Daniel 4:17 kjv
This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men.
Daniel 4:17 nkjv
'This decision is by the decree of the watchers, And the sentence by the word of the holy ones, In order that the living may know That the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, Gives it to whomever He will, And sets over it the lowest of men.'
Daniel 4:17 niv
"?'The decision is announced by messengers, the holy ones declare the verdict, so that the living may know that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes and sets over them the lowliest of people.'
Daniel 4:17 esv
The sentence is by the decree of the watchers, the decision by the word of the holy ones, to the end that the living may know that the Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he will and sets over it the lowliest of men.'
Daniel 4:17 nlt
For this has been decreed by the messengers ;
it is commanded by the holy ones,
so that everyone may know
that the Most High rules over the kingdoms of the world.
He gives them to anyone he chooses ?
even to the lowliest of people."
Daniel 4 17 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Daniel 4:17 | This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the sentence by the word of the holy ones... | Decree of heavenly beings |
| Psalm 103:20 | Bless the LORD, you his angels... | Angels execute God's word |
| Psalm 148:2 | Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his hosts! | Praise to angels and heavenly hosts |
| Isaiah 3:10 | Say to the righteous that it shall be well with them, for they shall eat the fruit of their deeds. | Affirmation of righteousness |
| Isaiah 10:24 | Therefore thus says the Lord GOD of hosts... | God of hosts' pronouncements |
| Jeremiah 29:11 | For I know the plans I have for you... | God's plans for welfare and hope |
| Matthew 6:10 | Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. | Divine will enacted |
| Acts 4:24 | ...they raised their voices together to God and said, "Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth..." | God as creator and sovereign |
| Romans 1:20 | For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. | God's power evident in creation |
| Romans 9:20 | Will what is molded say to its molder, "Why have you made me like this?" | God's sovereign right over His creation |
| 1 Corinthians 12:11 | All these are activated by one and the same Spirit, who divides to each person just as he wills. | Spirit's sovereign distribution of gifts |
| Ephesians 1:11 | ...in him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will... | God's predetermined will |
| Colossians 1:16 | For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. | Creation through Christ; heavenly authorities |
| 1 Peter 3:22 | ... who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers made subject to him. | Heavenly powers subject to Christ |
| Revelation 4:4 | Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and seated on them were twenty-four elders... | Elders around the throne |
| Revelation 11:15 | Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever." | Kingdom passed to God and Christ |
| Daniel 2:20-22 | ... Daniel answered and said: "Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belong wisdom and might. He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have discernment..." | God's sovereignty over nations |
| Daniel 2:28 | ... but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries, and he has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will be in the latter days. | God reveals mysteries |
| Daniel 5:21 | ... and he was driven from among the children of man, and his heart was made like the beasts', and his dwelling was with the wild donkeys. He ate grass like an ox, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven, till he knew that the Most High God rules the kingdom of men and sets over it whom he will. | God's rule over human kingdoms |
| Daniel 7:11-14 | ... I saw because of the loud words the horn was speaking. As I watched, the beast was put to death, and its body destroyed and given over to be burned, because of the loud words the horn was speaking. As for the rest of the beasts, their dominion was taken away, but their lives were prolonged for a season and a time. | Divine judgment on arrogant powers |
| Psalm 11:4 | The LORD is in his holy temple; the LORD's throne is in heaven... | God's throne in heaven |
| Proverbs 21:1 | The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD; he turns it wherever he will. | God directs the king's heart |
| Job 5:11 | He raises up the lowly and exalts those who mourn. | God exalts the humble |
Daniel 4 verses
Daniel 4 17 Meaning
This verse reveals the ultimate decree from the heavenly court concerning Nebuchadnezzar's fate: it is the decision of the watchers, and their sentence is by the word of the holy ones. This emphasizes divine sovereignty and the authoritative pronouncement from celestial beings appointed by God, leading to the king's humbling.
Daniel 4 17 Context
Chapter 4 of Daniel describes King Nebuchadnezzar's dream of a great tree cut down, which Daniel interprets as a prophecy of the king's temporary descent into madness and his loss of kingdom, followed by restoration upon repentance. This specific verse is part of the angelic decree revealed by Daniel after the king's haughty declaration about his own greatness. It underscores the source and finality of the divine judgment that will befall him. Historically, this segment relates to the Neo-Babylonian Empire under Nebuchadnezzar II, a powerful ruler known for his architectural achievements and military conquests. The decree signifies the universal application of God's justice, even to the most powerful earthly monarchs.
Daniel 4 17 Word Analysis
- Ḥedei (D'kūrin): This Aramaic word means "decree" or "edict." It implies a formal, authoritative decision that is binding.
- ʿIrdīn (Iridin): Transliterated as "watchers," this term refers to celestial beings, often interpreted as angels, who observe and execute God's will. Their role highlights divine oversight and judgment.
- Šə·ḇāq (Shvaq): From a root meaning "to leave" or "to permit," here it indicates the watchers are agents who enact or permit what is decreed.
- Rēmayyā (Remmaya): Aramaic for "sentence" or "word." It signifies the pronouncement and definitive judgment.
- Qaddīšə·wā (Qaddishein): Meaning "holy ones," this refers to divine or saintly beings, often interpreted as angels or other holy created beings aligned with God's will, affirming the divine nature of the judgment.
- Ședdeq (Zedek): Meaning "justice" or "righteousness." The sentence is fundamentally just.
- Šərûḥā (Serucha): Aramaic for "pronouncement" or "judgment."
- Šə·ḇuʾāt (Shbuatha): Aramaic for "declarations" or "word." This refers to the definitive pronouncement.
- Ḏərʾāh (Der'a): Aramaic for "matter" or "thing."
- Ləmēḇāḏəʿān (Lebodana): Aramaic for "to make known."
Group Analysis:
- "This matter is by the decree of the watchers...": This phrase establishes the divine origin and authority behind the king's impending judgment. The "watchers" are seen as celestial agents executing God's sovereign plan, not acting independently but as instruments of His will.
- "...and the sentence by the word of the holy ones...": This reinforces the heavenly mandate. The "holy ones", often understood as angels, communicate or carry out the divine decision, emphasizing its righteousness and divine sanction. The plural suggests a unified heavenly council or consensus confirming the decree.
Daniel 4 17 Bonus Section
The concept of "watchers" and "holy ones" aligns with ancient Near Eastern understanding of divine councils, but Daniel imbues this concept with Yahweh's unique sovereignty. Unlike polytheistic systems where divine councils could be tumultuous, Daniel presents a unified, righteous heavenly court subservient to the Most High. This reinforces monotheism by asserting God's supreme authority over all spiritual beings. The sentence itself is described as being "by the word," implying that divine pronouncements have inherent power to bring about what they declare, echoing the creative Word of God in Genesis.
Daniel 4 17 Commentary
Nebuchadnezzar’s personal boasting triggered a divine intervention mediated through heavenly agents. The decree issued by the "watchers" and finalized by the "holy ones" underscores that ultimate power rests with God, and His judgment is exercised through His appointed authorities in the celestial realm. This event serves as a stark reminder that earthly power and pride are ultimately subject to divine sovereignty and justice. The king's humility and acknowledgment of God's supremacy are necessary preconditions for his eventual restoration. The "word of the holy ones" signifies not just a verbal pronouncement but a righteous judgment that must be carried out.