Daniel 4:30

KJV

The king spake, and said, Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty?

KJV (with Strong's)

The king {H4430} spake {H6032}, and said {H560}, Is not {H3809} this {H1932}{H1668} great {H7229} Babylon {H895}, that I {H576} have built {H1124} for the house {H1005} of the kingdom {H4437} by the might {H8632} of my power {H2632}, and for the honour {H3367} of my majesty {H1923}?

Complete Jewish Bible

the king said, 'Bavel the great! I built it as a royal residence by my power and force to enhance the glory of my majesty!'

Berean Standard Bible

the king exclaimed, “Is this not Babylon the Great, which I myself have built by the might of my power as a royal residence and for the glory of my majesty?”

American Standard Version

The king spake and said, Is not this great Babylon, which I have built for the royal dwelling-place, by the might of my power and for the glory of my majesty?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 4:30 captures the apex of King Nebuchadnezzar's pride as he surveys the magnificent city of Babylon, attributing its grandeur and his vast accomplishments solely to his own power and majesty. This self-exalting declaration, made from the pinnacle of human achievement and temporal authority, serves as the immediate and dramatic prelude to God's swift and humbling judgment upon the king, vividly illustrating the perilous nature of human arrogance when it directly challenges divine sovereignty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel chapter 4 is structured as a personal testimony from King Nebuchadnezzar himself, recounting his experience of divine judgment and restoration. Prior to this verse, God had given the king a profound dream of a majestic tree that was cut down, symbolizing his impending humiliation. Daniel, God's prophet, had interpreted this dream, clearly warning Nebuchadnezzar that he would be driven from human society and live like a beast until he acknowledged the Most High God's dominion over all kingdoms of men ([Daniel 4:24-26](/daniel/4-24 "Daniel 4:24-26 - Daniel's Interpretation of the Dream")). Daniel had even urged the king to repent and practice righteousness and mercy to avert this judgment ([Daniel 4:27](/daniel/4-27 "Daniel 4:27 - Daniel's Counsel to Nebuchadnezzar")). However, a full year later, the king's heart remained unhumbled, setting the stage for the boast in [Daniel 4:30](/daniel/4-30 "Daniel 4:30 - Nebuchadnezzar's Boast") and the immediate fulfillment of the prophecy. This narrative arc underscores the book of Daniel's overarching theme: God's absolute sovereignty over all earthly rulers and empires.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Nebuchadnezzar II (reigned c. 605-562 BC) was the most powerful ruler of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, which he expanded to become the dominant force in the ancient Near East. Babylon itself was a marvel of the ancient world, renowned for its massive walls, the Ishtar Gate, the Processional Way, and possibly the Hanging Gardens, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The city was a testament to sophisticated engineering, vast resources, and immense human labor, much of which was overseen and initiated by Nebuchadnezzar. Kings of this era often saw themselves as divine or divinely appointed, and their building projects were not merely practical but also served as monumental expressions of their power, wealth, and perceived glory. Nebuchadnezzar's boast from the roof of his palace would have been a common expression of royal pride, yet it directly contradicted the monotheistic understanding of ultimate power that Daniel had repeatedly presented to him.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several critical themes within [the book of Daniel](/daniel/1 "The Book of Daniel - God's Sovereignty and Prophecy") and biblical theology as a whole. Foremost is the theme of **Human Pride and Arrogance**, as Nebuchadnezzar's declaration is a quintessential example of hubris, where a human ruler takes sole credit for achievements that are ultimately dependent on divine allowance and resources. His repeated use of "I" and "my" ("I have built," "my power," "my majesty") highlights a profound self-exaltation that leaves no room for God. This stands in stark contrast to the theme of **Divine Sovereignty**, which is the bedrock of Daniel's message. The king's boast, though spoken by a mighty earthly monarch, immediately precedes God's direct intervention, vividly demonstrating that true power and ultimate authority belong to God alone, not to any human ruler, no matter how powerful. Consequently, the verse also illustrates the **Danger of Self-Glorification** and the **Inevitability of Divine Judgment** for those who refuse to acknowledge God's supremacy. Despite Daniel's clear warning a year prior, Nebuchadnezzar failed to humble himself, leading to the swift and inevitable consequence of God's judgment, as detailed in [Daniel 4:31](/daniel/4-31 "Daniel 4:31 - The Voice from Heaven") and [Daniel 4:33](/daniel/4-33 "Daniel 4:33 - Nebuchadnezzar's Humiliation").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **built (Aramaic, _bᵉnâʼ'_):** This Aramaic verb (H1124) corresponds to the Hebrew _bana_, meaning "to build" or "to make." In Nebuchadnezzar's boast, it signifies his active role and immense effort in constructing the city of Babylon. While he indeed initiated and oversaw vast building projects, his claim "I have built" implies not just the physical construction but also the sole origination of the power and resources that enabled it, thereby usurping God's ultimate role as the provider and sustainer.
* **might (Aramaic, _tᵉqôph'_):** The Aramaic word (H8632) refers to "power" or "strength." When Nebuchadnezzar declares "by the might of my power," he is emphasizing the inherent strength and capability he believes resides within himself. This phrase, combined with "my power" (Aramaic _chêçen_, H2632, meaning "strength"), underscores his complete self-reliance and the absence of any acknowledgment of a higher, divine source for his capabilities or dominion.
* **majesty (Aramaic, _hădar'_):** This Aramaic term (H1923) denotes "magnificence," "honor," or "majesty." Nebuchadnezzar's final phrase, "for the honour of my majesty," reveals the ultimate purpose of his building endeavors and his reign: to glorify himself. The splendor of Babylon was intended to reflect his own personal glory and status, rather than being seen as a gift or a stewardship from God. This self-centered focus on personal honor is a direct affront to God, who alone is worthy of ultimate honor and glory.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The king spake, and said,"**: This opening clause sets the scene for a formal, public declaration. Nebuchadnezzar is not merely thinking this; he is articulating his pride aloud, perhaps from a prominent vantage point on his palace roof, making his boast a public offense against divine sovereignty. The verbs "spake" (H6032, _ʻănâh_) and "said" (H560, _ʼămar_) emphasize the deliberate nature of his pronouncement.
* **"Is not this great Babylon,"**: This rhetorical question is not seeking information but is a self-congratulatory affirmation. It draws attention to the city's immense scale and splendor, which was indeed a marvel of the ancient world. The word "great" (H7229, _rab_) highlights its impressive size and significance.
* **"that I have built for the house of the kingdom"**: Here, Nebuchadnezzar explicitly claims personal credit ("I have built") for the construction of Babylon, designating it as the capital ("house of the kingdom," H1005 _bayith_ H4437 _malkûw_) of his vast empire. This statement reveals his conviction that he is the sole architect and sustainer of this magnificent realm.
* **"by the might of my power,"**: This phrase further intensifies his self-attribution. He asserts that the construction was achieved not by divine blessing or the labor of others, but purely "by the might" (H8632, _tᵉqôph_) of "my power" (H2632, _chêçen_), literally "strength of my hand." It underscores his belief in his own inherent, self-sufficient strength and capability.
* **"and for the honour of my majesty?"**: The final clause reveals the ultimate motivation behind his endeavors: personal glory. The city's splendor was intended to elevate his own "honour" (H3367, _yᵉqâr_) and "majesty" (H1923, _hădar_). This declaration of self-glorification is the culmination of his pride, directly challenging God's exclusive right to glory.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 4:30 is rich with literary devices that amplify its theological message. The most prominent is **Irony**, as Nebuchadnezzar's boast of absolute power and self-sufficiency immediately precedes his utter humiliation and loss of reason, demonstrating the fragility of human might when confronted by divine sovereignty. The king's rhetorical question, "Is not this great Babylon, that I have built...?", functions as a form of **Self-Congratulation**, intended to elicit admiration for his achievements rather than an honest inquiry. The repeated use of the first-person singular pronoun and possessive adjectives ("I," "my power," "my majesty") creates a powerful sense of **Emphasis** on Nebuchadnezzar's self-centeredness and hubris, highlighting his profound lack of humility. Furthermore, the verse serves as a dramatic **Foreshadowing** of the immediate judgment that follows, building narrative tension and underscoring the swiftness and certainty of God's response to pride.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 4:30 stands as a profound theological statement on the nature of human pride versus divine sovereignty. Nebuchadnezzar's boast is not merely an expression of ego but a direct affront to the Most High God, who alone establishes and removes kings. It reveals the inherent human tendency to claim credit for accomplishments that are ultimately gifts and opportunities granted by God. This verse powerfully teaches that true power and lasting glory belong exclusively to the Creator, and any attempt by humanity to usurp that glory inevitably leads to a humbling demonstration of God's supreme authority. It serves as a timeless warning against the dangers of self-exaltation and a call to humility, reminding us that all we possess and achieve is by God's grace and for His glory.

* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Precedes Destruction")
* [James 4:6](/james/4-6 "James 4:6 - God Opposes the Proud")
* [1 Peter 5:5-6](/1_peter/5-5 "1 Peter 5:5-6 - Humility Before God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 4:30 serves as a powerful and enduring cautionary tale for all who achieve success, influence, or power in any sphere of life. It compels us to critically examine the source of our accomplishments and the object of our praise. In a world that often celebrates self-made individuals and encourages self-promotion, this verse calls us back to a fundamental truth: every good and perfect gift, every talent, every opportunity, and every breath we take comes from God. To attribute success solely to our own strength, intellect, or effort is to fall into the same trap of pride that ensnared Nebuchadnezzar. True wisdom and spiritual health lie in cultivating a posture of humility and gratitude, recognizing God's sovereign hand in all things. When we acknowledge Him as the ultimate source of all blessings, we not only avoid the pitfalls of arrogance but also align ourselves with His divine purposes, finding true freedom and lasting joy in giving Him the glory He deserves.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to take sole credit for accomplishments, rather than acknowledging God's provision and grace?**
* **How does Nebuchadnezzar's immediate downfall after his boast challenge my understanding of human control versus divine sovereignty?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a heart of humility and gratitude, especially when experiencing success or recognition?**
* **How can I ensure that my efforts and achievements ultimately bring glory to God, rather than to myself?**

### FAQ
**What was Nebuchadnezzar's specific boast in Daniel 4:30?**

Answer: In [Daniel 4:30](/daniel/4-30 "Daniel 4:30 - Nebuchadnezzar's Boast"), King Nebuchadnezzar boasted, "Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty?" His boast was an explicit claim of sole responsibility and credit for the magnificent city of Babylon and his vast empire, attributing its existence and splendor entirely to his own strength and for his own glory. He saw himself as the ultimate architect and sustainer of his kingdom, completely disregarding God's role.

**Why was this boast particularly offensive to God?**

Answer: Nebuchadnezzar's boast was offensive to God because it represented the pinnacle of human pride and self-exaltation, directly challenging God's supreme sovereignty. Throughout the book of Daniel, God consistently demonstrates that He is the one who "removes kings and sets up kings" ([Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God's Sovereignty Over Kingdoms")). Nebuchadnezzar had been repeatedly shown God's power and had even acknowledged it at times (e.g., [Daniel 2:47](/daniel/2-47 "Daniel 2:47 - Nebuchadnezzar's Acknowledgment of God")). His boast, coming a year after Daniel's clear warning to humble himself ([Daniel 4:27](/daniel/4-27 "Daniel 4:27 - Daniel's Counsel to Nebuchadnezzar")), indicated a hardened heart that refused to acknowledge God as the true source of his power and authority. This act of self-glorification directly usurped the glory due to God alone.

**What happened immediately after Nebuchadnezzar's declaration?**

Answer: Immediately after Nebuchadnezzar uttered his boast, while the words were still in his mouth, a voice from heaven declared that his kingdom had departed from him ([Daniel 4:31](/daniel/4-31 "Daniel 4:31 - The Voice from Heaven")). As prophesied in his dream and interpreted by Daniel, he was driven from human society, ate grass like an ox, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven until his hair grew like eagles' feathers and his nails like birds' claws ([Daniel 4:33](/daniel/4-33 "Daniel 4:33 - Nebuchadnezzar's Humiliation")). This swift and dramatic judgment served as a direct and undeniable demonstration of God's absolute sovereignty over all earthly rulers, humbling the proud king until he acknowledged the Most High.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Nebuchadnezzar's boast in [Daniel 4:30](/daniel/4-30 "Daniel 4:30 - Nebuchadnezzar's Boast") serves as a stark contrast to the person and work of Jesus Christ, highlighting the fundamental difference between human pride and divine humility. Nebuchadnezzar sought to build a kingdom for his own glory and by his own might, a testament to fallen humanity's desire for autonomy and self-exaltation. This stands in direct opposition to Christ, who, "though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men" ([Philippians 2:6-7](/philippians/2-6 "Philippians 2:6-7 - Christ's Humiliation")). While Nebuchadnezzar claimed to build Babylon, Christ is the one "through whom also he created the world" ([Hebrews 1:2](/hebrews/1-2 "Hebrews 1:2 - Christ as Creator")), and "all things were created through him and for him" ([Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - Christ as Creator and Sustainer")). The earthly kingdom of Babylon, built by human hands and for human glory, was temporary and subject to divine judgment, ultimately falling. In contrast, Christ's kingdom is "not of this world" ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom is Not of This World")), an eternal kingdom established not by human might but by God's sovereign power through His sacrificial death and resurrection. He is the "King of kings and Lord of lords" ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - Christ as King of Kings")), whose majesty is inherent and whose glory is given by the Father, not self-proclaimed. Nebuchadnezzar's humbling ultimately led him to acknowledge God's eternal dominion ([Daniel 4:34-37](/daniel/4-34 "Daniel 4:34-37 - Nebuchadnezzar's Restoration and Praise")), foreshadowing the universal confession that "every knee should bow... and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow")).

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

Proverbs 16:18

¶ Pride [goeth] before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

Luke 14:11

For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

Revelation 17:5

And upon her forehead [was] a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.

Isaiah 10:8

For he saith, [Are] not my princes altogether kings?

Isaiah 10:15

Shall the axe boast itself against him that heweth therewith? [or] shall the saw magnify itself against him that shaketh it? as if the rod should shake [itself] against them that lift it up, [or] as if the staff should lift up [itself, as if it were] no wood.

Revelation 18:10

Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is thy judgment come.

Ezekiel 29:3

Speak, and say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I [am] against thee, Pharaoh king of Egypt, the great dragon that lieth in the midst of his rivers, which hath said, My river [is] mine own, and I have made [it] for myself.