Daniel 4:21

KJV

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:

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}:

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 -

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—

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:

Commentary

### 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](/daniel/4 "Daniel 4 - Nebuchadnezzar's Dream and Humbling"), 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](/daniel/2 "Daniel 2 - Nebuchadnezzar's First Dream and Interpretation"). 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](/zekiel/31 "Ezekiel 31 - Pharaoh as a Cedar of Lebanon"), 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](/daniel/4-33-37 "Daniel 4:33-37 - Nebuchadnezzar's Humbling and Restoration"). 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'_):** 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'_):** 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'_):** 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](/daniel/4-17 "Daniel 4:17 - God's Sovereignty over Kingdoms")). 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](/zekiel/31-3-6 "Ezekiel 31:3-6 - Assyria as a Mighty Cedar") - 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](/psalms/104-27-28 "Psalm 104:27-28 - God's Universal Provision") - 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](/psalms/75-7 "Psalm 75:7 - God Judges and Exalts") - 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](/daniel/4-22 "Daniel 4:22 - The Tree is You, O King!"), 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](/daniel/4 "Daniel 4 - Nebuchadnezzar's Dream and Humbling") 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](/daniel/4-17 "Daniel 4:17 - God's Sovereignty over Kingdoms")). 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](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")" who satisfies all spiritual hunger and the "[living water](/john/4-14 "John 4:14 - Jesus, 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](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). 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](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ Upholds All Things")) and in whom "all things hold together" ([Colossians 1:17](/colossians/1-17 "Colossians 1:17 - Christ Holds All Things Together")). 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](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Eternal Kingdom")).

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.