Daniel 5:16

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I {H576} have heard {H8086} of thee {H5922}, that thou canst {H3202} make {H6590} interpretations {H6591}, and dissolve {H8271} doubts {H7001}: now {H3705} if {H2006} thou canst {H3202} read {H7123} the writing {H3792}, and make known {H3046} to me the interpretation {H6591} thereof, thou shalt be clothed {H3848} with scarlet {H711}, and have a chain {H2002} of gold {H1722} about {H5922} thy neck {H6676}, and shalt be the third {H8531} ruler {H7981} in the kingdom {H4437}.

Complete Jewish Bible

However, I've heard that you can give interpretations and solve knotty problems. Now if you can read the inscription and tell me what it means, you will be dressed in royal purple, wear a gold chain around your neck and be one of the three men ruling the kingdom."

Berean Standard Bible

But I have heard about you, that you are able to give interpretations and solve difficult problems. Therefore, if you can read this inscription and give me its interpretation, you will be clothed in purple and have a gold chain placed around your neck, and you will be made the third highest ruler in the kingdom.”

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 5:16 captures the desperate plea of King Belshazzar to Daniel, acknowledging Daniel's renowned ability to interpret divine mysteries and resolve complex problems, a reputation that had clearly endured despite years of Daniel's apparent obscurity in the Babylonian court. Faced with an indecipherable message supernaturally inscribed on his palace wall, Belshazzar offers extravagant royal honors and the highest possible political rank—third ruler in the kingdom—as incentive for Daniel to reveal the meaning of the terrifying script, underscoring the king's profound need for supernatural insight when all human wisdom had failed.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a critical juncture in the dramatic narrative of [Daniel 5](/daniel/5 "Daniel 5 - Belshazzar's Feast and the Writing on the Wall"). King Belshazzar, in a display of hubris and sacrilege, hosts a lavish feast where he and his nobles drink from the sacred vessels plundered from the Jerusalem temple by Nebuchadnezzar ([Daniel 5:1-4](/daniel/5-1 "Daniel 5:1-4 - Belshazzar's Feast")). In the midst of this revelry, a disembodied hand mysteriously appears and writes cryptic words on the palace wall ([Daniel 5:5](/daniel/5-5 "Daniel 5:5 - The Hand Appears")). Terrified and unable to comprehend the message, Belshazzar summons his astrologers, Chaldeans, and soothsayers, promising immense rewards for an interpretation ([Daniel 5:6-7](/daniel/5-6 "Daniel 5:6-7 - Belshazzar's Terror and Promise")). When they all fail, the queen mother intervenes, reminding the king of Daniel, a man in whom "the spirit of the holy gods" resides, known for his extraordinary wisdom, understanding, and ability to interpret dreams and solve difficult riddles ([Daniel 5:10-12](/daniel/5-10 "Daniel 5:10-12 - The Queen Mother Recommends Daniel")). Belshazzar's address to Daniel in verse 16 is a direct consequence of this failure and the queen mother's counsel, setting the stage for Daniel's prophetic interpretation.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the twilight of the Neo-Babylonian Empire. Belshazzar was likely co-regent with his father, Nabonidus, who was often away on military campaigns or pursuing religious interests. This arrangement meant that Nabonidus held the first position, Belshazzar the second. Thus, the offer to be "the third ruler in the kingdom" was the highest possible position Belshazzar could bestow, signifying immense power and prestige second only to the two co-regents. Babylonian culture placed a high value on divination, astrology, and the interpretation of omens and dreams, with a dedicated class of "wise men" serving the king. However, their reliance on humanistic and polytheistic methods proved utterly insufficient when confronted with a direct divine revelation from the God of Israel. The rewards offered—scarlet robes (a symbol of royalty and high status), a gold chain (a mark of honor and authority), and political power—were typical expressions of royal favor in ancient Near Eastern courts, designed to motivate and honor those who provided invaluable service.

* **Key Themes:** Daniel 5:16 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Daniel and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it starkly contrasts **Divine Wisdom versus Worldly Knowledge**. The failure of Belshazzar's entire court of wise men to interpret the writing highlights the futility and inadequacy of human wisdom, even when highly specialized, in comprehending divine revelation. Daniel's unique ability, explicitly attributed to the "spirit of the holy gods" ([Daniel 5:11](/daniel/5-11 "Daniel 5:11 - Daniel Possesses Divine Spirit")), demonstrates that true insight into God's mysteries comes only from Him. Secondly, the verse underscores the theme of **God's Sovereignty and the Recognition of His Servant**. Despite Daniel's apparent absence from the immediate royal circle for many years following Nebuchadnezzar's reign, his reputation for divine wisdom endures. God orchestrates circumstances (the queen mother's timely intervention) to bring His chosen servant to the forefront precisely when His truth needs to be declared, even to a pagan king on the eve of judgment. Lastly, the offer of **Earthly Rewards for Heavenly Truth** reveals Belshazzar's desperation and his willingness to pay any price for understanding. This highlights the inherent value, even to the ungodly, of divine truth, though Belshazzar's focus remains on self-preservation and worldly gain rather than genuine repentance. This dynamic sets up Daniel's powerful response, where he rejects the rewards but delivers the unvarnished truth ([Daniel 5:17-28](/daniel/5-17 "Daniel 5:17-28 - Daniel Rejects Rewards and Interprets the Writing")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **interpretations (Aramaic, _pᵉshar'_):** This term (H6591) refers to an explanation or solution, particularly of dreams or difficult sayings. It is derived from the verbal root _pᵉshar_ (H6590), "to interpret." In the context of Daniel, it consistently denotes the unveiling of hidden meanings, especially those divinely revealed, as seen in Daniel's interpretations of Nebuchadnezzar's dreams in [Daniel 2](/daniel/2 "Daniel 2 - Nebuchadnezzar's Dream") and [Daniel 4](/daniel/4 "Daniel 4 - Nebuchadnezzar's Second Dream"). Belshazzar's use of this word indicates his awareness of Daniel's unique gift for deciphering divine messages.
* **doubts (Aramaic, _qᵉṭar'_):** This word (H7001) literally means "a knot" or "something tied up." Figuratively, it refers to a riddle, a difficult problem, or an intricate matter that needs to be untangled or resolved. Belshazzar's phrase "dissolve doubts" (using the Aramaic verb _shᵉrêʼ_ (H8271) meaning "to loose" or "unravel") implies his recognition of Daniel's ability to untangle complex, perplexing issues that baffle others, especially those with a supernatural origin.
* **third (Aramaic, _tᵉlath'_):** This term (H8531) denotes a tertiary rank or position. In the context of the Neo-Babylonian kingdom at this time, it is crucial for understanding the political structure. With Nabonidus as the primary king and Belshazzar as his co-regent (second in command), the "third ruler" position represented the highest possible administrative and political authority beneath the two reigning monarchs. It was an offer of immense power and prestige, signifying access to the highest echelons of the kingdom.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I have heard of thee, that thou canst make interpretations, and dissolve doubts:"** Belshazzar begins by acknowledging Daniel's well-established reputation. He has heard, presumably from the queen mother and perhaps from historical records or court memory, that Daniel possesses an extraordinary ability to explain hidden meanings ("interpretations") and to untangle complex, perplexing problems or riddles ("dissolve doubts"). This opening serves as both a compliment and a desperate admission of his own court's inadequacy.
* **"now if thou canst read the writing, and make known to me the interpretation thereof,"** This clause presents the condition for the promised rewards. Belshazzar is not merely asking Daniel to interpret a dream or a general omen, but specifically to "read the writing" (the mysterious inscription on the wall) and then "make known to me the interpretation thereof." The king is seeking a precise and immediate understanding of the supernatural message that has caused him such terror. The urgency of "now if" underscores the immediate crisis.
* **"thou shalt be clothed with scarlet, and have a chain of gold about thy neck, and shalt be the third ruler in the kingdom."** This final clause details the lavish rewards promised to Daniel. Being "clothed with scarlet" signifies royal honor and high status, as scarlet dye was expensive and associated with royalty. A "chain of gold about thy neck" was a common symbol of honor, authority, and distinction in ancient Near Eastern courts, often bestowed upon trusted officials. Finally, the promise to be "the third ruler in the kingdom" was the ultimate offer of political power, placing Daniel directly below Nabonidus and Belshazzar in the hierarchy, an unprecedented elevation for a Jewish exile.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as the king, who has just profaned the sacred vessels of God, is now utterly dependent on a servant of that very God to rescue him from a divine enigma. His worldly power and wisdom are rendered impotent, forcing him to turn to the one who possesses true, heavenly wisdom. **Symbolism** is also at play with the promised rewards: the **scarlet robe** symbolizes royal favor and high status, the **gold chain** represents honor and authority, and the **third ruler** position signifies ultimate earthly power. These symbols highlight the immense value Belshazzar places on resolving his crisis, even as they foreshadow the fleeting nature of his own kingdom, which is about to be taken from him. Furthermore, the king's address serves as a form of **recognition** and **validation** of Daniel's long-standing, God-given prophetic gift, even after years of apparent obscurity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 5:16 powerfully illustrates the stark contrast between human limitation and divine omnipotence, particularly in the realm of understanding God's sovereign will. Belshazzar's desperate plea, following the abject failure of all his human "wise men," underscores the biblical truth that true wisdom and insight into ultimate reality originate solely with God. This episode serves as a testament to God's faithfulness in raising up and preserving His chosen servants, even in hostile environments, to declare His truth at appointed times. It reminds us that while earthly power and prestige are transient, the word of God and the wisdom He imparts are eternal and ultimately prevail over all human schemes and understanding.

* [Daniel 2:28](/daniel/2-28 "Daniel 2:28 - God Reveals Mysteries")
* [Amos 3:7](/amos/3-7 "Amos 3:7 - God Reveals to His Servants")
* [Proverbs 3:13-15](/proverbs/3-13 "Proverbs 3:13-15 - The Blessing of Wisdom")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 5:16 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. In a world often overwhelmed by complex problems, moral ambiguities, and spiritual confusion, this verse reminds us that true clarity and resolution come not from human ingenuity or worldly expertise alone, but from divine wisdom. Like Belshazzar, we may find ourselves in situations where human solutions fail, prompting us to seek God's unique insight. The passage encourages us to cultivate a deep relationship with God, seeking His wisdom through diligent study of His Word, fervent prayer, and reliance on the Holy Spirit, for He alone can "dissolve doubts" and illuminate the path forward ([James 1:5](/james/1-5 "James 1:5 - Asking God for Wisdom")). Furthermore, Daniel's story reminds us that God's servants, even when seemingly overlooked or marginalized, are strategically positioned for His purposes. Our God-given gifts and insights may be called upon at unexpected moments to declare His truth, even to those in positions of power, demonstrating His sovereignty over all earthly kingdoms. We are called to be faithful stewards of the wisdom and truth entrusted to us, ready to speak it boldly when God opens the door, regardless of the personal cost or reward.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life or the world around you do you currently feel a need for divine "interpretations" or the "dissolving of doubts"?**
* **How does Daniel's readiness to speak truth to power, despite the king's offers, challenge your own willingness to stand for God's truth in difficult circumstances?**
* **Considering Daniel's long period of apparent obscurity, how does this verse encourage you to remain faithful and cultivate your spiritual gifts, even when they are not immediately recognized or utilized?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of being "third ruler in the kingdom"?**

Answer: The offer to be "third ruler in the kingdom" was the highest possible political position Belshazzar could bestow. Historically, Belshazzar was likely co-regent with his father, Nabonidus. Nabonidus was the primary king (first ruler), and Belshazzar was his son and co-regent (second ruler). Therefore, the "third ruler" position was the highest rank available beneath the two reigning monarchs, granting immense power, authority, and prestige within the Babylonian Empire. This demonstrates the extreme desperation and the value Belshazzar placed on Daniel's unique ability to interpret the divine message, as he was willing to grant him unprecedented access to power.

**Why couldn't Belshazzar's own wise men interpret the writing?**

Answer: Belshazzar's wise men—including astrologers, Chaldeans (a priestly class known for divination), and soothsayers—were highly educated and practiced in various forms of ancient Near Eastern divination and interpretation. However, their methods relied on human wisdom, occult practices, or interpretations of natural phenomena. The writing on the wall was a direct, supernatural revelation from the God of Israel, written in a way that defied their conventional knowledge and spiritual understanding. Their inability to read or interpret it highlighted the qualitative difference between worldly wisdom and divine revelation, demonstrating that only one empowered by God's Spirit could comprehend such a message, as the queen mother attested about Daniel ([Daniel 5:11-12](/daniel/5-11 "Daniel 5:11-12 - Queen Mother's Commendation of Daniel")).

**How did Daniel's reputation endure despite years of apparent obscurity?**

Answer: After the reign of Nebuchadnezzar, Daniel's prominence in the Babylonian court seems to have waned, possibly due to changes in leadership or his advanced age. However, his extraordinary wisdom and divine gift for interpreting dreams and solving difficult problems, particularly during Nebuchadnezzar's reign ([Daniel 2](/daniel/2 "Daniel 2 - Nebuchadnezzar's Dream") and [Daniel 4](/daniel/4 "Daniel 4 - Nebuchadnezzar's Second Dream")), had left an indelible mark. The queen mother, likely a figure from an older generation who remembered Daniel's past service, was instrumental in reminding Belshazzar of Daniel's unique capabilities ([Daniel 5:10-12](/daniel/5-10 "Daniel 5:10-12 - The Queen Mother Recalls Daniel")). This suggests that Daniel's reputation for being a man "in whom is the spirit of the holy gods" ([Daniel 5:11](/daniel/5-11 "Daniel 5:11 - Daniel Possesses Divine Spirit")) was so profound that it transcended time and political shifts, preserved by those who had witnessed God's power through him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel 5:16, while set in the context of an earthly king's desperate search for understanding, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate Interpreter and Revealer of God's mysteries: Jesus Christ. Just as Daniel was the sole individual capable of deciphering the divine message and dissolving the king's doubts, so too is Christ the unique one through whom all of God's truth and wisdom are revealed. He is the very [Word of God made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), the [One who has explained the Father](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - The Son Has Explained God"), and in whom [are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge](/colossians/2-2 "Colossians 2:2-3 - Christ, The Treasure of Wisdom"). While Belshazzar offered Daniel fleeting earthly rewards, Christ offers eternal life and a share in His everlasting kingdom to those who believe in Him. He is the true [King of kings and Lord of lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings"), whose dominion is not temporary like Babylon's, but endures forever ([Daniel 7:14](/daniel/7-14 "Daniel 7:14 - The Son of Man's Everlasting Dominion")). Furthermore, Christ is the ultimate "dissolver of doubts," bringing clarity, peace, and salvation to a world lost in sin and confusion, inviting all who are weary and burdened to [come to Him for rest](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary"). The light Daniel brought to a dark kingdom points to the greater light of Christ, who illuminates every person and brings the ultimate interpretation of God's redemptive plan.

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 5:7

The king cried aloud to bring in the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers. [And] the king spake, and said to the wise [men] of Babylon, Whosoever shall read this writing, and shew me the interpretation thereof, shall be clothed with scarlet, and [have] a chain of gold about his neck, and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom.

Genesis 40:8

And they said unto him, We have dreamed a dream, and [there is] no interpreter of it. And Joseph said unto them, [Do] not interpretations [belong] to God? tell me [them], I pray you.

Daniel 5:29

Then commanded Belshazzar, and they clothed Daniel with scarlet, and [put] a chain of gold about his neck, and made a proclamation concerning him, that he should be the third ruler in the kingdom.

Acts 8:18

And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,