Daniel 4:3

KJV

How great [are] his signs! and how mighty [are] his wonders! his kingdom [is] an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion [is] from generation to generation.

KJV (with Strong's)

How {H4101} great {H7260} are his signs {H852}! and how {H4101} mighty {H8624} are his wonders {H8540}! his kingdom {H4437} is an everlasting {H5957} kingdom {H4437}, and his dominion {H7985} is from {H5974} generation {H1859} to generation {H1859}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"How great are his signs! How powerful his wonders! His kingdom lasts forever, and he rules all generations.

Berean Standard Bible

How great are His signs, how mighty His wonders! His kingdom is an eternal kingdom; His dominion endures from generation to generation.

American Standard Version

How great are his signs! and how mighty are his wonders! his kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion is from generation to generation.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 4:3 serves as King Nebuchadnezzar's profound and public declaration of praise and submission to the Most High God, issued after his dramatic humbling and subsequent restoration. This pivotal verse encapsulates the central theological message of Daniel chapter 4: the absolute and unchallenged sovereignty of God over all earthly rulers and kingdoms, powerfully highlighting His unparalleled might demonstrated through miraculous acts and the eternal, unceasing nature of His dominion, which transcends all human generations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 4:3 is strategically placed within King Nebuchadnezzar's personal testimony, which he presents as an official royal decree addressed to "all people, nations, and languages that dwell in all the earth" [Daniel 4:1](/daniel/4-1 "Daniel 4:1 - Nebuchadnezzar's Royal Proclamation"). The chapter commences with Nebuchadnezzar's peace greeting, immediately followed by his earnest desire to proclaim the "signs and wonders" of the Most High God. This verse, along with [Daniel 4:2](/daniel/4-2 "Daniel 4:2 - Nebuchadnezzar Praises God's Wonders"), forms the climactic expression of his newfound understanding and worship. It precedes the detailed recounting of his prophetic dream, Daniel's interpretation, the king's subsequent period of divine judgment (marked by madness and living like a beast), and his ultimate restoration to sanity and kingship. This opening declaration of praise effectively frames the entire narrative of the king's humbling, making it unequivocally clear that the purpose of his extraordinary ordeal was to bring him to this very acknowledgment of God's supreme and eternal authority.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Nebuchadnezzar reigned as the preeminent monarch of his era, presiding over the vast and formidable Neo-Babylonian Empire. His kingdom represented the dominant world power, and he was accustomed to wielding absolute authority, frequently perceiving himself as divinely appointed or even divine. Babylonian culture was steeped in polytheism, venerating a sprawling pantheon of gods, with Marduk holding the chief position. For a king of such immense stature to issue a decree publicly acknowledging the God of Israel as the "Most High" and unequivocally asserting His everlasting kingdom was an unprecedented and revolutionary departure from the typical royal rhetoric of the time. This public declaration would have sent shockwaves across his empire, directly challenging the prevailing pagan worldview and the king's own deeply ingrained self-perception of ultimate power. The events detailed in the chapter, particularly the king's descent into madness, would have been interpreted by his court and subjects as a profound curse or divine judgment, rendering his subsequent praise of Yahweh an undeniable testament to a radical, divinely-orchestrated transformation.
* **Key Themes:** This verse serves as a powerful articulation of several overarching themes woven throughout the book of Daniel. Firstly, it profoundly underscores the **Sovereignty of God**, unequivocally demonstrating that even the most formidable earthly rulers are ultimately subject to His absolute control. This truth is a consistent thread throughout Daniel, exemplified in passages like [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons"), where God is depicted as the one who "removes kings and sets up kings." Secondly, the verse highlights the stark **Contrast Between Earthly and Divine Kingdoms**. Nebuchadnezzar's once-invincible empire, though mighty, is inherently temporary and finite, whereas God's kingdom is emphatically declared "an everlasting kingdom," echoing the prophetic vision found in [Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Eternal Kingdom Established"), which speaks of a kingdom that "shall never be destroyed." Thirdly, [Daniel 4:3](/daniel/4-3 "Daniel 4:3 - Nebuchadnezzar's Praise of God's Kingdom") exemplifies the theme of **Humility and Divine Discipline**. The king's profound pride was decisively broken through severe divine intervention, leading him to a genuine and public recognition of God's supremacy—a central lesson that permeates the entire narrative of [Daniel 4](/daniel/4 "Daniel 4 - Nebuchadnezzar's Humbling and Restoration"). Finally, it powerfully showcases **God's Demonstrative Power**, as His "signs" and "wonders" are not abstract theological concepts but tangible, miraculous acts that compel even a pagan king to worship and acknowledge His unparalleled might.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **signs (Aramaic, _ʼâth'_):** This term refers to a "portent" or a "sign," signifying a miraculous event or a supernatural occurrence that serves as a divine indicator, proof, or warning. In the context of Nebuchadnezzar's extraordinary experience, these "signs" would encompass the prophetic dream itself, Daniel's supernaturally accurate interpretation, the king's subsequent period of divine judgment, and his miraculous restoration. All these events served as undeniable, divinely orchestrated evidence of God's active intervention, power, and communication with humanity.
* **wonders (Aramaic, _tᵉmahh'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be astonished" or "to be amazed," this word denotes a "miracle" or an "astonishing deed." It emphasizes the awe-inspiring, extraordinary, and inexplicable nature of God's acts, which transcend human capability and evoke profound wonder, reverence, and even fear. These "wonders" are not merely impressive feats but are supernatural occurrences that defy natural explanation, pointing directly and irrefutably to a divine origin and omnipotent power.
* **everlasting (Aramaic, _ʻâlam'_):** This word conveys the concept of "remote time," encompassing both the indefinite future and the distant past. When applied to God's kingdom, as it is here, it emphatically signifies "forever" or "eternal." It stands in stark contrast to the inherently finite and transient nature of human empires and reigns, stressing the enduring, unending, and perpetual reign of God, which is not subject to the rise and fall of earthly powers, nor to the limitations of time.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"How great are his signs!":** This exclamatory phrase expresses Nebuchadnezzar's profound awe, astonishment, and worship in response to God's miraculous interventions. The "signs" refer to the undeniable, divinely-orchestrated evidence of God's power and active presence that the king had personally witnessed and experienced, most notably his prophetic dream, its accurate interpretation by Daniel, and his own humbling and subsequent restoration. It is a heartfelt declaration of wonder at the sheer magnitude and clarity of God's self-revelation.
* **"and how mighty are his wonders!":** This parallel exclamation further intensifies the emphasis on the overwhelming power and extraordinary nature of God's deeds. The "wonders" are those acts that evoke astonishment and are clearly beyond human capacity, serving as irrefutable proof of divine omnipotence and supernatural intervention. Together with "signs," this phrase highlights the compelling, awe-inspiring, and undeniably supernatural character of God's work in the world and, specifically, in the king's life.
* **"his kingdom is an everlasting kingdom":** This pivotal clause declares the eternal, unending, and perpetual nature of God's reign. Unlike any human kingdom, which is inherently temporal, limited, and subject to eventual decline and destruction, God's kingdom has no beginning or end. This statement serves as a direct theological contrast to Nebuchadnezzar's own mighty but ultimately transient Babylonian empire, affirming God's unique, absolute, and perpetual dominion over all time and creation.
* **"and his dominion is from generation to generation.":** This final clause powerfully reiterates and reinforces the eternal scope and universal continuity of God's rule. The phrase "from generation to generation" is an idiomatic expression signifying that God's authority, control, and sovereign reign are not confined to a specific era, a particular people, or a limited period of history. Instead, His dominion extends universally and perpetually through all time, impacting and overseeing every successive generation of humanity without interruption or cessation.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey Nebuchadnezzar's profound declaration. The opening phrases, "How great are his signs! and how mighty are his wonders!", utilize **exclamation** to convey the king's overwhelming awe and wonder. This is coupled with **parallelism**, where the similar grammatical structure and thematic content of the two clauses ("How great... signs!" and "how mighty... wonders!") create a rhythmic emphasis, amplifying the king's praise and highlighting the dual, yet complementary, aspects of God's miraculous activity. There is also a strong element of **contrast** implicitly woven throughout the verse and explicitly throughout the chapter, comparing the temporary, limited dominion of earthly kings (like Nebuchadnezzar himself) with the **eternal** and **universal** dominion of God. The phrase "from generation to generation" functions as a **merism**, a figure of speech in which a totality is expressed by two contrasting parts, signifying the entirety of time—from the earliest to the latest generations—thereby emphasizing the boundless and unending nature of God's reign.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 4:3 stands as a pivotal declaration of divine sovereignty, asserting God's absolute and unquestionable control over all creation and human affairs. It reveals that God is not merely a distant, detached deity but an active, intervening Lord whose power is demonstrably revealed through "signs" and "wonders" that are so compelling they can humble even the most arrogant of rulers to acknowledge His supremacy. This profound truth underpins the entire biblical narrative, serving as a constant reminder that no earthly power, no matter how formidable or seemingly invincible, can ultimately thwart God's eternal purposes or resist His sovereign will. The stark contrast between Nebuchadnezzar's temporary and fading kingdom and God's "everlasting kingdom" is a fundamental theological statement, affirming that true, enduring, and ultimate authority rests solely with the Most High, whose dominion spans all generations and encompasses all of history.

* [Psalm 145:13](/psalms/145-13 "Psalm 145:13 - God's Eternal Kingdom and Dominion") - "Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and Your dominion endures throughout all generations." (A direct poetic parallel that beautifully echoes and reinforces the eternal nature of God's reign and universal dominion).
* [1 Timothy 1:17](/1_timothy/1-17 "1 Timothy 1:17 - Doxology to the King Eternal") - "Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen." (A New Testament doxology that celebrates God's eternal, sovereign, and unique nature, aligning perfectly with Nebuchadnezzar's declaration).
* [Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdoms of the World Become God's") - "Then the seventh angel sounded; and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, 'The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ; and He will reign forever and ever.'" (A powerful prophetic vision of the ultimate fulfillment of God's eternal dominion over all earthly kingdoms, culminating in Christ's everlasting reign).

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nebuchadnezzar's extraordinary journey from a proud, self-exalting monarch to a humble worshiper, culminating in this profound declaration, offers timeless and deeply relevant lessons for contemporary believers. In a world often dominated by human power struggles, shifting political systems, and overwhelming economic forces, Daniel 4:3 serves as a potent reminder that God's ultimate authority remains unchallenged and supreme. It calls each of us to cultivate a posture of profound humility, recognizing that our own strength, accomplishments, plans, and even our very lives are finite and ultimately subject to His sovereign will. This verse profoundly encourages us to trust implicitly in God's eternal kingdom, finding true peace, security, and stability not in the shifting sands of earthly circumstances or human endeavors, but in the enduring, unwavering reign of the Most High. Just as Nebuchadnezzar learned the humbling truth that God "rules in the kingdom of men" [Daniel 4:17](/daniel/4-17 "Daniel 4:17 - God Rules in the Kingdom of Men"), we too are invited to surrender our anxieties, ambitions, and fears to the One whose dominion is truly "from generation to generation," knowing with absolute certainty that His righteous purposes will ultimately prevail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Nebuchadnezzar's dramatic transformation challenge my own understanding of power, control, and authority in the world today, particularly in areas where I seek to exert my own will?**
* **In what specific areas of my life—whether personal, professional, or spiritual—do I need to more fully acknowledge and submit to God's "everlasting kingdom" and "dominion from generation to generation"?**
* **What "signs" and "wonders" has God performed in my own life, in the lives of those around me, or in the broader world that should lead me to a deeper declaration of His greatness and sovereignty?**
* **How can I practically live with greater humility, trust, and surrender in God's sovereignty, especially when circumstances appear chaotic, unjust, or utterly beyond my control?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of King Nebuchadnezzar's declaration in Daniel 4:3, given his previous pride and self-exaltation?**

Answer: The profound significance of Nebuchadnezzar's declaration in [Daniel 4:3](/daniel/4-3 "Daniel 4:3 - Nebuchadnezzar's Praise of God's Kingdom") lies in the radical and divinely-orchestrated transformation of his character. Prior to this, Nebuchadnezzar was an arrogant monarch who proudly attributed the greatness of his kingdom to his own power and for his own glory, as evidenced in [Daniel 4:30](/daniel/4-30 "Daniel 4:30 - Nebuchadnezzar's Prideful Boast"). God's severe and humbling discipline, which included a period of madness that stripped him of his humanity and kingship, was specifically designed to teach him the fundamental truth that "the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He chooses" [Daniel 4:25](/daniel/4-25 "Daniel 4:25 - God's Sovereignty Over Kings"). Therefore, his public declaration in [Daniel 4:3](/daniel/4-3 "Daniel 4:3 - Nebuchadnezzar's Praise of God's Kingdom") is far more than mere lip service; it is a powerful testament to a genuine, profound, and undeniable spiritual humbling. It represents a public acknowledgment of God's supreme, eternal, and universal sovereignty, serving as an impactful witness to all nations and a timeless lesson on the dangers of human pride and the necessity of divine submission.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel 4:3, with Nebuchadnezzar's awe-filled declaration of God's "everlasting kingdom" and "dominion... from generation to generation," finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. While Nebuchadnezzar was granted a profound revelation of the Most High God's eternal reign, the New Testament unveils that this promised eternal kingdom is not merely an abstract concept but is inaugurated, embodied, and perfectly administered by Jesus. He is the prophesied King whose kingdom, unlike any earthly empire, "shall never be destroyed" [Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Eternal Kingdom Established"), a kingdom that is fundamentally "not of this world" in its origin and nature [John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World"), yet destined to encompass all things. Christ's own "signs" and "wonders"—His countless miracles of healing, His power over nature, His authoritative teachings, and supremely, His resurrection from the dead—are the ultimate and most profound demonstrations of God's mighty power, far surpassing those witnessed by Nebuchadnezzar. These acts irrefutably prove His divine authority and establish His redemptive reign. The dominion that is "from generation to generation" is perfectly realized in Christ, who, having completed His earthly ministry, has been given "all authority in heaven and on earth" [Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus") and "must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet" [1 Corinthians 15:25](/1_corinthians/15-25 "1 Corinthians 15:25 - Christ's Reign Until All Enemies Subdued"). Thus, Nebuchadnezzar's ancient praise of God's eternal kingdom becomes a prophetic echo, a foreshadowing of the glorious, unending, and universal reign of Jesus Christ, the true King of kings and Lord of lords [Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords").

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

Psalms 145:13

Thy kingdom [is] an everlasting kingdom, and thy dominion [endureth] throughout all generations.

Daniel 2:44

And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, [but] it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.

Isaiah 25:1

¶ O LORD, thou [art] my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful [things; thy] counsels of old [are] faithfulness [and] truth.

Daniel 7:14

And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion [is] an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom [that] which shall not be destroyed.

Daniel 4:34

¶ And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion [is] an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom [is] from generation to generation:

Daniel 4:35

And all the inhabitants of the earth [are] reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and [among] the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?

1 Timothy 1:17

Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, [be] honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.