Daniel 5:17

KJV

Then Daniel answered and said before the king, Let thy gifts be to thyself, and give thy rewards to another; yet I will read the writing unto the king, and make known to him the interpretation.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {H116} Daniel {H1841} answered {H6032} and said {H560} before {H6925} the king {H4430}, Let thy gifts {H4978} be {H1934} to thyself, and give {H3052} thy rewards {H5023} to another {H321}; yet {H1297} I will read {H7123} the writing {H3792} unto the king {H4430}, and make known {H3046} to him the interpretation {H6591}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Dani'el answered the king, "Keep your gifts, and give your rewards to someone else. However, I will read the inscription to the king and tell him what it means.

Berean Standard Bible

In response, Daniel said to the king, “You may keep your gifts for yourself and give your rewards to someone else. Nevertheless, I will read the inscription for the king and interpret it for him.

American Standard Version

Then Daniel answered and said before the king, Let thy gifts be to thyself, and give thy rewards to another; nevertheless I will read the writing unto the king, and make known to him the interpretation.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 5:17 marks a pivotal moment where the prophet Daniel, summoned to interpret the mysterious handwriting on the wall for King Belshazzar, boldly rejects the king's lavish offers of gifts and rewards. This act underscores Daniel's profound integrity and his unwavering commitment to serving God alone, demonstrating that his motivation for delivering divine truth transcends any earthly gain or personal ambition, setting the stage for a powerful and uncompromised message of judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 5:17 is situated at the climax of King Belshazzar's sacrilegious feast. The narrative immediately preceding this verse details the king's blasphemous act of drinking from the sacred vessels plundered from the Jerusalem temple, followed by the terrifying appearance of a disembodied hand writing on the palace wall ([Daniel 5:1-5](/daniel/5-1 "Daniel 5:1-5 - Belshazzar's Feast and the Hand on the Wall")). Overwhelmed with fear, Belshazzar's wise men prove incapable of reading or interpreting the cryptic message, prompting the queen mother to recommend Daniel, known for his extraordinary wisdom and "spirit of the holy gods" ([Daniel 5:10-12](/daniel/5-10 "Daniel 5:10-12 - The Queen Mother Recommends Daniel")). The king, desperate for understanding, reiterates his extravagant offer of purple robes, a gold chain, and the position of third ruler in the kingdom to Daniel ([Daniel 5:16](/daniel/5-16 "Daniel 5:16 - Belshazzar's Offer to Daniel")). Daniel's response in verse 17 directly addresses this offer, asserting his independence and purity of motive before delivering God's severe judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Daniel 5 unfold during the final hours of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, specifically on the night Babylon fell to the Medes and Persians (539 BC). King Belshazzar, co-regent with his father Nabonidus, epitomizes the hubris and decadence of a declining empire. The use of sacred vessels from the Jerusalem temple, plundered by Nebuchadnezzar decades earlier ([2 Kings 25:13-17](/2_kings/25-13 "2 Kings 25:13-17 - Temple Plunder")), was a deliberate act of contempt against the God of Israel, a direct challenge to divine authority. In ancient Near Eastern courts, it was customary for kings to bestow lavish gifts and high positions upon those who could interpret dreams, omens, or solve difficult riddles, as seen in Pharaoh's reward to Joseph ([Genesis 41:39-43](/genesis/41-39 "Genesis 41:39-43 - Joseph's Promotion")). Daniel's refusal of these customary rewards would have been a profoundly counter-cultural and audacious statement, emphasizing his allegiance to a higher power than any earthly monarch.
* **Key Themes:** Daniel 5:17 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Daniel. Firstly, it highlights **Integrity and Disinterest in Worldly Gain**. Daniel's immediate and unequivocal rejection of the king's material incentives underscores his profound moral and spiritual integrity. His motivation is clearly not personal enrichment or political advancement, but rather faithful obedience to God and the uncompromised delivery of divine truth. This contrasts sharply with the corrupt and self-serving nature of the Babylonian court. Secondly, the verse emphasizes **Divine Authority Over Human Power**. By declining the king's gifts, Daniel subtly but powerfully asserts the supremacy of God's message and authority over Belshazzar's earthly dominion. His focus remains solely on being God's messenger, not on gaining favor from a human monarch, thereby setting the stage for the humbling declaration of God's sovereignty over earthly kingdoms ([Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God's Sovereignty Over Kingdoms")). Finally, Daniel's actions exemplify **Faithful Prophetic Obedience**. Despite rejecting the rewards, Daniel unequivocally commits to reading and interpreting the writing. This demonstrates his unwavering dedication to his role as a prophet, delivering potentially unwelcome truth without personal agenda or compromise, embodying the prophetic call to speak God's word regardless of consequence ([Jeremiah 1:7-8](/jeremiah/1-7 "Jeremiah 1:7-8 - Jeremiah's Call to Speak God's Word")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **gifts (Aramaic, _mattᵉnâʼ'_):** This Aramaic term (H4978) refers to "a present" or, specifically in a negative sense, "a bribe." Daniel's rejection of these "gifts" signifies his refusal to be influenced or bought by the king's material offerings. It underscores that his prophetic service is not for personal gain but is freely given out of obedience to God, thus preserving the purity and authority of the divine message he is about to deliver.
* **rewards (Aramaic, _nᵉbizbâh'_):** This word (H5023) denotes "a largess" or "a reward." Similar to "gifts," Daniel's rejection of these "rewards" further emphasizes his detachment from worldly compensation. He is not motivated by the king's promised riches or status, reinforcing his spiritual independence and the fact that his ultimate reward comes from God, not from human accolades or positions.
* **yet (Aramaic, _bᵉram'_):** This Aramaic conjunction (H1297), meaning "but," "nevertheless," or "however," serves as a strong adversative. It creates a powerful contrast between Daniel's refusal of the king's inducements and his unwavering commitment to perform the requested service. It highlights his principled stance: he will not be bought, but he will still fulfill his divine mandate to speak truth, demonstrating his courage and faithfulness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then Daniel answered and said before the king":** This opening clause establishes Daniel's direct and authoritative engagement with King Belshazzar. It signifies a formal address, indicating Daniel's courage and conviction in standing before a powerful, yet terrified, monarch.
* **"Let thy gifts be to thyself, and give thy rewards to another":** This is Daniel's unequivocal rejection of the king's lavish offers. It is a bold statement of disinterest in worldly gain and a clear declaration that his service is not for personal profit or advancement. This refusal immediately sets Daniel apart from the king's other advisors and asserts his moral independence.
* **"yet I will read the writing unto the king, and make known to him the interpretation":** Despite rejecting the material incentives, Daniel affirms his commitment to the task. The word "yet" (Aramaic _bᵉram_) emphasizes the contrast: his service is not contingent upon reward. He will fulfill his divine calling to reveal the truth, demonstrating his unwavering faithfulness and the spiritual nature of his mission.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 5:17 employs several potent literary devices. The most prominent is **Contrast**, as Daniel sharply contrasts his rejection of the king's earthly "gifts" and "rewards" with his unwavering commitment to deliver the divine "interpretation." This highlights his spiritual integrity against the backdrop of Belshazzar's worldly decadence. There is also an element of **Irony** present; the king, in his desperation, offers immense wealth for an interpretation that will ultimately pronounce his doom. Daniel's refusal of these benefits, yet his willingness to speak the truth, subtly **Foreshadows** the impending judgment and the king's ultimate downfall, demonstrating that divine truth cannot be bought or silenced by human power or wealth. Daniel's bold declaration also functions as a **Statement of Principle**, establishing his moral and spiritual authority before he delivers the weighty message from God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel's principled stand in Daniel 5:17 resonates deeply with the biblical emphasis on integrity, selfless service, and the pursuit of divine truth over worldly gain. His refusal of the king's gifts is not merely an act of humility but a powerful theological statement: true prophetic ministry cannot be bought or compromised by human incentives. It underscores that God's messengers are primarily accountable to Him, and their motivation must be pure, reflecting the unblemished nature of the divine word they bear. This commitment to truth, even when it means rejecting personal benefit, is a hallmark of genuine faith and a testament to the sovereignty of God, who alone provides true and lasting reward.

* [2 Kings 5:16](/2_kings/5-16 "2 Kings 5:16 - Elisha Refuses Naaman's Gifts")
* [Matthew 6:24](/matthew/6-24 "Matthew 6:24 - Serving Two Masters")
* [1 Peter 5:2](/1_peter/5-2 "1 Peter 5:2 - Shepherd the Flock of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel's response to King Belshazzar in Daniel 5:17 serves as a profound and enduring challenge for believers today, prompting us to critically examine the motivations behind our service, our ambitions, and our pursuit of truth. In a world that often measures success by material gain, recognition, or power, Daniel's unwavering integrity calls us to a higher standard. Are we driven by a desire for personal enrichment, social status, or human applause when we engage in ministry, professional life, or even personal relationships? Or is our primary motivation a pure desire to faithfully serve God, declare His truth, and live in accordance with His will, regardless of earthly incentives or consequences? Daniel's example reminds us that our most valuable reward comes not from human accolades or fleeting riches, but from God Himself, whose approval is eternal. Like Daniel, we are called to be faithful stewards of the truth, speaking it boldly and without compromise, even when it might be unpopular, costly, or when tempting earthly incentives are offered. This commitment to truth and integrity, prioritizing God's kingdom above all else, is a hallmark of genuine discipleship and a powerful witness to a watching world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Daniel's refusal of gifts challenge my own motivations for service in my church, workplace, or community?**
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to compromise truth or integrity for personal gain, recognition, or approval from others?**
* **What does it mean to serve God "freely" and without expectation of earthly reward in my specific context today?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper sense of spiritual independence from worldly incentives, mirroring Daniel's commitment to divine truth?**

### FAQ
**Why did Daniel refuse the king's gifts and rewards?**

Answer: Daniel's refusal stemmed from his profound integrity and his unwavering commitment to God's authority over earthly power. He did not want his interpretation of the divine message to be perceived as bought, influenced, or compromised by personal gain. By rejecting the king's lavish offers, Daniel asserted that his service was to a higher King—the God of heaven—and that divine truth could not be purchased or manipulated by human wealth or status. His focus was solely on delivering God's unvarnished truth, especially to a king who had just profaned sacred vessels from God's temple. This act underscored his prophetic purity and spiritual independence, ensuring that the message would be understood as coming directly from God, not from a mercenary prophet.

**Was Daniel being disrespectful to King Belshazzar by refusing his offers?**

Answer: While seemingly blunt, Daniel's refusal was not an act of disrespect that defied the king's authority to *offer* gifts. Instead, it was a profound statement of Daniel's moral and spiritual independence. He was asserting that his allegiance and service were to God alone, and thus his prophetic word could not be influenced or bought by an earthly monarch, particularly one who had shown such contempt for God. Daniel's willingness to still interpret the writing, as stated in the latter part of [Daniel 5:17](/daniel/5-17 "Daniel 5:17 - Daniel's Refusal and Commitment"), demonstrated his respect for the king's desperate need for truth, even as he rejected the terms of the reward. His actions ultimately served to magnify God's sovereignty over the king's fleeting power.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel's selfless refusal of earthly rewards and his unwavering commitment to delivering God's truth prefigure the perfect ministry of Jesus Christ. Like Daniel, Jesus operated with absolute integrity, never seeking personal gain, worldly recognition, or political power, even when offered the kingdoms of the world ([Matthew 4:8-10](/matthew/4-8 "Matthew 4:8-10 - Temptation of Jesus")). His entire life and ministry were characterized by a singular devotion to fulfilling the Father's will and proclaiming the Kingdom of God, often at great personal cost ([John 4:34](/john/4-34 "John 4:34 - Jesus' Food is to Do the Will of God")). Jesus, the ultimate Prophet and King, did not come to be served or to accumulate earthly riches, but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). Daniel's detachment from worldly incentives foreshadows Christ's teaching that His Kingdom is "not of this world" ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom is Not of This World")), and His call for His followers to store up treasures in heaven rather than on earth ([Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Treasures in Heaven")). Ultimately, Daniel's integrity points to the Lamb of God, who, without blemish or personal agenda, offered Himself as the pure and unbought sacrifice for the sins of the world ([1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redeemed by the Precious Blood of Christ")).

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

2 Kings 5:16

But he said, [As] the LORD liveth, before whom I stand, I will receive none. And he urged him to take [it]; but he refused.

Genesis 14:23

That I will not [take] from a thread even to a shoelatchet, and that I will not take any thing that [is] thine, lest thou shouldest say, I have made Abram rich:

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 8:20

But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.

2 Kings 3:13

And Elisha said unto the king of Israel, What have I to do with thee? get thee to the prophets of thy father, and to the prophets of thy mother. And the king of Israel said unto him, Nay: for the LORD hath called these three kings together, to deliver them into the hand of Moab.

Daniel 2:6

But if ye shew the dream, and the interpretation thereof, ye shall receive of me gifts and rewards and great honour: therefore shew me the dream, and the interpretation thereof.

Psalms 119:46

I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed.