Daniel 4:25

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

That they shall drive {H2957} thee from {H4481} men {H606}, and thy dwelling {H4070} shall be {H1934} with {H5974} the beasts {H2423} of the field {H1251}, and they shall make thee to eat {H2939} grass {H6211} as oxen {H8450}, and they shall wet {H6647} thee with the dew {H2920} of heaven {H8065}, and seven {H7655} times {H5732} shall pass {H2499} over {H5922} thee, till {H5705} thou know {H3046} that the most High {H5943} ruleth {H7990} in the kingdom {H4437} of men {H606}, and giveth {H5415} it to whomsoever {H4479} he will {H6634}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'You will be driven from human society to live with the wild animals. You will be made to eat grass like an ox and be drenched with dew from the sky, as seven seasons pass over you; until you learn that the Most High rules in the human kingdom and gives it to whomever he pleases.

Berean Standard Bible

You will be driven away from mankind, and your dwelling will be with the beasts of the field. You will feed on grass like an ox and be drenched with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass you by, until you acknowledge that the Most High rules over the kingdom of mankind and gives it to whom He wishes.

American Standard Version

that thou shalt be driven from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and thou shalt be made to eat grass as oxen, and shalt be wet 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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 4:25 details the specific and severe judgment prophesied against King Nebuchadnezzar, outlining his expulsion from human society, his dwelling among wild animals, and his sustenance on grass like an ox. This profound humbling, marked by a period of "seven times," is explicitly designed to bring the proud monarch to a profound realization: that the Most High God alone possesses ultimate sovereignty over all earthly kingdoms and bestows authority according to His divine will.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is central to Daniel's interpretation of King Nebuchadnezzar's second profound dream, as recorded in [Daniel 4:10-17](/daniel/4-10 "Daniel 4:10-17 - Nebuchadnezzar's Dream of the Great Tree"). The dream vividly portrayed a magnificent tree reaching to heaven, symbolizing the king's immense power and dominion over the known world. However, a divine decree commanded the tree's felling, leaving only a stump, signifying Nebuchadnezzar's impending fall from power and sanity. Daniel, uniquely gifted by God, reveals that this judgment is a direct consequence of the king's escalating pride, particularly his boastful declaration in [Daniel 4:30](/daniel/4-30 "Daniel 4:30 - Nebuchadnezzar's Prideful Boast") about his own might in building Babylon. Verse 25 precisely articulates the nature, duration, and ultimate purpose of this divinely ordained discipline, setting the stage for the king's eventual restoration and confession of God's supremacy, as detailed in [Daniel 4:34-37](/daniel/4-34 "Daniel 4:34-37 - Nebuchadnezzar's Restoration and Praise").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Nebuchadnezzar reigned over the Neo-Babylonian Empire, an unparalleled superpower of its time. Ancient Near Eastern monarchs, including Nebuchadnezzar, often viewed themselves as divine or divinely appointed, holding absolute and unquestionable authority. The city of Babylon itself, with its monumental architecture like the Ishtar Gate and the Hanging Gardens, was a testament to Nebuchadnezzar's power and served as a physical manifestation of his pride. For such a king, accustomed to opulent palaces and universal deference, being "driven from men" and reduced to living like an animal was the ultimate humiliation. This public and profound degradation would have been an unthinkable disgrace, designed to shatter his self-perception and challenge the very foundation of his perceived divine right to rule, demonstrating God's superior authority over even the most powerful earthly potentates.

* **Key Themes:** The verse profoundly contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Daniel. First and foremost is **Divine Sovereignty**, powerfully articulated by the phrase "the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will." This asserts God's absolute control over all earthly powers and rulers, a truth consistently emphasized throughout Daniel, notably in [Daniel 4:17](/daniel/4-17 "Daniel 4:17 - God's Rule Over Kingdoms") and [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons, Removes Kings"). Second is the theme of **Humility and Judgment**, where Nebuchadnezzar's transformation into a beast-like state serves as a stark warning against pride and self-exaltation. God uses drastic measures to humble those who refuse to acknowledge His supremacy, underscoring the biblical principle that [pride goes before destruction](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride and Destruction"). Finally, the verse highlights **Discipline for Recognition**, as the affliction is explicitly stated to last "till thou know that the most High ruleth." This reveals the remedial nature of God's judgment, designed not merely for punishment but to bring Nebuchadnezzar to a genuine understanding and acknowledgment of God's ultimate authority and to foster true repentance.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **drive (Aramaic, _ṭᵉrad'_):** This Aramaic word (H2957) means "to expel" or "to drive out." In the context of Daniel 4:25, it signifies a forceful and involuntary removal of Nebuchadnezzar from human society. It implies a complete severance from his royal duties, his palace, and all human interaction, emphasizing the severity and totality of his judgment.
* **dwelling (Aramaic, _mᵉdôwr'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to dwell," this Aramaic term (H4070) refers to a habitation or abode. Here, it starkly contrasts Nebuchadnezzar's former opulent palace with a new, animalistic abode "with the beasts of the field." This word underscores the radical shift in his living conditions, highlighting his degradation from a king of men to a companion of wild animals.
* **know (Aramaic, _yᵉdaʻ'_):** This Aramaic word (H3046) signifies "to know," encompassing understanding, recognition, and experiential knowledge. The phrase "till thou know" reveals the ultimate purpose of Nebuchadnezzar's humbling: it is a divinely orchestrated process intended to bring him to a profound, undeniable, and personal acknowledgment of God's supreme rule. It implies a transformation from intellectual assent to a deep, experiential conviction.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"That they shall drive thee from men,"**: This clause describes the initial and most shocking aspect of the judgment: Nebuchadnezzar's complete expulsion from human society. "They" refers to the divine agents, likely angels, who execute God's decree. This removal signifies not just physical separation but a loss of his human identity, status, and reason.
* **"and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field,"**: This specifies the nature of his new existence. The king, once residing in the grandest palace of the ancient world, will now live in the wilderness, sharing the habitat of wild animals. This detail emphasizes his profound degradation and loss of human dignity.
* **"and they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen,"**: This further illustrates the extent of his transformation and humiliation. His diet will change from royal delicacies to the food of cattle, reinforcing his animalistic existence. This is a vivid image of his complete loss of human reason and sophisticated behavior.
* **"and they shall wet thee with the dew of heaven,"**: This detail paints a picture of his exposure to the elements, living outdoors without shelter. The dew of heaven, normally a blessing for vegetation, here highlights his vulnerability and the harshness of his new, unsheltered life, further emphasizing his animalistic state.
* **"and seven times shall pass over thee,"**: This crucial phrase indicates the duration of his affliction. While "times" can be ambiguous, scholarly consensus, supported by the narrative's context, interprets this as "seven years." This fixed period signifies a divinely determined duration for his judgment and subsequent restoration.
* **"till thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men,"**: This is the pivotal purpose clause of the entire judgment. The affliction is not arbitrary but remedial, designed to bring Nebuchadnezzar to a profound, experiential understanding and acknowledgment of God's absolute sovereignty over all human affairs and rulers.
* **"and giveth it to whomsoever he will."**: This final declaration reinforces the Most High's ultimate authority. God is not merely a distant ruler but actively intervenes in human history, raising up and bringing down kings and kingdoms according to His sovereign will and purpose, without needing human consultation or permission.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 4:25 is rich in **Symbolism** and **Irony**. The magnificent tree from Nebuchadnezzar's dream is a powerful symbol of his vast power and dominion, which is then dramatically cut down, symbolizing his fall. His transformation into a beast, eating grass and living among animals, is a profound symbol of his loss of reason and human dignity, directly contrasting with his former elevated status. This entire scenario is steeped in **Irony**: the most powerful king on earth, who boasted of his own might, is reduced to the lowest possible state, becoming indistinguishable from the very animals he once ruled over. This reversal of fortune serves as a stark and unforgettable lesson in humility. The verse also functions as **Prophecy**, foretelling the precise nature and duration of Nebuchadnezzar's affliction, which is later fulfilled within the chapter, demonstrating the reliability of God's word and His control over future events.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 4:25 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of divine sovereignty and human pride. It asserts that God's rule is not merely over the spiritual realm but extends directly into the temporal affairs of humanity, including the rise and fall of nations and their leaders. Nebuchadnezzar's humbling demonstrates that no human power, however vast or seemingly invincible, can stand against the Most High. This judgment is a powerful reminder that all authority is delegated by God, and true wisdom lies in acknowledging His ultimate supremacy rather than succumbing to self-exalting pride. The "seven times" of affliction highlight God's patient yet firm discipline, designed to bring about a transformative knowledge and acknowledgment of His rightful place as the supreme ruler.

* [Daniel 4:17](/daniel/4-17 "Daniel 4:17 - God's Sovereignty Over Kingdoms")
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")
* [Psalm 75:7](/psalms/75-7 "Psalm 75:7 - God Judges and Exalts")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 4:25 offers enduring lessons for every individual, especially those in positions of influence or authority. It is a powerful call to humility, reminding us that any power, talent, or success we possess is ultimately a gift from God, to be stewarded for His glory, not our own. The narrative challenges us to examine our hearts for any subtle forms of pride or self-sufficiency, urging us to acknowledge God's sovereignty in every aspect of our lives. Furthermore, the "seven times" of Nebuchadnezzar's suffering reveal God's redemptive purpose even in severe trials; difficulties and humbling experiences can be God's instruments to bring us to a deeper, more authentic understanding of His character and our absolute dependence on Him. It teaches us to trust that even when life feels like a wilderness, God is at work, shaping us to recognize His supreme rule and to live in alignment with His will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be prone to pride or self-reliance, failing to acknowledge God's ultimate sovereignty?**
* **How does the story of Nebuchadnezzar challenge my understanding of power, success, and human achievement?**
* **Can I identify times in my life when God used humbling circumstances to bring me to a deeper knowledge of Him? What did I learn?**
* **How can I more consistently live out the truth that "the Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever He will" in my daily decisions and interactions?**

### FAQ
**What does "seven times" mean in Daniel 4:25?**

Answer: While the Aramaic word for "times" (`ʻiddân`, H5732) can refer to an indefinite period, in the context of Daniel 4:25 and the subsequent narrative, it is almost universally interpreted by scholars to mean "seven years." This specific duration signifies the divinely appointed period of Nebuchadnezzar's madness and animalistic existence, after which his sanity and kingdom would be restored. This interpretation is supported by the detailed description of his physical transformation and eventual recovery.

**Was Nebuchadnezzar's illness a known medical condition?**

Answer: Scholars have debated the precise medical diagnosis for Nebuchadnezzar's condition. Some suggest a rare psychological disorder called clinical lycanthropy or boanthropy, where an individual believes they are an animal (in this case, an ox) and acts accordingly. However, the biblical account describes a supernatural intervention, a direct divine judgment that transcends typical medical explanations. The severity, suddenness, and specific duration of his condition, coupled with its explicit purpose ("till thou know that the most High ruleth"), point to a miraculous, divinely orchestrated affliction rather than a purely natural illness.

**How does this verse apply to modern leaders and nations?**

Answer: Daniel 4:25 serves as a timeless reminder that all earthly authority, whether held by political leaders, corporate executives, or any individual in a position of influence, is ultimately subordinate to God's supreme sovereignty. It warns against the dangers of pride and self-exaltation, emphasizing that God can humble even the most powerful. For nations, it underscores that their rise and fall are ultimately within God's control, and He "giveth it to whomsoever he will." Modern leaders are called to govern with humility, justice, and an acknowledgment of a higher authority, recognizing that their power is a stewardship from God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel 4:25, with its profound declaration that "the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will," finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Nebuchadnezzar was humbled to acknowledge God's sovereignty, Jesus, the Son of God, voluntarily humbled Himself, not from pride but from divine love, taking "the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humility")). The authority that God the Father gives "to whomsoever he will" is definitively given to Christ, for "all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me" ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Christ")). Nebuchadnezzar's temporary reign pales in comparison to Christ's eternal and universal dominion; He is the "King of kings and Lord of lords" ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings")), whose kingdom "shall never be destroyed" ([Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - The Eternal Kingdom of God")). The humbling of Nebuchadnezzar served to reveal God's power over human kingdoms, but in Christ, we see God's ultimate reign not just *over* humanity, but *for* humanity, culminating in His redemptive work on the cross and His glorious resurrection, through which He establishes a spiritual kingdom that will encompass all who believe ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom is Not of This World")).

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 4:17

This matter [is] by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men.

Jeremiah 27:5

I have made the earth, the man and the beast that [are] upon the ground, by my great power and by my outstretched arm, and have given it unto whom it seemed meet unto me.

Psalms 83:18

That [men] may know that thou, whose name alone [is] JEHOVAH, [art] the most high over all the earth.

Daniel 2:21

And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:

Psalms 106:20

Thus they changed their glory into the similitude of an ox that eateth grass.

Job 30:3

For want and famine [they were] solitary; fleeing into the wilderness in former time desolate and waste.

Job 30:8

[They were] children of fools, yea, children of base men: they were viler than the earth.