Daniel 5:6

KJV

Then the king's countenance was changed, and his thoughts troubled him, so that the joints of his loins were loosed, and his knees smote one against another.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {H116} the king's {H4430} countenance {H2122} was changed {H8133}, and his thoughts {H7476} troubled {H927} him, so that the joints {H7001} of his loins {H2783} were loosed {H8271}, and his knees {H755} smote {H5368} one {H1668} against another {H1668}.

Complete Jewish Bible

the king's face took on a different look. As frightening thoughts rose up within him, his hip joints gave way and his knees started knocking together.

Berean Standard Bible

his face grew pale and his thoughts so alarmed him that his hips gave way and his knees knocked together.

American Standard Version

Then the king’s countenance was changed in him, and his thoughts troubled him; and the joints of his loins were loosed, and his knees smote one against another.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 5:6 vividly captures the immediate and profound physical and psychological terror that seized King Belshazzar. As a mysterious hand wrote an ominous message on the palace wall, the king's countenance dramatically changed, his mind was overwhelmed with dread, his body lost all strength, and his knees uncontrollably knocked together. This verse serves as a powerful depiction of the debilitating fear that accompanies the sudden, undeniable manifestation of divine judgment upon one who has dared to defy the Almighty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climax of Belshazzar's audacious and blasphemous feast, described in [Daniel 5:1-4](/daniel/5-1 "Daniel 5:1-4 - Belshazzar's Feast and Blasphemy"). The king, in a display of arrogant defiance, commanded the sacred vessels looted from the temple in Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar to be brought forth and used for drinking wine and praising pagan gods. This act of sacrilege was a direct affront to the God of Israel. Immediately following this desecration, a disembodied hand appeared and began to write on the plaster of the palace wall ([Daniel 5:5](/daniel/5-5 "Daniel 5:5 - The Hand Writing on the Wall")). Daniel 5:6 then details Belshazzar's visceral, overwhelming reaction to this supernatural event, setting the stage for the interpretation of the writing and the subsequent fall of the Babylonian Empire. It highlights the sudden and terrifying nature of divine intervention.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Belshazzar was the co-regent of Babylon with his father, Nabonidus, during a period of declining Babylonian power. The feast itself, held within the seemingly impenetrable walls of Babylon, speaks to a false sense of security and hubris. The use of the temple vessels was not merely a practical act but a profound religious and political statement. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the desecration of a conquered people's gods or sacred objects was a common practice to assert dominance. However, in this instance, it was an act of direct contempt against the God of Israel, whose power had been demonstrated repeatedly through Nebuchadnezzar's experiences, as recorded in earlier chapters of Daniel. The sudden appearance of a divine sign on the wall would have been understood as an omen of immense significance, particularly in a culture deeply steeped in divination and the interpretation of signs.
* **Key Themes:** Daniel 5:6 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Daniel. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty**, demonstrating that God is the ultimate ruler over all earthly kingdoms and kings, capable of judging and bringing down even the mightiest empires ([Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons")). Secondly, it highlights the severe **Consequences of Blasphemy and Arrogance**. Belshazzar's pride and irreverence, particularly in desecrating holy objects, directly provoke God's swift and terrifying judgment. His physical collapse is a stark warning against exalting oneself against the Almighty, a theme echoed throughout Scripture (e.g., [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")). Finally, the verse vividly portrays the **Overwhelming Nature of Divinely-Induced Fear**, a terror born not just of surprise, but of guilt and the dawning realization of impending doom. This fear is distinct from reverent awe and serves as a precursor to judgment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **changed (Aramaic, _shᵉnâʼ'_):** This word signifies a dramatic alteration or transformation. Applied to Belshazzar's "countenance" (H2122, _zîyv_, meaning brightness or cheerfulness), it indicates a profound and immediate physical manifestation of his internal state. His face, likely flushed with wine and arrogance moments before, became pallid, distorted, and drained of all vitality, reflecting the sudden onset of terror.
* **troubled (Aramaic, _bᵉhal'_):** This term conveys a sense of being terrified, agitated, or thrown into haste. When applied to Belshazzar's "thoughts" (H7476, _raʻyôwn_, meaning mental conception or cogitation), it describes a complete mental disarray and overwhelming panic. His mind, previously occupied with revelry, was now seized by a chaotic and debilitating fear, unable to process or comprehend the terrifying reality before him.
* **loosed (Aramaic, _shᵉrêʼ'_):** This word means to free, separate, or dissolve. In the context of "the joints of his loins" (H7001, _qᵉṭar_, meaning knot or vertebra, and H2783, _chărats_, meaning loin or seat of strength), it graphically depicts a complete loss of physical control and strength. This physiological response to extreme fear, where muscles involuntarily relax, rendered the king utterly helpless and weak, symbolizing his loss of power and stability.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then the king's countenance was changed":** This opening clause immediately signals a dramatic shift in Belshazzar's demeanor. From a state of drunken revelry and arrogant defiance, his face instantly transformed, likely becoming pale, contorted, and devoid of its former cheerfulness or regal composure. This physical alteration is the first visible sign of the profound terror that has seized him.
* **"and his thoughts troubled him":** Beyond the outward physical change, the terror penetrated the king's inner being. His mind, previously consumed with the festivities, was now assailed by overwhelming anxiety, confusion, and dread. His mental faculties were not merely worried but profoundly disturbed, indicating a complete loss of composure and rational thought in the face of the divine manifestation.
* **"so that the joints of his loins were loosed":** This vivid and graphic phrase describes a severe physical reaction to extreme fear. The "loins" were considered the seat of strength and vigor in ancient cultures. For their "joints" to be "loosed" means a complete loss of muscular control and bodily stability, rendering the king weak, trembling, and unable to stand firm. It signifies utter helplessness and the complete draining of his physical power.
* **"and his knees smote one against another":** This final clause paints a clear and universally recognizable picture of uncontrollable trembling. The king's knees knocking together is a classic physiological response to overwhelming fear and shock, indicating a profound state of terror that has completely incapacitated him. This image powerfully conveys his utter vulnerability and the terrifying reality of his impending judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 5:6 is rich in **Imagery** and **Hyperbole**, vividly portraying Belshazzar's extreme terror. The description of his "countenance was changed" and "knees smote one against another" creates a powerful mental picture of a man utterly undone by fear. The phrase "the joints of his loins were loosed" is a masterful use of **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, where a part of the body (loins/joints) represents the whole person's strength and stability, emphasizing his complete physical collapse. The intensity of the language, bordering on exaggeration, serves as **Hyperbole** to underscore the extraordinary nature of the divine intervention and the king's overwhelming response. Furthermore, the entire scene functions as **Symbolism**, where Belshazzar's physical disintegration symbolizes the impending collapse of his kingdom and the judgment upon his unholy reign.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Belshazzar's terrifying experience in Daniel 5:6 serves as a profound theological statement on God's absolute sovereignty and the inevitable consequences of human arrogance and blasphemy. It underscores that no earthly power, however mighty or seemingly secure, can defy the Most High God with impunity. The king's immediate and debilitating fear is a direct manifestation of divine judgment, a preview of the terror that awaits those who reject God's authority and desecrate what is holy. This passage reminds us that God is not mocked, and His justice will prevail, often in unexpected and terrifying ways.

* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")
* [Luke 12:5](/luke/12-5 "Luke 12:5 - Fear Him Who Can Cast into Hell")
* [Psalm 75:7](/psalms/75-7 "Psalm 75:7 - God Is the Judge")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Belshazzar's sudden and overwhelming terror offers a stark lesson for all generations. It powerfully illustrates that true accountability lies not with earthly powers or human judgment, but with the sovereign God of the universe. His physical collapse reminds us that pride and defiance against the divine will inevitably lead to devastating consequences. For us today, this passage calls for a profound humility and reverence before God. Unlike Belshazzar's paralyzing terror, which was born of guilt and impending condemnation, believers are called to a "fear of the Lord" that is characterized by reverent awe, worship, and obedience, leading to wisdom and life. We must heed God's warnings, whether subtle promptings of conscience or overt biblical truths, and respond with repentance and faith, rather than hardening our hearts in defiance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be exhibiting a subtle form of arrogance or defiance towards God's will?**
* **How does Belshazzar's terror contrast with the "fear of the Lord" that believers are called to cultivate?**
* **What specific actions can I take to cultivate a deeper sense of humility and reverence for God in my daily life?**
* **How does the swiftness of Belshazzar's judgment encourage me to take God's warnings seriously and respond promptly?**

### FAQ
**Why was Belshazzar's reaction so extreme?**

Answer: Belshazzar's reaction was extreme because it was a direct, supernatural manifestation of divine judgment in response to his egregious blasphemy. He had not only desecrated the sacred vessels from God's temple in Jerusalem but had done so while praising pagan gods, directly challenging the living God. The sudden appearance of the writing hand, an undeniable sign of divine intervention, shattered his false sense of security and confronted him with the terrifying reality of God's power and impending wrath. His terror was a physical and psychological response to the immediate and undeniable presence of divine judgment, signaling the end of his reign and life, as detailed later in [Daniel 5:30-31](/daniel/5-30 "Daniel 5:30-31 - Belshazzar Slain, Darius Takes Kingdom").

**What does "the joints of his loins were loosed" literally mean, and why is it significant?**

Answer: This vivid phrase describes a profound physiological response to extreme fear. The "loins" (H2783, _chărats_) in ancient thought were considered the seat of strength, vigor, and stability. For their "joints" (H7001, _qᵉṭar_) to be "loosed" (H8271, _shᵉrêʼ_) means a complete loss of muscular control and bodily integrity in that area. It literally implies a weakening or dissolution of the core strength, causing the legs to give way and the body to become unstable. This is significant because it graphically portrays Belshazzar's utter helplessness and the complete draining of his physical and mental fortitude, symbolizing his loss of power and the imminent collapse of his kingdom before the might of God.

**How does Belshazzar's experience relate to God's character?**

Answer: Belshazzar's experience powerfully reveals several aspects of God's character. Firstly, it demonstrates His **absolute sovereignty** over all earthly rulers and empires, affirming that He "removes kings and sets up kings" ([Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons")). Secondly, it highlights God's **holiness and justice**, showing that He will not tolerate blasphemy, arrogance, or the desecration of what belongs to Him. His judgment upon Belshazzar was swift and decisive. Finally, it underscores God's **patience and warning**, as He had previously demonstrated His power through Nebuchadnezzar's humbling (see [Daniel 4](/daniel/4 "Daniel 4 - Nebuchadnezzar's Humbling")), yet Belshazzar failed to learn from history. God's character is one of both righteous judgment and merciful warning, though His patience does have limits.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Belshazzar's terror in Daniel 5:6, born of a sudden, terrifying encounter with divine judgment, foreshadows the ultimate confrontation humanity faces with God's holiness. While Belshazzar's fear led to condemnation and death, the New Testament reveals that all humanity stands accountable before a holy God, and apart from Christ, faces a far greater terror than Belshazzar's fleeting moment of dread. The good news of the Gospel, however, is that Jesus Christ, the true Lamb of God, entered human history to bear the full weight of God's righteous judgment for sin on the cross ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Through His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, Christ has provided a way for humanity to escape the terrifying judgment that Belshazzar experienced. For those who place their faith in Him, there is "no condemnation" ([Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ")), but instead, peace with God ([Romans 5:1](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1 - Peace with God Through Faith")). Belshazzar's shaking knees and loosed joints are a vivid picture of the fear of the unredeemed facing a holy God; yet, in Christ, believers can approach God's throne of grace with confidence, not terror, because Jesus has fully satisfied divine justice and opened the way to eternal life ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace with Confidence")).

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

Ezekiel 7:17

All hands shall be feeble, and all knees shall be weak [as] water.

Daniel 7:28

Hitherto [is] the end of the matter. As for me Daniel, my cogitations much troubled me, and my countenance changed in me: but I kept the matter in my heart.

Nahum 2:10

She is empty, and void, and waste: and the heart melteth, and the knees smite together, and much pain [is] in all loins, and the faces of them all gather blackness.

Daniel 4:5

I saw a dream which made me afraid, and the thoughts upon my bed and the visions of my head troubled me.

Ezekiel 21:7

And it shall be, when they say unto thee, Wherefore sighest thou? that thou shalt answer, For the tidings; because it cometh: and every heart shall melt, and all hands shall be feeble, and every spirit shall faint, and all knees shall be weak [as] water: behold, it cometh, and shall be brought to pass, saith the Lord GOD.

Psalms 69:23

Let their eyes be darkened, that they see not; and make their loins continually to shake.

Isaiah 13:7

Therefore shall all hands be faint, and every man's heart shall melt: