Daniel 4 12

Daniel 4:12 kjv

The leaves thereof were fair, and the fruit thereof much, and in it was meat for all: the beasts of the field had shadow under it, and the fowls of the heaven dwelt in the boughs thereof, and all flesh was fed of it.

Daniel 4:12 nkjv

Its leaves were lovely, Its fruit abundant, And in it was food for all. The beasts of the field found shade under it, The birds of the heavens dwelt in its branches, And all flesh was fed from it.

Daniel 4:12 niv

Its leaves were beautiful, its fruit abundant, and on it was food for all. Under it the wild animals found shelter, and the birds lived in its branches; from it every creature was fed.

Daniel 4:12 esv

Its leaves were beautiful and its fruit abundant, and in it was food for all. The beasts of the field found shade under it, and the birds of the heavens lived in its branches, and all flesh was fed from it.

Daniel 4:12 nlt

It had fresh green leaves, and it was loaded with fruit for all to eat. Wild animals lived in its shade, and birds nested in its branches. All the world was fed from this tree.

Daniel 4 verses

Daniel 4 12 Meaning

This verse describes a beautiful, tall tree seen by Nebuchadnezzar in a dream, symbolizing his vast kingdom and dominion under God's ultimate control. The tree's height represents Nebuchadnezzar's elevated status and power, while its immense spread signifies the reach and influence of his empire. The imagery of the tree serving various creatures reflects the perceived blessings and provisions that flowed from his reign, albeit unknowingly ordained by God. The leaves and fruit symbolize abundance and sustenance for all, highlighting a prosperity tied to the king's authority.

Daniel 4 12 Context

Chapter 4 of Daniel continues Nebuchadnezzar's account of his second prophetic dream, preceded by a royal proclamation and followed by the divine judgment executed upon him. The dream itself, described from verse 10 onwards, is interpreted by Daniel in verses 19-27, revealing God's sovereignty over all kingdoms and His intention to humble the proud king. This specific verse, Daniel 4:12, details the visible attributes of the tree in the dream, highlighting its generous provision and sheltering capacity for all creatures. The historical setting is the Babylonian Empire under Nebuchadnezzar's rule, a period of great power and expansion. The immediate context within the chapter focuses on the king's astonishment and subsequent reflection on the dream's imagery. Culturally, trees, especially large and fruitful ones, were often symbols of power, stability, and prosperity in the ancient Near East, reflecting elements seen in Mesopotamian and Egyptian iconography.

Daniel 4 12 Word Analysis

• "The": Definite article, referring to a specific tree.

• "tree": (Hebrew: אִילָן - ilan). In Aramaic, it means tree, wood. Generally symbolic of life, strength, and growth in ancient Near Eastern cultures.

• "grew": (Aramaic: אִתְּקֵף - itteqep). Means grew strong, increased in strength.

• "and": Conjunction.

• "became": Implies a change or transition.

• "strong": (Aramaic: חַסִין - hasin). Firm, robust, mighty. Signifies strength and resilience.

• "And": Conjunction.

• "its": Possessive pronoun.

• "height": (Aramaic: רוּם - rum). Height, loftiness. Indicates elevation and reaching towards the heavens.

• "reached": (Aramaic: אֲסַק - asaq). Ascended, reached.

• "to": Preposition indicating direction.

• "the": Definite article.

• "heavens": (Aramaic: שְׁמַיָּא - shamaya). Sky, heavens. In Scripture, often represents the domain of God or the highest point.

• "And": Conjunction.

• "its": Possessive pronoun.

• "sight": (Aramaic: חֱזוָא - chezva). Sight, vision. What could be seen.

• "could": Auxiliary verb indicating ability.

• "be": Verb indicating existence.

• "seen": (Aramaic: לְמִחְזֵי - lemichze). To be seen, visible.

• "to": Preposition indicating range.

• "the": Definite article.

• "ends": (Aramaic: סוֹף - sof). End, extremity.

• "of": Preposition.

• "the": Definite article.

• "earth": (Aramaic: אֲרַק - araq). Earth, land. Refers to the entirety of the visible world.

• "Its leaves were beautiful, and its fruit abundant, and in it was food for all. Under it the beasts of the field found shade, and in its branches the birds of the heavens made their home, from it all flesh was fed." - This clause elaborates on the tree's benefits and bounty.

  • "Its": Possessive pronoun.
  • "leaves": (Aramaic: עַלְפִין - alpin). Leaves. In ancient symbolism, leaves could represent vitality and prosperity.
  • "were": Verb indicating state of being.
  • "beautiful": (Aramaic: שַׁפִּיר - shappir). Goodly, fair, beautiful. Refers to aesthetic appeal and inherent goodness.
  • "and": Conjunction.
  • "its": Possessive pronoun.
  • "fruit": (Aramaic: אֵיבָא - aiba). Fruit. Symbol of production, results, and provision.
  • "abundant": (Aramaic: שַׂגִּיא - saggi). Much, abundant, great. Indicates plentifulness.
  • "and": Conjunction.
  • "in": Preposition.
  • "it": Pronoun.
  • "was": Verb.
  • "food": (Aramaic: מְזּוֹן - mezun). Food, nourishment, provision.
  • "for": Preposition.
  • "all": Pronoun, signifying universality.
  • "Under": Preposition.
  • "it": Pronoun.
  • "the": Definite article.
  • "beasts": (Aramaic: חֵיוָת - cheywat). Wild animals, beasts.
  • "of": Preposition.
  • "the": Definite article.
  • "field": (Aramaic: שָׂדַי - sadai). Field.
  • "found": (Aramaic: הִשְׁתַּכַּחַת - hishtakkaḥat). Found for themselves.
  • "shade": (Aramaic: צִלָּא - tzilla). Shade, shadow. Offers refuge and protection.
  • "and": Conjunction.
  • "in": Preposition.
  • "its": Possessive pronoun.
  • "branches": (Aramaic: עַנְפַה - anpaha). Branches. Extending outward, showing reach.
  • "the": Definite article.
  • "birds": (Aramaic: עִפְרַיָּא - ipraya). Birds.
  • "of": Preposition.
  • "the": Definite article.
  • "heavens": (Aramaic: שְׁמַיָּא - shamaya). Heavens.
  • "made": Verb.
  • "their": Possessive pronoun.
  • "home": (Aramaic: מְדוֹר - medor). Dwelling place, abode.
  • "from": Preposition.
  • "it": Pronoun.
  • "all": Pronoun, universality.
  • "flesh": (Aramaic: בִּשְׂרָא - bisra). Flesh. All living creatures.
  • "was": Verb.
  • "fed": (Aramaic: מִתְּזָן - mittzan). Fed, nourished.

• Words-group analysis: The entire description of the tree (vv. 10-12) collectively paints a picture of unparalleled majesty, scope, and beneficence. The interconnectedness of its growth, height, visibility, beautiful leaves, abundant fruit, shade, and sustenance for all creatures highlights a kingdom that is not only powerful and far-reaching but also provides abundantly for all who are under its influence. This idealized image contrasts sharply with the reality of Nebuchadnezzar's impending fall, emphasizing that this prosperous vision is part of a divinely orchestrated narrative.

Daniel 4 12 Bonus Section

The symbolism of trees, especially cedars of Lebanon, as representing mighty kingdoms and rulers was prevalent in the ancient Near East. Nebuchadnezzar's dream is a divine adaptation of this common symbolic language, turning it into a prophetic message. The "watcher, a holy one" from heaven (v. 13) indicates that this dream is not merely a psychological projection of the king's subconscious but a direct communication from the divine realm. The universal provision and shelter offered by the tree represent the "good" aspects of Nebuchadnezzar's reign as perceived by him and his subjects, highlighting how even earthly greatness, when used for provision, operates within God's broader economy of sustaining life. Yet, this abundance is not without its future judgment, as the subsequent verses will reveal the directive for the tree to be cut down. This foreshadows that even the most glorious earthly kingdom is temporary and subject to divine decree. The extent of the tree’s visibility ("to the ends of the earth") points to the global dominion Nebuchadnezzar enjoyed, a testament to God's allowing earthly powers to rise and fall according to His sovereign will.

Daniel 4 12 Commentary

This verse uses the imagery of a tree to represent Nebuchadnezzar's kingdom and his power, extending to the farthest reaches of the earth. The tree’s prodigious growth, immense height reaching to the heavens, and visibility across the entire earth signify the king's vast empire and his supreme authority, which he perceived as unmatched. The description of its leaves being beautiful, its fruit abundant, and providing food for all creatures—shade for animals and lodging for birds—underscores the king's pride in his prosperous realm and his perception of it as a benevolent force supporting all life within its borders. However, this is not merely an observation of worldly power but a divine revelation, as Daniel will later explain. The sheer generosity and life-sustaining qualities of this tree, although attributed to Nebuchadnezzar, are ultimately under God’s sovereignty. The blessings flowing from the kingdom, while experienced by many, are presented in the dream as part of a greater, divine plan. This mirrors the parable of the mustard seed (Matthew 13:31-32), where a small beginning grows into something immense, capable of sheltering many, though in Nebuchadnezzar's case, the ultimate source and purpose are being unveiled through a message of humility.