Daniel 4:19 kjv
Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was astonied for one hour, and his thoughts troubled him. The king spake, and said, Belteshazzar, let not the dream, or the interpretation thereof, trouble thee. Belteshazzar answered and said, My lord, the dream be to them that hate thee, and the interpretation thereof to thine enemies.
Daniel 4:19 nkjv
Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was astonished for a time, and his thoughts troubled him. So the king spoke, and said, "Belteshazzar, do not let the dream or its interpretation trouble you." Belteshazzar answered and said, "My lord, may the dream concern those who hate you, and its interpretation concern your enemies!
Daniel 4:19 niv
Then Daniel (also called Belteshazzar) was greatly perplexed for a time, and his thoughts terrified him. So the king said, "Belteshazzar, do not let the dream or its meaning alarm you." Belteshazzar answered, "My lord, if only the dream applied to your enemies and its meaning to your adversaries!
Daniel 4:19 esv
Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was dismayed for a while, and his thoughts alarmed him. The king answered and said, "Belteshazzar, let not the dream or the interpretation alarm you." Belteshazzar answered and said, "My lord, may the dream be for those who hate you and its interpretation for your enemies!
Daniel 4:19 nlt
"Upon hearing this, Daniel (also known as Belteshazzar) was overcome for a time, frightened by the meaning of the dream. Then the king said to him, 'Belteshazzar, don't be alarmed by the dream and what it means.' "Belteshazzar replied, 'I wish the events foreshadowed in this dream would happen to your enemies, my lord, and not to you!
Daniel 4 19 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Daniel 2:1 | Nebuchadnezzar's dream... | Foundation of Nebuchadnezzar's anxiety |
| Daniel 4:4 | Nebuchadnezzar’s personal well-being... | Context for his distress |
| Daniel 4:10 | Description of the great tree in the dream... | Symbolism leading to the pronouncement |
| Psalm 50:15 | Call upon me in the day of trouble... | God hears the distressed |
| Isaiah 13:8 | The words describe the terror of Babylon's fall... | Echoes of terror and judgment |
| Jeremiah 10:7 | Who would not fear you, O King of nations? ... | Acknowledging God's sovereignty |
| Proverbs 16:18 | Pride goes before destruction... | Biblical principle confirmed |
| Luke 10:41-42 | Martha's anxiety and Jesus' response... | Parallels with distress and a focus needed |
| John 14:27 | Peace I leave with you... | Contrast to Nebuchadnezzar's lack of peace |
| Revelation 18:7 | "To the same degree she glorified herself and lived sensuously, to the same extent give her torment and mourning." | Parallel judgment and self-inflicted suffering |
Daniel 4 verses
Daniel 4 19 Meaning
This verse records Nebuchadnezzar's personal and deeply distressed reaction to Daniel's interpretation of his dream. The king, overwhelmed by the prophetic pronouncement, experiences profound distress, his countenance is changed, and he is terrified by the implications of the dream for his future. His expression of dismay signifies a breaking point in his pride, showing his vulnerability to the divine message.
Daniel 4 19 Context
Nebuchadnezzar has just been told by Daniel the interpretation of his dream about a mighty tree cut down. The dream portends severe judgment and humiliation for the king, stripped of his power and living like an animal for a period. This vision directly addresses Nebuchadnezzar's immense pride and self-aggrandizement. Daniel's interpretation confirms the impending consequences of this haughtiness.
Daniel 4 19 Word Analysis
- And (וְ - vav): Conjunction, connecting this reaction to the preceding interpretation.
- I ('ana - אֲנָא): First person singular pronoun, emphasizing his personal involvement and emotional response.
- Nebuchadnezzar (נְבֻכַדְנֶצַּר - Nebuchadnetstsar): The king himself, whose reaction is paramount.
- was (hawāh - הֲוָה): State of being, indicating a change.
- astonied (מִשְׁתַּבֵּר - mishtabbēr): Meaning "to be broken," "to be confounded," "to be dismayed." This highlights extreme shock and mental distress.
- and (וְ - vav): Conjunction.
- my (yātī - יָתִי): Possessive pronoun, referring to his personal thoughts or state.
- thoughts (yoz’īn - יָוָן): "Thoughts," "interpretations," "counsels." His mind is troubled by what he has heard.
- troubled (זַעְזְעוּנִי - za’zə‘ūnī): "To make afraid," "to cause to tremble," "to move greatly." Denotes internal disturbance and fear.
- me (nī - נִי): First person singular object pronoun.
Group Analysis:
- "was astonied and my thoughts troubled me": This phrase depicts a state of overwhelming mental anguish and a complete loss of composure, directly linked to the burden of Daniel's prophecy. The internal distress mirrors the external judgment predicted.
Daniel 4 19 Bonus Section
The Aramic term mishtabbēr (astonied/broken) conveys not just surprise but a profound sense of fragmentation, suggesting his spirit was almost shattered by the revelation. This mirrors the eventual humbling which literally "breaks" his spirit and pride. The depth of his reaction signals that Daniel's delivery was clear and impactful, penetrating the king's defenses. This intense personal reaction demonstrates that the word of God has inherent power to disturb and convict.
Daniel 4 19 Commentary
Nebuchadnezzar’s terror is a direct consequence of facing divine judgment. His inability to process the interpretation leads to profound personal anguish. This is the crucial moment where God's power breaks through the king's pride. The terror underscores the absolute sovereignty of God over earthly rulers and the inescapable nature of His decrees. The king’s personal distress is the first crack in his self-exaltation, revealing his human frailty under the weight of divine truth. His internal reaction sets the stage for his external experience of judgment.