Daniel 5:20

KJV

But when his heart was lifted up, and his mind hardened in pride, he was deposed from his kingly throne, and they took his glory from him:

KJV (with Strong's)

But when his heart {H3825} was lifted up {H7313}, and his mind {H7308} hardened {H8631} in pride {H2103}, he was deposed {H5182} from {H4481} his kingly {H4437} throne {H3764}, and they took {H5709} his glory {H3367} from him {H4481}:

Complete Jewish Bible

But when he grew proud and his spirit became hard, he began treating people arrogantly, so he was deposed from his royal throne, and his glory was taken away from him.

Berean Standard Bible

But when his heart became arrogant and his spirit was hardened with pride, he was deposed from his royal throne, and his glory was taken from him.

American Standard Version

But when his heart was lifted up, and his spirit was hardened so that he dealt proudly, he was deposed from his kingly throne, and they took his glory from him:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 5:20 recounts the divine judgment upon King Nebuchadnezzar, whose heart was lifted up in arrogance and whose mind became hardened by pride. This verse explains that as a direct consequence of his self-exaltation, he was deposed from his kingly throne, and his royal glory was stripped from him. This historical account, delivered by Daniel to King Belshazzar, serves as a profound warning that God opposes the proud and sovereignly removes those who refuse to acknowledge His supreme authority, a lesson Belshazzar tragically failed to heed.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 5:20 is embedded within Daniel's interpretation of the mysterious handwriting on the wall for King Belshazzar during a sacrilegious feast. The chapter opens with Belshazzar's defiant act of using sacred vessels plundered from the Jerusalem temple for his revelry, a direct affront to the God of Israel. The appearance of the disembodied hand writing on the palace wall terrifies Belshazzar, prompting him to summon Daniel. Before interpreting the cryptic message, Daniel first recounts the well-known history of Belshazzar's grandfather, King Nebuchadnezzar, detailing his rise, his fall due to pride, and his eventual restoration after humbling himself before the Most High God. Daniel 5:20 specifically summarizes the reason for Nebuchadnezzar's deposition, setting a stark precedent and highlighting Belshazzar's inexcusable failure to learn from this recent history, as explicitly stated in [Daniel 5:22](/daniel/5-22 "Daniel 5:22 - Belshazzar's Knowledge of Nebuchadnezzar's Fate"). This historical recounting serves to underscore the justice and inevitability of Belshazzar's impending judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Daniel 5 occur in Babylon during the final years of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, specifically on the night of its fall to the Medo-Persian forces in 539 BC. King Belshazzar, acting as co-regent with his father Nabonidus, holds a grand feast. The use of the sacred temple vessels from Jerusalem, which Nebuchadnezzar had plundered during the destruction of the First Temple in 586 BC, was not merely a celebratory act but a deliberate act of defiance and blasphemy against Yahweh, the God of the Jews. In the ancient Near East, kings often attributed their power and success to their patron deities. Nebuchadnezzar, despite his initial acknowledgment of Daniel's God, eventually succumbed to the common imperial hubris, believing his vast empire was solely the product of his own might. The narrative of his humbling (detailed in [Daniel 4](/daniel/4 "Daniel 4 - Nebuchadnezzar's Humiliation and Restoration")) would have been a well-known, even legendary, event within Babylonian court circles, making Belshazzar's subsequent pride and sacrilege all the more culpable. The swiftness of the judgment against Belshazzar underscores the gravity of his willful ignorance and defiance.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Daniel and broader biblical theology. The most prominent is the **destructive nature of pride** and the **necessity of humility** before God. Nebuchadnezzar's "heart was lifted up, and his mind hardened in pride," directly leading to his downfall, illustrating the timeless biblical principle that "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall," as articulated in [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride before Destruction"). Secondly, the verse unequivocally asserts **God's absolute sovereignty** over earthly rulers and kingdoms. It was not a political coup but divine judgment that "deposed from his kingly throne" and "took his glory from him," reinforcing the truth that "the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes," as seen throughout [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God's Sovereignty Over Kingdoms"). Finally, the verse highlights the **consequences of unrepentant arrogance and willful ignorance**. Nebuchadnezzar experienced severe consequences until he humbled himself, but Belshazzar, having witnessed this precedent, faced an even swifter and more final judgment for his deliberate refusal to learn from history and acknowledge God's supremacy.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **heart (Aramaic, _lᵉbab'_ H3825):** This term refers to the inner core of a person – not merely the seat of emotions, but the center of intellect, will, and moral character. When Nebuchadnezzar's "heart was lifted up," it signifies an inflated ego, a spirit of self-exaltation, and a haughty disposition that attributed his achievements and dominion solely to himself, disregarding any divine source or authority.
* **hardened (Aramaic, _tᵉqêph'_ H8631):** This Aramaic word means to become mighty, strong, or, figuratively, obstinate. When his "mind hardened in pride," it describes a stubborn, unyielding will and intellect that became rigid and resistant to the truth of God's sovereignty. It speaks of a soul made inflexible by arrogance, incapable of humility or acknowledging a power greater than its own.
* **glory (Aramaic, _yᵉqâr'_ H3367):** This term encompasses value, wealth, costliness, dignity, honor, and splendor. When "they took his glory from him," it means he was stripped of his royal dignity, the honor associated with his position, and the splendor of his reign. This was a profound humiliation, a public removal of his regal majesty, demonstrating that his perceived power and honor were ultimately contingent upon God's allowance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But when his heart was lifted up,"**: This clause describes the internal state of Nebuchadnezzar. His "heart," the seat of his will and character, became arrogant and self-exalting. This was not a fleeting emotion but a deep-seated spiritual condition of pride, where he attributed his vast achievements and power to his own might rather than to divine providence.
* **"and his mind hardened in pride,"**: This phrase further elaborates on the nature of his arrogance. His "mind" (spirit, will) became obstinate and unyielding, fortified by his pride. This indicates a deliberate resistance to acknowledging any authority higher than his own, a refusal to humble himself or learn from past experiences, leading to a spiritual insensitivity.
* **"he was deposed from his kingly throne,"**: This is the direct, divinely orchestrated consequence of his pride. The passive voice ("he was deposed") strongly implies that the action was performed by an external, superior power – God Himself. Nebuchadnezzar's removal from his position of ultimate earthly authority was not a political coup but a divine judgment, demonstrating God's absolute sovereignty over human rulers.
* **"and they took his glory from him:"**: This final clause describes the complete stripping of his royal dignity, honor, and splendor. Again, the passive voice ("they took") points to divine agency. His outward display of power and the respect he commanded were removed, leaving him utterly humiliated and demonstrating that true glory and lasting authority belong to God alone.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 5:20 employs several potent **literary devices** to convey its message. **Parallelism** is evident in the structure, with two clauses describing Nebuchadnezzar's internal spiritual state ("heart was lifted up," "mind hardened in pride") followed by two clauses detailing the consequences of his pride ("deposed from his kingly throne," "took his glory from him"). This parallel structure emphasizes both the cause (pride) and the effect (humiliation). The consistent use of the **passive voice** ("was lifted up," "hardened," "was deposed," "took") is a crucial rhetorical choice, subtly yet powerfully attributing the actions and their consequences to a divine, unseen agent, underscoring God's absolute sovereignty over human affairs. Furthermore, **synecdoche** or **metonymy** is used when "heart" and "mind" represent the entirety of Nebuchadnezzar's inner being and will, while "throne" and "glory" stand for his entire kingship, authority, and reputation. Finally, the recounting of Nebuchadnezzar's fate serves as a powerful **foreshadowing** for Belshazzar's imminent judgment, creating dramatic irony as the reader knows Belshazzar will suffer a similar, if swifter, fate due to his identical pride and defiance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 5:20 stands as a profound theological statement on divine sovereignty and the perilous nature of human pride. It asserts that God is the ultimate authority, capable of exalting and humbling rulers according to His will, regardless of their earthly power or perceived invincibility. The narrative of Nebuchadnezzar's fall demonstrates that pride, particularly when it manifests as self-sufficiency and a refusal to acknowledge God's supremacy, inevitably leads to a divine reckoning. This principle is not unique to Daniel but is a consistent theme throughout Scripture, emphasizing that true wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord and that humility is a prerequisite for receiving God's grace and enduring favor.

* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Pride goes before destruction")
* [James 4:6](/james/4-6 "God resists the proud")
* [1 Peter 5:5](/1_peter/5-5 "Humility before God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 5:20 offers a timeless and sobering lesson for all who hold positions of influence, and indeed, for every individual. It challenges us to examine the state of our own hearts and minds, asking whether we, like Nebuchadnezzar, are prone to self-exaltation, attributing our successes and achievements solely to our own efforts, intellect, or strength. The verse calls us to cultivate a profound sense of humility, recognizing that all true authority, talent, and opportunity are ultimately gifts from God. It reminds us that pride hardens the heart against divine truth and invites divine opposition, whereas humility opens us to God's grace and guidance. Learning from the historical consequences of pride, as exemplified by both Nebuchadnezzar and Belshazzar, compels us to live in constant dependence on God, giving Him the glory for every good thing, thereby safeguarding ourselves from the destructive path of arrogance and securing a foundation built on His unchanging sovereignty.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might my "heart be lifted up" or my "mind hardened in pride," preventing me from acknowledging God's sovereignty?**
* **How does understanding God's absolute control over kingdoms and individuals impact my perspective on personal achievements, failures, and aspirations?**
* **What practical steps can I take today to cultivate a deeper spirit of humility and dependence on God in my daily life and leadership?**

### FAQ
**Why is Nebuchadnezzar's story, particularly his fall, so central to Daniel's message to Belshazzar?**

Answer: Daniel recounts Nebuchadnezzar's humbling primarily because it serves as a direct, recent, and undeniable historical precedent that Belshazzar was fully aware of. Daniel explicitly states in [Daniel 5:22](/daniel/5-22 "Daniel 5:22 - Belshazzar's Knowledge of Nebuchadnezzar's Fate"), "And thou, his son, O Belshazzar, hast not humbled thine heart, though thou knewest all this." This highlights Belshazzar's profound culpability; he had witnessed or known about God's judgment on his predecessor's pride but chose to ignore it and even surpassed it with his own blasphemous acts. The story underscores the consistent principle that God judges pride and that greater knowledge brings greater accountability. It was not merely a historical anecdote but a direct prophetic warning delivered on the eve of judgment.

**What does "they took his glory from him" imply about the nature of royal power and dignity?**

Answer: The phrase "they took his glory from him" (using the passive voice) implies that Nebuchadnezzar's royal dignity, honor, and splendor were not inherent or self-generated, but were granted by a higher power, namely God. When God "took" his glory, it was a divine stripping away of his authority and prestige, demonstrating that true kingship and lasting glory ultimately reside with God alone. It underscores that earthly power is temporary and contingent upon divine will, and that those who fail to acknowledge this truth will find their glory fleeting and subject to removal by the sovereign hand of God. This contrasts sharply with human assumptions of self-made power and inherent right to rule.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel 5:20, with its stark portrayal of a proud king losing his throne and glory, finds its ultimate and profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Nebuchadnezzar's heart was "lifted up" in pride, leading to his deposition, Jesus Christ, though eternally God, "emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Self-Emptying")). Instead of clinging to His divine glory and power, He willingly laid it aside, humbling Himself to the point of death on a cross, even the most ignominious death ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). This radical humility stands in stark contrast to the pride that cost Nebuchadnezzar his throne. Yet, because of His perfect obedience and profound humility, God "highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name" ([Philippians 2:9](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9 - Christ's Exaltation")). Jesus's glory was not taken from Him due to sin, but willingly laid down and then eternally restored and magnified by the Father, securing for Him a kingdom that will never be destroyed and a throne from which He reigns forever. He is the true King whose reign is based on sacrificial love and humility, offering salvation and true glory to all who humble themselves and acknowledge His supreme Lordship, unlike the earthly kings whose pride leads to their downfall.

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 Chronicles 36:13

And he also rebelled against king Nebuchadnezzar, who had made him swear by God: but he stiffened his neck, and hardened his heart from turning unto the LORD God of Israel.

Jeremiah 13:18

Say unto the king and to the queen, Humble yourselves, sit down: for your principalities shall come down, [even] the crown of your glory.

2 Kings 17:14

Notwithstanding they would not hear, but hardened their necks, like to the neck of their fathers, that did not believe in the LORD their God.

Exodus 9:17

As yet exaltest thou thyself against my people, that thou wilt not let them go?

Hebrews 3:13

But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.

Job 40:11

Cast abroad the rage of thy wrath: and behold every one [that is] proud, and abase him.

Job 40:12

Look on every one [that is] proud, [and] bring him low; and tread down the wicked in their place.