Daniel 4 14

Daniel 4:14 kjv

He cried aloud, and said thus, Hew down the tree, and cut off his branches, shake off his leaves, and scatter his fruit: let the beasts get away from under it, and the fowls from his branches:

Daniel 4:14 nkjv

He cried aloud and said thus: 'Chop down the tree and cut off its branches, Strip off its leaves and scatter its fruit. Let the beasts get out from under it, And the birds from its branches.

Daniel 4:14 niv

He called in a loud voice: 'Cut down the tree and trim off its branches; strip off its leaves and scatter its fruit. Let the animals flee from under it and the birds from its branches.

Daniel 4:14 esv

He proclaimed aloud and said thus: 'Chop down the tree and lop off its branches, strip off its leaves and scatter its fruit. Let the beasts flee from under it and the birds from its branches.

Daniel 4:14 nlt

The messenger shouted,
"Cut down the tree and lop off its branches!
Shake off its leaves and scatter its fruit!
Chase the wild animals from its shade
and the birds from its branches.

Daniel 4 verses

Daniel 4 14 Meaning

The verse declares that the decision to depose Nebuchadnezzar is divinely ordained, emphasizing that the Living God intervenes in human affairs to establish or depose rulers. This judgment is specifically attributed to the watchers and holy ones, highlighting the celestial realm's awareness and involvement in earthly pronouncements, leading to a profound humility for the king.

Daniel 4 14 Context

Chapter 4 of Daniel details Nebuchadnezzar's second dream and its interpretation, which speaks of his impending loss of sanity and kingship. This specific verse occurs after Daniel has delivered the prophecy, explaining the reason for the king's downfall. The dream signifies a period of wildness imposed upon the king, a divine judgment for his pride and defiance against God, despite the miraculous deliverance of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. This narrative serves to illustrate God's sovereignty over earthly kingdoms and human rulers, even when they are pagan. The context highlights Nebuchadnezzar's elevation and subsequent fall due to his arrogance, setting a pattern for how God interacts with all nations.

Daniel 4 14 Word Analysis

• "It is by the decree of the watchers":

  • It: Refers to the forthcoming judgment or decision.
  • by the decree: Indicates a formal, authoritative command or ordinance.
  • of the watchers:
    • Gederai (Aramaic: גְּדָרַי, gə·ḏā·rāy) - watchers, those who keep watch or guard. This likely refers to angelic beings. The term suggests a divine council or celestial beings involved in the execution of God's judgment.
    • This points to the active role of heavenly beings in implementing divine decisions concerning earthly affairs.

• "and by the sentence of the holy ones":

  • and by the sentence: Denotes a definitive judgment, an executable command, or a judicial decision.
  • of the holy ones:
    • qə·ḏā·šî·n (Aramaic: קְ֚דִשִׁ֔ין, qə·ḏî·šî·n) - holy ones. Again, this points to angelic beings, particularly those associated with God's divine presence and judgment. The use of "holy" underscores their pure and righteous nature in contrast to human sin and pride.
    • This phrase emphasizes that the judgment is not arbitrary but is carried out in accordance with divine justice and holiness, possibly within the heavenly court.

• "that the living may know":

  • that: Introduces the purpose or result of the decree and sentence.
  • the living: Refers to humanity, emphasizing the earthly realm of existence, particularly people alive during Nebuchadnezzar's reign and those who would read Daniel's account.
  • may know: Implies that the divine action is a revelation, designed to teach a specific truth. This knowledge is not merely intellectual but experiential, impacting understanding of ultimate authority.

• "that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men":

  • that: Further explanation of the knowledge to be gained.
  • the Most High:
    • ʻel·yon (Aramaic: עֶלְי֣וֹן, ʻel·yōn) - the Most High, Supreme One. This is a key title for God in Daniel, emphasizing His supreme and universal dominion, above all earthly powers.
  • rules: Denotes sovereignty, governance, and ultimate authority. God's active rule over human kingdoms.
  • in the kingdom of men: Specifies the domain of God's rule – earthly empires and political structures, contrasting divine sovereignty with human rule.

• "and gives it to whom he will.":

  • and gives it: Indicates the transfer of power or dominion.
  • to whom he will: Underscores God's absolute freedom and prerogative in appointing rulers and determining the succession of kingdoms, acting according to His divine will and purpose.

Daniel 4 14 Bonus Section

The concept of "watchers" (Gr. egrēgors) and "holy ones" is significant in understanding the angelic hierarchy and their roles in divine administration, as also seen in texts outside Daniel. Their involvement in executing judgment serves as a powerful reminder that human affairs are not unseen by God or His celestial court. The plural form for "holy ones" suggests either a multitude of angels or possibly a reference to the divine council. This verse, therefore, strongly supports a biblical worldview where God's immanence extends to governing the nations and ordaining the successions of kings, a theme echoed throughout Scripture, emphasizing humility and accountability before the divine sovereign.

Daniel 4 14 Commentary

This verse is crucial for understanding the theological framework presented in Daniel. It states unequivocally that Nebuchadnezzar's coming degradation is not a matter of chance or mere human political maneuvering, but a divinely sanctioned event. The "watchers" and "holy ones" act as divine agents or instruments, carrying out a judgment that has been decreed and sentenced in the heavenly realms. This elevates God's sovereignty from the cosmic to the political, affirming that human kings and kingdoms are subject to His ultimate authority. The ultimate purpose of this public display of divine power is to instruct humanity, particularly Nebuchadnezzar and those who would follow in his path of pride, that the highest authority rests not with mortal rulers but with the Most High God, who bestows power according to His own will.