Daniel 4:8

KJV

But at the last Daniel came in before me, whose name [was] Belteshazzar, according to the name of my god, and in whom [is] the spirit of the holy gods: and before him I told the dream, [saying],

KJV (with Strong's)

But at {H5705} the last {H318} Daniel {H1841} came in {H5922} before me {H6925}, whose name {H8036} was Belteshazzar {H1096}, according to the name {H8036} of my god {H426}, and in whom is the spirit {H7308} of the holy {H6922} gods {H426}: and before {H6925} him I told {H560} the dream {H2493}, saying,

Complete Jewish Bible

Finally, however, Dani'el (renamed Belt'shatzar, after the name of my god), in whom is the spirit of the holy gods, came before me; and I told him the dream:

Berean Standard Bible

But at last, into my presence came Daniel (whose name is Belteshazzar after the name of my god, and in whom is the spirit of the holy gods). And I told him the dream:

American Standard Version

But at the last Daniel came in before me, whose name was Belteshazzar, according to the name of my god, and in whom is the spirit of the holy gods: and I told the dream before him, saying,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 4:8 marks a pivotal moment in King Nebuchadnezzar's personal testimony, where, after the failure of all his Babylonian wise men, he finally summons Daniel to interpret his second perplexing dream. This verse highlights Daniel's unique spiritual endowment, recognized even by the pagan king, and sets the stage for the divine revelation that will humble the proud monarch and declare God's ultimate sovereignty over all earthly kingdoms.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 4 is presented as a royal decree from King Nebuchadnezzar himself, testifying to the power and sovereignty of the Most High God. The preceding verses (Daniel 4:1-7) describe Nebuchadnezzar's initial proclamation, his second terrifying dream, and the utter failure of his own wise men—magicians, enchanters, Chaldeans, and astrologers—to provide any interpretation. This verse, Daniel 4:8, marks the turning point where Daniel is finally brought before the king, echoing the narrative structure of [Daniel 2](/daniel/2 "Daniel 2 - Nebuchadnezzar's First Dream and Daniel's Interpretation"), where Daniel also proved to be the only one capable of revealing and interpreting the king's dream. The delay in calling Daniel emphasizes the king's reliance on his own established pagan system before turning to the one true source of wisdom.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Babylon during the Neo-Babylonian Empire, a period of immense power and polytheistic worship. King Nebuchadnezzar was the most powerful ruler of his time, accustomed to absolute authority and surrounded by a sophisticated system of pagan religious functionaries and diviners. The practice of dream interpretation was central to ancient Near Eastern cultures, believed to be a means by which gods communicated with humans. However, the Babylonian system relied on human wisdom, occult practices, and the supposed power of their many gods, chief among them Marduk (Bel), after whom Daniel's Babylonian name, Belteshazzar, was given. The king's recognition of a "spirit of the holy gods" in Daniel, despite his polytheistic worldview, underscores Daniel's undeniable spiritual distinctiveness in a culture steeped in idolatry.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Daniel. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Revelation and Wisdom**, demonstrating that true insight and understanding come not from human ingenuity or pagan divination, but from the one true God, who reveals His mysteries to His chosen servants (as seen throughout [Daniel](/daniel/1 "The Book of Daniel - God's Sovereignty and Prophecy")). Secondly, it highlights **Daniel's Distinctiveness and Integrity**, showcasing his unique spiritual endowment and unwavering faithfulness to God amidst a pagan court, setting him apart from all other wise men. Thirdly, it reinforces the **Sovereignty of God**, as the narrative consistently portrays God's absolute control over human affairs, even over the most powerful earthly rulers like Nebuchadnezzar. Finally, it touches on the theme of **Pagan Recognition of Divine Power**, where even a polytheistic king acknowledges a transcendent spiritual presence in Daniel, albeit filtered through his own limited understanding, foreshadowing the king's eventual, albeit temporary, conversion in [Daniel 4:34-37](/daniel/4-34 "Daniel 4:34-37 - Nebuchadnezzar's Praise to God").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Belteshazzar (Aramaic, _Bêlṭᵉshaʼtstsar'_):** This is Daniel's Babylonian name, meaning "Bel protect his life" or "Bel's prince." Nebuchadnezzar explicitly states it was "according to the name of my god," referring to Bel (Marduk), the chief deity of Babylon. This name was given to Daniel as part of an attempt to assimilate him into Babylonian culture and religion (as mentioned in [Daniel 1:7](/daniel/1-7 "Daniel 1:7 - Daniel's Babylonian Name")). The king's use of this name here emphasizes his pagan perspective and his attempt to frame Daniel's spiritual power within his own polytheistic framework, even as he recognizes something extraordinary in him.
* **spirit (Aramaic, _rûwach'_):** This Aramaic word corresponds to the Hebrew _ruach_, meaning "wind," "breath," or "spirit." Here, it refers to a powerful, animating, and insightful force within Daniel. From Nebuchadnezzar's perspective, it is a divine spirit that enables Daniel's extraordinary wisdom and interpretive abilities. While the king attributes it to "holy gods," the reader understands this "spirit" to be the Spirit of the one true God, who empowers Daniel. This highlights the contrast between pagan understanding and the reality of divine inspiration.
* **holy (Aramaic, _qaddîysh'_):** This term means "sacred" or "holy," indicating that which is set apart, pure, or divine. When Nebuchadnezzar refers to the "spirit of the holy gods," he is acknowledging a transcendent, sacred quality to the spiritual power he perceives in Daniel. This is a significant admission from a pagan king, indicating that Daniel's spiritual endowment was so profound it could not be dismissed as mere human skill or common magic, but rather possessed a distinct, sacred character.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But at the last Daniel came in before me":** This clause highlights the king's desperation and the ultimate failure of his conventional wise men. The phrase "at the last" (Aramaic _ʼochŏrêyn_) underscores that Daniel was not Nebuchadnezzar's first choice, but rather his final resort, after all other human and pagan avenues had been exhausted. This delay serves to magnify Daniel's subsequent success and the unique source of his wisdom.
* **"whose name [was] Belteshazzar, according to the name of my god":** This part of the verse reveals Nebuchadnezzar's continued pagan worldview and his attempt to integrate Daniel into his own religious framework. By referring to Daniel by his Babylonian name, Belteshazzar, and explicitly linking it to "my god" (Bel/Marduk), the king frames Daniel's spiritual power within his polytheistic understanding, even though Daniel's allegiance was solely to the God of Israel.
* **"and in whom [is] the spirit of the holy gods":** This is a crucial statement of recognition from Nebuchadnezzar. Despite his paganism, the king discerns a distinct, powerful, and sacred spiritual presence within Daniel. While he attributes it to "holy gods" (plural), reflecting his polytheistic worldview, the reader understands this to be the Spirit of the one true God, empowering Daniel with supernatural wisdom and discernment. This acknowledgment sets Daniel apart from all others.
* **"and before him I told the dream, [saying],":** This final clause sets the scene for Daniel's pivotal role. Having exhausted all other options and recognizing Daniel's unique spiritual endowment, Nebuchadnezzar is now ready to fully entrust Daniel with the perplexing dream. The act of "telling the dream" signifies the king's trust and reliance on Daniel, contrasting sharply with the earlier scenario in [Daniel 2](/daniel/2 "Daniel 2 - Nebuchadnezzar's First Dream and Daniel's Interpretation") where Daniel had to both reveal and interpret the dream.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. There is clear **Irony** in Nebuchadnezzar's statement. He refers to Daniel by his pagan name, Belteshazzar, linked to "my god" (Bel), yet simultaneously acknowledges a "spirit of the holy gods" in him. The irony lies in the fact that the true source of Daniel's power is the one true God, Yahweh, whom Nebuchadnezzar does not yet fully recognize, and not the pagan deities he worships. This creates a powerful **Contrast** between the impotence of the Babylonian wise men and the divine wisdom manifest in Daniel. The phrase "spirit of the holy gods" also functions as **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the profound spiritual truth that will be revealed through Daniel's interpretation, ultimately leading to Nebuchadnezzar's humbling and his eventual, albeit temporary, acknowledgment of the Most High God. The entire narrative of Nebuchadnezzar's dream and Daniel's interpretation serves as **Symbolism** for God's ultimate sovereignty over all earthly rulers and kingdoms, a central theme in Daniel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 4:8 profoundly illustrates the stark contrast between human wisdom and divine revelation, a recurring theme throughout Scripture. Nebuchadnezzar, the most powerful man on earth, with access to the greatest minds and occult practices of his time, is utterly helpless before a divinely sent dream. His eventual turning to Daniel, whom he recognizes as possessing a "spirit of the holy gods," underscores that true wisdom and understanding originate from God alone. This passage serves as a testament to God's ability to work through His faithful servants even in hostile, pagan environments, demonstrating His sovereignty over all earthly powers and His capacity to reveal His will to those He chooses. It highlights that God's power is not limited by human systems or religious frameworks, and He can use even the most unlikely circumstances to demonstrate His glory and bring about His purposes.

* [Proverbs 2:6](/proverbs/2-6 "Proverbs 2:6 - The Lord Gives Wisdom")
* [1 Corinthians 2:10](/1_corinthians/2-10 "1 Corinthians 2:10 - The Spirit Reveals Deep Things")
* [James 1:5](/james/1-5 "James 1:5 - Asking God for Wisdom")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 4:8 offers profound insights for contemporary believers. In a world often overwhelmed by humanistic philosophies, technological advancements, and various forms of secular wisdom, this verse reminds us that true, transformative insight ultimately comes from God. Daniel's distinctiveness was not due to superior education in Babylon, but to the "spirit of the holy gods" (from Nebuchadnezzar's perspective), which was in reality the Spirit of the one true God. This calls us to cultivate a deep, abiding relationship with God, allowing His Spirit to indwell and empower us, so that we might exhibit wisdom, discernment, and integrity that stands apart in a confused world. Like Daniel, we are called to be faithful witnesses in whatever sphere God places us, trusting that He can use our yielded lives to bring His truth to light, even in the most challenging or seemingly hostile environments. Our reliance should not be on worldly solutions or human cleverness, but on the divine wisdom that God graciously imparts to those who seek Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you tempted to rely on human wisdom or worldly solutions instead of seeking divine guidance?**
* **How does Daniel's example challenge you to cultivate a deeper reliance on the Holy Spirit for wisdom and discernment in your daily life?**
* **What opportunities do you have to demonstrate God's unique wisdom in your workplace, community, or family, especially when others are at a loss?**
* **How can you maintain your spiritual integrity and distinctiveness in environments that may be hostile or indifferent to your faith, as Daniel did?**

### FAQ
**Why did Nebuchadnezzar wait so long to call Daniel, given his previous success in Daniel 2?**

Answer: Nebuchadnezzar’s delay in calling Daniel, despite Daniel's proven ability to interpret dreams in [Daniel 2](/daniel/2 "Daniel 2 - Nebuchadnezzar's First Dream and Daniel's Interpretation"), likely stems from a combination of factors. Firstly, the king was deeply entrenched in the Babylonian religious and political system, relying primarily on his own established wise men (magicians, enchanters, Chaldeans, astrologers). Calling Daniel, a Jewish exile, might have been seen as a last resort or an admission of the inadequacy of his own court. Secondly, Nebuchadnezzar’s previous encounter with Daniel, while impactful, did not lead to a full, sustained conversion to monotheism; he still operated within a polytheistic worldview. He likely preferred to exhaust all his conventional, pagan resources before turning to someone who operated under the power of a different, singular God. This delay serves a literary purpose as well, heightening the drama and emphasizing the utter failure of human wisdom before the divine.

**What does Nebuchadnezzar mean by "the spirit of the holy gods" in Daniel 4:8?**

Answer: From Nebuchadnezzar's polytheistic perspective, "the spirit of the holy gods" (Aramaic _rûwach qaddîysh ʼĕlâhh_) refers to a powerful, divine, and sacred spiritual essence that he perceived within Daniel. As a pagan king, he would have attributed extraordinary abilities to the influence of various deities within his pantheon. He recognized that Daniel's wisdom transcended normal human capabilities and was clearly supernatural, but he interpreted this through his own religious lens, associating it with a collective of "holy gods" rather than the singular, true God of Israel. This phrase highlights the king's limited theological understanding at this point, even as he acknowledges Daniel's unique divine empowerment. It stands in contrast to the monotheistic understanding of the Holy Spirit's presence in believers, as described in the New Testament (e.g., [John 14:26](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Helper, the Holy Spirit")).

**What is the significance of Daniel having both his Hebrew name and his Babylonian name (Belteshazzar) mentioned here?**

Answer: The mention of both Daniel's Hebrew name, Daniel (meaning "God is my judge"), and his Babylonian name, Belteshazzar (meaning "Bel protect his life" or "Bel's prince"), is highly significant. The Babylonian name was given to him by the chief eunuch as part of an attempt to assimilate him into Babylonian culture and religion ([Daniel 1:7](/daniel/1-7 "Daniel 1:7 - Daniel's Babylonian Name")). Nebuchadnezzar's use of "Belteshazzar" here, explicitly linking it to "my god," underscores his pagan worldview and his attempt to frame Daniel's spiritual power within his own religious system. However, the text consistently refers to him as "Daniel," emphasizing his true identity and allegiance to the God of Israel. This duality highlights the tension between Daniel's forced cultural assimilation and his unwavering spiritual integrity, demonstrating that even in a foreign land and under a foreign name, his true identity and source of power remained rooted in the one true God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel 4:8, with its portrayal of Daniel as the sole interpreter of divine mysteries, powerfully foreshadows the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as Daniel possessed "the spirit of the holy gods" (from Nebuchadnezzar's perspective) and was uniquely empowered to reveal God's hidden counsel, so too does Jesus embody the fullness of divine wisdom and revelation. The Apostle Paul declares that in Christ "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, in Whom are Hidden All Treasures of Wisdom")). While Daniel was a conduit for God's revelation, Jesus is the ultimate Revelation of God Himself, the Word made flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). He is the one who perfectly interprets the will of God, not through dreams and visions, but through His very life, teachings, death, and resurrection. The Spirit that empowered Daniel is the same Spirit that dwelt in Christ without measure ([John 3:34](/john/3-34 "John 3:34 - The Spirit Without Measure")), enabling Him to perfectly reveal the Father ([Matthew 11:27](/matthew/11-27 "Matthew 11:27 - No One Knows the Father Except the Son")). Therefore, Daniel's unique role as the divinely appointed revealer in a pagan court points forward to Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world and is the ultimate source of all truth and understanding for humanity ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

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

Daniel 1:7

Unto whom the prince of the eunuchs gave names: for he gave unto Daniel [the name] of Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah, of Shadrach; and to Mishael, of Meshach; and to Azariah, of Abednego.

Daniel 5:14

I have even heard of thee, that the spirit of the gods [is] in thee, and [that] light and understanding and excellent wisdom is found in thee.

Daniel 4:18

This dream I king Nebuchadnezzar have seen. Now thou, O Belteshazzar, declare the interpretation thereof, forasmuch as all the wise [men] of my kingdom are not able to make known unto me the interpretation: but thou [art] able; for the spirit of the holy gods [is] in thee.

Daniel 4:9

O Belteshazzar, master of the magicians, because I know that the spirit of the holy gods [is] in thee, and no secret troubleth thee, tell me the visions of my dream that I have seen, and the interpretation thereof.

Daniel 5:11

There is a man in thy kingdom, in whom [is] the spirit of the holy gods; and in the days of thy father light and understanding and wisdom, like the wisdom of the gods, was found in him; whom the king Nebuchadnezzar thy father, the king, [I say], thy father, made master of the magicians, astrologers, Chaldeans, [and] soothsayers;

Daniel 5:12

Forasmuch as an excellent spirit, and knowledge, and understanding, interpreting of dreams, and shewing of hard sentences, and dissolving of doubts, were found in the same Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar: now let Daniel be called, and he will shew the interpretation.

Daniel 2:11

And [it is] a rare thing that the king requireth, and there is none other that can shew it before the king, except the gods, whose dwelling is not with flesh.