Daniel 5:28

KJV

PERES; Thy kingdom is divided, and given to the Medes and Persians.

KJV (with Strong's)

PERES {H6537}; Thy kingdom {H4437} is divided {H6537}, and given {H3052} to the Medes {H4076} and Persians {H6540}.

Complete Jewish Bible

'P'res'- your kingdom has been divided and given to the Medes and Persians."

Berean Standard Bible

PERES means that your kingdom has been divided and given over to the Medes and Persians.”

American Standard Version

PERES; thy kingdom is divided, and given to the Medes and Persians.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 5:28 delivers the climactic and most direct portion of Daniel's interpretation of the mysterious handwriting on the wall for King Belshazzar. This divine pronouncement, "PERES; Thy kingdom is divided, and given to the Medes and Persians," sealed the fate of the opulent Babylonian Empire, announcing its immediate collapse and the transfer of its vast power to the burgeoning Medo-Persian Empire, a direct consequence of Belshazzar's profound pride and sacrilege against the God of Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 5:28 stands as the interpretive culmination of a dramatic and pivotal narrative. The preceding verses detail King Belshazzar's impious feast, where he audaciously used the sacred vessels plundered from the temple in Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar for pagan revelry and blasphemous praise of idols, as narrated in [Daniel 5:1-4](/daniel/5-1-4 "Daniel 5:1-4 - Belshazzar's Blasphemous Feast"). This act of profound disrespect against the God of Israel immediately provoked a supernatural manifestation: a disembodied hand writing an enigmatic message on the palace wall, described in [Daniel 5:5](/daniel/5-5 "Daniel 5:5 - The Hand on the Wall"). Unable to interpret the terrifying words "Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin" ([Daniel 5:25](/daniel/5-25 "Daniel 5:25 - The Divine Inscription")), Belshazzar summoned Daniel, who, unlike the king's own wise men, possessed divine wisdom. Daniel's interpretation begins with a scathing rebuke of Belshazzar's failure to humble himself despite witnessing God's judgment on Nebuchadnezzar ([Daniel 5:22-23](/daniel/5-22-23 "Daniel 5:22-23 - Daniel Rebukes Belshazzar")), before proceeding to decode the words. Verse 28 specifically unpacks the final, most chilling word, "PERES," leaving no ambiguity about Babylon's imminent and divinely ordained downfall.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Daniel 5 are set in Babylon during the final days of its empire, specifically around 539 BC. King Belshazzar, likely a co-regent with his father Nabonidus, was in charge of the city when the Medo-Persian forces, led by Cyrus the Great, were at its gates. The use of the Jerusalem temple vessels was not merely a celebratory act but a deliberate defiance of Yahweh, a profound act of blasphemy in a culture where deities were believed to be intrinsically linked to their sacred objects and temples. The ancient Near East viewed kingship as divinely sanctioned, but also subject to divine judgment. Belshazzar's hubris, his failure to acknowledge the true God despite the historical precedent of Nebuchadnezzar's humbling detailed in [Daniel 4](/daniel/4 "Daniel 4 - Nebuchadnezzar's Humbling"), was a direct affront to the divine order. The immediate fulfillment of the prophecy, with Babylon falling that very night as recorded in [Daniel 5:30](/daniel/5-30 "Daniel 5:30 - The Fall of Babylon"), underscores the absolute sovereignty of God over human empires and their rulers.

* **Key Themes:** Daniel 5:28 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Daniel. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Judgment and Sovereignty**, demonstrating God's absolute control over human kingdoms and history. Belshazzar's kingdom was not merely conquered by human armies, but "divided, and given" by divine decree, a direct consequence of his pride and sacrilege. This echoes the theme of God setting up and removing kings found throughout [Daniel](/daniel/2 "Daniel 2 - Nebuchadnezzar's Dream of the Statue"), particularly in [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God's Sovereignty Over Kingdoms"). Secondly, it underscores the **Consequences of Pride and Blasphemy**. Belshazzar's disregard for God and his sacred things led directly to his swift destruction. His failure to humble himself, despite knowing how God had dealt with Nebuchadnezzar, sealed his fate, serving as a stark warning against spiritual arrogance and disrespect for the divine. Thirdly, the verse showcases the **Fulfillment of Prophecy**. Daniel's interpretation was not just a warning but an immediate pronouncement of judgment, with Babylon falling to the Medes and Persians precisely as foretold, highlighting the certainty and precision of God's prophetic word. Finally, it marks a significant **Transition of World Powers**, the end of the Babylonian Empire and the rise of the Medo-Persian Empire, consistent with the visions Daniel received earlier, such as the statue in [Daniel 2](/daniel/2 "Daniel 2 - Nebuchadnezzar's Dream of the Statue") and the beasts in [Daniel 7](/daniel/7 "Daniel 7 - Daniel's Vision of Four Beasts").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **PERES (Aramaic, _pᵉraç'_):** (H6537) This word is central to the divine message, meaning "to split up" or "to divide." Its use here directly indicates the fragmentation and dissolution of Belshazzar's kingdom. The repetition of its root meaning in the subsequent phrase "is divided" reinforces this impending reality. Crucially, the genius of the divine message lies in its homophonic connection to "Persia" (Pâraç, H6540), creating a powerful wordplay that simultaneously declares the kingdom's division and identifies its inheritors.
* **kingdom (Aramaic, _malkûw'_):** (H4437) This term denotes dominion, realm, or reign, whether abstractly or concretely. In this context, it specifically refers to the Babylonian Empire, which at this moment represented the zenith of human power and arrogance in the eyes of Belshazzar. The declaration that *this* seemingly impregnable kingdom is subject to division and transfer emphasizes God's ultimate sovereignty over all earthly rule and His ability to humble the proudest of empires.
* **given (Aramaic, _yᵉhab'_):** (H3052) This Aramaic verb signifies "to give," "to deliver," or "to yield." Its profound theological implication here is that the transfer of power from Babylon to the Medes and Persians is not merely a military conquest but a divinely ordained act of bestowal. God is not a passive observer but the active agent who "gives" kingdoms as He wills, underscoring His absolute control over human history and political succession.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"PERES;":** This single word, the final and most devastating of the three interpreted by Daniel, functions as both a prophetic declaration and a linguistic pun. It signifies "divided" or "split," directly foretelling the fragmentation of the Babylonian Empire. Simultaneously, its sound strikingly resembles "Paras," the Aramaic word for Persia, thus revealing the identity of the empire's conquerors. This immediate identification underscores the precision and certainty of God's judgment.
* **"Thy kingdom is divided,":** This clause directly interprets the meaning of "PERES" as it applies to Belshazzar's reign. The once-mighty and seemingly invincible Babylonian kingdom is pronounced by divine decree to be fragmented and broken. This division implies not only its imminent collapse but also its inability to maintain its unity or power in the face of God's decisive judgment, a direct consequence of the king's unrepentant pride and blasphemy.
* **"and given to the Medes and Persians.":** This final phrase clarifies the destiny of the divided kingdom. It will not merely dissolve but will be actively "given" – a testament to divine sovereignty – into the hands of the Medes and Persians. This identifies the specific agents of God's judgment and the successors to Babylonian rule, confirming the precise fulfillment of earlier prophecies regarding the succession of world empires and highlighting God's meticulous orchestration of historical events.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 5:28 is rich in literary devices that amplify its dramatic impact and theological significance. The most prominent is **Wordplay** (or pun), central to the interpretation of "PERES." The Aramaic word _pᵉraç_ (H6537), meaning "to divide," sounds remarkably similar to _Pâraç_ (H6540), the Aramaic word for "Persia." This clever linguistic device allows a single word to convey both the nature of the judgment (division) and the identity of the executors (the Persians, alongside the Medes). This **Prophecy** is not merely a vague foretelling but a precise, immediate, and divinely orchestrated pronouncement of judgment, fulfilled within hours. The entire scene is imbued with **Dramatic Irony**, as Belshazzar remains oblivious to his true peril even as Daniel articulates his doom, contrasting the king's drunken revelry with the impending divine reckoning. Furthermore, the verse functions as a powerful **Symbolism** of God's absolute sovereignty over human kingdoms, where even the most powerful empire is but a transient entity subject to divine will.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 5:28 stands as an enduring testament to God's absolute sovereignty over human history and the inevitable consequences of pride and blasphemy. It underscores that no earthly power, however grand or seemingly secure, can defy the divine will. Belshazzar's downfall serves as a stark warning that God holds kings and nations accountable, and that true power resides not in human might or material wealth, but in humble submission to the Most High. The immediate and precise fulfillment of this prophecy reinforces the reliability of God's word and His active involvement in the affairs of humanity, orchestrating the rise and fall of empires according to His eternal purposes. This passage profoundly illustrates that history is not a random sequence of events but a narrative directed by the sovereign hand of God, who judges the proud and exalts the humble.

* [Isaiah 45:1-3](/isaiah/45-1-3 "Isaiah 45:1-3 - God Anoints Cyrus")
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Precedes Destruction")
* [Romans 13:1](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1 - God Establishes Authorities")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 5:28 offers profound lessons for believers today, transcending its historical context. It calls us to a deep humility, reminding us that all authority and power ultimately derive from God. Belshazzar's fatal error was his refusal to acknowledge God's sovereignty, even after witnessing the humbling of Nebuchadnezzar. We are challenged to examine our own lives: are we prone to pride, self-sufficiency, or a disregard for God's holy things? Do we recognize that our talents, resources, and positions are "given" by God, to be stewarded for His glory, not for our own self-aggrandizement? This passage powerfully asserts that God is actively involved in the course of human events, bringing down the proud and raising up the humble. It invites us to trust in His unchanging word, knowing that His promises and warnings are equally sure, and that His justice will ultimately prevail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Belshazzar's pride contrast with a humble recognition of God's sovereignty, and what practical steps can we take to cultivate humility in our own lives?**
* **In what ways might we, consciously or unconsciously, "profane" what is holy, whether in our personal conduct, our use of resources, or our attitude toward God's truth?**
* **How does the certainty of God's prophetic word in Daniel 5:28 strengthen our faith in His promises for the future, particularly regarding His ultimate triumph and the establishment of His eternal kingdom?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the word "PERES" in Daniel 5:28?**

Answer: The word "PERES" (Aramaic, _pᵉraç_) is highly significant due to its dual meaning and prophetic power. Literally, it means "divided" or "split," directly foretelling the fragmentation and collapse of the Babylonian Empire. However, it also sounds very similar to "Paras," the Aramaic word for "Persia." This clever wordplay, a divine pun, simultaneously reveals the fate of Belshazzar's kingdom (it will be divided) and identifies its conquerors (the Medes and Persians). This precise and immediate fulfillment underscores God's absolute control over history and His ability to communicate His will with perfect clarity, even through linguistic artistry.

**How does Belshazzar's fate relate to Nebuchadnezzar's earlier experience?**

Answer: Belshazzar's fate stands in stark contrast to Nebuchadnezzar's earlier experience, serving as a tragic lesson in unlearned humility. Daniel explicitly rebukes Belshazzar for not humbling himself, despite knowing how God had disciplined Nebuchadnezzar for his pride, as recorded in [Daniel 5:22](/daniel/5-22 "Daniel 5:22 - Belshazzar Knew"). Nebuchadnezzar, after a period of divine judgment that stripped him of his sanity and kingdom, eventually humbled himself and acknowledged the Most High God, leading to the restoration of his kingdom and reason, as seen in [Daniel 4:34-37](/daniel/4-34-37 "Daniel 4:34-37 - Nebuchadnezzar Praises God"). Belshazzar, however, chose willful ignorance and blasphemous defiance, sealing his immediate destruction. His story is a powerful warning against rejecting divine truth and failing to learn from the past, emphasizing the grave consequences of unrepentant arrogance.

**Does Daniel 5:28 imply God directly controls all political changes?**

Answer: Yes, Daniel 5:28 strongly implies God's direct and ultimate control over political changes and the rise and fall of nations. The phrase "Thy kingdom is divided, and given to the Medes and Persians" clearly indicates a divine act of transfer, not merely a human military victory. This aligns with the broader theological message of Daniel, which consistently portrays God as the sovereign ruler who "removes kings and sets up kings," as stated in [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God's Sovereignty Over Kingdoms"). While God often uses human agents and natural processes, this verse emphasizes that the ultimate authority and direction of history reside with Him. It assures us that even in tumultuous times, God remains on His throne, orchestrating events according to His eternal purposes and demonstrating His absolute dominion over all earthly powers.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel 5:28, with its dramatic portrayal of the fall of an earthly kingdom by divine decree, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate triumph of God's eternal kingdom under Christ. Just as Babylon's pride led to its division and transfer, so all earthly kingdoms built on human arrogance and rebellion are destined to be "divided" and ultimately superseded by the **undivided and everlasting kingdom of God**. The judgment pronounced upon Belshazzar for his blasphemy finds its ultimate expression in Christ, who is the righteous judge of all humanity. Those who, like Belshazzar, refuse to humble themselves before God and profane His holiness, will face the just consequences of their actions, as depicted in the final judgment where humanity is "divided" like sheep and goats, as described in [Matthew 25:31-33](/matthew/25-31-33 "Matthew 25:31-33 - The Sheep and the Goats"). Conversely, Christ, the true King, establishes a kingdom that "shall never be destroyed" nor "given to other people," as foretold in [Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - The Eternal Kingdom of God"), unlike the transient empires of this world. His coming marked the beginning of a new reign, where all authority in heaven and on earth has been "given" to Him ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). The fall of Babylon prefigures the final overthrow of all opposing powers and the ultimate establishment of the "kingdoms of this world" becoming "the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ," as proclaimed in [Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdoms of This World Become the Kingdoms of Our Lord"), a kingdom that will never be divided but will endure forever.

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

Isaiah 13:17

Behold, I will stir up the Medes against them, which shall not regard silver; and [as for] gold, they shall not delight in it.

Daniel 6:28

So this Daniel prospered in the reign of Darius, and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian.

Isaiah 21:2

A grievous vision is declared unto me; the treacherous dealer dealeth treacherously, and the spoiler spoileth. Go up, O Elam: besiege, O Media; all the sighing thereof have I made to cease.

Daniel 5:31

And Darius the Median took the kingdom, [being] about threescore and two years old.

Daniel 9:1

¶ In the first year of Darius the son of Ahasuerus, of the seed of the Medes, which was made king over the realm of the Chaldeans;

Isaiah 45:1

¶ Thus saith the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him; and I will loose the loins of kings, to open before him the two leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut;

Isaiah 45:2

I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron: