Daniel 4:22

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

It is thou {H607}, O king {H4430}, that art grown {H7236} and become strong {H8631}: for thy greatness {H7238} is grown {H7236}, and reacheth {H4291} unto heaven {H8065}, and thy dominion {H7985} to the end {H5491} of the earth {H772}.

Complete Jewish Bible

it's you, your majesty! You have grown and become strong - your greatness has grown and reaches to heaven, and your rule extends to the end of the earth.

Berean Standard Bible

you, O king, are that tree! For you have become great and strong; your greatness has grown to reach the sky, and your dominion extends to the ends of the earth.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 4:22 serves as the direct interpretation of King Nebuchadnezzar's dream, where the prophet Daniel unequivocally identifies the king as the magnificent tree he witnessed in his vision. This verse powerfully describes Nebuchadnezzar's unparalleled growth, immense strength, and the vast, far-reaching dominion of his Babylonian empire, setting the stage for the subsequent divine humbling and restoration of the proud monarch.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is central to the narrative of Daniel chapter 4, which recounts King Nebuchadnezzar's second significant dream and its divinely inspired interpretation by Daniel. Following the king's vivid dream of a towering tree that reached to heaven and provided for all the earth's creatures, Nebuchadnezzar was deeply troubled. After his own wise men failed to provide an interpretation, Daniel, known for his spiritual insight and God-given ability to interpret dreams (as seen in [Daniel 2](/daniel/2 "Daniel 2 - Nebuchadnezzar's First Dream")), was summoned. Daniel 4:22 immediately follows Daniel's initial description of the dream and directly applies the symbolism of the great tree to Nebuchadnezzar himself, establishing the king's immense power and global influence as the subject of the divine message. The verses that follow (e.g., [Daniel 4:23-26](/daniel/4-23 "Daniel 4:23-26 - The Divine Decree Against Nebuchadnezzar")) then detail the impending judgment and the reason for it, making this verse the pivotal point of identification.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Nebuchadnezzar II (reigned c. 605–562 BC) was one of the most powerful and successful monarchs of the Neo-Babylonian Empire. His reign marked a period of significant expansion, construction, and cultural flourishing, making Babylon the preeminent city of the ancient Near East. The description of his "greatness...reacheth unto heaven, and thy dominion to the end of the earth" is not mere hyperbole but reflects the historical reality of his vast empire, which stretched from Egypt to Mesopotamia, encompassing a significant portion of the then-known world. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, kings often claimed divine favor or even divine status, and their power was frequently depicted in grandiose terms, such as a mighty tree or a towering mountain. This cultural backdrop helps us understand why Nebuchadnezzar's pride became such a central issue, as his self-perception aligned with the common royal ideology of his time, which often neglected the ultimate sovereignty of a transcendent God.
* **Key Themes:** Daniel 4:22 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Daniel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Sovereignty over Human Kingdoms**. While acknowledging Nebuchadnezzar's immense earthly power, the verse implicitly sets the stage for the revelation that even such a mighty king's dominion is ultimately subject to God's control, a theme explicitly stated in [Daniel 4:17](/daniel/4-17 "Daniel 4:17 - God's Sovereignty Over Kingdoms"). Secondly, it introduces the theme of **Human Pride and Humiliation**. Nebuchadnezzar's "greatness" and "dominion" are presented as facts, but the subsequent narrative reveals how this unchecked power led to hubris, necessitating divine intervention to humble him. This serves as a cautionary tale against self-exaltation. Thirdly, the verse foreshadows the **Temporary Nature of Earthly Power**. Despite its vastness, Nebuchadnezzar's empire, like all human empires, was destined to pass, contrasting with God's eternal kingdom (as seen in [Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - The Eternal Kingdom of God")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **grown (Aramaic, _rᵉbâh'_):** This Aramaic verb, corresponding to the Hebrew `רָבָה`, signifies an increase in any respect—quantity, size, or dignity. In Daniel 4:22, it emphasizes not just Nebuchadnezzar's physical growth but, more importantly, the expansion of his power, influence, and stature as a monarch. It speaks to the immense scale of his rise and the flourishing of his empire, mirroring the growth of the great tree in his dream.
* **reacheth (Aramaic, _mᵉṭâʼ'_):** This Aramaic verb means "to arrive," "extend," or "happen." Here, it vividly portrays the extensive reach of Nebuchadnezzar's greatness. The phrase "reacheth unto heaven" is a hyperbolic expression indicating an extraordinary, almost boundless, height and influence, suggesting that his renown and power were universally acknowledged and seemingly without limit, touching the very heavens themselves.
* **dominion (Aramaic, _sholṭân'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to rule," this Aramaic noun refers to empire, authority, or concrete power. It underscores the vast territorial and political control Nebuchadnezzar exercised. The phrase "to the end of the earth" further amplifies the scope of his rule, signifying that his authority extended over the entire known world, making him the supreme earthly ruler of his time.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"It [is] thou, O king, that art grown and become strong:"** Daniel directly addresses Nebuchadnezzar, removing any ambiguity about the dream's subject. The language of "grown and become strong" directly connects the king to the image of the mighty tree, signifying his personal and imperial development into a formidable and powerful ruler. This clause establishes the identity of the dream's central figure, setting the stage for the interpretation of his vast influence.
* **"for thy greatness is grown, and reacheth unto heaven,"** This clause elaborates on the nature of Nebuchadnezzar's growth, specifically attributing it to his "greatness." This "greatness" encompasses his immense power, wealth, and reputation. The hyperbole "reacheth unto heaven" emphasizes the extraordinary, almost divine, scale of his stature and renown, suggesting a level of influence and recognition that was unparalleled in the ancient world, seemingly touching the very abode of God.
* **"and thy dominion to the end of the earth."** This final phrase defines the geographical and political scope of Nebuchadnezzar's power. "Dominion" refers to his imperial authority and rule, while "to the end of the earth" signifies the vast territorial extent of his empire. It communicates that his authority was not merely symbolic but extended practically across the entire known world, making him the supreme earthly sovereign.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 4:22 makes effective use of several **literary devices** to convey its message. The primary device is **Metaphor**, where King Nebuchadnezzar is directly identified with the great tree from his dream. This metaphor powerfully illustrates his immense growth, strength, and the widespread nature of his dominion. The tree, with its height, shade, and provision, symbolizes the king's protective and sustaining role over his vast empire. **Hyperbole** is also prominently employed in the phrases "reacheth unto heaven" and "to the end of the earth." These exaggerations emphasize the extraordinary, almost boundless, scale of Nebuchadnezzar's power and influence, conveying a sense of universal recognition and control that transcends normal human limitations. Furthermore, the verse uses **Foreshadowing**, as this description of immense human power and ambition, reaching "unto heaven," subtly hints at the hubris that will lead to Nebuchadnezzar's downfall, setting the stage for the subsequent divine judgment and humbling described later in the chapter.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 4:22, while affirming Nebuchadnezzar's immense earthly power, simultaneously lays the groundwork for the profound theological truth that all human authority, no matter how vast, is ultimately subordinate to God's supreme sovereignty. The king's greatness, though reaching "unto heaven," is still a created and therefore limited greatness. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that human dominion is always provisional and subject to divine will, setting up the dramatic demonstration of God's power to humble the proud and exalt the humble later in the chapter. It highlights the biblical principle that true authority flows from God, and any attempt to claim absolute power apart from Him is an act of pride that will ultimately be brought low.

* [Psalm 75:6-7](/psalms/75-6 "Psalm 75:6-7 - God Exalts and Humbles")
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")
* [Romans 13:1](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1 - All Authority is from God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 4:22 offers a potent mirror for self-reflection in an age often characterized by ambition and the pursuit of power. It prompts us to consider the source of our own "greatness" or accomplishments, whether in personal influence, professional success, or material possessions. Like Nebuchadnezzar, it is easy to attribute our achievements solely to our own strength, wisdom, or effort, forgetting the divine hand that enables and sustains us. This verse serves as a profound caution against the perils of pride and self-exaltation, reminding us that true humility involves acknowledging God as the ultimate source of all power and blessing. It challenges us to hold our achievements loosely, recognizing their temporary nature and the ultimate sovereignty of God over all aspects of our lives. Living in light of this truth fosters gratitude, dependence, and a right perspective on our place in God's grand design.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I tend to attribute success solely to my own efforts, rather than acknowledging God's provision?**
* **How can I cultivate a spirit of humility, even when experiencing significant personal or professional growth?**
* **What does Nebuchadnezzar's story teach me about the temporary nature of earthly power and the enduring nature of God's sovereignty?**

### FAQ
**Was Nebuchadnezzar's "greatness" truly a bad thing?**

Answer: Not inherently. The verse itself describes his greatness as a fact, a reflection of his historical power and dominion. The issue was not the greatness itself, but Nebuchadnezzar's *attitude* towards it. His failure to acknowledge that his power came from God, and his subsequent pride and self-exaltation (as seen in [Daniel 4:30](/daniel/4-30 "Daniel 4:30 - Nebuchadnezzar's Boast")), were the problems. God is not against human flourishing or leadership, but He opposes pride and those who take His glory for themselves (see [Isaiah 42:8](/isaiah/42-8 "Isaiah 42:8 - God Will Not Share His Glory")). The dream and its interpretation were a warning to humble him before his pride led to his downfall.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Daniel 4:22 describes the unparalleled, yet temporary, dominion of an earthly king, it powerfully foreshadows the ultimate and eternal dominion of Jesus Christ. Nebuchadnezzar's greatness "reacheth unto heaven, and thy dominion to the end of the earth," but this was a finite, human-achieved, and divinely-granted power that would eventually be stripped away. In contrast, Christ's dominion is not merely vast but absolute and everlasting. He is the true King whose "greatness" is inherent, not granted, for He is God incarnate. The New Testament consistently portrays Jesus as the one to whom all authority in heaven and on earth has been given ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). His "dominion" truly extends "to the end of the earth" and beyond, encompassing all creation, for "by Him all things were created... and in Him all things hold together" ([Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ as Creator and Sustainer")). Unlike Nebuchadnezzar, whose pride led to humiliation, Christ's humility and obedience led to His exaltation, where "every knee should bow... and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord" ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation")). Thus, Daniel 4:22, by showcasing the pinnacle of human power and its limitations, magnifies the boundless and eternal reign of the King of kings, Jesus Christ.

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 2:37

Thou, O king, [art] a king of kings: for the God of heaven hath given thee a kingdom, power, and strength, and glory.

Daniel 2:38

And wheresoever the children of men dwell, the beasts of the field and the fowls of the heaven hath he given into thine hand, and hath made thee ruler over them all. Thou [art] this head of gold.

2 Samuel 12:7

And Nathan said to David, Thou [art] the man. Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I anointed thee king over Israel, and I delivered thee out of the hand of Saul;

Jeremiah 27:6

And now have I given all these lands into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, my servant; and the beasts of the field have I given him also to serve him.

Jeremiah 27:8

And it shall come to pass, [that] the nation and kingdom which will not serve the same Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, and that will not put their neck under the yoke of the king of Babylon, that nation will I punish, saith the LORD, with the sword, and with the famine, and with the pestilence, until I have consumed them by his hand.

Matthew 14:4

For John said unto him, It is not lawful for thee to have her.

Daniel 5:18

O thou king, the most high God gave Nebuchadnezzar thy father a kingdom, and majesty, and glory, and honour: