Daniel 5:12

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Forasmuch as {H6903}{H3606} an excellent {H3493} spirit {H7308}, and knowledge {H4486}, and understanding {H7924}, interpreting {H6590} of dreams {H2493}, and shewing {H263} of hard sentences {H280}, and dissolving {H8271} of doubts {H7001}, were found {H7912} in the same Daniel {H1841}, whom the king {H4430} named {H7761}{H8036} Belteshazzar {H1096}: now {H3705} let Daniel {H1841} be called {H7123}, and he will shew {H2324} the interpretation {H6591}.

Complete Jewish Bible

because he was found to have an extraordinary spirit, knowledge, discernment, and the ability to interpret dreams, unlock mysteries and solve knotty problems. He is called Dani'el, but the king gave him the name Belt'shatzar. Now have Dani'el summoned, and he will tell you what this means."

Berean Standard Bible

did this because Daniel, the one he named Belteshazzar, was found to have an extraordinary spirit, as well as knowledge, understanding, and the ability to interpret dreams, explain riddles, and solve difficult problems. Summon Daniel, therefore, and he will give you the interpretation.”

American Standard Version

forasmuch as an excellent spirit, and knowledge, and understanding, interpreting of dreams, and showing of dark sentences, and dissolving of doubts, were found in the same Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar. Now let Daniel be called, and he will show the interpretation.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 5:12 records the queen mother's crucial intervention during Belshazzar's feast, where a mysterious hand writes on the palace wall, terrifying the king and baffling his wise men. She reminds the panicked king of Daniel, a man uniquely endowed with an "excellent spirit," profound knowledge, and divine understanding, capable of interpreting dreams, solving riddles, and untangling the most perplexing problems. Her counsel highlights Daniel's established reputation from Nebuchadnezzar's reign, setting the stage for his summons to interpret the ominous inscription and deliver God's judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 5:12 is situated at a critical juncture in the dramatic narrative of Belshazzar's sacrilegious feast, which begins in [Daniel 5:1](/daniel/5-1 "Daniel 5:1 - Belshazzar's Feast"). King Belshazzar, in a display of hubris and contempt for the God of Israel, uses the sacred vessels plundered from the Jerusalem Temple for his drunken banquet. This act of desecration immediately precedes the terrifying appearance of a disembodied hand that writes an enigmatic message on the palace wall ([Daniel 5:5](/daniel/5-5 "Daniel 5:5 - The Hand Writes on the Wall")). Overcome with fear, Belshazzar offers lavish rewards to anyone who can interpret the writing, but his astrologers, Chaldeans, and soothsayers prove utterly incapable ([Daniel 5:7-8](/daniel/5-7 "Daniel 5:7-8 - The King's Wise Men Fail")). It is at this moment of utter despair and confusion that the queen (likely the queen mother, given her wisdom and authority) enters, recalling Daniel's unparalleled abilities from the days of King Nebuchadnezzar, thus paving the way for Daniel's pivotal role in the unfolding divine judgment.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Daniel 5 occur during the final hours of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, specifically in 539 BC, just before its fall to the Medo-Persian forces. Belshazzar, though referred to as "king," was likely a co-regent with his father, Nabonidus, who was often away from Babylon. The feast itself, characterized by excessive drinking and the sacrilegious use of temple artifacts, reflects the decadence and spiritual blindness that often accompany the decline of great empires. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, dream interpretation, divination, and the solving of riddles were highly valued skills, often associated with divine favor or supernatural insight. Kings frequently employed "wise men" for such purposes, but their failure in this instance underscores the limitations of human wisdom and pagan practices when confronted with the true revelation of God. Daniel, as a Jewish exile, stood apart from these Babylonian wise men, his wisdom rooted in his relationship with the one true God, a stark contrast to the failing human systems around him.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Daniel. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Sovereignty**, demonstrating that God is ultimately in control of all earthly kingdoms, raising them up and bringing them down according to His will, as seen in [Daniel 2](/daniel/2 "Daniel 2 - Nebuchadnezzar's Dream and Daniel's Interpretation") and [Daniel 4](/daniel/4 "Daniel 4 - Nebuchadnezzar's Humiliation"). Belshazzar's pride and sacrilege directly provoke God's judgment, underscoring that no human authority can defy the Most High. Secondly, it reinforces the theme of **God-Given Wisdom vs. Human Wisdom**. The inability of Babylon's most esteemed wise men to interpret the writing contrasts sharply with Daniel's divinely endowed "excellent spirit" and understanding, emphasizing that true wisdom and revelation come from God alone ([Daniel 2:20-23](/daniel/2-20 "Daniel 2:20-23 - Daniel Praises God for Wisdom")). Finally, the verse showcases **God's Faithfulness to His Servants**, as Daniel, despite years of obscurity, is brought forth at the precise moment God's purposes require, demonstrating that God remembers and honors those who honor Him, even in hostile environments.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **excellent (Aramaic, _yattîyr'_):** (H3493) This Aramaic term signifies something "preeminent" or "exceeding," often used adverbially to mean "very" or "exceedingly." When applied to Daniel's spirit, it denotes a quality far beyond the ordinary, suggesting a superior, extraordinary, or divinely endowed spirit. It implies a unique and exceptional spiritual capacity for wisdom, discernment, and insight, setting Daniel apart from all others in the Babylonian court.
* **Belteshazzar (Aramaic, _Bêlṭᵉshaʼtstsar'_):** (H1096) This is the Babylonian name given to Daniel by the chief eunuch, as recorded in [Daniel 1:7](/daniel/1-7 "Daniel 1:7 - Daniel's Babylonian Name"). It means "Bel protect his life" or "Bel's prince," a name designed to assimilate Daniel into Babylonian culture and religion. The queen's use of this name here serves as a historical marker, linking Daniel's present reputation back to his past service under Nebuchadnezzar, emphasizing his long-standing and proven capabilities within the royal court.
* **dissolving (Aramaic, _shᵉrêʼ'_):** (H8271) This Aramaic root means "to free," "separate," or "unravel." When paired with "doubts" (H7001, meaning "knot" or "riddle"), it vividly describes Daniel's ability to "untie knots" or "unravel riddles." This is not merely intellectual problem-solving but a profound capacity to bring clarity and resolution to situations that are utterly perplexing and seemingly insoluble to others, indicating a divine gift for discernment and revelation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Forasmuch as an excellent spirit, and knowledge, and understanding,"**: This opening clause establishes the foundational qualities found in Daniel. The "excellent spirit" (Aramaic: _ruach yattira_) points to a superior, divinely-imparted spiritual endowment, not merely human intellect. This spirit is coupled with "knowledge" (_manda'_) and "understanding" (_soklᵉthanuw_), indicating a comprehensive grasp of truth and the ability to discern its implications. These are not acquired skills through conventional Babylonian education but gifts from God, distinguishing Daniel from the king's other wise men.
* **"interpreting of dreams, and shewing of hard sentences, and dissolving of doubts, were found in the same Daniel,"**: This clause specifies the practical manifestations of Daniel's exceptional qualities. His ability to "interpret dreams" (_pᵉshar chêlem_) was famously demonstrated in [Daniel 2](/daniel/2 "Daniel 2 - Daniel Interprets Nebuchadnezzar's Dream"). "Shewing of hard sentences" (_'achăvâh 'achîydâh_) refers to his skill in explaining riddles or enigmatic sayings, while "dissolving of doubts" (_shᵉrê' qᵉṭar_) literally means "untying knots," signifying his capacity to resolve complex, perplexing issues. The phrase "were found in the same Daniel" emphasizes that these extraordinary abilities were inherent and consistently demonstrated in him, making him uniquely qualified for the task at hand.
* **"whom the king named Belteshazzar: now let Daniel be called, and he will shew the interpretation."**: This final clause serves as a powerful recommendation and a call to action. The queen reminds Belshazzar of Daniel's Babylonian name, "Belteshazzar," linking his present reputation to his past service under Nebuchadnezzar, a name that would have been familiar within the royal court. Her confident declaration, "now let Daniel be called, and he will shew the interpretation," underscores her absolute certainty in Daniel's unique ability to reveal the meaning of the mysterious writing, a task that has proven impossible for all others. This sets the stage for Daniel's ultimate confrontation with Belshazzar and the pronouncement of God's judgment.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices to enhance its message. **Repetition** of Daniel's name and his unique abilities (interpreting dreams, solving riddles, dissolving doubts) serves to underscore his unparalleled competence and the queen's conviction in his capabilities. This repetition also creates **Foreshadowing**, signaling that Daniel is the only one who can resolve the crisis, building anticipation for his appearance. There is a strong **Contrast** drawn between the utter failure of Belshazzar's wise men and Daniel's proven, divinely-given wisdom, highlighting the inadequacy of human ingenuity versus divine revelation. Furthermore, the phrase "dissolving of doubts" uses a vivid **Metaphor** (literally "untying knots") to describe Daniel's ability to unravel complex problems, making his skill tangible and relatable. The dramatic context, with the king's terror and the queen's calm, authoritative intervention, also contributes to the heightened **Suspense** of the narrative, preparing the reader for the climactic interpretation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 5:12 profoundly illustrates the principle that true wisdom and understanding originate from God alone, not from human intellect or worldly systems. Daniel's "excellent spirit" is a divine endowment, distinguishing him from the pagan wise men and enabling him to perceive and interpret divine mysteries that are hidden from the natural mind. This passage reinforces the sovereignty of God, who raises up and empowers His chosen instruments at critical junctures in history to accomplish His purposes and declare His truth, even in the midst of hostile, pagan environments. It also serves as a powerful reminder that God's plan unfolds irrespective of human pride or ignorance, and He will always provide a means to reveal His will and execute His judgment.

* [Proverbs 2:6](/proverbs/2-6 "For the LORD gives wisdom")
* [James 1:5](/james/1-5 "Ask God for Wisdom")
* [1 Corinthians 2:10-14](/1_corinthians/2-10 "Spiritual Discernment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 5:12 challenges us to consider the source of our wisdom and the nature of the "spirit" that guides our lives. Daniel's "excellent spirit" was not merely intellectual prowess but a spiritual quality, a deep connection to God that enabled him to discern divine truth and bring clarity to complex situations. In a world often confused by conflicting narratives and perplexing problems, believers are called to cultivate a similar spirit—one that is attuned to God's wisdom through prayer, Scripture, and reliance on the Holy Spirit. Our gifts, whether intellectual, relational, or practical, are meant to be used for God's glory, to "dissolve doubts" and "shew hard sentences" in our spheres of influence, pointing others to the ultimate source of truth. Like Daniel, our integrity and competence, when rooted in a relationship with God, can open doors for divine witness, even in seemingly secular or hostile environments.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does it mean for me to have an "excellent spirit" in my daily life and work?**
* **How can I better cultivate a spirit of knowledge and understanding that comes from God, rather than relying solely on human wisdom?**
* **In what areas of my life or community are there "hard sentences" or "doubts" that God might be calling me to help "dissolve" through His wisdom?**
* **How does Daniel's example encourage me to trust that God will position me for His purposes, even if I feel overlooked or forgotten?**

### FAQ

**Who was the "queen" mentioned in Daniel 5:10-12?**

Answer: While the text simply says "the queen," most biblical scholars believe this refers to the queen mother, likely Nitocris, the mother of King Belshazzar and daughter of Nebuchadnezzar. Her age and experience, coupled with her knowledge of Daniel's past service to Nebuchadnezzar, suggest a matriarchal figure with significant influence and wisdom within the court. She would have been a respected figure who had lived through the reign of Nebuchadnezzar and witnessed Daniel's previous demonstrations of divine wisdom.

**Why was Daniel not already present among Belshazzar's wise men?**

Answer: Daniel, by this time, was an old man, likely in his 80s. After Nebuchadnezzar's death, Daniel's prominence at court may have waned under subsequent kings, or he may have retired from active service. Belshazzar, being a younger king and potentially less familiar with the full history of his grandfather's reign, might not have immediately thought of Daniel, or perhaps Daniel was not part of the regular retinue of Chaldean wise men. The queen mother's intervention serves to remind the king of Daniel's unique and proven abilities, which surpassed those of the current court magicians and astrologers.

**What does "dissolving of doubts" specifically refer to in this context?**

Answer: The Aramaic phrase "dissolving of doubts" (H8271 _shᵉrêʼ_ meaning "to untie" or "loosen," and H7001 _qᵉṭar_ meaning "knot" or "riddle") literally means "untying knots." This vividly illustrates Daniel's unparalleled ability to unravel complex problems, solve intricate riddles, and bring clarity to situations that were utterly perplexing and seemingly insoluble to others. It signifies his capacity to cut through confusion and provide clear, decisive answers to profound mysteries, particularly those with divine implications, such as the interpretation of the writing on the wall.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel, in his role as the divinely endowed interpreter of mysteries and revealer of truth, serves as a profound type of Christ. Just as Daniel possessed an "excellent spirit" and unique understanding to "shew hard sentences" and "dissolve doubts" for a bewildered king and a doomed empire, so too does Jesus Christ embody the ultimate wisdom and revelation of God. He is the very [wisdom of God](/1_corinthians/1-24 "Christ, the Power and Wisdom of God") personified, the one in whom "are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "In Christ are Hidden All Treasures of Wisdom")). While Daniel could interpret the writing of God's judgment, Christ Himself is the Word made flesh, the ultimate divine communication to humanity ([John 1:1-14](/john/1-1 "The Word Became Flesh")). He is the one who unties the ultimate "knots" of sin and death, offering the "interpretation" of God's redemptive plan through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection ([Hebrews 9:26](/hebrews/9-26 "Christ Appeared to Put Away Sin")). Belshazzar's kingdom faced judgment because it failed to recognize the true God; similarly, Christ reveals the truth of God's kingdom and offers salvation to all who believe, fulfilling Daniel's prophetic role as the ultimate revealer and the one who brings clarity to the deepest mysteries of God's will for humanity ([Ephesians 1:9-10](/ephesians/1-9 "The Mystery of His Will")).

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 6:3

Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit [was] in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm.

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 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 5:16

And I have heard of thee, that thou canst make interpretations, and dissolve doubts: now if thou canst read the writing, and make known to me the interpretation thereof, thou shalt be clothed with scarlet, and [have] a chain of gold about thy neck, and shalt be the third ruler in the kingdom.

Proverbs 12:26

¶ The righteous [is] more excellent than his neighbour: but the way of the wicked seduceth them.

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],

Psalms 16:3

[But] to the saints that [are] in the earth, and [to] the excellent, in whom [is] all my delight.