Daniel 5:19

KJV

And for the majesty that he gave him, all people, nations, and languages, trembled and feared before him: whom he would he slew; and whom he would he kept alive; and whom he would he set up; and whom he would he put down.

KJV (with Strong's)

And for {H4481} the majesty {H7238} that he gave {H3052} him, all {H3606} people {H5972}, nations {H524}, and languages {H3961}, trembled {H1934}{H2112} and feared {H1763} before {H4481} him {H6925}: whom he would {H1934}{H6634} he slew {H1934}{H6992}; and whom he would {H1934}{H6634} he kept alive {H1934}{H2418}; and whom he would {H1934}{H6634} he set up {H1934}{H7313}; and whom he would {H1934}{H6634} he put down {H1934}{H8214}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Because of the greatness he gave him, all the peoples, nations and languages trembled with fear before him. Anyone he wanted to, he put to death; anyone he wanted to, he kept alive; anyone he wanted to, he advanced; and anyone he wanted to, he humbled.

Berean Standard Bible

Because of the greatness that He bestowed on him, the people of every nation and language trembled in fear before him. He killed whom he wished and kept alive whom he wished; he exalted whom he wished and humbled whom he wished.

American Standard Version

and because of the greatness that he gave him, all the peoples, nations, and languages trembled and feared before him: whom he would he slew, and whom he would he kept alive; and whom he would he raised up, and whom he would he put down.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 5:19 powerfully describes the immense, divinely bestowed authority of King Nebuchadnezzar, which commanded absolute fear and obedience from all peoples, nations, and languages under his dominion. It highlights his sovereign power over life and death, elevation and demotion, emphasizing that this extraordinary, comprehensive rule was a direct grant from God. This portrayal serves as a critical backdrop for Daniel's subsequent warning to King Belshazzar about the dire consequences of disregarding divine authority and failing to humble oneself before the Most High.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal component of Daniel's confrontational message and interpretation delivered to King Belshazzar during the infamous feast described in [Daniel 5](/daniel/5 "Daniel 5 - Belshazzar's Feast and the Writing on the Wall"). Following the mysterious, terrifying hand-writing on the palace wall, Daniel is summoned as the last resort to interpret the enigmatic message. Before revealing the ominous words, Daniel recounts the historical trajectory of Belshazzar's predecessor, Nebuchadnezzar. He specifically focuses on how God, in His sovereignty, granted Nebuchadnezzar unparalleled power, only to humble him profoundly when pride consumed his heart. Verse 19 encapsulates the zenith of Nebuchadnezzar's God-given authority, serving as a stark and deliberate contrast to Belshazzar's current arrogance, sacrilege, and profound disregard for the Most High God. This theme of divine sovereignty over human rulers and the accountability of kings is central to the entire narrative of [Daniel](/daniel/1 "The Book of Daniel - Prophecy and Sovereignty"). The verse directly precedes Daniel's explanation of Nebuchadnezzar's humbling due to pride, providing the necessary theological and narrative foundation for understanding the severe judgment Belshazzar is about to incur.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting is the Babylonian Empire in the 6th century BCE, a period characterized by powerful, autocratic monarchs who ruled with absolute authority. Kings in the ancient Near East often asserted claims of divine favor, or even outright divinity, to legitimize their absolute control over their subjects. Nebuchadnezzar, as the ruler of the dominant empire of his era, wielded unparalleled military, political, and economic power, extending his dominion over a vast territory. His decrees were law, and his decisions carried immediate life-or-death implications for the diverse populations within his expansive realm. The mention of "all people, nations, and languages" accurately reflects the multi-ethnic and multi-lingual composition of the Babylonian Empire, which had conquered and assimilated numerous distinct peoples. The "trembled and feared" described in the verse was not merely a rhetorical flourish but a genuine societal reality under such a potent and often ruthless regime, where defiance meant certain death and unquestioning obedience was paramount for survival.
* **Key Themes:** [Daniel 5:19](/daniel/5-19 "Daniel 5:19 - Nebuchadnezzar's Divinely Granted Power") profoundly underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty over Human Rulers**. The explicit phrase "that he gave him" unequivocally attributes Nebuchadnezzar's vast power and "majesty" directly to God, challenging any notion of inherent human authority or self-made greatness. This foundational truth sets the stage for the subsequent theme of **Accountability of Rulers to God**, as Nebuchadnezzar's humbling (detailed in [Daniel 4](/daniel/4 "Daniel 4 - Nebuchadnezzar's Dream and Humbling")) demonstrates that even the most powerful earthly kings are ultimately subject to the Most High God. The verse also highlights the **Absolute Nature of Earthly Power** when delegated by God, showcasing the king's unchallengeable authority over life and death, elevation and demotion. This profound display of human power, however, is presented within the larger narrative as a test of humility, leading to the crucial theme of **Pride and Humility**, which is central to the entire prophetic and historical narrative of [Daniel](/daniel/1 "The Book of Daniel - Prophecy and Sovereignty") and serves as a direct indictment of Belshazzar's hubris.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **majesty (Aramaic, _rᵉbûw'_):** This Aramaic term, derived from a root meaning "to increase" or "to be great," signifies greatness, dignity, and exalted status. In [Daniel 5:19](/daniel/5-19 "Daniel 5:19 - Nebuchadnezzar's Divinely Granted Power"), it refers to the immense, awe-inspiring power and regal authority that God graciously bestowed upon Nebuchadnezzar, elevating him above all other earthly rulers. It speaks to the grandeur, might, and extensive influence of his kingdom.
* **feared (Aramaic, _dᵉchal'_):** Corresponding to the Hebrew _zāḥal_, this Aramaic word means "to slink" or, by implication, "to fear." It can also carry the causative sense of "to be formidable" or "to make afraid." Here, it vividly describes the profound and pervasive terror, awe, and submission that Nebuchadnezzar's divinely granted authority instilled in all the diverse peoples under his vast dominion. Their fear was a direct and necessary response to his formidable and absolute power.
* **would (Aramaic, _tsᵉbâʼ'_):** This Aramaic word means "to please" or "to will," often in the sense of summoning one's wishes or desires into action. Its repeated use in the verse ("whom he would he slew; and whom he would he kept alive; and whom he would he set up; and whom he would he put down") powerfully emphasizes the absolute, unconstrained, and personal nature of Nebuchadnezzar's will and discretion in exercising his power. His decisions were final, unchallenged, and dictated by his own pleasure, reflecting a supreme and arbitrary authority over the lives and destinies of his subjects.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And for the majesty that he gave him":** This opening clause immediately establishes the ultimate divine source of Nebuchadnezzar's extraordinary power and regal splendor. His "majesty" (greatness, dignity, authority, and dominion) was not self-acquired, earned, or inherent to his person, but rather a direct, sovereign gift from God. This foundational truth underscores God's absolute and ultimate sovereignty over all earthly rulers and kingdoms, a central and recurring message throughout the book of Daniel.
* **"all people, nations, and languages, trembled and feared before him":** As a direct consequence of this divinely bestowed majesty, Nebuchadnezzar commanded universal awe, dread, and submission. The comprehensive phrase "all people, nations, and languages" highlights the vast, multi-ethnic, and multi-lingual scope of the Babylonian Empire, signifying that his authority was recognized, respected, and feared across its entire dominion. The twin verbs "trembled and feared" convey the profound psychological, emotional, and even physical impact of his absolute and formidable rule on his subjects, who lived under the constant awareness of his power.
* **"whom he would he slew; and whom he would he kept alive; and whom he would he set up; and whom he would he put down":** This powerful series of parallel clauses vividly illustrates the absolute, unconstrained, and life-altering nature of Nebuchadnezzar's authority. His personal will and arbitrary discretion alone determined the ultimate fate of individuals: whether they would live or die, be elevated to positions of power and honor, or be demoted to obscurity and disgrace. This demonstrates the immense extent of the power God can delegate to human agents, highlighting the king's unparalleled and unchallengeable dominion over his subjects' very existence, social standing, and destiny within his realm.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its message with maximum impact. **Anaphora** is prominently featured in the repetitive phrasing "whom he would he slew; and whom he would he kept alive; and whom he would he set up; and whom he would he put down." This striking repetition at the beginning of successive clauses emphasizes the absolute, unchallengeable, and comprehensive nature of Nebuchadnezzar's power, underscoring that his personal will was the sole determinant of life, death, and social status. **Hyperbole** is also present in the description of "all people, nations, and languages" trembling and fearing. While not literally every single individual across the entire empire, this exaggeration effectively communicates the pervasive and overwhelming extent of his dominion and the universal recognition of his formidable authority. Furthermore, the verse uses **Juxtaposition** by contrasting the ultimate source of power ("that he gave him," referring to God) with the immediate, earthly exercise of that power (Nebuchadnezzar's absolute control). This highlights the crucial theological point that even supreme earthly authority is ultimately derived from, and therefore accountable to, a higher divine power.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[Daniel 5:19](/daniel/5-19 "Daniel 5:19 - Nebuchadnezzar's Divinely Granted Power") serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of divine sovereignty and the delegated authority of human rulers. It unequivocally asserts that all earthly power, even that wielded by the most formidable emperors, originates from God. This truth challenges human pride and self-sufficiency, reminding us that no ruler governs by inherent right or might alone, but by divine permission and appointment. The absolute control Nebuchadnezzar exercised, including the power over life and death, is presented not as a testament to his own divinity, but as a demonstration of the immense authority God can grant, and subsequently withdraw, from human leaders. This sets a crucial precedent for understanding God's active involvement in human history and His ultimate control over the rise and fall of nations and their leaders, a theme consistently woven throughout the biblical narrative.

* [Psalm 75:6-7](/psalms/75-6 "Psalm 75:6-7 - God Judges the Earth")
* [Romans 13:1](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1 - Submission to Governing Authorities")
* [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in God's Hand")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse offers a powerful and enduring truth for believers in every age: God is utterly sovereign over all earthly powers and authorities. In a world where political leaders often seem to wield unchecked authority, and where fear, frustration, or even despair with governance can easily consume our thoughts, [Daniel 5:19](/daniel/5-19 "Daniel 5:19 - Nebuchadnezzar's Divinely Granted Power") provides an essential theological anchor. It reminds us that even the most formidable human authority is merely a delegated power, ultimately subject to the will of the Most High God. This perspective encourages us to place our ultimate trust not in human systems, political ideologies, or fallible leaders, but in the God who raises up and puts down nations and kings according to His divine purpose. It calls us to humility, recognizing that any influence, authority, or position we possess is also a gift from God, to be stewarded responsibly and for His glory. Furthermore, it challenges us to pray earnestly for our leaders, knowing that their hearts and decisions are ultimately in God's hand, and to live as citizens of God's unshakable kingdom, unafraid of human power, but reverently fearing and obeying the One who grants all authority.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's ultimate sovereignty over human rulers impact your perspective on current political events or leaders?**
* **In what areas of your own life do you tend to rely on human authority or systems more than on God's ultimate control and provision?**
* **How can the truth that all power is given by God shape your prayers for those in authority, even those with whom you disagree?**
* **What does this verse teach us about the importance of humility, both for those in positions of power and for ourselves in our daily lives?**

### FAQ

**What does Daniel 5:19 reveal about the source of Nebuchadnezzar's power?**

Answer: Daniel 5:19 explicitly states that Nebuchadnezzar's "majesty" was something "that he gave him," clearly indicating that his immense power and authority originated directly from God. This refutes any notion that his dominion was self-achieved or merely a result of human might, emphasizing God's ultimate sovereignty over all earthly rulers and kingdoms, a theme consistently highlighted throughout the book of [Daniel](/daniel/1 "The Book of Daniel - Prophecy and Sovereignty").

**How did people respond to Nebuchadnezzar's power as described in this verse?**

Answer: The verse states that "all people, nations, and languages, trembled and feared before him." This illustrates the profound and widespread awe, submission, and even terror that Nebuchadnezzar's divinely granted authority inspired across his vast, multi-ethnic empire. His word was absolute, and his power over life and death was universally recognized and dreaded, compelling obedience from all his subjects.

**What is the significance of Nebuchadnezzar's power to "slew," "kept alive," "set up," and "put down"?**

Answer: This series of phrases highlights the absolute and unconstrained nature of Nebuchadnezzar's authority. It signifies that his will alone determined the fate of individuals, demonstrating the full extent of the life-and-death power and the power to elevate or demote that God had delegated to him. This serves as a powerful illustration of the immense, comprehensive authority that God can entrust to a human ruler, as seen in [Daniel 2:37-38](/daniel/2-37-38 "Daniel 2:37-38 - Nebuchadnezzar's Kingdom from God"), and underscores the responsibility that comes with such power.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [Daniel 5:19](/daniel/5-19 "Daniel 5:19 - Nebuchadnezzar's Divinely Granted Power") describes the delegated, yet absolute, authority of an earthly king, it ultimately points to the infinitely greater and inherent sovereignty of Jesus Christ. Nebuchadnezzar's power was given by God and could be, and indeed was, taken away; but Christ's authority is eternal, inherent, and unchallengeable. The very power over life and death, setting up and putting down, which Nebuchadnezzar exercised by divine grant, finds its ultimate and perfect embodiment in Christ. He is the one who, after His resurrection, declares, "All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth" ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - The Great Commission")). Unlike Nebuchadnezzar, whose power was temporal and often wielded imperfectly or even arrogantly, Christ's authority is exercised with perfect justice, infinite wisdom, and boundless love. He is the true "King of kings, and Lord of lords" ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - The Rider on the White Horse")), before whom "every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth" ([Philippians 2:10](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10 - Christ's Exaltation")). His "will" is not arbitrary but perfectly aligned with the Father's redemptive plan, and He has the divine prerogative to "give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him" ([John 17:2](/john/17-2 "John 17:2 - Jesus' Prayer for His Disciples")). Thus, Daniel 5:19, in its portrayal of a monarch's vast, God-given dominion, serves as a shadow pointing to the glorious, inherent, and everlasting dominion of the resurrected Christ, who truly holds the keys of death and hell ([Revelation 1:18](/revelation/1-18 "Revelation 1:18 - Christ's Self-Declaration")) and whose kingdom shall have no end.

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 3:6

And whoso falleth not down and worshippeth shall the same hour be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.

Daniel 2:12

For this cause the king was angry and very furious, and commanded to destroy all the wise [men] of Babylon.

Daniel 2:13

And the decree went forth that the wise [men] should be slain; and they sought Daniel and his fellows to be slain.

Daniel 3:4

Then an herald cried aloud, To you it is commanded, O people, nations, and languages,

Jeremiah 27:5

I have made the earth, the man and the beast that [are] upon the ground, by my great power and by my outstretched arm, and have given it unto whom it seemed meet unto me.

Jeremiah 27:7

And all nations shall serve him, and his son, and his son's son, until the very time of his land come: and then many nations and great kings shall serve themselves of him.

John 19:11

Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power [at all] against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin.