Daniel 4:18

KJV

This dream I king Nebuchadnezzar have seen. Now thou, O Belteshazzar, declare the interpretation thereof, forasmuch as all the wise [men] of my kingdom are not able to make known unto me the interpretation: but thou [art] able; for the spirit of the holy gods [is] in thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

This {H1836} dream {H2493} I {H576} king {H4430} Nebuchadnezzar {H5020} have seen {H2370}. Now thou {H607}, O Belteshazzar {H1096}, declare {H560} the interpretation {H6591} thereof, forasmuch as {H6903} all {H3606} the wise {H2445} men of my kingdom {H4437} are not {H3809} able {H3202} to make known {H3046} unto me the interpretation {H6591}: but thou {H607} art able {H3546}; for the spirit {H7308} of the holy {H6922} gods {H426} is in thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'This is the dream which I, King N'vukhadnetzar, saw. Now you, Belt'shatzar, tell me its interpretation. None of the sages of my kingdom can tell me the interpretation, but you can do it, because the spirit of the holy gods is in you.'

Berean Standard Bible

This is the dream that I, King Nebuchadnezzar, saw. Now, Belteshazzar, tell me the interpretation, because none of the wise men of my kingdom can interpret it for me. But you are able, because the spirit of the holy gods is in you.”

American Standard Version

This dream I, king Nebuchadnezzar, have seen; and thou, O Belteshazzar, declare the interpretation, forasmuch as all the wise men of my kingdom are not able to make known unto me the interpretation; but thou art able; for the spirit of the holy gods is in thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Daniel 4:18, King Nebuchadnezzar, profoundly troubled by a dream that has eluded the interpretive powers of his entire court, turns to Daniel (whom he addresses by his Babylonian name, Belteshazzar). The king's desperate plea underscores his recognition of Daniel's unique spiritual endowment, attributing his interpretive ability to "the spirit of the holy gods," a stark contrast to the impotence of Babylon's renowned wise men. This pivotal verse sets the stage for Daniel's interpretation of the dream, which will reveal God's absolute sovereignty over all earthly rulers and kingdoms.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Nebuchadnezzar's detailed recounting of his second significant dream, recorded in [Daniel 4:1-17](/daniel/4-1 "Daniel 4:1-17 - Nebuchadnezzar's Dream of the Great Tree"). The dream, a vivid vision of a majestic tree that is suddenly cut down, leaving only a stump, deeply disturbs the king. His appeal to Daniel in [Daniel 4:18](/daniel/4-18 "Daniel 4:18 - Nebuchadnezzar's Plea to Daniel") mirrors the earlier narrative in [Daniel 2](/daniel/2 "Daniel 2 - Nebuchadnezzar's First Dream and Daniel's Interpretation"), where Daniel alone was able to reveal and interpret Nebuchadnezzar's first dream after the Babylonian wise men failed. This repeated pattern establishes Daniel's consistent role as God's chosen revealer of divine mysteries, highlighting the superiority of divine revelation over human wisdom. The king's direct address to Daniel here emphasizes his desperation and his grudging, yet clear, acknowledgment of Daniel's unparalleled spiritual insight.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the Neo-Babylonian Empire, under the powerful reign of Nebuchadnezzar II (605-562 BC). Babylonian society was steeped in polytheism, astrology, and various forms of divination. The king's court included a class of "wise men" (magicians, enchanters, sorcerers, Chaldeans, astrologers) whose primary function was to interpret omens, dreams, and divine messages for the monarch. Their inability to interpret Nebuchadnezzar's dream in [Daniel 4](/daniel/4 "Daniel 4 - Nebuchadnezzar's Humiliation and Restoration") highlights the limitations of their pagan practices and contrasts sharply with the monotheistic, divinely inspired wisdom of Daniel, a Hebrew exile. Nebuchadnezzar's reference to "the spirit of the holy gods" reflects his polytheistic worldview, even as he recognizes a unique, powerful spiritual presence in Daniel that transcends his own religious framework. This demonstrates the cultural clash and the unique position Daniel held within a foreign, pagan court.

* **Key Themes:** [Daniel 4:18](/daniel/4-18 "Daniel 4:18 - Nebuchadnezzar's Plea to Daniel") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Daniel. Firstly, it accentuates the **contrast between divine revelation and human wisdom**. The complete failure of Babylon's most esteemed "wise men" to interpret the dream, juxtaposed with Daniel's clear ability, underscores that true understanding and interpretation of divine mysteries originate solely from God, not from human intellect, pagan rituals, or occult practices (as seen in [Daniel 2:27-28](/daniel/2-27 "Daniel 2:27-28 - Daniel's Declaration of God's Revelation")). Secondly, the verse reinforces the theme of **God's sovereignty over kings and kingdoms**. Even the most powerful monarch of the ancient world is shown to be utterly dependent on God's chosen servant for understanding divine messages, foreshadowing the dream's central message about God's ultimate control over all earthly dominion and the humbling of human pride. Lastly, it highlights the **recognition of spiritual gifts**, as Nebuchadnezzar, despite his polytheistic beliefs, acknowledges a supernatural presence in Daniel, stating, "the spirit of the holy gods is in thee." This, from a pagan perspective, is an acknowledgment of Daniel's unique spiritual endowment, which Daniel himself knew came from the one true God of Israel (as he declared in [Daniel 2:22](/daniel/2-22 "Daniel 2:22 - God Reveals Deep and Secret Things")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Belteshazzar (Aramaic, _Bêlṭᵉshaʼtstsar'_):** This is the Babylonian name given to Daniel, derived from the name of the chief Babylonian god, Bel. Nebuchadnezzar uses this name, emphasizing Daniel's position within the Babylonian court, yet ironically, it is this very individual, named after a pagan deity, who serves the one true God and possesses the wisdom that Bel's priests lack.
* **able (Aramaic, _kᵉhal'_):** This word signifies a profound capacity or capability. The king explicitly states that his own wise men are "not able" (`lâʼ yᵉkêl`) to interpret the dream, but Daniel "art able" (`kᵉhal`). This stark contrast underscores Daniel's unique, divinely-granted competence, setting him apart from all others in the kingdom.
* **spirit (Aramaic, _rûwach'_):** In this context, _rûwach_ refers to a divine essence or influence. Nebuchadnezzar perceives Daniel's extraordinary wisdom as stemming from a supernatural source. While the king's understanding is filtered through his polytheistic lens ("holy gods"), he accurately identifies that Daniel's ability is not merely human but originates from a powerful, non-earthly realm.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"This dream I king Nebuchadnezzar have seen."**: The king begins by reasserting his personal experience of the dream, emphasizing its vividness and the profound impact it has had on him. This establishes the urgency and personal significance of the interpretation he seeks.
* **"Now thou, O Belteshazzar, declare the interpretation thereof,"**: This is a direct, urgent appeal from the most powerful monarch to Daniel. It highlights Daniel's unique position and the king's desperation, as he bypasses all his other advisors and places his hope solely in Daniel.
* **"forasmuch as all the wise [men] of my kingdom are not able to make known unto me the interpretation:"**: This clause underscores the utter failure and inadequacy of the king's entire cohort of Babylonian "wise men." Their inability to provide an interpretation serves to magnify Daniel's subsequent success and to demonstrate the limitations of human wisdom and pagan divination.
* **"but thou [art] able; for the spirit of the holy gods [is] in thee."**: This final declaration reveals Nebuchadnezzar's perception of Daniel's unique gift. He attributes Daniel's ability to a divine "spirit," even though his polytheistic framework leads him to refer to "holy gods." Despite his flawed theology, the king correctly identifies that Daniel's wisdom is supernaturally endowed, setting him apart from all others.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices. **Contrast** is paramount, starkly juxtaposing the utter failure of "all the wise men of my kingdom" with Daniel's singular ability to interpret the dream. This highlights the inadequacy of human wisdom and pagan practices when faced with divine mysteries. There is also a strong element of **irony**, as the mighty pagan king, who has conquered nations and exiled God's people, is now utterly dependent on one of those exiles for divine understanding, and he attributes this power to "holy gods" even though Daniel serves the one true God. The king's direct address to Daniel, "Now thou, O Belteshazzar," is an example of **apostrophe**, emphasizing the personal and urgent nature of his plea. Finally, the verse serves as significant **foreshadowing**, setting the stage for Daniel's interpretation, which will reveal God's ultimate sovereignty over Nebuchadnezzar and all earthly kingdoms, leading to the king's profound humbling.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 4:18 profoundly illustrates the biblical truth that true wisdom and understanding originate from God alone, not from human intellect or worldly systems. Nebuchadnezzar's desperate appeal to Daniel, following the complete failure of his own esteemed wise men, serves as a powerful testament to the supremacy of divine revelation. It underscores that God, in His sovereign wisdom, chooses to reveal His purposes to those He wills, often through His humble servants, even in the most hostile and pagan environments. This narrative reinforces the theme of God's absolute control over all earthly powers, demonstrating that even the most formidable human rulers are ultimately dependent on His wisdom and subject to His divine decrees. Daniel's unique gift, acknowledged even by a polytheistic king, points to the reality that God equips His people with supernatural abilities to fulfill His purposes and to bear witness to His truth in a world that often relies on its own limited understanding.

* [Daniel 2:28](/daniel/2-28 "Daniel 2:28 - God Reveals Secrets")
* [1 Corinthians 2:10](/1_corinthians/2-10 "1 Corinthians 2:10 - Spirit Reveals Deep Things")
* [Proverbs 2:6](/proverbs/2-6 "Proverbs 2:6 - Wisdom from the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 4:18 serves as a profound reminder that human wisdom, no matter how acclaimed or sophisticated, is ultimately limited when confronted with the deep mysteries of God's purposes. In a world that often elevates intellectual prowess, scientific discovery, or political strategy as the ultimate sources of truth and guidance, this verse calls believers to a radical reliance on divine wisdom. Just as Daniel stood out in Babylon by possessing an insight that transcended all human capabilities, so too are believers called to demonstrate a wisdom that originates from God's Spirit, offering solutions and perspectives that the world cannot conjure. This means cultivating a deep dependence on God through prayer, diligent study of His Word, and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit's leading. When we face perplexing situations in our personal lives, communities, or the broader culture, we are encouraged to seek God's counsel above all else, trusting that He delights to reveal His will to those who humbly seek Him. Furthermore, this passage challenges any lingering pride in our own abilities or achievements, reminding us that all true wisdom and understanding are gifts from above, intended to glorify God and advance His kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life or work do you tend to rely more on human wisdom than on divine revelation?**
* **How can you cultivate a deeper dependence on God's Spirit for wisdom and understanding in your daily decisions?**
* **What does Daniel's example teach us about being a witness for God in secular or even hostile environments?**
* **How does acknowledging God as the source of all wisdom impact your view of personal success and achievement?**

### FAQ
**Why did Nebuchadnezzar call Daniel "Belteshazzar" and what does "the spirit of the holy gods" imply?**

Answer: Nebuchadnezzar called Daniel "Belteshazzar" because it was the Babylonian name given to him upon his arrival in Babylon, likely linking him to the chief Babylonian god, Bel (as seen in [Daniel 1:7](/daniel/1-7 "Daniel 1:7 - Daniel and His Companions Renamed")). This was a common practice for foreign captives to be given names reflecting the local deities. The phrase "the spirit of the holy gods" reflects Nebuchadnezzar's polytheistic worldview. As a pagan king, he understood divine power and inspiration through the lens of multiple deities. While Daniel, a devout monotheist, knew his wisdom came from the one true God of Israel, Nebuchadnezzar's statement, though framed in pagan terms, still acknowledges a genuine, powerful supernatural source for Daniel's extraordinary abilities, distinguishing him from all other wise men in the kingdom. It's a pagan king's way of expressing awe at a divine influence that he cannot fully comprehend within his own religious framework.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel 4:18, with Nebuchadnezzar's desperate plea for interpretation and his recognition of a divine "spirit" in Daniel, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate revelation of God's truth in Jesus Christ. Daniel, as God's chosen prophet, served as a conduit for divine wisdom, revealing mysteries that human intellect could not grasp. This role finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who is not merely a revealer of God's wisdom, but the very embodiment of it. [John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - No One Has Seen God") declares that "No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known." Jesus is the definitive interpreter of God's heart and mind, the one in whom "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, in Whom Are All Treasures of Wisdom")). While Daniel possessed a spirit of wisdom, Jesus is the very Spirit of God incarnate, the "wisdom of God" ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God")). Through His life, death, and resurrection, Christ not only interprets God's plan but also executes it, establishing the eternal kingdom that will never be destroyed ([Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Kingdom Will Never Be Destroyed")). Thus, Nebuchadnezzar's search for an interpreter culminates in the person of Jesus, the ultimate Word of God, through whom God has spoken definitively to humanity ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken Through His Son")).

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

Genesis 41:8

And it came to pass in the morning that his spirit was troubled; and he sent and called for all the magicians of Egypt, and all the wise men thereof: and Pharaoh told them his dream; but [there was] none that could interpret them unto Pharaoh.

Daniel 5:15

And now the wise [men], the astrologers, have been brought in before me, that they should read this writing, and make known unto me the interpretation thereof: but they could not shew the interpretation of the thing:

Daniel 4:7

Then came in the magicians, the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers: and I told the dream before them; but they did not make known unto me 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 5:8

Then came in all the king's wise [men]: but they could not read the writing, nor make known to the king the interpretation thereof.

Genesis 41:15

And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I have dreamed a dream, and [there is] none that can interpret it: and I have heard say of thee, [that] thou canst understand a dream to interpret it.

Isaiah 19:3

And the spirit of Egypt shall fail in the midst thereof; and I will destroy the counsel thereof: and they shall seek to the idols, and to the charmers, and to them that have familiar spirits, and to the wizards.