Daniel 4:31

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 4:31 records the dramatic, instantaneous fulfillment of God's judgment upon King Nebuchadnezzar. As the proud monarch boasted of his own accomplishments and the grandeur of Babylon, a divine voice from heaven interrupted his self-exaltation, declaring that his kingdom was immediately removed from him. This pivotal moment underscores God's absolute sovereignty over all earthly rulers and kingdoms, demonstrating that human authority is entirely subordinate to the Most High's will and that pride precedes a fall.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 4 presents a unique narrative, largely recounted by King Nebuchadnezzar himself, detailing his second prophetic dream and its terrifying fulfillment. The chapter begins with the king's testimony, praising God's eternal dominion. He then recounts a dream of a magnificent tree, reaching to heaven, providing shelter and food for all, which is suddenly decreed to be cut down, leaving only a stump. Daniel, known for his divine wisdom, interprets this dream (as seen in [Daniel 4:24-27](/daniel/4-24 "Daniel 4:24-27 - Daniel's Interpretation of the Dream")) as a direct warning to Nebuchadnezzar: his kingdom and sanity would be stripped away for "seven times" until he acknowledged that "the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will" ([Daniel 4:25](/daniel/4-25 "Daniel 4:25 - God's Sovereignty Over Kingdoms")). Despite Daniel's counsel to humble himself and show mercy, the king failed to repent. Exactly one year later, as he walked on the roof of his royal palace, admiring his vast achievements and boasting, "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?" ([Daniel 4:30](/daniel/4-30 "Daniel 4:30 - Nebuchadnezzar's Boast")), the divine judgment foretold in the dream descended upon him with striking immediacy, as captured in Daniel 4:31.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Nebuchadnezzar II reigned as king of Babylon from 605 to 562 BC, transforming Babylon into one of the most magnificent cities of the ancient world. His reign marked the zenith of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, characterized by immense wealth, military might, and impressive architectural feats, including the Hanging Gardens and the grand processional way. In the ancient Near East, kings often claimed divine favor or even divine status, attributing their success to their patron deities. Nebuchadnezzar's boast in [Daniel 4:30](/daniel/4-30 "Daniel 4:30 - Nebuchadnezzar's Boast") reflects this common self-aggrandizement, where a monarch's power was seen as inherent rather than bestowed. However, the book of Daniel, written from a distinctly monotheistic perspective, consistently challenges these pagan notions, asserting that the God of Israel is the supreme ruler over all nations and kings. This verse serves as a powerful theological counter-narrative, demonstrating that even the most powerful earthly ruler is subject to the ultimate authority of the Most High God, who can humble the proud and exalt the lowly.
* **Key Themes:** Daniel 4:31 powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes prevalent throughout the book of Daniel. First and foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty**. The "voice from heaven" directly intervenes in human affairs, demonstrating God's absolute control over earthly kingdoms and rulers, a truth reiterated in [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons") and [Daniel 4:17](/daniel/4-17 "Daniel 4:17 - The Most High Rules"). Second is the **Danger of Pride and Self-Exaltation**. Nebuchadnezzar's downfall is a direct consequence of his hubris, serving as a stark warning against attributing success solely to human effort, echoing the wisdom found in [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction"). The immediate nature of the judgment, emphasized by "While the word [was] in the king's mouth," highlights the theme of **Instantaneous Judgment and Divine Accountability**. God is not distant or slow to act, but actively observes and responds to the hearts and actions of humanity, particularly those in positions of power. This moment is a dramatic illustration of the principle that "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble" ([James 4:6](/james/4-6 "James 4:6 - God Resists the Proud")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **word (Aramaic, _millâh'_):** This term (H4406) refers to a spoken utterance, a command, a discourse, or a subject. In this context, it emphasizes the very act of Nebuchadnezzar's boastful speech. The divine intervention occurs precisely "while the word was in the king's mouth," highlighting the direct and immediate connection between his prideful utterance and God's swift judgment. It signifies not just a sound, but a complete thought or declaration.
* **fell (Aramaic, _nᵉphal'_):** The verb (H5308) means "to fall," implying a sudden descent or occurrence. Here, it describes the dramatic and unexpected arrival of the voice from heaven. It conveys the sense of something external and powerful abruptly impacting the scene, signifying a divine intervention that is both undeniable and irresistible. The voice did not merely speak; it "fell," suggesting a weighty, authoritative, and inescapable pronouncement.
* **kingdom (Aramaic, _malkûw'_):** This word (H4437) denotes dominion, a realm, or the abstract concept of kingship/reign. It is the very essence of Nebuchadnezzar's identity and power. The declaration that the "kingdom is departed from thee" signifies a complete and immediate divestment of his royal authority and control. This is not a gradual decline but an instantaneous removal of his core identity as ruler, underscoring the absolute power of the One who bestows and removes earthly authority.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"While the word [was] in the king's mouth,"**: This opening clause establishes the precise timing of the divine intervention. It emphasizes the immediacy and direct correlation between Nebuchadnezzar's boastful, self-exalting words (from [Daniel 4:30](/daniel/4-30 "Daniel 4:30 - Nebuchadnezzar's Boast")) and the onset of God's judgment. There was no delay; the pronouncement of judgment occurred even as the last syllables of his prideful speech were being uttered, highlighting God's swift and attentive response to human arrogance.
* **"there fell a voice from heaven, [saying],"**: This phrase describes the supernatural origin and nature of the communication. The "voice from heaven" signifies a direct, undeniable divine intervention, indicating that the source of this declaration is not earthly but celestial, carrying ultimate authority. The verb "fell" conveys the sudden, forceful, and inescapable nature of this divine pronouncement, breaking into the king's reality with overwhelming power.
* **"O king Nebuchadnezzar, to thee it is spoken;"**: This is a direct, personal address to the king. The divine voice leaves no room for ambiguity regarding the recipient of the message. It is a specific, targeted judgment, emphasizing Nebuchadnezzar's individual accountability for his pride and his failure to acknowledge God's sovereignty. The phrase "to thee it is spoken" underscores the directness and finality of the divine decree.
* **"The kingdom is departed from thee."**: This is the core message of the divine pronouncement, the immediate fulfillment of the dream's interpretation. The use of "departed" (H5709, _ʻădâʼ_) signifies a removal, a taking away, or a passing on. It means that his royal authority, his reign, and his very control over the Babylonian Empire were instantly and completely stripped from him by divine decree, confirming that his power was never truly his own but was merely on loan from the Most High.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 4:31 is rich with literary devices that amplify its dramatic impact and theological message. **Dramatic Irony** is powerfully present, as the audience knows the prophecy from Daniel's interpretation in [Daniel 4:24-27](/daniel/4-24 "Daniel 4:24-27 - Daniel's Interpretation of the Dream"), while Nebuchadnezzar remains oblivious to his impending doom until the very moment of its fulfillment. This creates tension leading up to the divine pronouncement. The phrase "While the word [was] in the king's mouth" employs **Suspense** and **Immediacy**, emphasizing the suddenness and direct correlation between the king's prideful boast and the divine judgment. The "voice from heaven" is a clear example of **Divine Intervention**, portraying God as an active, sovereign agent who directly intervenes in human affairs, asserting His ultimate authority over earthly rulers. The entire narrative of Nebuchadnezzar's downfall and subsequent restoration functions as a **Parable** or **Allegory**, illustrating the dangers of pride and the necessity of humility before God, serving as a timeless warning for all who hold power.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 4:31 stands as a powerful testament to the biblical truth of God's absolute sovereignty over all creation, particularly over human governments and rulers. It refutes any notion of inherent human autonomy or ultimate self-determination, especially for those in positions of power. The immediate and public humbling of the world's most powerful monarch at the zenith of his pride serves as an undeniable declaration that "the Most High rules in the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he will" ([Daniel 4:17](/daniel/4-17 "Daniel 4:17 - God's Sovereignty Over Human Kingdoms")). This divine act underscores that all authority is delegated by God, and those who forget this truth face divine reckoning. The narrative also highlights the pervasive biblical theme of pride leading to a fall, contrasting human arrogance with the divine demand for humility and recognition of God's supreme authority.

* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")
* [Psalm 75:6-7](/psalm/75-6 "Psalm 75:6-7 - God Exalts and Humbles")
* [Romans 13:1](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1 - All Authority is from God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The dramatic account of Nebuchadnezzar's instantaneous humbling in Daniel 4:31 offers profound lessons for believers today, regardless of their station in life. It serves as a potent reminder that all power, influence, and success ultimately derive from God. In a world that often celebrates self-made individuals and encourages self-reliance, this verse calls us to cultivate a posture of profound humility. It challenges us to examine our own hearts for any seeds of pride, any tendency to attribute our achievements solely to our own efforts, intellect, or strength. True wisdom begins with acknowledging God's supreme authority over every aspect of our lives and the world. When we recognize that our very breath, our talents, our resources, and our positions are gifts from His hand, we are freed from the burden of self-exaltation and empowered to live in grateful dependence, using all we have for His glory. This humility leads not to weakness, but to true strength and peace, knowing that our lives are held securely in the hands of the One who rules over all kingdoms.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be subtly attributing success or accomplishments to myself rather than acknowledging God's provision and grace?**
* **How does the swiftness of God's judgment on Nebuchadnezzar challenge my understanding of divine justice and patience?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a deeper sense of humility and dependence on God in my daily life and work?**
* **How does the truth that "the kingdom is departed from thee" apply to my own understanding of earthly possessions, positions, or influence?**

### FAQ
**What was Nebuchadnezzar's specific sin that led to this immediate judgment?**

Answer: Nebuchadnezzar's sin was profound pride and self-exaltation. Just before the voice from heaven, he was boasting about his own power and majesty, declaring, "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?" ([Daniel 4:30](/daniel/4-30 "Daniel 4:30 - Nebuchadnezzar's Boast")). He attributed the vast empire and its magnificent capital solely to himself, completely disregarding God as the ultimate source of his authority and success, despite Daniel's earlier warnings to humble himself and acknowledge the Most High ([Daniel 4:27](/daniel/4-27 "Daniel 4:27 - Daniel's Counsel to Nebuchadnezzar")). This hubris directly defied the truth that God "removes kings and sets up kings" ([Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Controls Kingdoms")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel 4:31, with its dramatic portrayal of an earthly king's kingdom being "departed from thee" by divine decree, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate and eternal kingdom of Jesus Christ. Nebuchadnezzar's pride led to his downfall, but Christ, though "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" ([Philippians 2:6-7](/philippians/2-6 "Philippians 2:6-7 - Christ's Humility")). Unlike Nebuchadnezzar, who grasped for glory, Jesus willingly humbled Himself, even to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). Because of this unparalleled humility and obedience, God has "highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow" ([Philippians 2:9-10](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9-10 - Christ's Exaltation")). While Nebuchadnezzar's earthly kingdom was temporary and taken from him, Christ's kingdom is "an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him" ([Daniel 7:27](/daniel/7-27 "Daniel 7:27 - The Everlasting Kingdom of the Saints")). He is 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")), to whom all authority in heaven and on earth has been given ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). Thus, Daniel 4:31 serves as a stark contrast, highlighting the transient nature of human power and pointing forward to the unshakeable, eternal reign of the humble and exalted Messiah.

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

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.