TRV
Translation
King James Version
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?
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?
World English Bible Messianic
The king spoke 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?
Geneva Bible (1599)
The very same houre was this thing fulfilled vpon Nebuchad-nezzar, and hee was driuen from men, and did eate grasse as the oxen, and his body was wet with the dewe of heauen, till his heares were growen as eagles feathers, and his nailes like birds clawes.
Young's Literal Translation
the king hath answered and said, Is not this that great Babylon that I have built, for the house of the kingdom, in the might of my strength, and for the glory of mine honour?
Study This Verse
Commentary on Daniel 4 verses 28–33
28 ¶ All this came upon the king Nebuchadnezzar.
29 At the end of twelve months he walked in the palace of the kingdom of Babylon.
30 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?
31 While the word was in the king's mouth, there fell a voice from heaven, saying, O king Nebuchadnezzar, to thee it is spoken; The kingdom is departed from thee.
32 And they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field: they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and seven times shall pass over thee, until thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.
33 The same hour was the thing fulfilled upon Nebuchadnezzar: and he was driven from men, and did eat grass as oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven, till his hairs were grown like eagles' feathers, and his nails like birds' claws.
We have here Nebuchadnezzar's dream accomplished, and Daniel's application of it to him justified and confirmed. How he took it we are not told, whether he was pleased with Daniel or displeased; but here we have,
I. God's patience with him: All this came upon him, but not till twelve months after (Dan 4:29), so long there was a lengthening of his tranquility, though it does not appear that he broke off his sins, or showed any mercy to the poor captives, for this was still God's quarrel with him, that he opened not the house of his prisoners, Isa 14:17. Daniel having counselled him to repent, God so far confirmed his word that he gave him space to repent; he let him alone this year also, this one year more, before he brought this judgment upon him. Note, God is long-suffering with provoking sinners, because he is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance, Pe2 3:9.
II. His pride, and haughtiness, and abuse of that patience. He walked in the palace of the kingdom of Babylon, in pomp and pride, pleasing himself with the view of that vast city, which, with all the territories thereunto belonging, was under his command, and he said, either to himself or to those about him, perhaps some foreigners to whom he was showing his kingdom and the glory of it, Is not this great Babylon? Yes, it is great, of vast extent, no less that forty-five miles compass within the walls. It is full of inhabitants, and they are full of wealth. It is a golden city, and that is enough to proclaim it great, Isa 14:4. See the grandeur of the houses, walls, towers, and public edifices. Every thing in Babylon he thinks looks great; "and this great Babylon I have built." Babylon was built many ages before he was born, but because he fortified and beautified it, and we may suppose much of it was rebuilt during his long and prosperous reign, he boasts that he has built it, as Augustus Caesar boasted concerning Rome, Lateritiam inveni, marmoream reliqui - I found it brick, but I left it marble. He boasts that he built it for the house of the kingdom, that is, the metropolis of his empire. This vast city, compared with the countries that belonged to his dominions, was but as one house. He built it with the assistance of his subjects, yet boasts that he did it by the might of his power; he built it for his security and convenience, yet, as if he had no occasion for it, boasts that he built it purely for the honour of his majesty. Note, Pride and self-conceitedness are sins that most easily beset great men, who have great things in the world. They are apt to take the glory to themselves which is due to God only.
III. His punishment for his pride. When he was thus strutting, and vaunting himself, and adoring his own shadow, while the proud word was in the king's mouth the powerful word came from heaven, by which he was immediately deprived, 1. Of his honour as a king: The kingdom has departed from thee. When he thought he had erected impregnable bulwarks for the preserving of his kingdom, now, in an instant, it has departed from him; when he thought it so well guarded that none could take it from him, behold, it departs of itself. As soon as he becomes utterly incapable to manage it, it is of course taken out of his hands. 2. He is deprived of his honour as a man. He loses his reason, and by that means loses his dominion: They shall drive thee from men, Dan 4:32. And it was fulfilled (Dan 4:33): he was driven from men the same hour. On a sudden he fell stark mad, distracted in the highest degree that ever any man was. His understanding and memory were gone, and all the faculties of a rational soul broken, so that he became a perfect brute in the shape of a man. He went naked, and on all four, like a brute, did himself shun the society of reasonable creatures and run wild into the fields and woods, and was driven out by his own servants, who, after some time of trial, despairing of his return to his right mind, abandoned him, and looked after him no more. He had not the spirit of a beast of prey (that of the royal lion), but of the abject and less honourable species, for he was made to eat grass as oxen; and, probably, he did not speak with human voice, but lowed like an ox. Some think that his body was all covered with hair; however, the hair of his head and beard, being never cut nor combed, grew like eagles feathers, and his nails like birds' claws. Let us pause a little, and view this miserable spectacle; and let us receive instruction from it. (1.) Let us see here what a mercy it is to have the use of our reason, how thankful we ought to be for it, and how careful we ought to be not to do any thing which may either provoke God or may have a natural tendency to put us out of the possession of our own souls. Let us learn how to value our own reason, and to pity the case of those that are under the prevailing power of melancholy or distraction, or are delirious, and to be very tender in our censures of them and conduct towards them, for it is a trial common to men, and a case which, some time or other, may be our own. (2.) Let us see here the vanity of human glory and greatness. Is this Nebuchadnezzar the Great? What this despicable animal that is meaner than the poorest beggar? Is this he that looked so glorious on the throne, so formidable in the camp, that had politics enough to subdue and govern kingdoms, and now has not so much sense as to keep his own clothes on his back? Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms? Isa 14:16. Never let the wise man then glory in his wisdom, nor the mighty man in his strength. (3.) Let us see here how God resists the proud, and delights to abase them and put contempt upon them. Nebuchadnezzar would be more than a man, and therefore God justly makes him less than a man, and puts him upon a level with the beasts who set up for a rival with his Maker. See Job 40:11-13.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 28–33. Public domain.
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Ephrem the SyrianAD 373
COMMENTARY ON DANIEL 4:30
Then the king became even more insolent, even as God was patient and had shown magnanimity by endeavoring to lead him to repentance. And as he walked on the terrace of the royal house and looked around over his fortune, he said, “Where became of all those sad omens by which the saint had meant to frighten me? I certainly rule Babylon, which I made magnificent.”
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Daniel 4:30 vividly captures the zenith of King Nebuchadnezzar's hubris as he surveys the magnificent city of Babylon, arrogantly attributing its grandeur and his vast accomplishments solely to his own strength and for his personal glory. This self-exalting declaration, spoken from a position of unparalleled human authority and temporal power, serves as the immediate and dramatic catalyst for God's swift and profound judgment upon the king, powerfully illustrating the perilous nature of human arrogance when it directly challenges divine sovereignty.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Daniel 4:30 is rich with literary devices that amplify its profound theological message. The most prominent is Irony, as Nebuchadnezzar's boast of absolute power and self-sufficiency immediately precedes his utter and dramatic humiliation and loss of reason, demonstrating the extreme 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 and a veiled challenge, intended to elicit awe and admiration for his achievements rather than an honest inquiry. The emphatic and repetitive 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 profound hubris, highlighting his complete lack of humility. Furthermore, the verse serves as a dramatic Foreshadowing of the immediate and severe judgment that follows, building narrative tension and underscoring the swiftness and absolute certainty of God's response to unrepentant pride.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 4:30 stands as a profound theological statement on the stark contrast between human pride and divine sovereignty. Nebuchadnezzar's boast is not merely an expression of ego; it is a direct and audacious affront to the Most High God, who alone establishes and removes kings, and who holds ultimate dominion over all earthly affairs. It powerfully reveals the inherent human tendency to claim credit for accomplishments and blessings that are ultimately gifts and opportunities granted by God. This verse powerfully teaches that true power, lasting glory, and ultimate authority belong exclusively to the Creator, and any attempt by humanity to usurp that glory inevitably leads to a humbling and undeniable demonstration of God's supreme authority. It serves as a timeless warning against the dangers of self-exaltation and a profound call to humility, reminding us that all we possess, achieve, and even our very existence are by God's grace and ultimately for His glory.
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 true source of our accomplishments and the ultimate object of our praise. In a world that often celebrates self-made individuals, champions self-reliance, and encourages aggressive self-promotion, this verse calls us back to a fundamental and liberating truth: every good and perfect gift, every talent, every opportunity, and indeed every breath we take comes directly from God. To attribute success solely to our own strength, intellect, or relentless effort is to fall into the very same trap of pride that ensnared Nebuchadnezzar and led to his profound downfall. True wisdom, spiritual health, and lasting peace lie in cultivating a posture of deep humility and profound 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 perilous pitfalls of arrogance but also align ourselves with His divine purposes, finding true freedom, enduring joy, and eternal significance in giving Him the glory He alone deserves.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What was Nebuchadnezzar's specific boast in Daniel 4:30?
Answer: In Daniel 4:30, King Nebuchadnezzar audaciously 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 and comprehensive claim of sole responsibility and credit for the magnificent city of Babylon and his vast empire. He attributed its existence, its splendor, and his dominion entirely to his own inherent strength and for his own personal glory, completely disregarding God's sovereign role in his rise to power and the provision of his resources.
Why was this boast particularly offensive to God?
Answer: Nebuchadnezzar's boast was profoundly offensive to God because it represented the pinnacle of human pride and self-exaltation, directly challenging God's supreme and absolute sovereignty. Throughout the book of Daniel, God consistently demonstrates that He is the one who "removes kings and sets up kings" (Daniel 2:21). Nebuchadnezzar had been repeatedly shown God's immense power through Daniel's interpretations and miraculous events, and he had even acknowledged it at times (e.g., Daniel 2:47). His boast, coming a full year after Daniel's clear warning to humble himself and turn from his sins (Daniel 4:27), indicated a hardened heart that stubbornly refused to acknowledge God as the true source of his power, authority, and all his accomplishments. 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). As prophesied in his dream and interpreted by Daniel, he was instantly 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). This swift, dramatic, and humiliating judgment served as a direct and undeniable demonstration of God's absolute sovereignty over all earthly rulers, humbling the proud king until he finally acknowledged the Most High God's eternal dominion.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Nebuchadnezzar's boast in Daniel 4:30 serves as a stark and illuminating contrast to the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ, highlighting the fundamental difference between fallen human pride and divine humility. Nebuchadnezzar sought to build a vast earthly kingdom for his own glory and by his own perceived might, a quintessential testament to fallen humanity's inherent 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). While Nebuchadnezzar claimed to have built Babylon, Christ is the eternal Son "through whom also he created the world" (Hebrews 1:2), and indeed, "all things were created through him and for him" (Colossians 1:16). The earthly kingdom of Babylon, built by human hands and for human glory, was temporary, subject to divine judgment, and ultimately fell. In contrast, Christ's kingdom is "not of this world" (John 18:36), an eternal and unshakable kingdom established not by human might or earthly conquest but by God's sovereign power through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection. He is the "King of kings and Lord of lords" (Revelation 19:16), whose majesty is inherent, eternal, and whose glory is given by the Father, not self-proclaimed. Nebuchadnezzar's profound humbling ultimately led him to acknowledge God's eternal dominion (Daniel 4:34-37), powerfully foreshadowing the universal and ultimate confession that "at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Philippians 2:10-11).