Daniel 2 48

Daniel 2:48 kjv

Then the king made Daniel a great man, and gave him many great gifts, and made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon, and chief of the governors over all the wise men of Babylon.

Daniel 2:48 nkjv

Then the king promoted Daniel and gave him many great gifts; and he made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon, and chief administrator over all the wise men of Babylon.

Daniel 2:48 niv

Then the king placed Daniel in a high position and lavished many gifts on him. He made him ruler over the entire province of Babylon and placed him in charge of all its wise men.

Daniel 2:48 esv

Then the king gave Daniel high honors and many great gifts, and made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon and chief prefect over all the wise men of Babylon.

Daniel 2:48 nlt

Then the king appointed Daniel to a high position and gave him many valuable gifts. He made Daniel ruler over the whole province of Babylon, as well as chief over all his wise men.

Daniel 2 verses

Daniel 2 48 Meaning

This verse signifies the exaltation of Daniel, recognizing his superior wisdom and divine appointment. It declares him as the chief administrator over Babylon, highlighting his elevated status and the king's high regard for him. It also marks the formalization of Daniel's prominent role in the Babylonian government, directly under the king.

Daniel 2 48 Context

Following Nebuchadnezzar's dream and Daniel's successful interpretation, the king acknowledged the divine source of Daniel's wisdom. This led to Daniel's promotion. The verse directly follows the account of Daniel accurately revealing both the dream and its meaning, which the king had forgotten. Nebuchadnezzar’s earlier experience with Daniel and his companions, who distinguished themselves through their wisdom and understanding (Daniel 1:17-20), likely paved the way for this significant appointment. The historical context is Babylon during the reign of Nebuchadnezzar II, a powerful Neo-Babylonian empire known for its advancements in governance and knowledge.

Daniel 2 48 Word Analysis

• וְדַּבֵּר (wə·ḏab·bêr): And spake. Connects this statement to the preceding narrative, initiating a direct proclamation or decree from the king.
• בְּבוּרְגָנִי (bə·ḇū·rə·ḡā·nî): Over the king’s chief nobles/counsellors. This signifies placement at a very high level within the governmental structure, overseeing the principal officials of the empire. The term points to those in positions of significant authority and influence.
• וַיְמַנֵּהוּ (way·mə·na·hê·hū): And set him. Implies appointing, establishing, or assigning. It denotes a formal delegation of authority and responsibility by the king.
• דַּנִיֵּאל (da·nî·’êl): Daniel. The name itself, meaning "God is my judge," is highly significant in light of his position and the divine intervention that led to it.
• שַׂר־ (śa·r): Chief, ruler, prince. Indicates a high-ranking official, a governor or a president.
• כָּל־ (kol): All. Denotes completeness; he was set over all the wise men. This is an amplification of his authority and prominence among them.
• חַכִּימַיָּא (ḥak·kî·mā·’ā): Wise men. Refers to the king's astrologers, magicians, and soothsayers, the learned men of Babylon.

Words Group Analysis:

• "And the king spake and said..." (וְאָמַר מַלְכָּא): This introduces a direct royal command or decree, lending significant weight and authority to the statement that follows. It is a common formula for royal pronouncements.
• "and set him over all the wise men of Babylon" (וּמַנִּי בּוּרְגָנִי לְכֹל חַכִּימֵי בָּבֶל): This phrase is crucial. It elevates Daniel above all other learned individuals in Babylon, placing him in a position of ultimate authority regarding matters of wisdom and counsel. This is not merely an advisory role but a directorial one, making him the head of the intellectual and scholarly community.

Daniel 2 48 Bonus Section

The naming of Daniel and his companions earlier in chapter 1 (Ananias, Azariah, Mishael) with Babylonian names (Belteshazzar, Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego) demonstrates the king’s intent to assimilate them. However, Daniel’s promotion, described here, doesn't erase his identity but rather situates him as a leader among the very class of people whose counsel was typically sought for spiritual and intellectual matters. This strategic placement allowed Daniel to operate as God's agent within the highest levels of gentile power, a recurring theme in his life and the lives of his companions, ultimately serving God's purposes and revealing His sovereignty over all earthly kingdoms. His rise serves as a testament to how God can elevate His servants even in foreign lands, to bring glory to His name.

Daniel 2 48 Commentary

Daniel's promotion to chief of the wise men of Babylon was a direct consequence of his faithful service and God-given wisdom. This wasn't just a bureaucratic shuffle; it was a profound public acknowledgment of divine power at work through a foreigner. Nebuchadnezzar, though a pagan king, recognized the singular excellence of Daniel's abilities, attributing them to "the spirit of the holy gods" (Daniel 2:47). This elevated Daniel significantly within the hierarchical Babylonian system, placing him in charge of the very men who had failed to interpret the king's dream, thereby demonstrating a clear preference for God’s wisdom. His position ensured him influence and protection, enabling his continued faithfulness in challenging circumstances.