Daniel 2:3

And the king said unto them, I have dreamed a dream, and my spirit was troubled to know the dream.

And the king {H4428} said {H559} unto them, I have dreamed {H2492} a dream {H2472}, and my spirit {H7307} was troubled {H6470} to know {H3045} the dream {H2472}.

The king said to them, "I had a dream which will keep troubling my spirit until I know what it means."

he said to them, “I have had a dream, and my spirit is anxious to understand it.”

And the king said unto them, I have dreamed a dream, and my spirit is troubled to know the dream.

Commentary

Context

Daniel 2:3 sets the stage for one of the most pivotal prophetic narratives in the Old Testament. Following King Nebuchadnezzar's summons of his wise men in Daniel 2:2, this verse reveals the king's profound dilemma: he had experienced a disturbing dream, but upon waking, he could not recall its content. His inability to remember, coupled with the dream's unsettling nature, left his "spirit troubled." This situation immediately establishes a crisis in the Babylonian court, as the king demands not only an interpretation but also the dream itself, a task seemingly impossible for any human.

Key Themes

  • Divine Revelation vs. Human Inability: The king's forgotten dream, and his subsequent distress, highlights the limitations of human wisdom and power. Despite having all the wise men of Babylon at his disposal, none could satisfy the king's request, setting the stage for God to supernaturally reveal His truth through Daniel.
  • Sovereignty of God: Even a powerful pagan king like Nebuchadnezzar is subject to God's influence. God sovereignly gives dreams and troubles spirits to achieve His purposes, demonstrating His ultimate control over human affairs and earthly kingdoms. This foreshadows the broader message of Daniel concerning God's rule over empires, as seen in Daniel 4:35.
  • Human Distress and Seeking Truth: Nebuchadnezzar's "troubled spirit" underscores the deep human need for understanding, especially when confronted with the unknown or the divine. His distress drives the plot forward, creating the dramatic tension that ultimately leads to Daniel's divine revelation of the dream and its interpretation.

Linguistic Insights

The Aramaic word translated "troubled" is bahal (בָּהַל), which carries a strong sense of alarm, consternation, or agitation. It implies not just mild concern but a significant emotional disturbance or urgency. This emphasizes the profound impact the forgotten dream had on Nebuchadnezzar, indicating a deep inner turmoil rather than mere annoyance. The dream was not just forgotten; it was disturbing enough to leave a lingering, unsettling feeling that demanded resolution.

Significance and Application

This verse reminds us that God often works in ways that challenge human understanding and capabilities, creating situations where only divine intervention can provide answers. Like Nebuchadnezzar, we may sometimes experience a "troubled spirit" or face circumstances beyond our control or comprehension. In such moments, this passage encourages us to look beyond human wisdom and seek the one true God, who alone knows the future and can reveal hidden things (Daniel 2:22). It highlights that God can use even the distress of powerful rulers to bring about His purposes and glorify His name through His faithful servants.

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Cross-References

  • Genesis 40:8 (4 votes)

    And they said unto him, We have dreamed a dream, and [there is] no interpreter of it. And Joseph said unto them, [Do] not interpretations [belong] to God? tell me [them], I pray you.

  • Genesis 41:15 (4 votes)

    And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I have dreamed a dream, and [there is] none that can interpret it: and I have heard say of thee, [that] thou canst understand a dream to interpret it.

  • Daniel 2:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ And in the second year of the reign of Nebuchadnezzar Nebuchadnezzar dreamed dreams, wherewith his spirit was troubled, and his sleep brake from him.

  • Daniel 4:5 (2 votes)

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