Daniel 4:31

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.

While {H5751} the word {H4406} was in the king's {H4430} mouth {H6433}, there fell {H5308} a voice {H7032} from {H4481} heaven {H8065}, saying, O king {H4430} Nebuchadnezzar {H5020}, to thee it is spoken {H560}; The kingdom {H4437} is departed {H5709} from {H4481} thee.

No sooner had the king spoken these words when a voice came down from heaven: 'King N'vukhadnetzar! These words are for you: '"The kingdom has left you.

While the words were still in the king’s mouth, a voice came from heaven: “It is decreed to you, King Nebuchadnezzar, that the kingdom has departed from you.

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:

Context of Daniel 4:31

This pivotal verse marks the dramatic fulfillment of a prophecy given to King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. Earlier in Daniel chapter 4, the king recounts a disturbing dream of a great tree that was cut down, leaving only a stump. The prophet Daniel interpreted this dream, warning Nebuchadnezzar that his kingdom and sanity would be taken from him for seven periods of time, "till thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will" (Daniel 4:25). Despite Daniel's counsel to repent and show mercy, Nebuchadnezzar failed to humble himself. One year later, as he walked in his royal palace, boasting of his own power and achievements in building "great Babylon" (Daniel 4:30), the divine judgment foretold in the dream came upon him instantly.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Sovereignty: The most striking theme is God's absolute control over all earthly rulers and kingdoms. The "voice from heaven" immediately declares that Nebuchadnezzar's kingdom is "departed from thee," demonstrating that human authority is always subordinate to divine will. This underlines the biblical truth that "the Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men" (Daniel 4:17).
  • The Danger of Pride: Nebuchadnezzar's downfall was a direct consequence of his arrogance and self-exaltation. He attributed his vast power and accomplishments solely to himself, forgetting the true source of all authority. This serves as a powerful warning against pride, echoing the proverb that "pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall" (Proverbs 16:18).
  • Instantaneous Judgment: The phrase "While the word [was] in the king's mouth" emphasizes the immediacy of God's judgment. There was no delay between his proud utterance and the divine pronouncement, highlighting God's attentiveness to human hearts and His swift response to unrepentant pride.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "While the word [was] in the king's mouth" conveys a sense of dramatic suddenness. The Aramaic original for "voice" is qal (קָל), which simply means a sound or voice. The word "departed" (עֲדָה, 'adah) signifies a removal or taking away, clearly indicating that the kingdom was no longer under his control. The directness of the divine communication, "to thee it is spoken," leaves no room for misinterpretation; it is a personal and immediate judgment upon the king.

Practical Application

Daniel 4:31 offers timeless lessons for all people, regardless of their position or power:

  • Cultivate Humility: Recognize that all abilities, successes, and positions of authority come from God. A humble heart acknowledges divine provision and sovereignty.
  • Beware of Self-Exaltation: Guard against the temptation to attribute achievements solely to personal effort or genius. Such pride can lead to a spiritual and practical downfall.
  • Acknowledge God's Authority: Understand that God is the ultimate ruler over all things. His will ultimately prevails, and earthly powers are transient. Nebuchadnezzar's eventual restoration and praise of God in Daniel 4:34-37 demonstrate the transformative power of acknowledging God's supremacy.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Revelation 16:7

    And I heard another out of the altar say, Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous [are] thy judgments.

  • Acts 9:3

    And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:

  • Acts 9:5

    And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: [it is] hard for thee to kick against the pricks.

  • Luke 12:20

    But God said unto him, [Thou] fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?

  • Daniel 5:4

    They drank wine, and praised the gods of gold, and of silver, of brass, of iron, of wood, and of stone.

  • Daniel 5:5

    In the same hour came forth fingers of a man's hand, and wrote over against the candlestick upon the plaister of the wall of the king's palace: and the king saw the part of the hand that wrote.

  • Exodus 15:9

    The enemy said, I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoil; my lust shall be satisfied upon them; I will draw my sword, my hand shall destroy them.

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