Daniel 5:19

And for the majesty that he gave him, all people, nations, and languages, trembled and feared before him: whom he would he slew; and whom he would he kept alive; and whom he would he set up; and whom he would he put down.

And for {H4481} the majesty {H7238} that he gave {H3052} him, all {H3606} people {H5972}, nations {H524}, and languages {H3961}, trembled {H1934}{H2112} and feared {H1763} before {H4481} him {H6925}: whom he would {H1934}{H6634} he slew {H1934}{H6992}; and whom he would {H1934}{H6634} he kept alive {H1934}{H2418}; and whom he would {H1934}{H6634} he set up {H1934}{H7313}; and whom he would {H1934}{H6634} he put down {H1934}{H8214}.

Because of the greatness he gave him, all the peoples, nations and languages trembled with fear before him. Anyone he wanted to, he put to death; anyone he wanted to, he kept alive; anyone he wanted to, he advanced; and anyone he wanted to, he humbled.

Because of the greatness that He bestowed on him, the people of every nation and language trembled in fear before him. He killed whom he wished and kept alive whom he wished; he exalted whom he wished and humbled whom he wished.

and because of the greatness that he gave him, all the peoples, nations, and languages trembled and feared before him: whom he would he slew, and whom he would he kept alive; and whom he would he raised up, and whom he would he put down.

Commentary

Daniel 5:19 is part of Daniel's speech to King Belshazzar, recounting the history of his father (or predecessor), Nebuchadnezzar, and specifically highlighting the source and nature of Nebuchadnezzar's immense power.

Context

This verse is found within Daniel chapter 5, which describes Belshazzar's sacrilegious feast, the mysterious writing on the wall, and Daniel's interpretation. Daniel reminds Belshazzar of the rise and fall of Nebuchadnezzar. Nebuchadnezzar was granted incredible power and majesty by God, leading to his great pride. Verse 19 details the extent of the authority God had bestowed upon him before his humbling, contrasting Nebuchadnezzar's initial submission to God's power (implied by God giving the majesty) with Belshazzar's current disregard for it.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty Over Rulers: The verse explicitly states that Nebuchadnezzar's majesty was something "that he gave him," referring to God. This underscores the biblical theme that earthly power is not inherent but granted by divine authority. It is God who ultimately "putteth down one, and setteth up another".
  • Absolute Earthly Power: The description "whom he would he slew; and whom he would he kept alive; and whom he would he set up; and whom he would he put down" paints a vivid picture of the absolute life-and-death authority wielded by Nebuchadnezzar. This demonstrates the immense power God can delegate to human leaders.
  • The Fear of Man: Because of this divinely granted authority, "all people, nations, and languages, trembled and feared before him." This highlights the natural human response to overwhelming power, contrasting with the fear and reverence that should be directed towards the God who grants such power.

Linguistic Insights

The section of Daniel from chapter 2 through chapter 7 is written in Aramaic. The terms used here describe a ruler's dominion and absolute control over his subjects, typical language for describing great kings in the ancient Near East. The crucial point, however, is the preface: "And for the majesty that he gave him," emphasizing that this power originated from God, not from Nebuchadnezzar himself or mere human might.

Related Scriptures

  • The concept of God granting and removing power is echoed in 1 Samuel 2:7: "The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up."
  • The New Testament affirms that "the powers that be are ordained of God" (Romans 13:1), aligning with the truth shown in Daniel 5:19 that governmental authority ultimately stems from God.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a powerful reminder that all human authority, whether in government, business, or other spheres, is ultimately under God's control. It encourages believers not to fear powerful people more than they fear God, for God is the one who raises them up and brings them down. It provides perspective on political power and encourages trust in God's ultimate sovereignty over world events and leaders.

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 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

  • Daniel 3:6 (4 votes)

    And whoso falleth not down and worshippeth shall the same hour be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.

  • Daniel 2:12 (4 votes)

    For this cause the king was angry and very furious, and commanded to destroy all the wise [men] of Babylon.

  • Daniel 2:13 (4 votes)

    And the decree went forth that the wise [men] should be slain; and they sought Daniel and his fellows to be slain.

  • Daniel 3:4 (3 votes)

    Then an herald cried aloud, To you it is commanded, O people, nations, and languages,

  • Jeremiah 27:5 (2 votes)

    I have made the earth, the man and the beast that [are] upon the ground, by my great power and by my outstretched arm, and have given it unto whom it seemed meet unto me.

  • Jeremiah 27:7 (2 votes)

    And all nations shall serve him, and his son, and his son's son, until the very time of his land come: and then many nations and great kings shall serve themselves of him.

  • John 19:11 (2 votes)

    Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power [at all] against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin.