Daniel 5:11

KJV

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;

KJV (with Strong's)

There is {H383} a man {H1400} in thy kingdom {H4437}, in whom is the spirit {H7308} of the holy {H6922} gods {H426}; and in the days {H3118} of thy father {H2} light {H5094} and understanding {H7924} and wisdom {H2452}, like the wisdom {H2452} of the gods {H426}, was found {H7912} in him; whom the king {H4430} Nebuchadnezzar {H5020} thy father {H2}, the king {H4430}, I say, thy father {H2}, made {H6966} master {H7229} of the magicians {H2749}, astrologers {H826}, Chaldeans {H3779}, and soothsayers {H1505};

Complete Jewish Bible

There is a man in your kingdom in whom is the spirit of the holy gods. In the days of your father, he was found to have light, discernment and wisdom like the wisdom of the gods. King N'vukhadnetzar your father - the king, your father - made him chief of the magicians, exorcists, astrologers and diviners;

Berean Standard Bible

There is a man in your kingdom who has the spirit of the holy gods in him. In the days of your father he was found to have insight, intelligence, and wisdom like that of the gods. Your father, King Nebuchadnezzar, appointed him chief of the magicians, enchanters, astrologers, and diviners. Your own father, the king,

American Standard Version

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, were found in him; and the king Nebuchadnezzar thy father, the king, I say, thy father, made him master of the magicians, enchanters, Chaldeans, and soothsayers;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 5:11 captures the pivotal moment when the Queen Mother intervenes during King Belshazzar's feast, where a mysterious hand has inscribed an incomprehensible message on the palace wall. Faced with the terror and impotence of his own wise men, Belshazzar is reminded of Daniel, a man uniquely endowed with divine wisdom and understanding, who had previously served King Nebuchadnezzar with unparalleled insight. This verse sets the stage for Daniel's re-emergence as the sole interpreter of God's judgment, highlighting the stark contrast between human inadequacy and divinely bestowed discernment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a critical juncture in [Daniel chapter 5](/daniel/5 "Daniel 5 - Belshazzar's Feast and the Handwriting on the Wall"). King Belshazzar, in a display of hubris and sacrilege, hosts a grand feast where he desecrates sacred vessels taken from the temple in Jerusalem by his predecessor, Nebuchadnezzar ([Daniel 5:2](/daniel/5-2 "Daniel 5:2 - Belshazzar's Sacrilege")). Immediately following this act, a disembodied hand appears and writes a cryptic message on the palace wall ([Daniel 5:5](/daniel/5-5 "Daniel 5:5 - The Handwriting on the Wall")). Overwhelmed with fear and unable to find anyone among his court astrologers, Chaldeans, or soothsayers who can interpret the writing, Belshazzar is in deep distress. It is at this moment of profound crisis that the Queen Mother, likely Nebuchadnezzar's widow or mother, enters to offer counsel, recalling Daniel's extraordinary abilities and his past service under Nebuchadnezzar. Her timely intervention shifts the narrative focus from human despair to the potential for divine revelation through God's chosen servant.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of [Daniel chapter 5](/daniel/5 "Daniel 5 - Belshazzar's Feast and the Fall of Babylon") unfold in Babylon during the final days of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, specifically around 539 BC, shortly before its fall to the Medo-Persian forces. Belshazzar is depicted as king, likely co-regent with his father Nabonidus, who was often absent from Babylon. The Babylonian court relied heavily on a class of "wise men"—magicians, astrologers, Chaldeans, and soothsayers—who practiced various forms of divination and interpretation based on omens, stars, and occult knowledge. These individuals held significant influence and were expected to provide counsel and interpret signs. However, their reliance on human and demonic wisdom consistently failed when confronted with true divine revelation, as seen in earlier chapters with Nebuchadnezzar's dreams ([Daniel 2:28](/daniel/2-28 "Daniel 2:28 - Daniel Interprets Nebuchadnezzar's Dream")). The Queen Mother's remembrance of Daniel underscores the unique nature of his wisdom, which transcended the limitations of Babylonian occult practices and was rooted in a distinct, supernatural source.
* **Key Themes:** [Daniel 5:11](/daniel/5-11 "Daniel 5:11 - The Queen Mother Recalls Daniel") contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the Book of Daniel. Firstly, it highlights the **contrast between divine wisdom and human incapacity**. While the Babylonian wise men, representing the pinnacle of human and occult knowledge, are utterly helpless before the divine inscription, Daniel's wisdom, explicitly attributed to "the spirit of the holy gods," is presented as the only viable solution. This emphasizes God's unique ability to reveal mysteries and His superiority over all earthly powers and false deities. Secondly, the verse reinforces the theme of **God's sovereignty over earthly kingdoms**. Even in the heart of a pagan empire, God ensures His servant is remembered and brought forth at a critical moment to declare His will and judgment, demonstrating His ultimate control over the rise and fall of nations. Finally, it underscores the **enduring testimony of a godly life**. Despite being overlooked or forgotten by Belshazzar, Daniel's established reputation for divine wisdom and understanding, forged under Nebuchadnezzar ([Daniel 1:17](/daniel/1-17 "Daniel 1:17 - God Gives Daniel Wisdom")), resurfaces precisely when true spiritual discernment is desperately needed, proving that faithfulness leaves a lasting legacy.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **spirit (Aramaic, _rûwach'_):** This term refers to "wind; by resemblance breath, i.e. a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the sky; by resemblance spirit, but only of a rational being (including its expression and functions)." In this context, it signifies a divine, supernatural influence or endowment that empowers Daniel with extraordinary insight, distinguishing his abilities from mere human intellect or occult practices. The Queen Mother's use of this term, even from a polytheistic perspective, points to an external, powerful source of Daniel's wisdom.
* **holy (Aramaic, _qaddîysh'_):** Corresponding to the Hebrew _qadosh_, this word means "sacred (ceremonially or morally); (as noun) God (by eminence), an angel, a saint, a sanctuary." When paired with "gods," it emphasizes the distinct and set-apart nature of the divine source from which Daniel's wisdom emanates. Even in a pagan context, there is an acknowledgment that this "spirit" is not common or earthly, but rather sacred and unique.
* **wisdom (Aramaic, _chokmâh'_):** This word directly corresponds to the Hebrew _chokmah_, meaning "wisdom." Here, it describes the profound intellectual and spiritual discernment possessed by Daniel, which enabled him to interpret dreams, understand visions, and provide counsel that surpassed the capabilities of all other wise men in Babylon. The repetition of "like the wisdom of the gods" underscores the exceptional, divinely-inspired quality of Daniel's insight.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"There is a man in thy kingdom, in whom is the spirit of the holy gods;":** This opening clause immediately establishes Daniel's unique spiritual endowment. The Queen Mother, speaking from a polytheistic worldview, attributes Daniel's extraordinary abilities to a divine, supernatural source, distinguishing him from the ordinary wise men of Babylon. This "spirit of the holy gods" is implicitly understood by the reader as the Spirit of the one true God, who alone grants such profound insight.
* **"and in the days of thy father light and understanding and wisdom, like the wisdom of the gods, was found in him;":** This segment highlights Daniel's established reputation under Nebuchadnezzar. The terms "light," "understanding," and "wisdom" describe the comprehensive nature of Daniel's divine gifts—illumination, discernment, and profound insight. The phrase "like the wisdom of the gods" further underscores the exceptional, superhuman quality of his abilities, recognized even by a pagan king. The fact that these qualities were "found in him" implies they were inherent and consistently demonstrated.
* **"whom the king Nebuchadnezzar thy father, the king, I say, thy father, made master of the magicians, astrologers, Chaldeans, and soothsayers;":** This final clause provides concrete evidence of Daniel's past authority and preeminence. The emphatic repetition of "thy father" (Nebuchadnezzar) serves to remind Belshazzar of a respected predecessor who recognized Daniel's unparalleled wisdom and elevated him to the highest position among all the court's wise men. This past appointment directly contrasts with the current impotence of Belshazzar's own advisors, setting the stage for Daniel's re-introduction as the only one capable of solving the crisis.

#### Literary Devices
The Queen Mother's speech in [Daniel 5:11](/daniel/5-11 "Daniel 5:11 - The Queen Mother Recalls Daniel") employs several powerful literary devices. **Contrast** is central, sharply juxtaposing Daniel's divinely-inspired wisdom with the utter failure and terror of Belshazzar's human-reliant wise men. This highlights the futility of worldly knowledge when faced with divine revelation. The **Repetition** of "thy father" (referring to Nebuchadnezzar) serves to emphasize Daniel's long-standing and proven track record, appealing to Belshazzar's respect for his predecessor's judgment. This repetition also subtly underscores Belshazzar's own ignorance or forgetfulness regarding a key figure in his kingdom. There is an element of **Irony** in the scene: Belshazzar, who has defiantly desecrated the vessels of the true God, must now turn to a servant of that very God for salvation from a divine judgment. Finally, the Queen Mother's recollection of Daniel's past successes functions as a form of **Foreshadowing**, indicating that Daniel, and only Daniel, will be able to interpret the current mysterious writing and resolve the crisis.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 5:11 powerfully illustrates God's sovereign control over human history and His ability to raise up and use His servants even in the most unlikely of circumstances. It underscores the profound difference between human wisdom, which is limited and often fails in the face of true divine revelation, and God-given wisdom, which is supernatural, unerring, and capable of discerning the deepest mysteries. The Queen Mother's pagan acknowledgment of a "spirit of the holy gods" within Daniel, while not fully comprehending the one true God, nonetheless points to the unique source of Daniel's insight. This verse reminds us that God's plan unfolds irrespective of human forgetfulness or rebellion, and He will always ensure His truth is revealed through His chosen instruments at the appointed time.

* [Daniel 1:17](/daniel/1-17 "God Gives Daniel Wisdom")
* [James 1:5](/james/1-5 "Asking God for Wisdom")
* [Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 5:11 offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It challenges us to consider the source of our own wisdom and understanding. In a world that often prizes human intellect, technological advancement, and worldly success, this verse reminds us that true, enduring wisdom comes from God alone. Like Daniel, we are called to cultivate a deep relationship with the Lord, allowing His Spirit to indwell and empower us, granting us discernment that surpasses mere human knowledge. Our consistent walk of faith and integrity, even when seemingly unnoticed or unappreciated, can leave a lasting impact, establishing a reputation for godly character and insight that may be recalled and desperately needed in times of crisis. This passage encourages us to live lives that genuinely testify to God's presence and power within us, so that when the world is in confusion, we might be the ones through whom God's light and truth can shine forth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What is the primary source of wisdom you rely on in your life, and how does it compare to the wisdom Daniel possessed?**
* **How can you cultivate a deeper relationship with God to receive more of His "light and understanding and wisdom"?**
* **In what ways might your consistent, godly living be leaving a lasting testimony, even if it feels overlooked today?**
* **Are you prepared to be used by God to bring His truth and discernment into moments of crisis, much like Daniel was?**

### FAQ
**Who is "thy father" that the Queen Mother refers to in Daniel 5:11?**

Answer: The "thy father" referred to by the Queen Mother is King Nebuchadnezzar. While Belshazzar was not Nebuchadnezzar's direct son in the modern sense, he was his successor and likely his grandson or son-in-law. In ancient Near Eastern royal genealogies, "father" could refer to a predecessor, ancestor, or even a patron. The Queen Mother uses this title to remind Belshazzar of Nebuchadnezzar's reign and his clear recognition of Daniel's unique wisdom, thereby legitimizing Daniel's authority and insight in Belshazzar's eyes. Nebuchadnezzar had famously elevated Daniel to a position of great power and respect after Daniel interpreted his dreams, as recorded in [Daniel chapter 2](/daniel/2 "Daniel 2 - Nebuchadnezzar's Dream and Daniel's Interpretation") and [Daniel chapter 4](/daniel/4 "Daniel 4 - Nebuchadnezzar's Second Dream and Humiliation").

**What does the phrase "the spirit of the holy gods" mean, given that Daniel served the one true God?**

Answer: The phrase "the spirit of the holy gods" is spoken by the Queen Mother, who, as a member of the Babylonian royal court, would have adhered to a polytheistic worldview. In her cultural context, "gods" referred to the many deities worshipped in Babylon. Therefore, her statement reflects her understanding that Daniel's wisdom came from a supernatural, divine source, distinguishing it from the human knowledge or occult practices of the Babylonian wise men. For the biblical reader, however, this phrase implicitly points to the Spirit of the one true God, Yahweh. It is a pagan acknowledgment, albeit imperfect, of the divine power that genuinely resided in Daniel. The Book of Daniel consistently portrays Daniel's wisdom as emanating solely from the God of Israel, who alone reveals mysteries ([Daniel 2:28](/daniel/2-28 "God Reveals Mysteries")). Thus, the Queen Mother's words, though framed in polytheistic terms, serve to highlight the unique, transcendent, and truly divine source of Daniel's unparalleled insight.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel, in [Daniel 5:11](/daniel/5-11 "The Queen Mother Recalls Daniel"), stands as a profound type of Christ, embodying divine wisdom and serving as the ultimate revealer of God's truth in a world shrouded in spiritual darkness and human folly. Just as Daniel was uniquely endowed with "the spirit of the holy gods" and possessed "light and understanding and wisdom" far surpassing his contemporaries, so too is Jesus Christ the very embodiment of God's wisdom. In Him "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, the Treasure of Wisdom")). Daniel's ability to interpret the cryptic writing and declare God's judgment foreshadows Christ's ultimate role as the Word of God, through whom all things were made and by whom God's will and judgment are perfectly revealed ([John 1:1-3](/john/1-1 "John 1:1-3 - Jesus, the Eternal Word")). While Daniel was a servant elevated by a pagan king, Jesus is the King of Kings, the one who perfectly reveals the Father, for "No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father's side, he has made him known" ([John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - Jesus Reveals the Father")). Daniel's prophetic insights pointed to future kingdoms and God's sovereign plan, but Christ Himself is the fulfillment of all prophecy, the one who perfectly interprets and fulfills the Scriptures concerning Himself ([Luke 24:27](/luke/24-27 "Luke 24:27 - Jesus Explains the Scriptures")). Thus, Daniel's role as the Spirit-filled interpreter in Babylon serves as a powerful testament to the greater truth that in Christ, God's ultimate wisdom and revelation are fully and finally manifest for the salvation and judgment of the world.

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 4:8

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],

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 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 2:47

The king answered unto Daniel, and said, Of a truth [it is], that your God [is] a God of gods, and a Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets, seeing thou couldest reveal this secret.

Daniel 2:48

Then the king made Daniel a great man, and gave him many great gifts, and made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon, and chief of the governors over all the wise [men] of Babylon.

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.

Revelation 3:9

Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.