be revealed.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 2:9 profoundly underscores the chasm between human pretense and divine omnipotence. Nebuchadnezzar's demand, though rooted in earthly power, inadvertently serves to expose the spiritual bankruptcy of all human systems that claim to access ultimate truth apart from God. The king's accurate discernment of "lying and corrupt words" highlights that even worldly rulers can perceive the deceit inherent in false spiritual claims. This verse sets the stage for God to demonstrate His unique ability to reveal "deep and secret things," thereby validating His sovereignty over all earthly wisdom and power, and establishing the principle that genuine revelation comes only from Him.

* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord") - Emphasizes trusting in the Lord with all your heart and not leaning on your own understanding, directly contrasting with the wise men's reliance on their limited human wisdom.
* [1 Corinthians 1:20](/1_corinthians/1-20 "1 Corinthians 1:20 - God Makes Worldly Wisdom Foolish") - Asks, "Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?" This New Testament passage perfectly echoes the futility of the Babylonian wise men's efforts.
* [Isaiah 44:25](/isaiah/44-25 "Isaiah 44:25 - God Frustrates False Prophets") - States that God "frustrates the signs of liars and makes fools of diviners," a direct parallel to Nebuchadnezzar's accusation and the subsequent exposure of the wise men's deceit.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 2:9 offers profound lessons for believers today, reminding us of the inherent limitations of human wisdom and the futility of relying on anything other than divine truth. In a world saturated with information and competing claims to knowledge, this verse calls us to cultivate a spirit of discernment, recognizing that genuine insight into life's deepest mysteries and challenges comes not from human ingenuity or manipulative tactics, but from God alone. It encourages us to approach difficult situations with humility, acknowledging our desperate need for divine guidance, and to reject the temptation to offer "lying and corrupt words" or superficial solutions when true wisdom is required. Ultimately, it strengthens our faith in God's sovereignty, knowing that He alone holds the keys to all secrets and orchestrates all circumstances for His purposes, even when situations seem impossible from a human perspective.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you tempted to rely on human wisdom or manipulative tactics rather than seeking God's truth?**
* **How can you cultivate greater discernment to recognize "lying and corrupt words" in the world around you, whether from secular or even seemingly spiritual sources?**
* **What does Nebuchadnezzar's impossible demand teach you about the nature of God's revelation versus human speculation?**
* **How does the king's frustration with the wise men's stalling tactics relate to our own patience (or lack thereof) when waiting on God's timing for answers or breakthroughs?**

### FAQ

**Why was Nebuchadnezzar so insistent on the wise men telling him the dream first, rather than just interpreting it?**

Answer: Nebuchadnezzar's insistence stemmed from a shrewd and deeply suspicious nature. He knew the dream was profoundly significant but could not recall its details. By demanding that his wise men first reveal the dream itself, he was setting an impossible test for human wisdom and occult practices. He reasoned that if they truly possessed supernatural insight or divine connection, they would be able to access the dream's content directly. This would serve as undeniable proof of the authenticity and reliability of their subsequent interpretation. He suspected, correctly, that they would otherwise offer fabricated interpretations, or "lying and corrupt words," if given only the task of interpreting a dream he provided, as they had no genuine access to divine truth. His demand was a strategic move to expose their limitations and prevent deception, as implied by his accusation that they sought to stall "till the time be changed." This moment of crisis is crucial for the narrative, as it highlights the need for a truly divine revelation, which God provides through Daniel in [Daniel 2:27-28](/daniel/2-27 "Daniel 2:27-28 - Daniel Ascribes Wisdom to God").

**What does "lying and corrupt words" imply about the wise men's character and practices?**

Answer: The king's accusation of "lying and corrupt words" (Aramaic _kᵉdab_ and _shᵉchath_) implies a profound lack of integrity and a reliance on deceitful practices among the wise men. "Lying" (H3538) indicates that their words were false, fabricated, and designed to mislead. "Corrupt" (H7844) suggests that their words were not only untrue but also harmful, destructive, or ruinous in their intent or potential outcome—perhaps intended to waste the king's time, undermine his authority, or lead him astray with baseless interpretations. This phrase reveals Nebuchadnezzar's perception that they were not merely ignorant, but actively attempting to manipulate him through pre-arranged excuses and empty promises, highlighting the moral bankruptcy of their supposed wisdom and occult arts in the face of genuine divine truth.

**How does this verse set the stage for Daniel's role in the narrative?**

Answer: Daniel 2:9 is pivotal in setting the stage for Daniel's emergence as God's chosen instrument. By exposing the utter failure and deceptive nature of Babylon's most esteemed wise men, the verse creates a dramatic vacuum that only divine revelation can fill. The king's impossible demand highlights the bankruptcy of all human and pagan wisdom, paving the way for the true God to demonstrate His unique power and knowledge through His servant, Daniel. This moment of crisis underscores that Daniel's subsequent success is not due to his own superior intellect or occult practices, but solely to God's direct intervention and revelation ([Daniel 2:27-28](/daniel/2-27 "Daniel 2:27-28 - Daniel Acknowledges God as the Source of Revelation")). Thus, the verse magnifies God's glory and establishes Daniel's prophetic authority as one who truly hears from the Most High.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel 2:9, with its stark portrayal of human wisdom's bankruptcy and the king's demand for undeniable truth, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate revelation of God's truth in Jesus Christ. Just as Nebuchadnezzar sought a revelation that transcended human capacity, humanity yearns for ultimate answers that no philosophy, science, or false religion can provide. The "lying and corrupt words" of the Babylonian wise men find their ultimate contrast in the person of Jesus, who is the very embodiment of truth ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). He does not merely interpret divine mysteries; He *is* the mystery revealed, the Word made flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Unlike the wise men who sought to "change the time" through deception, Christ entered time precisely at its fullness ([Galatians 4:4](/galatians/4-4 "Galatians 4:4 - God Sent His Son at the Proper Time")) to reveal God's eternal plan of salvation. His life, death, and resurrection are the ultimate "interpretation" of God's will for humanity, demonstrating a wisdom and power far beyond any earthly decree or human understanding ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God")). In Christ, all the hidden things of God are made known, fulfilling the longing for true revelation that Nebuchadnezzar unknowingly expressed, and offering salvation where all human efforts fail ([Acts 4:12](/acts/4-12 "Acts 4:12 - Salvation Through No Other Name")).

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

Esther 4:11

All the king's servants, and the people of the king's provinces, do know, that whosoever, whether man or woman, shall come unto the king into the inner court, who is not called, [there is] one law of his to put [him] to death, except such to whom the king shall hold out the golden sceptre, that he may live: but I have not been called to come in unto the king these thirty days.

Isaiah 41:23

Shew the things that are to come hereafter, that we may know that ye [are] gods: yea, do good, or do evil, that we may be dismayed, and behold [it] together.

Daniel 7:25

And he shall speak [great] words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.

Daniel 2:21

And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:

Daniel 3:15

Now if ye be ready that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the image which I have made; [well]: but if ye worship not, ye shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace; and who [is] that God that shall deliver you out of my hands?

Ezekiel 13:6

They have seen vanity and lying divination, saying, The LORD saith: and the LORD hath not sent them: and they have made [others] to hope that they would confirm the word.

Isaiah 44:25

That frustrateth the tokens of the liars, and maketh diviners mad; that turneth wise [men] backward, and maketh their knowledge foolish;