Daniel 2 15

Daniel 2:15 kjv

He answered and said to Arioch the king's captain, Why is the decree so hasty from the king? Then Arioch made the thing known to Daniel.

Daniel 2:15 nkjv

he answered and said to Arioch the king's captain, "Why is the decree from the king so urgent?" Then Arioch made the decision known to Daniel.

Daniel 2:15 niv

He asked the king's officer, "Why did the king issue such a harsh decree?" Arioch then explained the matter to Daniel.

Daniel 2:15 esv

He declared to Arioch, the king's captain, "Why is the decree of the king so urgent?" Then Arioch made the matter known to Daniel.

Daniel 2:15 nlt

He asked Arioch, "Why has the king issued such a harsh decree?" So Arioch told him all that had happened.

Daniel 2 verses

Daniel 2 15 Meaning

This verse describes Daniel's calm and wise response to King Nebuchadnezzar's demand, particularly his query about the king's lost dream and its interpretation. Daniel asserts his knowledge of God's ability to reveal mysteries and express his certainty that God has shown him the king's dream.

Daniel 2 15 Context

King Nebuchadnezzar, having forgotten his dream and its interpretation, decreed that all the wise men of Babylon, including Daniel and his companions, be put to death. The king's challenge was impossible for any human to fulfill without divine revelation. Daniel, a young Hebrew exiled in Babylon and renowned for his wisdom, recognized the limitations of the Babylonian wise men and their reliance on pagan gods. He understood that only the God of Israel, the true God, could reveal such mysteries. This verse marks the turning point where Daniel, rather than succumbing to despair or engaging in the impossible claims of the Chaldeans, places his trust in God and seeks His intervention.

Daniel 2 15 Word Analysis

• וְאִלַּם (v’il·lam): "and behold" / "and Lo" - This conjunction introduces a new element or shifts focus, emphasizing the dramatic nature of what follows.

• דָּנִיֵּאל (Da·ni·’yel): "Daniel" - The subject of the verse, meaning "God is my judge." His name itself reflects the core truth he upholds.

• בָּעֵת (ba·‘et): "at the time" - Refers to the specific, urgent moment King Nebuchadnezzar made his decree.

• עַל־ (‘al): "concerning" / "against" - Indicates the subject of the king's judgment or the topic of his concern.

• חֵיוַת (chey·vat): "the life" - In this context, it refers to the decrees concerning the lives of the wise men.

• דִּי־ (di): "which" - A relative pronoun connecting the decree to its consequence.

• לְשָׁחְדָא (lesh·ch·da): "to destroy" / "to cut in pieces" - Aramaic verb emphasizing the severe and violent nature of the king's order. It carries a strong connotation of dismemberment.

• חַכִּימֵי (chak·chey·mey): "wise men" / "sages" - Refers to the intellectual class of Babylon.

• בָּבֶל (Ba·vel): "Babylon" - The powerful empire and city where this event took place.

• אֲמַר (’am·ar): "answered" / "said" - Indicates the communication that follows.

• וְלָהֵן (və·la·hen): "and to them" - Refers back to the wise men.

• פִּתְגָמָא (pit·ga·ma): "a decree" / "an ordinance" / "a word" - Refers to the king's command or decision.

• קְרִי (qe·rey): "to kill" / "to destroy" - Another Aramaic verb for destruction, reinforcing the severity of the king's pronouncement.

• נְפַק (ne·fak): "went forth" / "came out" - Denotes the issuing of the royal decree.

• בָּא: (ba) "into" - Preposition showing entry into the presence of the king or into the situation.

• אֲמַר: (’am·ar) "said" / "spoke" - Introducing Daniel's statement.

• לְקֳדָם: (lə·ko·dam) "before" / "in the presence of" - Indicates Daniel approaching the king directly.

• מַלְכָּא: (mal·ka) "the king" - Nebuchadnezzar, the absolute ruler.

• רַחֲמַי: (ra·cha·may) "mercy" / "compassion" - Daniel's plea is for leniency.

• בָּעֵא: (ba·‘e) "to ask for" / "to entreat" - Daniel’s action is a request.

• וּבְדִי: (u·ve·dei) "and that he might" / "and so that he could" - Introduces the purpose of his request.

• עִלּוּתָא: (‘il·lu·ta) "interpretation" / "solution" - The answer to the dream.

• תְּחַוֵּי: (tech·u·ve) "you would show" - Imperfect verb, indicating what Daniel wanted to be done.

• Groups of words analysis:

  • "If you do not make known to me the dream and its interpretation, you shall be torn limb from limb, and your houses shall be laid in ruins.” (Daniel 2:5) - This entire statement by the king is crucial context, showing the absolute direness of the situation for all the wise men. Daniel is responding to this severe, unachievable demand.
  • "There is not a man on earth who can meet the king’s demand, for the king is a harsh king..." (Daniel 2:10) - This highlights the perceived impossibility of the task, paving the way for Daniel's reliance on God.
  • "This made the king angry and furious, to the degree that he commanded that all the wise men of Babylon be destroyed." (Daniel 2:12) - This sentence provides the direct cause for Daniel’s plea, emphasizing the immediate danger.
  • "Daniel went in and pleaded with the king to give him time, that he might show an interpretation to the king." (Daniel 2:16) - Daniel’s approach is strategic and relies on gaining time to seek divine help, rather than attempting a human solution.

Daniel 2 15 Bonus Section

The prophet Daniel consistently attributes any understanding or foresight not to his own genius but to divine insight from the God of Israel. This theme is present throughout the book. In Daniel 2:28, Daniel states, "...but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries..." His approach emphasizes that true wisdom and the ability to discern hidden truths originate from a direct relationship with the Creator. This distinguishes Daniel’s practice from that of the Babylonian astrologers and diviners who claimed knowledge from pagan deities and practices. His steadfast reliance on God in this chapter demonstrates a profound personal conviction, mirroring Jesus' later teaching to seek first the kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33), implying that when one aligns with God's purposes, even seemingly impossible situations can be overcome.

Daniel 2 15 Commentary

Daniel’s response in this verse is a testament to his faith and wisdom under immense pressure. Facing a death sentence, his first instinct is not to panic or to try and mimic the failed attempts of other wise men. Instead, he turns to God, acknowledging His supreme power to reveal hidden things. This isn't mere defiance; it's a declaration of trust in the Lord. His statement implies that the solution lies not with human intellect, but with divine revelation. The Aramaic word for "mercy" (רַחֲמַי) shows a respectful approach to the king, seeking a reprieve based on a promise of a solution through God's power. Daniel’s confident assertion sets the stage for God’s miraculous intervention.