Daniel 4:1

KJV

¶ Nebuchadnezzar the king, unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you.

KJV (with Strong's)

Nebuchadnezzar {H5020} the king {H4430}, unto all {H3606} people {H5972}, nations {H524}, and languages {H3961}, that dwell {H1753} in all {H3606} the earth {H772}; Peace {H8001} be multiplied {H7680} unto you.

Complete Jewish Bible

[The following letter was sent out:] "From: N'vukhadnetzar the king "To: All the peoples, nations and languages living throughout the earth: "Shalom rav! [Abundant peace!]

Berean Standard Bible

King Nebuchadnezzar, To the people of every nation and language who dwell in all the earth: May your prosperity be multiplied.

American Standard Version

Nebuchadnezzar the king, unto all the peoples, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth: Peace be multiplied unto you.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 4:1 serves as the powerful and unprecedented opening to King Nebuchadnezzar's personal testimony, a royal decree addressed to "all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth." This verse immediately establishes the universal scope of the narrative that follows, detailing the Babylonian monarch's dramatic humbling by God and his subsequent, profound acknowledgment of the Most High's supreme and unchallengeable sovereignty over all earthly kingdoms. It sets the stage for a unique account of divine intervention and human transformation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 4:1 initiates a highly unique section of the Book of Daniel (chapters 2:4b-7:28), which is written in Aramaic rather than Hebrew, underscoring its broader, international audience and themes. This verse functions as the preamble to Nebuchadnezzar's personal letter or decree, recounting his dream, his period of divine judgment (madness), and his eventual restoration and confession of God's supremacy. It follows earlier dramatic encounters between the king and the God of Israel, notably the interpretation of his dream of a great statue in [Daniel 2](/daniel/2 "Daniel 2 - Nebuchadnezzar's Dream of the Statue") and the miraculous deliverance of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the fiery furnace in [Daniel 3](/daniel/3 "Daniel 3 - The Fiery Furnace"). These preceding events have already demonstrated God's power to Nebuchadnezzar, preparing the ground for the even deeper, personal revelation detailed in chapter 4.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Nebuchadnezzar II (reigned c. 605–562 BC) was the most powerful and influential monarch of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, responsible for the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of the Jewish people. His empire stretched across the Near East, making his address "to all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth" a declaration of global significance within the context of the ancient world. Royal decrees were common instruments of governance in the ancient Near East, used to communicate laws, victories, or important events. However, a decree from a pagan king proclaiming the sovereignty of the God of a conquered people is extraordinary, highlighting the profound impact of God's actions on even the most hardened and proud rulers of the time. The Aramaic language, being the lingua franca of the Neo-Babylonian and Persian empires, further ensured the decree's wide dissemination.
* **Key Themes:** This opening verse immediately introduces several pivotal themes that permeate not only Daniel 4 but the entire book. Firstly, it powerfully establishes **God's Universal Sovereignty**, emphasizing that His rule extends beyond any single nation or people group, encompassing "all people, nations, and languages." This theme is central to Daniel, consistently demonstrating that the God of Israel is the Most High God, sovereign over all earthly kingdoms and their rulers, as seen in [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons") and [Daniel 4:17](/daniel/4-17 "Daniel 4:17 - God Rules the Kingdom of Men"). Secondly, it foreshadows the theme of **Divine Humbling**, as the subsequent narrative will vividly illustrate how God brings down the proud, even powerful monarchs like Nebuchadnezzar, to humble them and bring them to a recognition of His glory and ultimate authority, echoing principles found in [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction"). Lastly, the greeting "Peace be multiplied unto you" introduces the theme of **True Peace**, hinting at the spiritual well-being and flourishing that results from acknowledging and submitting to the true God, a profound contrast to the fleeting and often violent "peace" offered by worldly power.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Nebuchadnezzar (Aramaic, _Nᵉbûwkadnetstsar'_):** This word (H5020) refers to Nebukadnetstsar, the king of Babylon. His name itself, often interpreted as "Nabu protect my firstborn son" or "Nabu protect the boundary," reflects the pagan deities he served. The fact that this powerful king, whose name is steeped in Babylonian polytheism, is the one issuing a decree acknowledging the Most High God underscores the dramatic and divinely orchestrated nature of his transformation. His personal testimony adds immense weight to the proclamation.
* **all (Aramaic, _kôl'_):** This term (H3606) corresponds to the Hebrew word for "whole" or "all." Its repeated use in this verse ("unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth") emphasizes the comprehensive and universal scope of Nebuchadnezzar's address. It signifies that the message is not confined to a specific group or region but is intended for humanity at large, highlighting the boundless reach of God's dominion and the universal relevance of the king's experience.
* **Peace (Aramaic, _shᵉlâm'_):** This word (H8001) corresponds to the Hebrew _shalom_ and denotes prosperity, well-being, and completeness, beyond just the absence of conflict. When Nebuchadnezzar pronounces "Peace be multiplied unto you," it is more than a mere conventional greeting. In light of the ensuing narrative of divine judgment and restoration, it carries a deeper, almost prophetic, resonance, hinting at the true peace and flourishing that comes from acknowledging the Most High God, in stark contrast to the unrest and madness he himself experienced when he ignored God's sovereignty.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ Nebuchadnezzar the king,"**: This opening identifies the author and his supreme authority. The paragraph mark (¶) in the KJV indicates a new section, signaling the beginning of Nebuchadnezzar's personal account and royal decree. The king's identity is crucial, as his subsequent testimony carries immense weight due to his unparalleled power and previous resistance to the God of Israel.
* **"unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth;"**: This phrase defines the vast and universal audience of the decree. "All people, nations, and languages" is a comprehensive expression for humanity, emphasizing that the message transcends ethnic, political, and linguistic boundaries. "That dwell in all the earth" further amplifies the global reach, signifying that the king's experience and the God he now proclaims are relevant to everyone, everywhere in the known world.
* **"Peace be multiplied unto you."**: This is a formal, yet profoundly significant, salutation. While a common ancient Near Eastern greeting, its context here imbues it with deeper theological meaning. It is a wish for abundant well-being and prosperity, not merely a cessation of hostilities. Coming from a king who is about to recount his humbling experience and newfound understanding of God, it suggests that true peace and flourishing are found in acknowledging the Most High God, a peace that Nebuchadnezzar himself has now discovered.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 4:1 masterfully employs several literary devices to set the tone for the chapter. The verse functions as a **Royal Decree** or **Proclamation**, a formal declaration from the highest authority, lending immense weight and solemnity to the message that follows. There is a subtle **Irony** at play: the most powerful pagan king of his time, who previously exalted himself against God, is now the one proclaiming the sovereignty of the Most High God to the world. This unexpected source for such a divine message underscores God's ability to humble the proud and use unlikely instruments for His purposes. The phrase "all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth" utilizes **Hyperbole** to convey the universal scope of the king's address, effectively communicating that the message is intended for the entirety of the known world, emphasizing the boundless reach of God's dominion. The entire chapter, introduced by this verse, can be seen as a **Dramatic Monologue**, allowing the reader to hear the king's personal testimony directly, making his transformation all the more compelling and authentic.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 4:1 serves as a profound theological statement, asserting the universal dominion of God over all creation and all human authority. It challenges the notion that any earthly ruler or empire can stand independently of divine sovereignty. Nebuchadnezzar's unprecedented address, born out of a deeply personal and humbling encounter with the Most High, transforms a conventional royal decree into a global theological proclamation. This verse sets the stage for the chapter's central message: God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble, ultimately demonstrating that true power and lasting peace come only through acknowledging and submitting to the one true God. This truth resonates throughout Scripture, affirming that God's kingdom is eternal and His rule extends to every corner of the earth, inviting all humanity to recognize His supreme authority.

* [Psalm 103:19](/psalm/103-19 "Psalm 103:19 - God's Universal Dominion")
* [Isaiah 45:22-23](/isaiah/45-22 "Isaiah 45:22-23 - Turn to Me and Be Saved")
* [Revelation 5:13](/revelation/5-13 "Revelation 5:13 - Every Creature Praises God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 4:1 offers a powerful reminder that God's message and His authority are not confined by cultural, national, or geographical boundaries. Just as Nebuchadnezzar, the most powerful king of his age, was compelled to acknowledge the Most High God and proclaim His sovereignty to "all people, nations, and languages," so too is God's truth intended for every corner of the earth today. This verse challenges us to consider the breadth of God's concern for humanity and His relentless pursuit of even the proudest hearts. It encourages us to recognize that true authority and lasting peace do not reside in worldly power or human achievement, but in humble submission to the Creator and Sustainer of all things. Our lives, like Nebuchadnezzar's, can become a testimony to God's transformative power, inviting others to experience the profound peace that comes from aligning with His divine will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Nebuchadnezzar's universal address challenge our own ethnocentric or culturally limited views of God's work in the world?**
* **In what ways might God be seeking to humble us or those in authority today, to bring about a recognition of His ultimate sovereignty?**
* **What does "peace be multiplied unto you" mean in the context of a king who is about to recount his madness and restoration? How does this redefine our understanding of true peace?**
* **How can our personal experiences of God's humbling grace become a testimony that impacts those around us, even those who seem far from faith?**

### FAQ
**Why does Nebuchadnezzar, a pagan king, issue this decree about the God of Israel?**

Answer: Nebuchadnezzar issues this decree because he has personally experienced the overwhelming power and sovereignty of the God of Israel. The preceding chapters of Daniel describe how Daniel, a servant of this God, interpreted Nebuchadnezzar's dreams ([Daniel 2](/daniel/2 "Daniel 2 - Nebuchadnezzar's Dream of the Statue")), and how God miraculously delivered Daniel's friends from the fiery furnace ([Daniel 3](/daniel/3 "Daniel 3 - The Fiery Furnace")). Chapter 4 details an even more profound, personal, and humbling encounter where God directly judged Nebuchadnezzar by temporarily depriving him of his sanity and throne, causing him to live like an animal, until he acknowledged God's supreme authority. This decree is his public confession and testimony of God's unparalleled power and his own transformation.

**Is "Peace be multiplied unto you" a common greeting in ancient Near Eastern decrees?**

Answer: Yes, "Peace be multiplied unto you" (or similar expressions like "May peace be upon you") was a common and formal salutation in ancient Near Eastern correspondence and royal decrees, signifying a wish for well-being, prosperity, and health. However, in the context of Daniel 4:1, coming from Nebuchadnezzar after his humbling experience, it takes on a deeper, almost ironic or prophetic, theological significance. It points to the true spiritual peace that only comes from acknowledging and submitting to the Most High God, a peace far surpassing mere worldly tranquility.

**What is the significance of Nebuchadnezzar addressing "all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth"?**

Answer: This universal address is highly significant. Firstly, it highlights the **universal sovereignty of God**. It demonstrates that the God of Israel is not merely a tribal deity but the God of all humanity, whose authority extends over every nation and tongue, even the mightiest empires. Secondly, it underscores the **global reach of God's message**. Nebuchadnezzar's testimony is not just for his own people but for everyone, signaling that God's truth transcends cultural and political boundaries. Finally, it emphasizes the **magnitude of Nebuchadnezzar's transformation**. For the proudest king to publicly acknowledge the God of a conquered people and proclaim His dominion to the entire known world is an extraordinary testament to God's power to humble and change hearts.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel 4:1, with its grand proclamation of divine sovereignty to "all people, nations, and languages," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Nebuchadnezzar, a powerful earthly king, is humbled to acknowledge the Most High God, foreshadowing the universal reign of the true King, Jesus. While Nebuchadnezzar's authority was limited and temporary, Christ's dominion is eternal and truly encompasses "all authority in heaven and on earth" ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). The "peace" that Nebuchadnezzar wishes upon the world is fully realized in the "peace that surpasses all understanding" that Christ offers to those who believe in Him ([Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God")). The humbling of Nebuchadnezzar, a proud earthly ruler, mirrors the divine humility of Christ, who, though "in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant" ([Philippians 2:6-7](/philippians/2-6 "Philippians 2:6-7 - Christ's Humility")). This ultimate act of self-abasement led to His exaltation, so that "at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow")). Thus, Nebuchadnezzar's decree, born of a forced submission, points forward to the willing and joyful submission of all creation to the Lordship of Christ, the true Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world and brings genuine peace to all who turn to Him ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). The universal scope of the Gospel message, intended for "all nations" ([Matthew 24:14](/matthew/24-14 "Matthew 24:14 - The Gospel Preached to All Nations")), is the ultimate echo of Nebuchadnezzar's far-reaching proclamation.

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 6:25

¶ Then king Darius wrote unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you.

1 Peter 1:2

Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.

Daniel 3:4

Then an herald cried aloud, To you it is commanded, O people, nations, and languages,

Ezra 4:17

¶ [Then] sent the king an answer unto Rehum the chancellor, and [to] Shimshai the scribe, and [to] the rest of their companions that dwell in Samaria, and [unto] the rest beyond the river, Peace, and at such a time.

Ephesians 1:2

Grace [be] to you, and peace, from God our Father, and [from] the Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Chronicles 12:18

Then the spirit came upon Amasai, [who was] chief of the captains, [and he said], Thine [are we], David, and on thy side, thou son of Jesse: peace, peace [be] unto thee, and peace [be] to thine helpers; for thy God helpeth thee. Then David received them, and made them captains of the band.

Daniel 3:29

Therefore I make a decree, That every people, nation, and language, which speak any thing amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made a dunghill: because there is no other God that can deliver after this sort.