What number verse is Daniel 4:21 in the Bible?

Daniel 4:21 is the 21,859th verse of the Bible. Counting straight through the King James canon — all 31,102 verses from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 — Daniel 4:21 sits at position 21,859.

4:204:20

Daniel 4:21

Q: What is the meaning of 'meat for all' in this context?

The phrase "meat for all" (Aramaic: mâzôwn for "meat") in Daniel 4:21 uses "meat" in its older, broader sense, meaning "food," "sustenance," or "provision." It signifies that the tree, symbolizing Nebuchadnezzar's empire, was a source of abundant resources and well-being for all who came under its influence. This highlights the king's perceived role as a provider and the vastness of his empire's wealth, capable of sustaining diverse peoples and creatures. It underscores the theme of universal provision, albeit ultimately derived from God's hand, and serves as a point of contrast with God's true and ultimate provision.

4:224:22

Translation

King James Version

Whose leaves were fair, and the fruit thereof much, and in it was meat for all; under which the beasts of the field dwelt, and upon whose branches the fowls of the heaven had their habitation:

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KJV (with Strong's)

Whose leaves ^H6074 were fair ^H8209, and the fruit ^H4 thereof much ^H7690, and in it was meat ^H4203 for all ^H3606; under ^H8460 which the beasts ^H2423 of the field ^H1251 dwelt ^H1753, and upon whose branches ^H6056 the fowls ^H6853 of the heaven ^H8065 had their habitation ^H7932:

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Complete Jewish Bible

that had beautiful foliage and abundant fruit, enough to feed everyone, under which the wild animals lived, and on whose branches the birds in the air built their nests -

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Berean Standard Bible

whose foliage was beautiful and whose fruit was abundant, providing food for all, under which the beasts of the field lived, and in whose branches the birds of the air nested—

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American Standard Version

whose leaves were fair, and the fruit thereof much, and in it was food for all; under which the beasts of the field dwelt, and upon whose branches the birds of the heavens had their habitation:

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World English Bible Messianic

whose leaves were beautiful, and its fruit much, and in it was food for all; under which the animals of the field lived, and on whose branches the birds of the sky had their habitation:

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Geneva Bible (1599)

This is the interpretation, O King, and it is the decree of the most High, which is come vpon my lord the King,

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Young's Literal Translation

and its leaves are fair, and its budding great, and food for all is in it, under it dwell doth the beast of the field, and on its boughs sit do the birds of the heavens.

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In the KJVVerse 21,859 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Daniel 4:21 offers a vivid portrayal of the majestic tree from King Nebuchadnezzar's prophetic dream, emphasizing its immense beauty, abundant fruit, and universal provision. This magnificent arboreal symbol, reaching to the heavens and offering sustenance and shelter to all creatures, represents the Babylonian king's vast dominion and unparalleled power, which extended over many nations and peoples, providing a form of stability and resource. The verse's detailed depiction of the tree's grandeur serves to amplify the dramatic contrast with its subsequent felling, foreshadowing Nebuchadnezzar's divinely ordained humbling and the transient nature of all earthly authority.

CONTEXT

Literary Context: Daniel 4:21 is situated within King Nebuchadnezzar's personal testimony, recounted in the first person, detailing a profound dream given to him by God. This dream, which forms the central narrative of Daniel 4, follows the earlier accounts of Daniel's wisdom and God's power over earthly kingdoms, notably the interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar's first dream in Daniel 2. The intricate description of the tree in Daniel 4:21 serves as the foundational imagery for Daniel's subsequent interpretation, where the tree is explicitly identified as Nebuchadnezzar himself and his expansive empire. This detailed depiction of the tree's universal reach and provision underscores the king's vast influence and apparent self-sufficiency, setting the stage for the dramatic fulfillment of the prophecy later in the chapter, where his pride leads to a humbling fall.
Historical & Cultural Context: King Nebuchadnezzar ruled the Neo-Babylonian Empire (605-562 BC), a dominant force in the ancient Near East. His reign was characterized by extensive military campaigns, grand architectural projects (such as the famed Hanging Gardens of Babylon), and a vast dominion that encompassed numerous peoples and territories. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the imagery of a towering tree was a common and powerful metaphor for a mighty king or empire, symbolizing strength, longevity, and widespread influence. Such a tree was often depicted as providing shelter and sustenance to client states or peoples, much like a protective overlord. Parallels can be found in texts like Ezekiel 31, where Pharaoh is likened to a great cedar, and various Mesopotamian royal inscriptions. This cultural understanding would have made the dream's symbolism immediately recognizable to Nebuchadnezzar and his court, emphasizing the king's perceived status as the preeminent ruler of the known world.
Key Themes: This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Daniel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of Divine Sovereignty, demonstrating that even the most powerful earthly rulers, like Nebuchadnezzar, are ultimately subject to God's authority. The tree's magnificent provision, "meat for all," subtly points to God as the ultimate source of all sustenance and power, even when exercised through human agents. Secondly, the verse sets up the theme of Human Pride and Divine Humbling, as the tree's immense grandeur directly contrasts with its prophesied felling, foreshadowing Nebuchadnezzar's dramatic fall from grace and subsequent restoration, as detailed in Daniel 4:33-37. Finally, it underscores the theme of Universal Dominion and Provision, portraying the king's rule as a source of order and sustenance for a diverse population, a role ultimately fulfilled perfectly by God's true King.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

leaves (Aramaic, ʻŏphîy', H6074): This Aramaic term (H6074) refers to foliage or twigs, collectively forming the "leaves" of a tree. In Daniel 4:21, the description of these leaves as "fair" (beautiful) emphasizes the outward splendor, vitality, and impressive appearance of Nebuchadnezzar's kingdom, reflecting its flourishing state and visual grandeur.
meat (Aramaic, mâzôwn', H4203): This Aramaic word (H4203) corresponds to the Hebrew mazôn and refers broadly to "food" or "sustenance." Its use here, in the phrase "meat for all," underscores the tree's capacity to provide abundantly for everyone. This signifies the vast resources, wealth, and comprehensive provision that Nebuchadnezzar's empire offered to its subjects, meeting their basic needs and ensuring their well-being across his extensive dominion.
dwelt (Aramaic, dûwr', H1753): This Aramaic word (H1753) means "to reside" or "to permanently stay." Coupled with the subsequent phrase "had their habitation" (from Aramaic shᵉkan, H7932), it powerfully conveys the tree's role as a stable, secure, and enduring shelter. The imagery of beasts and fowls making their permanent home under and within the tree signifies the comprehensive and secure refuge that Nebuchadnezzar's vast empire offered to its diverse inhabitants, both human and animal, under his protective dominion.

Verse Breakdown

"Whose leaves [were] fair": This opening clause immediately establishes the visual splendor and majestic appearance of the tree. The "fair" leaves convey beauty, health, and vitality, symbolizing the outward glory, prosperity, and impressive stature of Nebuchadnezzar's kingdom during its zenith, renowned for its architectural marvels and perceived invincibility.
"and the fruit thereof much": This phrase emphasizes the tree's immense productivity and abundance. The "much fruit" signifies the vast resources, wealth, and provisions that the empire generated and controlled, indicating a period of great prosperity and flourishing under Nebuchadnezzar's rule, capable of sustaining a large and diverse population.
"and in it [was] meat for all": This crucial clause highlights the tree's universal provision. "Meat" (food/sustenance) being available "for all" implies that Nebuchadnezzar's dominion extended widely, providing for the needs of a diverse populace, both within his immediate kingdom and among tributary nations, functioning as a comprehensive source of stability and supply.
"under which the beasts of the field dwelt": This imagery illustrates the tree's role as a comprehensive shelter and its dominion over the earthly realm. The "beasts of the field" finding a secure dwelling place beneath its branches symbolizes Nebuchadnezzar's authority extending over all peoples and nations, offering protection and a place of belonging under his reign, regardless of their origin.
"and upon whose branches the fowls of the heaven had their habitation": This final clause expands the scope of the tree's dominion to the aerial realm. The "fowls of the heaven" making their "habitation" in its branches further emphasizes the vastness and completeness of the king's influence, suggesting that his power and provision reached every corner, providing a secure refuge for all who came under his sway, from the lowest to the highest.

Literary Devices

Daniel 4:21 is rich in Symbolism, where the magnificent tree serves as a multifaceted representation of King Nebuchadnezzar and his Babylonian empire. Its towering height, widespread branches, and abundant provision symbolize the king's immense power, universal dominion, and the prosperity he brought to his realm. The detailed Imagery used—"fair leaves," "much fruit," "meat for all," and the dwelling of "beasts" and "fowls"—creates a vivid mental picture of grandeur and comprehensive care, allowing the reader to grasp the scale of Nebuchadnezzar's influence and the perceived boundless nature of his kingdom. The description also employs Hyperbole in the sense of "meat for all" and the sheer scale, emphasizing the king's perceived omnipotence and the boundless nature of his kingdom's resources. Furthermore, the verse functions as a powerful piece of Foreshadowing, as the detailed portrayal of the tree's magnificence sets up a stark contrast with its impending felling, preparing the audience for the dramatic humbling of the king that is central to the chapter's message and underscoring the transient nature of all earthly power.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Daniel 4:21, in its description of the majestic tree, powerfully illustrates the biblical theme of God's ultimate sovereignty over all earthly rulers and kingdoms. While Nebuchadnezzar's empire appeared self-sufficient and universally providing, the dream itself, and Daniel's subsequent interpretation, reveal that all power, provision, and dominion are gifts from God, to be stewarded, not hoarded or used for self-aggrandizement. The tree's ability to provide "meat for all" and shelter for "beasts of the field" and "fowls of the heaven" points to a divine ideal of benevolent leadership, where authority is exercised for the well-being of all subjects, a stark contrast to the often self-serving nature of human rule. This verse serves as a crucial setup for the chapter's central message: that "the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone he wishes" (Daniel 4:17). It underscores the theological truth that human greatness, however impressive, is always contingent upon divine permission and can be withdrawn when pride supplants humility.

Ezekiel 31:3-6 - This passage uses similar tree imagery to describe the ancient Assyrian empire, highlighting the common biblical motif of a great tree symbolizing a powerful nation or king, often preceding a description of its downfall due to pride.
Psalm 104:27-28 - These verses speak of God's universal provision for all living creatures, echoing the theme of "meat for all" and underscoring that all sustenance ultimately flows from the Creator, not from human rulers, reinforcing divine dependency.
Psalm 75:7 - This verse directly states, "but it is God who judges: He brings one down, he exalts another," perfectly encapsulating the theological truth that undergirds Nebuchadnezzar's dream and subsequent humbling, emphasizing God's absolute control over the rise and fall of kings and empires.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

The profound imagery of Daniel 4:21, depicting a tree of immense beauty, universal provision, and comprehensive shelter, offers timeless lessons for contemporary life. It serves as a powerful reminder that all forms of power, influence, and resources, whether personal, corporate, or national, are ultimately derived from God. For individuals in positions of leadership, this verse calls for a profound sense of humility and stewardship, recognizing that their authority is not inherent but entrusted to them for the benefit of others. The "meat for all" principle challenges us to consider how our resources and influence can be used to provide sustenance, stability, and shelter for those under our care or within our sphere of influence, rather than being hoarded for personal gain or glory. It compels us to reflect on the transient nature of earthly success and the enduring truth of God's sovereignty, encouraging us to align our ambitions and actions with His divine purposes, lest we, like Nebuchadnezzar, face a humbling reminder of our dependence. True flourishing, both individually and corporately, is found not in self-sufficiency, but in acknowledging God as the ultimate source of all good and in using His entrusted blessings to serve His creation.

Questions for Reflection

In what areas of my life do I exercise influence or control over resources? How am I using this for the benefit of "all" rather than just myself?
How does the grandeur of the tree in Daniel 4:21 challenge my own perceptions of success and power, particularly in light of its temporary nature?
What practical steps can I take to cultivate a spirit of humility and dependence on God, even when I feel strong or accomplished in my endeavors?
Considering the temporary nature of the tree's reign, what enduring values or principles should I prioritize in my life and leadership to ensure lasting impact?

FAQ

What does the tree in Nebuchadnezzar's dream symbolize?

Answer: The magnificent tree in Nebuchadnezzar's dream, as described in Daniel 4:21, symbolizes King Nebuchadnezzar himself and his vast Babylonian empire. Daniel explicitly states this in Daniel 4:22, explaining that the tree's great height, extensive branches, abundant fruit, and universal provision represent the king's immense power, widespread dominion, and the sustenance he provided to many nations under his rule. The dream vividly portrays the grandeur and far-reaching influence of his kingdom before its prophesied humbling.

What is the meaning of 'meat for all' in this context?

Answer: The phrase "meat for all" (Aramaic: mâzôwn for "meat") in Daniel 4:21 uses "meat" in its older, broader sense, meaning "food," "sustenance," or "provision." It signifies that the tree, symbolizing Nebuchadnezzar's empire, was a source of abundant resources and well-being for all who came under its influence. This highlights the king's perceived role as a provider and the vastness of his empire's wealth, capable of sustaining diverse peoples and creatures. It underscores the theme of universal provision, albeit ultimately derived from God's hand, and serves as a point of contrast with God's true and ultimate provision.

How does this verse relate to the overall message of Daniel 4?

Answer: Daniel 4:21 is pivotal to the overall message of Daniel 4 because it establishes the immense pride and power of King Nebuchadnezzar, which God then seeks to humble. By detailing the tree's unparalleled grandeur and provision, the verse sets a stark contrast with the subsequent divine decree to cut down the tree, symbolizing Nebuchadnezzar's temporary loss of sanity and kingdom. This contrast emphasizes the chapter's core theological message: that "the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone he wishes" (Daniel 4:17). The dream, including this verse, serves as a divine warning and a powerful testament to God's ultimate authority over all earthly rulers and empires, demonstrating that human pride inevitably leads to a fall, but divine grace can lead to restoration.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

While Daniel 4:21 depicts the earthly dominion and provision of King Nebuchadnezzar, its imagery finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The tree's "fair leaves" and "much fruit," providing "meat for all" and shelter for "beasts of the field" and "fowls of the heaven," foreshadow the comprehensive and eternal provision found in Christ. Unlike Nebuchadnezzar, whose dominion was temporary and whose pride led to a humbling, Jesus' reign is eternal and founded on perfect humility and sacrificial love. He is the true source of all sustenance, declaring Himself the "bread of life" who satisfies all spiritual hunger and the "living water" that quenches eternal thirst. His kingdom offers ultimate shelter and security, gathering all peoples and nations under His benevolent rule, a dominion that extends over "all authority in heaven and on earth" (Matthew 28:18). The stability and provision that Nebuchadnezzar's empire offered were but a shadow of the eternal rest and abundant life found in Christ, who sustains "all things by his powerful word" (Hebrews 1:3) and in whom "all things hold together" (Colossians 1:17). He is the true King whose dominion provides perfectly and eternally for all who seek refuge in Him, without the flaw of human pride or the threat of temporal judgment, offering a kingdom that "will never be destroyed" (Daniel 2:44).

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Commentary on Daniel 4 verses 19–27

19 ¶ Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was astonied for one hour, and his thoughts troubled him. The king spake, and said, Belteshazzar, let not the dream, or the interpretation thereof, trouble thee. Belteshazzar answered and said, My lord, the dream be to them that hate thee, and the interpretation thereof to thine enemies.

20 The tree that thou sawest, which grew, and was strong, whose height reached unto the heaven, and the sight thereof to all the earth;

21 Whose leaves were fair, and the fruit thereof much, and in it was meat for all; under which the beasts of the field dwelt, and upon whose branches the fowls of the heaven had their habitation:

22 It is thou, O king, that art grown and become strong: for thy greatness is grown, and reacheth unto heaven, and thy dominion to the end of the earth.

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;

24 This is the interpretation, O king, and this is the decree of the most High, which is come upon my lord the king:

25 That they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and they shall wet thee with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass over thee, till thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.

26 And whereas they commanded to leave the stump of the tree roots; thy kingdom shall be sure unto thee, after that thou shalt have known that the heavens do rule.

27 Wherefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable unto thee, and break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by shewing mercy to the poor; if it may be a lengthening of thy tranquillity.

We have here the interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar's dream; and when once it is applied to himself, and it is declared that he is the tree in the dream (Mutato nomine de te fabula narratur - Change but the name, the fable speaks of thee), when once it is said, Thou art the man, there needs little more to be said for the explication of the dream. Out of his own mouth he is judged; so shall his doom be, he himself has decided it. The thing was so plain that Daniel, upon hearing the dream, was astonished for one hour, Dan 4:19. He was struck with amazement and terror at so great a judgment coming upon so great a prince. His flesh trembled for fear of God. He was likewise struck with confusion when he found himself under a necessity of being the man that must bring to the king these heavy tidings, which, having received so many favours from the king, he had rather he should have heard from any one else; so far is he from desiring the woeful day that he dreads it, and the thoughts of it trouble him. Those that come after the ruined sinner are said to be astonished at his day, as those that went before, and saw it coming (as Daniel here), were affrighted, Job 18:20.

I. The preface to the interpretation is a civil compliment which, as a courtier, he passes upon the king. The king observed him to stand as one astonished, and, thinking he was loth to speak out for fear of offending him, he encouraged him to deal plainly and faithfully with him; Let not the dream, nor the interpretation thereof, trouble thee. This he speaks either, 1. As one that sincerely desired to know this truth. Note, Those that consult the oracles of God must be ready to receive them as they are, whether they be for them or against them, and must accordingly give their ministers leave to be free with them. Or, 2. As one that despised the truth, and set it at defiance. When we see how regardless he was of this warning afterwards we are tempted to think that this was his meaning; "Let it not trouble thee, for I am resolved it shall not trouble me; nor will I lay it to heart." But, whether he have any concern for himself or no, Daniel is concerned for him, and therefore wishes, "The dream be to those that hate thee. Let the ill it bodes light on the head of thy enemies, not on thy head." Though Nebuchadnezzar was an idolater, a persecutor, and an oppressor of the people of God, yet he was, at present, Daniel's prince; and therefore, though Daniel foresees, and is now going to foretell, ill concerning him, he dares not wish ill to him.

II. The interpretation itself is only a repetition of the dream, with application to the king. "As for the tree which thou sawest flourishing (Dan 4:20, Dan 4:21), it is thou, O king!" Dan 4:22. And willing enough would the king be to hear this (as, before, to hear, Thou art the head of gold), but for that which follows. He shows the king his present prosperous state in the glass of his own dream; "Thy greatness has grown and reaches as near to heaven as human greatness can do, and thy dominion is to the end of the earth," Dan 2:37, Dan 2:38. "As for the doom passed upon the tree (Dan 4:23), it is the decree of the Most High, which comes upon my lord the king," Dan 4:24. He must not only be deposed from his throne, but driven from men, and being deprived of his reason, and having a beast's heart given him, his dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and with them he shall be a fellow-commoner: he shall eat grass as oxen, and, like them, lie out all weathers, and be wet with the dew of heaven, and this till seven times pass over him, that is, seven years; and then he shall know that the Most High rules, and when he is brought to know and own this he shall be restored to his dominion again (Dan 4:26): "Thy kingdom shall be sure unto thee, shall remain as firm as the stump of the tree in the ground, and thou shalt have it, after thou shalt have known that the heavens do rule." God is here called the heavens, because it is in heaven that he has prepared his throne (Psa 103:19), thence he beholds all the sons of men, Psa 33:13. The heavens, even the heavens, are the Lord's; and the influence which the visible heavens have upon this earth is intended as a faint representation of the dominion the God of heaven has over this lower world; we are said to sin against heaven, Luk 15:18. Note, Then only we may expect comfortably to enjoy our right in, and government of, both ourselves and others, when we dutifully acknowledge God's title to, and dominion over, us and all we have.

III. The close of the interpretation is the pious counsel which Daniel, as a prophet, gave the king, Dan 4:27. Whether he appeared concerned or not at the interpretation of the dream, a word of advice would be very seasonable - if careless, to awaken him, if troubled, to comfort him; and it is not inconsistent with the dream and the interpretation of it, for Daniel knew not but it might be conditional, like the prediction of Nineveh's destruction. Observe, 1. How humbly he gives his advice, and with what tenderness and respect: "O king! let my counsel be acceptable unto thee; take it in good part, as coming from love, and well-meant, and let it not be misinterpreted." Note, Sinners need to be courted to their own good, and respectfully entreated to do well for themselves. The apostle beseeches men to suffer the word of exhortation, Heb 13:22. We think it a good point gained if people will be persuaded to take good counsel kindly; nay, if they will take it patiently. 2. What his advice is. He does not counsel him to enter into a course of physic, for the preventing of the distemper in his head, but to break off a course of sin that he was in, to reform his life. He wronged his own subjects, and dealt unfairly with his allies; and he must break off this by righteousness, by rendering to all their due, making amends for wrong done, and not triumphing over right with might. He had been cruel to the poor, to God's poor, to the poor Jews; and he must break off this iniquity by showing mercy to those poor, pitying those oppressed ones, setting them at liberty or making their captivity easy to them. Note, It is necessary, in repentance, that we not only cease to do evil, but learn to do well, not only do no wrong to any, but do good to all. 3. What the motive is with which he backs this advice: If it may be a lengthening of thy tranquility. Though it should not wholly prevent the judgment, yet by this means a reprieve may be obtained, as by Ahab's humbling himself, Kg1 21:29. Either the trouble may be the longer before it comes or the shorter when it does come; yet he cannot assure him of this, but it may be, it may prove so. Note, The mere probability of preventing a temporal judgment is inducement enough to a work so good in itself as the leaving off of our sins and reforming of our lives, much more the certainty of preventing our eternal ruin. "That will be a healing of thy error" (so some read it); "thus the quarrel will be taken up, and all will be well again."

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 19–27. Public domain.

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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.

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