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Daniel 4:3

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How great [are] his signs! and how mighty [are] his wonders! his kingdom [is] an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion [is] from generation to generation.

How {H4101} great {H7260} are his signs {H852}! and how {H4101} mighty {H8624} are his wonders {H8540}! his kingdom {H4437} is an everlasting {H5957} kingdom {H4437}, and his dominion {H7985} is from {H5974} generation {H1859} to generation {H1859}.

"How great are his signs! How powerful his wonders! His kingdom lasts forever, and he rules all generations.

How great are His signs, how mighty His wonders! His kingdom is an eternal kingdom; His dominion endures from generation to generation.

How great are his signs! and how mighty are his wonders! his kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion is from generation to generation.

Commentary

Daniel 4:3 is a profound declaration of praise from King Nebuchadnezzar, spoken after his humbling experience and subsequent restoration. This verse encapsulates the core message of Daniel chapter 4: the absolute sovereignty of God over all earthly rulers and kingdoms.

Context

This verse is part of King Nebuchadnezzar's personal testimony, recounted in a royal decree to "all people, nations, and languages" (Daniel 4:1). The Babylonian king, known for his immense power and pride, had previously been afflicted with a period of madness and isolation, as prophesied by Daniel (Daniel 4:25). This severe humbling was specifically designed to teach him that "the Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men" (see Daniel 4:17 and Daniel 4:32). Upon his restoration, Nebuchadnezzar publicly acknowledged God's supreme authority, transforming from a proud monarch into a worshipper of the true God. His words in Daniel 4:3 are thus born out of a deep, personal revelation of divine power.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty: The verse powerfully asserts that God's rule is supreme and unchallenged. Nebuchadnezzar, who once believed himself to be the ultimate authority, now testifies that God's dominion extends over all generations and kingdoms.
  • God's Majesty and Power: The phrases "How great are his signs! and how mighty are his wonders!" highlight God's awe-inspiring ability to perform supernatural acts that demonstrate His omnipotence. These are not mere coincidences but deliberate acts revealing His character and purpose.
  • The Everlasting Kingdom: In stark contrast to the temporary nature of human empires, including Nebuchadnezzar's mighty Babylonian kingdom, God's kingdom is declared to be "an everlasting kingdom." This echoes a central theme of the book of Daniel, where God establishes a kingdom that will never be destroyed (compare with Daniel 2:44).
  • Humility and Recognition: The king's declaration serves as a testament to the transformative power of God's discipline. His pride was broken, leading him to humble himself and acknowledge the Lordship of God, a critical lesson for all who seek to understand divine truth.

Linguistic Insights

The Aramaic words for "signs" (אָתוֹהִי - 'atohiy) and "wonders" (תִּמְהִין - timhin) emphasize miraculous, extraordinary acts that serve as undeniable proofs of divine intervention. These terms are often used in the Old Testament to describe God's powerful deeds, such as those performed during the Exodus. The phrase "everlasting kingdom" (מַלְכוּת עָלַם - malchut alam) underscores the eternal and enduring nature of God's reign, a concept central to the prophetic vision of Daniel.

Practical Application

Daniel 4:3 calls believers to reflect on God's unwavering sovereignty in their own lives and in the world. Even when circumstances seem chaotic or human leaders appear all-powerful, this verse reminds us that God's ultimate plan and dominion prevail. It encourages humility, inviting us to submit to His will and find peace in the knowledge that His kingdom is eternal and His rule extends "from generation to generation." Just as Nebuchadnezzar learned, true wisdom and security are found in recognizing God's supreme authority and trusting in His everlasting reign.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 145:13 (9 votes)

    Thy kingdom [is] an everlasting kingdom, and thy dominion [endureth] throughout all generations.

  • Daniel 2:44 (6 votes)

    And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, [but] it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.

  • Isaiah 25:1 (6 votes)

    ¶ O LORD, thou [art] my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful [things; thy] counsels of old [are] faithfulness [and] truth.

  • Daniel 7:14 (5 votes)

    And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion [is] an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom [that] which shall not be destroyed.

  • Daniel 4:34 (4 votes)

    ¶ And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion [is] an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom [is] from generation to generation:

  • Daniel 4:35 (4 votes)

    And all the inhabitants of the earth [are] reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and [among] the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?

  • 1 Timothy 1:17 (4 votes)

    Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, [be] honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.