Daniel 4:14

KJV

He cried aloud, and said thus, Hew down the tree, and cut off his branches, shake off his leaves, and scatter his fruit: let the beasts get away from under it, and the fowls from his branches:

KJV (with Strong's)

He cried {H7123} aloud {H2429}, and said {H560} thus {H3652}, Hew down {H1414} the tree {H363}, and cut off {H7113} his branches {H6056}, shake off {H5426} his leaves {H6074}, and scatter {H921} his fruit {H4}: let the beasts {H2423} get away {H5111} from {H4481} under it {H8479}, and the fowls {H6853} from {H4481} his branches {H6056}:

Complete Jewish Bible

He cried out: "'"Cut down the tree, cut off its branches, strip off its leaves, scatter its fruit! Let the wild animals flee from its shelter! Let the birds abandon its branches!

Berean Standard Bible

He called out in a loud voice: ‘Cut down the tree and chop off its branches; strip off its leaves and scatter its fruit. Let the beasts flee from under it, and the birds from its branches.

American Standard Version

He cried aloud, and said thus, Hew down the tree, and cut off its branches, shake off its leaves, and scatter its fruit: let the beasts get away from under it, and the fowls from its branches.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 4:14 unveils a pivotal moment in King Nebuchadnezzar's prophetic dream, articulating a divine decree to dismantle a magnificent tree that vividly symbolizes the king's vast dominion and power. This solemn command, issued by a celestial "watcher" or "holy one," meticulously outlines the comprehensive stripping away of the tree's branches, leaves, and fruit, signifying the abrupt and total removal of Nebuchadnezzar's authority, influence, and the benefits derived from his extensive rule. Furthermore, it mandates the departure of the beasts and fowls that found shelter beneath it, illustrating his impending isolation and the loss of his subjects and beneficiaries, all serving as a stark and undeniable premonition of his profound humbling.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 4:14 is intricately woven into King Nebuchadnezzar's deeply personal testimony, which encompasses the entirety of [Daniel 4](/daniel/4 "Daniel 4 - Nebuchadnezzar's Dream and Humbling"). The chapter commences with Nebuchadnezzar's heartfelt praise to the Most High God, as he recounts his extraordinary experience of divine humbling and subsequent restoration. This specific verse immediately follows the dramatic introduction of a "watcher and an holy one" descending from heaven in [Daniel 4:13](/daniel/4-13 "Daniel 4:13 - The Divine Watcher's Descent"), who then issues this pronouncement against the great tree. The command in [Daniel 4:14](/daniel/4-14 "Daniel 4:14 - The Decree to Hew Down the Tree") serves as the central action of the dream's judgment, setting the stage for Daniel's subsequent interpretation, which reveals the tree represents Nebuchadnezzar himself, and the judgment signifies his temporary removal from power due to his overweening pride. The narrative then progresses to the precise fulfillment of this prophecy and Nebuchadnezzar's eventual restoration and renewed, humble acknowledgment of God's absolute sovereignty, as powerfully detailed in [Daniel 4:34-37](/daniel/4-34-37 "Daniel 4:34-37 - Nebuchadnezzar's Restoration and Praise").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Daniel is set during the tumultuous period of the Babylonian exile, a time when the Neo-Babylonian Empire, under the formidable leadership of Nebuchadnezzar, stood as the preeminent world power. Nebuchadnezzar was renowned for his monumental building projects, his sweeping military conquests, and his autocratic rule, embodying the very pinnacle of earthly imperial might. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the imagery of a great tree was a widely recognized and potent symbol for a powerful king, an expansive empire, or a flourishing nation, representing strength, prosperity, and the vital ability to provide shelter and sustenance to numerous peoples. This symbolism finds parallels in other biblical texts, such as the depiction of Assyria as a mighty cedar in [Ezekiel 31](/ezekiel/31 "Ezekiel 31 - Pharaoh as a Cedar of Lebanon") and the more universal imagery of the tree of life. The concept of "watchers" or "holy ones" (Aramaic: `ʻiyr vᵉqaddish`) reflects a deeply held belief in celestial beings who meticulously observe and actively execute divine decrees, profoundly underscoring God's direct and active involvement in human affairs, even those of the most powerful earthly rulers.
* **Key Themes:** This verse profoundly contributes to several overarching and interconnected themes within the book of Daniel and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost among these is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty**, which emphatically asserts that even the most formidable and seemingly unassailable earthly rulers are ultimately subject to the absolute authority of God, who "rules in the kingdom of men" ([Daniel 4:17](/daniel/4-17 "Daniel 4:17 - God Rules in the Kingdom of Men")). It starkly highlights the **Consequences of Pride**, demonstrating that Nebuchadnezzar's self-exaltation (later explicitly articulated in [Daniel 4:30](/daniel/4-30 "Daniel 4:30 - Nebuchadnezzar's Boast")) directly precipitates this severe divine judgment. The vivid imagery of the tree's destruction also powerfully underscores the **Temporary Nature of Earthly Power** and glory, serving as a timeless reminder to those in authority that their dominion is divinely granted and can be just as swiftly removed by God. Furthermore, the deliberate partial destruction (leaving a stump, as seen in [Daniel 4:15](/daniel/4-15 "Daniel 4:15 - The Stump Remains")) subtly introduces the profound theme of **Divine Mercy and Restoration**, hinting that the judgment, while severe and necessary, is not final, allowing for a future return to power after a period of profound humbling and recognition of God's supremacy.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hew down (Aramaic, _gᵉdad'_):** This Aramaic verb (H1414) literally means "to cut down." In the context of Daniel 4:14, it signifies a decisive, violent, and complete act of judgment. It is not merely a pruning or trimming, but a comprehensive felling of the tree, indicating the abrupt and total removal of Nebuchadnezzar's power and position. The command is absolute and unyielding, leaving no room for negotiation or delay, emphasizing the irreversible nature of the divine decree against his pride.
* **tree (Aramaic, _ʼîylân'_):** The Aramaic term (H363) refers to "a tree." Here, it is the central and most potent **symbol** in Nebuchadnezzar's dream, representing the king himself, his vast and flourishing Babylonian empire, and his immense power, influence, and dominion. The tree's magnificent size, its reach to the heavens, and its provision of shelter and sustenance for all creatures vividly underscore Nebuchadnezzar's global dominion and the pervasive benefits derived from his rule. Its felling signifies the dismantling of this empire and the profound humbling of its once-proud ruler.
* **beasts (Aramaic, _chêyvâʼ'_):** This Aramaic word (H2423) denotes "an animal" or "beast." In the dream, the "beasts" and "fowls" (H6853) collectively represent the myriad nations, peoples, and individuals who found shelter, sustenance, or derived benefit and protection under Nebuchadnezzar's vast and powerful empire. Their command to "get away" (H5111) from under the tree symbolizes the immediate and complete loss of support, allegiance, and the tangible benefits that flowed from the king's rule, ultimately leaving him isolated, abandoned, and stripped of all that made his reign significant.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He cried aloud, and said thus,"**: This opening clause powerfully establishes the authoritative and public nature of the divine pronouncement. The "He" refers to the "watcher and an holy one" introduced in [Daniel 4:13](/daniel/4-13 "Daniel 4:13 - The Divine Watcher's Descent"). The act of crying "aloud" (Aramaic: `chayil`, H2429, meaning "strength" or "power") indicates a powerful, public, and undeniable decree, emphasizing that this is a divine, non-negotiable command from the highest authority, intended to be heard and understood by all.
* **"Hew down the tree, and cut off his branches,"**: This is the core command of judgment, a direct assault on the symbolic representation of Nebuchadnezzar's power. "Hew down the tree" (H1414, H363) signifies the felling of the king's dominion, a complete and abrupt cessation of his reign. "Cut off his branches" (H7113, H6056) represents the removal of his extended power, influence, and the very reach of his authority, symbolizing the dismantling of his administrative structures, the weakening of his military might, and the contraction of his political influence.
* **"shake off his leaves, and scatter his fruit:"**: This clause further details the comprehensive and humiliating nature of the stripping. "Shake off his leaves" (H5426, H6074) implies the loss of outward glory, beauty, and vitality, which are the visible signs of a flourishing and prosperous kingdom. "Scatter his fruit" (H921, H4) refers to the destruction or dispersal of the benefits, produce, and resources that flowed from the king's rule, indicating the loss of prosperity, wealth, and the very means by which he sustained his kingdom and its subjects.
* **"let the beasts get away from under it, and the fowls from his branches:"**: This final clause describes the immediate and profound consequences for those who benefited from the tree's shelter. The "beasts" (H2423) and "fowls" (H6853) symbolize the various peoples, nations, and even individuals who had sought refuge, sustenance, and prosperity under Nebuchadnezzar's vast dominion. Their departure signifies the king's utter isolation, the withdrawal of all support and allegiance, and the complete loss of his subjects and beneficiaries, leaving him utterly alone and stripped of all that had made his rule significant and widespread.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 4:14 is exceptionally rich in **Symbolism** and **Metaphor**. The most prominent and central symbol is the "tree" itself, which **metaphorically** represents King Nebuchadnezzar and his vast, powerful, and far-reaching empire. The series of actions commanded against the tree—"hew down," "cut off his branches," "shake off his leaves," and "scatter his fruit"—are powerful **metaphors** for the comprehensive and systematic stripping of Nebuchadnezzar's power, authority, glory, and the tangible benefits of his rule. The departure of "the beasts" and "the fowls" from the tree's protective shelter is a poignant **metaphor** for the loss of his subjects, allies, and all who had benefited from his reign, leading to his profound isolation. The vivid and visceral **Imagery** used throughout the verse—of a once-majestic tree being violently and thoroughly dismantled—serves to impress upon the reader the severity, totality, and inevitability of the divine judgment, making the abstract concept of a king's fall tangible and deeply impactful. The entire dream sequence, culminating in this decree, functions as an **Allegory**, where the narrative of the tree directly maps to the unfolding events in Nebuchadnezzar's life and the divine lesson he must learn.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 4:14 powerfully articulates the foundational theological truth of God's absolute and unchallengeable sovereignty over all earthly kingdoms and rulers. It serves as a profound and enduring reminder that human power, no matter how vast, seemingly unassailable, or globally influential, is ultimately derivative, temporary, and entirely subject to the divine will. The severe judgment pronounced against Nebuchadnezzar's symbolic tree unequivocally underscores that unchecked pride, self-exaltation, and a failure to humbly acknowledge God as the ultimate source of all authority will inevitably lead to divine humbling and correction. This passage teaches with striking clarity that true and ultimate authority resides not in human might, military conquest, or grand accomplishments, but solely in the Most High God, who "removes kings and establishes kings." It stands as a timeless warning against the perils of human hubris and an urgent invitation to humility, a recognition of God's supreme and active reign over all creation and the intricate tapestry of human affairs.

* [Daniel 4:17](/daniel/4-17 "God's Sovereignty Over Kingdoms")
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Pride Precedes a Fall")
* [Isaiah 14:12-15](/isaiah/14-12-15 "The Fall of Lucifer, a Parable of Pride")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 4:14 offers a profound and challenging call to introspection for all who hold positions of influence, whether in government, business, the church, or within their families and communities. It serves as a stark and sobering reminder that all authority, privilege, and ability are ultimately delegated by God, and to forget or deny this foundational truth is to invite divine correction and humbling. For leaders, this passage compels a posture of profound humility, recognizing that their power is a sacred stewardship, not an inherent right, and that their ultimate accountability is to the sovereign God. For individuals, it encourages us to meticulously examine our own hearts for subtle, insidious forms of pride—whether in our achievements, possessions, intellectual prowess, or perceived self-sufficiency. This verse reminds us that true security, lasting significance, and enduring flourishing are found not in accumulating earthly power, wealth, or human recognition, but in humbly acknowledging God's supreme rule and aligning our lives, ambitions, and decisions with His divine will. It prompts us to consider deeply how we use whatever influence we possess—is it for self-exaltation, personal gain, or for the glory of God and the genuine benefit of others?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life might I be prone to pride, subtly forgetting that all blessings, talents, and opportunities come solely from God?**
* **How does the temporary and conditional nature of Nebuchadnezzar's immense power challenge my own pursuit of earthly security, recognition, or control?**
* **If I am currently in a position of leadership or influence, how can I actively cultivate greater humility and ensure I am stewarding my influence for God's glory and the good of others, rather than for my own self-aggrandizement?**
* **What practical and tangible steps can I take to more consistently and genuinely acknowledge God's absolute sovereignty in my daily life, decisions, and interactions?**

### FAQ

**What does the "tree" in Daniel 4:14 symbolize?**

Answer: The "tree" in [Daniel 4:14](/daniel/4-14 "The Divine Decree Against the Tree") is a powerful and multi-layered symbol that represents King Nebuchadnezzar himself and his vast, flourishing Babylonian Empire. Its immense height, reaching to the heavens, and its provision of shelter and sustenance for all creatures symbolize his immense power, global dominion, and the widespread benefits derived from his rule. The command to "hew down the tree" signifies the divine judgment against Nebuchadnezzar's overweening pride and his temporary, yet profound, removal from his throne, stripping him of his authority and glory. This symbolism is a common motif in ancient Near Eastern literature, where mighty trees often represented powerful rulers or nations, as vividly seen in [Ezekiel 31](/ezekiel/31 "Pharaoh as a Cedar of Lebanon").

**Who is the "watcher" who gives this command?**

Answer: The "watcher" (Aramaic: `ʻiyr`) mentioned in [Daniel 4:13](/daniel/4-13 "The Divine Watcher's Descent") and who issues the command in [Daniel 4:14](/daniel/4-14 "The Decree to Hew Down the Tree") is understood to be a celestial being, specifically an angel or a member of God's heavenly court. The accompanying phrase "and an holy one" further emphasizes their divine origin and their crucial role as agents of God's sovereign will. These celestial beings are depicted as meticulously observing human affairs and actively executing God's decrees, particularly those concerning the rise and fall of earthly rulers and empires. This highlights the profound theological truth that God is not a distant, passive observer but is actively and intimately involved in the governance of the world, and that even the most powerful human leaders are ultimately subject to His supreme and unchallengeable authority.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Daniel 4:14 vividly portrays the humbling of a proud earthly king, it profoundly foreshadows the ultimate reign of a King whose kingdom is eternal and whose glory is paradoxically revealed in His profound humility. Nebuchadnezzar's catastrophic fall was a direct consequence of his pride and self-exaltation, a stark and illuminating contrast to the true King, Jesus Christ. Unlike Nebuchadnezzar, who grasped for and boasted of his power, Christ, though existing in the very form of God, "did not consider equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself by taking the form of a servant, being born in human likeness" ([Philippians 2:6-7](/philippians/2-6-7 "Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")). The temporary stripping of Nebuchadnezzar's dominion points to Christ's voluntary and radical surrender of His divine prerogatives to become human, to suffer, and to die on a cross, only to be supremely exalted to the highest place, where "at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth" ([Philippians 2:10](/philippians/2-10 "Every Knee Shall Bow to Jesus")). The divine judgment against the proud tree in Daniel 4:14 underscores the eternal principle that all earthly authority is transient and subject to God, ultimately finding its true and everlasting fulfillment in the universal and benevolent dominion of Christ, to whom "all authority in heaven and on earth has been given" ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "All Authority Given to Christ")). His kingdom, unlike Nebuchadnezzar's, "shall never be destroyed, nor shall its dominion be left to another people" ([Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "The Everlasting Kingdom")), offering eternal shelter, unfailing sustenance, and perfect peace to all who humbly come under His righteous and compassionate rule.

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

Matthew 3:10

And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

Daniel 4:23

And whereas the king saw a watcher and an holy one coming down from heaven, and saying, Hew the tree down, and destroy it; yet leave the stump of the roots thereof in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and [let] his portion [be] with the beasts of the field, till seven times pass over him;

Ezekiel 31:12

And strangers, the terrible of the nations, have cut him off, and have left him: upon the mountains and in all the valleys his branches are fallen, and his boughs are broken by all the rivers of the land; and all the people of the earth are gone down from his shadow, and have left him.

Ezekiel 31:13

Upon his ruin shall all the fowls of the heaven remain, and all the beasts of the field shall be upon his branches:

Matthew 7:19

Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

Luke 3:9

And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

Luke 13:7

Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground?