Daniel 5:14

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

I have even heard {H8086} of thee, that the spirit {H7308} of the gods {H426} is in thee {H5922}, and that light {H5094} and understanding {H7924} and excellent {H3493} wisdom {H2452} is found {H7912} in thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

I've heard about you that the spirit of the gods is in you, and that you have been found to have light, discernment and extraordinary wisdom.

Berean Standard Bible

I have heard that the spirit of the gods is in you, and that you have insight, intelligence, and extraordinary wisdom.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 5:14 records the Queen Mother's counsel to King Belshazzar, highlighting Daniel's unparalleled reputation for possessing divine insight. Amidst the chaos and fear caused by the mysterious handwriting on the wall, she reminds the king of Daniel's proven ability to interpret complex matters, attributing his extraordinary discernment to the "spirit of the gods" and an abundance of light, understanding, and excellent wisdom, thereby positioning him as the sole hope for deciphering the ominous message.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 5:14 is a pivotal moment within the dramatic narrative of Belshazzar's feast. The preceding verses (Daniel 5:1-4) describe King Belshazzar's sacrilegious use of the sacred vessels from the Jerusalem temple for his drunken revelry. This act of defiance against the God of Israel immediately precedes the terrifying appearance of a disembodied hand writing on the palace wall (Daniel 5:5). The king's wise men, astrologers, and soothsayers are utterly incapable of interpreting the mysterious inscription (Daniel 5:7-9), plunging the court into deeper despair. It is at this critical juncture, when human wisdom has demonstrably failed, that the Queen Mother enters the scene (Daniel 5:10), recalling Daniel's unique spiritual gifts and his past service under King Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 5:11-12), setting the stage for his summons and the interpretation of the divine message.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Daniel 5 unfold in Babylon during the final days of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, specifically around 539 BC, just prior to its fall to the Medo-Persian forces. King Belshazzar, likely co-regent with his father Nabonidus, is depicted as a defiant and arrogant ruler who, unlike Nebuchadnezzar, failed to acknowledge the sovereignty of the Most High God despite having witnessed His power (Daniel 5:22-23). The feast itself was a common practice, but the use of the temple vessels was a profound act of desecration, directly challenging the God of the exiled Jews. The Queen Mother, likely Nebuchadnezzar's widow or mother of Belshazzar, held a position of significant influence and memory within the royal court, recalling Daniel's past successes, particularly his interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar's dreams as recorded in [Daniel 2](/daniel/2 "Daniel 2 - Nebuchadnezzar's Dream") and [Daniel 4](/daniel/4 "Daniel 4 - Nebuchadnezzar's Humiliation"). Her intervention highlights the desperation of the moment and the recognition, even among pagans, of a wisdom beyond their own.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully underscores several key themes. Firstly, it emphasizes the **Divine Wisdom Recognized**, even by those outside the covenant community. The Queen Mother, though speaking from a polytheistic worldview, instinctively points to a supernatural source for Daniel's exceptional abilities, echoing Nebuchadnezzar's earlier acknowledgment of the "spirit of the holy gods" in Daniel in [Daniel 4:8](/daniel/4-8 "Daniel 4:8 - Nebuchadnezzar's Recognition of Daniel"). Secondly, it highlights **God's Sovereignty in Pagan Settings**, demonstrating how God raises up and uses His servants in positions of influence, even within hostile or ungodly environments, to display His power and wisdom. Daniel's consistent testimony and God-given abilities made him indispensable, even to rulers who did not worship Yahweh. Finally, the verse sets up a stark **Contrast with Human Inability**, as the failure of Babylon's own "wise men" to interpret the writing (Daniel 5:7-8) is juxtaposed with Daniel's God-given insight, emphasizing that true understanding and revelation come from God alone, not from human wisdom or occult practices, a theme consistently seen throughout the book, such as in [Daniel 2:27-28](/daniel/2-27 "Daniel 2:27 - Daniel's Declaration of God's Revelation").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **spirit (Aramaic, _rûwach'_):** This Aramaic term corresponds to the Hebrew _ruach_, meaning wind, breath, or spirit. In this context, it refers to a divine spirit, a supernatural influence or endowment. The Queen Mother's use of "spirit of the gods" reflects her polytheistic worldview, but the underlying reality for the monotheistic reader is that Daniel was endowed by the one true God, the Spirit of God, who grants insight and revelation.
* **gods (Aramaic, _ʼĕlâhh'_):** This Aramaic word is the plural form of "god" and corresponds to the Hebrew _Eloah_ or _Elohim_. While the Queen Mother uses it in a polytheistic sense, referring to multiple deities, the biblical narrative consistently demonstrates that the power and wisdom Daniel possessed originated from Yahweh, the one true God, whose Spirit alone could grant such profound understanding.
* **light (Aramaic, _nᵉhîyr'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to illuminate," this term signifies illumination, brightness, or figuratively, wisdom and understanding. It suggests a clarity of perception and insight that dispels ignorance and reveals hidden truths, much like physical light dispels darkness. For Daniel, this "light" was divine revelation, enabling him to see beyond the surface.
* **understanding (Aramaic, _soklᵉthânûw'_):** This word denotes intelligence, discernment, and the ability to comprehend complex matters. It implies not just knowledge, but the capacity to process, interpret, and apply that knowledge wisely, particularly in the context of mysteries and enigmas. It is a practical wisdom that leads to correct interpretation and action.
* **excellent (Aramaic, _yattîyr'_):** Corresponding to the Hebrew _yattir_, this term means "preeminent," "exceeding," or "very." It functions as an intensifier, emphasizing the extraordinary and superior quality of Daniel's wisdom. It suggests that his wisdom was not merely good, but outstanding, surpassing all others.
* **wisdom (Aramaic, _chokmâh'_):** This Aramaic term is equivalent to the Hebrew _chokmah_, broadly meaning wisdom, skill, or sagacity. In a theological context, it refers to the ability to apply knowledge and understanding effectively, often implying divine insight into the nature of reality and God's purposes. Coupled with "excellent," it highlights Daniel's supreme capacity for discernment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I have even heard of thee":** This opening phrase from the Queen Mother immediately establishes Daniel's widespread and enduring reputation. Her knowledge of him is not new but based on his past, well-known accomplishments, particularly under Nebuchadnezzar. It underscores that Daniel's unique gifts were recognized even by those in the highest echelons of pagan society, creating an expectation for his capabilities.
* **"that the spirit of the gods [is] in thee":** This is the Queen Mother's explanation for Daniel's extraordinary abilities, framed within her polytheistic worldview. While she attributes his insight to "the gods," the theological reality presented throughout Daniel is that it is the Spirit of the one true God, Yahweh, who indwells and empowers Daniel. This statement acknowledges a supernatural source for Daniel's wisdom, distinguishing him from the Babylonian wise men who relied on human or demonic means.
* **"and [that] light and understanding and excellent wisdom is found in thee":** This clause elaborates on the specific manifestations of the divine spirit within Daniel. "Light" refers to divine illumination and clarity, enabling him to see and understand hidden truths. "Understanding" speaks to his profound discernment and ability to interpret complex matters. "Excellent wisdom" signifies a superior, preeminent sagacity that far surpassed the capabilities of any other individual in the kingdom, making him uniquely qualified to interpret the mysterious writing that baffled all others. The phrase "is found in thee" indicates that these qualities are not merely occasional but are inherent and consistently present in Daniel.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Contrast** is paramount, highlighting the stark difference between the failed human wisdom of Belshazzar's Chaldean wise men and the divinely-sourced wisdom found in Daniel. This contrast underscores the theme that true revelation comes from God alone. There is also a subtle **Irony** in the Queen Mother's statement: while she attributes Daniel's abilities to "the spirit of the gods" (plural, reflecting pagan polytheism), the reader understands that Daniel's power comes from the one true God, Yahweh. Her pagan language inadvertently points to the singular divine source. Furthermore, the cumulative description "light and understanding and excellent wisdom" functions as a form of **Hyperbole** from a human perspective, emphasizing the extraordinary and unparalleled nature of Daniel's gifts, which truly transcended normal human capabilities, making him the only one capable of solving the crisis.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 5:14 powerfully illustrates God's sovereignty over all nations and His ability to raise up and equip His servants, even in hostile environments, to display His glory and reveal His truth. It underscores that true wisdom is not a product of human intellect or worldly training but a divine gift, supernaturally bestowed. This verse highlights God's commitment to revealing His purposes, especially when human efforts fail, and His willingness to use unexpected channels—like a faithful exile in a pagan court—to accomplish His will. It also foreshadows the ultimate revelation of God's wisdom in Christ.

* [Proverbs 2:6](/proverbs/2-6 "Proverbs 2:6 - God Gives Wisdom"): "For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding."
* [James 1:5](/james/1-5 "James 1:5 - Asking for Wisdom"): "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him."
* [1 Corinthians 2:10](/1_corinthians/2-10 "1 Corinthians 2:10 - Spirit Reveals God's Wisdom"): "These things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 5:14 serves as a profound reminder that God equips His people with unique gifts and wisdom, often placing them in unexpected or challenging circumstances for His sovereign purposes. Daniel's consistent walk with God and the divine gifts bestowed upon him earned him a reputation that transcended cultural and religious barriers, even among pagan rulers. This encourages believers today to cultivate a deep reliance on God for true wisdom, recognizing that He can use us to reveal His truth and provide solutions when human efforts fall short. Our faithfulness and the genuine manifestation of God's Spirit in our lives can make a profound impact, earning respect and opening doors for divine influence in our workplaces, communities, and even in seemingly hostile environments. It challenges us to live lives of integrity and spiritual depth, trusting that God will make His wisdom known through us for His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Daniel's reputation for divine wisdom challenge my understanding of what truly constitutes "success" or "influence" in the world?**
* **In what areas of my life or work do I need to rely more on God's wisdom than on my own intellect or worldly strategies?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper reliance on the Holy Spirit to manifest "light and understanding and excellent wisdom" in my daily interactions and decisions?**
* **What kind of "testimony" am I building through my life, and how might it open doors for God's truth to be recognized by those around me, regardless of their beliefs?**

### FAQ

**Who was the Queen Mother mentioned in Daniel 5:14, and why was her counsel so influential?**

Answer: The Queen Mother in Daniel 5:14 is generally believed to be Nitocris, the mother of King Belshazzar and daughter of King Nebuchadnezzar. Her counsel was highly influential due to her esteemed position and her intimate knowledge of past events, particularly the reign of her father, Nebuchadnezzar. She remembered Daniel's proven ability to interpret dreams and mysteries, an ability that had saved the kingdom from crisis on previous occasions (e.g., [Daniel 2](/daniel/2 "Daniel 2 - Nebuchadnezzar's Dream")). In a moment of extreme fear and human failure, her memory of Daniel's divine wisdom provided the only viable solution, demonstrating her significant authority and insight within the royal court.

**What is the significance of the Queen Mother referring to "the spirit of the gods" in Daniel 5:14, given that Daniel served the one true God?**

Answer: The Queen Mother's reference to "the spirit of the gods" reflects her polytheistic worldview, common in ancient Babylon. From her perspective, Daniel's extraordinary abilities were attributed to a divine, supernatural source, which she understood in terms of multiple deities. However, for the biblical reader, this phrase highlights the reality that Daniel was endowed by the Spirit of the one true God, Yahweh. It emphasizes that even pagan rulers recognized a supernatural power at work in Daniel, distinguishing his wisdom from that of their own astrologers and soothsayers. It serves as an ironic testament to the singular power of God, acknowledged even through the lens of paganism.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel 5:14, with its recognition of Daniel as one in whom "the spirit of the gods," "light and understanding and excellent wisdom is found," beautifully foreshadows the ultimate revelation of God's wisdom and light in Jesus Christ. Daniel, as a faithful servant endowed with divine insight, served as a conduit for God's truth in a dark, pagan world. This role finds its perfect fulfillment in Christ, who is not merely a recipient of divine wisdom but is the very embodiment of God's wisdom itself. Paul declares in [1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God") that Christ is "the power of God and the wisdom of God." Furthermore, Jesus proclaimed Himself to be the "light of the world" in [John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World"), bringing ultimate understanding and dispelling spiritual darkness. Just as Daniel was found to possess light and understanding to interpret mysteries, Christ, through His life, death, and resurrection, fully reveals the mysteries of God's redemptive plan ([Colossians 2:2-3](/colossians/2-2 "Colossians 2:2 - Mystery of God, Christ")). Therefore, Daniel's unique endowment points forward to Jesus, the Lamb of God, in whom all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden, and who alone provides the ultimate interpretation of God's will and purpose for humanity ([Colossians 1:15-20](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ's Supremacy")).

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 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.