Daniel 4:27

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Wherefore {H3861}, O king {H4430}, let my counsel {H4431} be acceptable {H8232} unto thee {H5922}, and break off {H6562} thy sins {H2408} by righteousness {H6665}, and thine iniquities {H5758} by shewing mercy {H2604} to the poor {H6033}; if {H2006} it may be {H1934} a lengthening {H754} of thy tranquillity {H7963}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore, your majesty, please take my advice: break with your sins by replacing them with acts of charity, and break with your crimes by showing mercy to the poor; this may extend the time of your prosperity.'

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore, may my advice be pleasing to you, O king. Break away from your sins by doing what is right, and from your iniquities by showing mercy to the oppressed. Perhaps there will be an extension of your prosperity.”

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 4:27 captures Daniel's urgent and compassionate counsel to King Nebuchadnezzar, delivered immediately after interpreting the king's terrifying dream of a felled tree. Recognizing the impending divine judgment for the king's pride and unrighteousness, Daniel implores Nebuchadnezzar to avert or at least delay the decreed punishment by embracing genuine repentance. This repentance is defined by a decisive break from sin through righteous living and, specifically, by demonstrating active mercy and justice towards the poor, thereby offering a path to potentially prolong his period of peace and stability.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the climactic exhortation following Daniel's interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar's second prophetic dream in [Daniel chapter 4](/daniel/4 "Daniel 4 - Nebuchadnezzar's Dream and Humiliation"). The dream, detailed from [Daniel 4:10-17](/daniel/4-10 "Daniel 4:10-17 - The Dream of the Great Tree"), depicted a magnificent tree reaching to heaven, symbolizing the king's immense power and dominion. A divine decree from a "watcher and an holy one" (a heavenly messenger) commanded the tree's felling, leaving only its stump bound with iron and bronze, signifying the king's impending humiliation: he would be driven from human society, live like a beast, and his mind would be changed until he acknowledged the sovereignty of "the most High" over all kingdoms ([Daniel 4:25](/daniel/4-25 "Daniel 4:25 - The Interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar's Humiliation")). Daniel, deeply troubled by the vision's implications for the king ([Daniel 4:19](/daniel/4-19 "Daniel 4:19 - Daniel's Distress")), courageously offers this unsolicited but divinely inspired counsel, presenting a glimmer of hope for mitigation or postponement of the severe judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Nebuchadnezzar was the most powerful monarch of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, ruling from 605-562 BC. His reign saw the empire reach its zenith, marked by impressive building projects in Babylon and extensive military campaigns, including the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of the Judeans. In the ancient Near East, kings often viewed themselves as divinely appointed or even divine, exercising absolute power. Nebuchadnezzar's colossal pride, evident throughout the book of Daniel (e.g., his boast in [Daniel 4:30](/daniel/4-30 "Daniel 4:30 - Nebuchadnezzar's Boast")), was a direct affront to the sovereignty of the one true God, Yahweh. Daniel's counsel, therefore, was not merely a call for moral improvement but a direct challenge to the prevailing imperial ideology, urging the king to humble himself before the supreme divine authority, a concept largely foreign to the pagan worldview of absolute monarchical power.
* **Key Themes:** Daniel 4:27 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Daniel and biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty**, emphasizing that "the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men" ([Daniel 4:17](/daniel/4-17 "Daniel 4:17 - God's Sovereignty Over Kingdoms")). Nebuchadnezzar's dream and Daniel's interpretation underscore that even the mightiest earthly rulers are subject to God's ultimate authority. The verse also highlights the theme of **Repentance and Transformation**, presenting a clear path for an individual, even a pagan king, to avert or delay divine judgment through a genuine change of heart and action. This is intrinsically linked to **Justice and Righteousness**, as Daniel specifies that repentance must manifest in concrete acts of righteousness and, notably, **Mercy to the Poor**. This demonstrates that true piety is not merely internal but has tangible social dimensions, particularly in caring for the vulnerable, a principle echoed throughout the prophetic tradition (e.g., [Amos 5:24](/amos/5-24 "Amos 5:24 - Justice Like a River")). Finally, the conditional phrase "if it may be a lengthening of thy tranquillity" speaks to **God's Grace and Patience**, revealing that even when judgment is decreed, God often provides an opportunity for individuals to respond in a way that can alter the immediate outcome or timing of consequences, demonstrating His desire for restoration over retribution.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **break off (Aramaic, _pᵉraq'_):** H6562. This word means "to discontinue" or "to sever." It implies a radical and decisive cessation of sinful practices, not merely a temporary pause or a superficial adjustment. Daniel is calling for a complete rupture with Nebuchadnezzar's past unrighteousness.
* **sins (Aramaic, _chăṭîy'_):** H2408. Derived from a root meaning "to miss the mark," this term refers to "an offence" or "sin." In this context, it encompasses Nebuchadnezzar's general moral failings and, more specifically, the pride and injustice that have characterized his rule and provoked divine displeasure.
* **tranquillity (Aramaic, _shᵉlêvâh'_):** H7963. This word signifies "safety" or "tranquillity." Daniel suggests that genuine repentance and righteous action could lead to a "lengthening" (H754, _ʼarkâʼ_) of the king's current state of peace and prosperity, implying a delay or mitigation of the prophesied period of madness and humiliation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Wherefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable unto thee,"**: Daniel, having delivered the daunting interpretation, now transitions to a plea, humbly yet firmly asking the king to receive his advice. This opening underscores the gravity of the situation and Daniel's pastoral concern for Nebuchadnezzar.
* **"and break off thy sins by righteousness,"**: This is the core of Daniel's exhortation. The king is urged to make a decisive and radical break from his sinful ways. The means of this break is "righteousness," implying a turning away from his previous pride and injustice towards actions that align with divine standards of justice and moral rectitude.
* **"and thine iniquities by shewing mercy to the poor;"**: This clause specifies a crucial aspect of the required righteousness. "Iniquities" refers to perverted or twisted actions, likely encompassing the king's oppressive or neglectful treatment of the vulnerable. The remedy is active "mercy to the poor," highlighting social justice and compassion as indispensable components of true repentance and a practical demonstration of righteousness.
* **"if it may be a lengthening of thy tranquillity."**: This concluding phrase presents the conditional hope. Daniel does not guarantee complete annulment of the judgment but suggests that genuine repentance might lead to a "lengthening" or postponement of the decreed period of suffering and loss of peace. It underscores God's willingness to respond to human repentance with grace.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 4:27 employs several significant literary devices. The entire chapter is structured around a **Dream Narrative**, where the symbolic imagery of the great tree ([Daniel 4:10-12](/daniel/4-10 "Daniel 4:10-12 - The Dream's Imagery")) serves as a powerful **Symbolism** for Nebuchadnezzar's dominion and impending fall. Daniel's counsel itself is a direct **Exhortation**, an urgent and compassionate plea from a prophet to a king, demonstrating both boldness and genuine concern. The verse also features a clear **Conditional Statement** ("if it may be a lengthening of thy tranquillity"), which introduces an element of hope and divine grace, suggesting that the consequences of sin are not always irrevocably fixed if there is sincere repentance. This conditional phrasing highlights God's patience and His desire for humanity to turn from destructive paths.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 4:27 beautifully illustrates the biblical principle that divine judgment, though certain for unrepentant sin, is often accompanied by an offer of grace and an opportunity for mitigation through genuine repentance. This verse underscores that true righteousness is not merely an internal state but is demonstrated through outward acts of justice and mercy, particularly towards the vulnerable. It reveals God's character as both sovereign judge and merciful Father, who desires that even the most powerful rulers acknowledge His authority and turn from their pride and oppression. The call to show "mercy to the poor" links the king's spiritual state directly to his social responsibilities, a recurring theme in prophetic literature where social justice is inseparable from true worship and obedience to God.

* [Proverbs 28:13](/proverbs/28-13 "Proverbs 28:13 - Confession and Mercy")
* [Isaiah 1:16-17](/isaiah/1-16 "Isaiah 1:16-17 - Wash and Be Clean")
* [Micah 6:8](/micah/6-8 "Micah 6:8 - What the Lord Requires")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel's counsel to Nebuchadnezzar provides timeless principles for personal and societal transformation. It reminds us that when confronted with the consequences of our actions, especially those rooted in pride, self-sufficiency, or neglect of others, the appropriate response is not despair but decisive repentance. This involves a radical "breaking off" of sinful patterns and a proactive turning towards righteousness. Crucially, this righteousness is not abstract but manifests in concrete acts of mercy and justice, particularly towards those who are marginalized or in need. Our faith is not truly lived out if it does not translate into compassion and equitable treatment for the "poor" in our communities. This verse offers hope, demonstrating God's patient grace, which always provides an opportunity for individuals and even nations to avert or mitigate judgment through genuine change of heart and action, leading to a "lengthening of tranquillity" – a prolonged season of peace and flourishing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I need to "break off" sinful patterns and embrace righteousness?**
* **How can I practically demonstrate "mercy to the poor" or those in need in my sphere of influence today?**
* **What does this verse teach me about God's patience and His desire for my repentance, even when judgment seems imminent?**
* **How does pride manifest in my life, and what steps can I take to humble myself before God's sovereignty?**

### FAQ

**Was Daniel suggesting that Nebuchadnezzar could completely avoid God's judgment?**

Answer: No, Daniel's counsel in [Daniel 4:27](/daniel/4-27 "Daniel 4:27 - Daniel's Counsel to Nebuchadnezzar") suggests a "lengthening" or postponement of the king's tranquillity, not a complete annulment of the divine decree. The dream's interpretation clearly stated that the judgment would come "until you know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men" ([Daniel 4:25](/daniel/4-25 "Daniel 4:25 - God's Sovereignty")). Daniel's advice offered a window of grace, a possibility that the severity or timing of the judgment could be mitigated if Nebuchadnezzar genuinely repented. Ultimately, Nebuchadnezzar did not heed this counsel immediately, and the judgment indeed fell upon him one year later ([Daniel 4:29-33](/daniel/4-29 "Daniel 4:29-33 - Nebuchadnezzar's Humiliation")). However, his eventual repentance and restoration demonstrate God's ultimate purpose was not merely punishment but the king's acknowledgment of His sovereignty ([Daniel 4:34-37](/daniel/4-34 "Daniel 4:34-37 - Nebuchadnezzar's Praise to God")).

**Why is "shewing mercy to the poor" specifically mentioned as part of repentance?**

Answer: The emphasis on "shewing mercy to the poor" in [Daniel 4:27](/daniel/4-27 "Daniel 4:27 - Mercy to the Poor") highlights that true repentance and righteousness are not merely internal spiritual states but have tangible, ethical implications, especially concerning social justice. Throughout the Old Testament, neglecting the poor and vulnerable is often cited as a grave sin that provokes God's judgment (e.g., [Amos 2:6-7](/amos/2-6 "Amos 2:6-7 - Sins of Israel")). As a powerful monarch, Nebuchadnezzar likely wielded immense economic and social power, and his "iniquities" may have included oppression or neglect of the less fortunate. Daniel's counsel underscores that genuine turning from sin involves actively doing good, particularly by extending compassion and justice to those who are marginalized, reflecting the very character of God who defends the cause of the poor and needy ([Psalm 82:3-4](/psalms/82-3 "Psalm 82:3-4 - Defend the Poor")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel 4:27, with its call for a king to break off sins by righteousness and mercy to the poor, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment. While Nebuchadnezzar's repentance offered a temporary reprieve, humanity's ultimate need for a radical "breaking off" from sin is fully addressed in Jesus Christ. He is the one who perfectly embodies true righteousness, not merely as an external act but as the very essence of His being ([1 John 2:1](/1_john/2-1 "1 John 2:1 - Jesus Christ the Righteous")). Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ provides the means for humanity to be truly reconciled to God and to "break off" the power of sin in their lives, not by their own works, but by faith in Him ([Romans 6:6](/romans/6-6 "Romans 6:6 - Our Old Self Crucified")). Furthermore, Jesus perfectly modeled and commanded mercy to the poor and marginalized, identifying with "the least of these" ([Matthew 25:40](/matthew/25-40 "Matthew 25:40 - Serving the Least of These")) and demonstrating that true love for God is inseparable from love for neighbor. The "lengthening of tranquillity" offered to Nebuchadnezzar foreshadows the eternal peace and rest found only in Christ, who offers not a temporary delay of judgment, but complete deliverance from its power and the promise of everlasting life and tranquility in His kingdom ([John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Jesus Gives Peace"); [Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Peace Through Christ's Blood")). He is the true King whose reign is characterized by perfect justice and boundless mercy, inviting all to turn from their sins and find ultimate and lasting peace in Him.

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

Isaiah 55:6

¶ Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:

Isaiah 55:7

Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

Jonah 3:9

Who can tell [if] God will turn and repent, and turn away from his fierce anger, that we perish not?

Acts 8:22

Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.

Luke 11:41

But rather give alms of such things as ye have; and, behold, all things are clean unto you.

James 4:8

Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse [your] hands, [ye] sinners; and purify [your] hearts, [ye] double minded.

James 4:10

Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.