Daniel 4:35 kjv
And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?
Daniel 4:35 nkjv
All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing; He does according to His will in the army of heaven And among the inhabitants of the earth. No one can restrain His hand Or say to Him, "What have You done?"
Daniel 4:35 niv
All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing. He does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back his hand or say to him: "What have you done?"
Daniel 4:35 esv
all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and he does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand or say to him, "What have you done?"
Daniel 4:35 nlt
All the people of the earth
are nothing compared to him.
He does as he pleases
among the angels of heaven
and among the people of the earth.
No one can stop him or say to him,
'What do you mean by doing these things?'
Daniel 4 35 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Daniel 2:21 | "...He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and raises up kings..." | Sovereignty of God, Changing Authority |
| Psalm 75:6-7 | "For promotion comes neither from the east nor from the west nor from the south. But God is the judge: He puts down one, and exalts another." | God's Role in Elevation and Demotion |
| 1 Samuel 2:7 | "The Lord makes poor and makes rich; He brings low and lifts up." | God's Control over Status |
| Proverbs 16:8 | "Better a little with righteousness Than the revenue of many wicked..." | Righteousness and God's Blessing |
| Isaiah 40:23 | "Who brings the princes to nothing; He makes the judges of the earth meaningless." | Humbling of Earthly Rulers |
| Jeremiah 27:5-7 | "I have made the earth, the man and beast that are on the ground, by My great power and by My outstretched arm, and I give it to whomever it seems right to Me. "Now I have given all these lands into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, My servant..." | God's Grant of Authority to Nebuchadnezzar |
| Acts 17:24-25 | "The God who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands." | God as Creator and Sustainer |
| Romans 9:20-21 | "But indeed, O man, who are you to reply against God? Will the thing formed say to him who formed it, “Why have you made me like this?” Or as to a potter, does he not have authority over the clay..." | God's Sovereignty in Creation and Election |
| Philippians 2:9 | "Therefore God has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name..." | Christ's Exaltation by God |
| Revelation 17:17 | "For God has put it into their hearts to fulfill His purpose..." | God Fulfilling His Purpose Through Kings |
| Revelation 19:16 | "He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS." | Christ's Ultimate Authority |
| John 19:11 | "Jesus answered, 'You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above.'" | Authority Derives from God |
| 2 Chronicles 20:6 | "And said, 'O Lord God of our fathers, are You not God in heaven, And do You not rule over all the kingdoms of the nations...?'" | God's Rule Over Nations |
| Psalm 22:28 | "For the kingdom is the Lord’s, And He is the Governor among the nations." | God's Governorship of Nations |
| Job 40:11-12 | "Look in arrogance and bring it down; Tread them down where they stand. Hide them in the dust together, Bind their faces in hidden places." | God's Ability to Humility the Arrogant |
| Psalm 89:13-14 | "Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, And Your dominion endures throughout all generations." | God's Everlasting Kingdom |
| Daniel 2:20-22 | "Daniel answered and said: 'Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, For wisdom and might are His.'" | Wisdom and Might Belong to God |
| Daniel 4:17 | "This decision is by the decree of the watchers, And by the sentence 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.” | Divine Decree for Men to Know God's Rule |
| Daniel 5:21 | "And he was driven from the sons of men, And his heart was made like the beasts, And his dwelling was with the wild donkeys. They fed him with grass like an ox, And his body was drenched with the dew of heaven, Till he knew that the Most High God rules in the kingdom of men, And appoints over it whomever He chooses." | Nebuchadnezzar's Humiliation to Learn God's Rule |
| Proverbs 14:34 | "Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a reproach to the people." | Impact of Righteousness on a Nation |
Daniel 4 verses
Daniel 4 35 Meaning
This verse declares God's sovereign power and authority over all earthly rulers and kingdoms. Nebuchadnezzar, despite his vast power, acknowledges that his actions and fate are entirely dependent on God's will. Those who live arrogantly and oppose God will be humbled, while God exalts those who submit to Him. This is a testament to God's ultimate control over history and human affairs, ensuring that His purposes will ultimately prevail.
Daniel 4 35 Context
Chapter 4 of Daniel details the powerful king Nebuchadnezzar's pride and subsequent divine judgment. After experiencing a dream that Daniel interpreted as a warning against his arrogance, Nebuchadnezzar experienced a period of madness, living like an animal. This period was imposed by God so that the king would understand that the Most High rules in the kingdoms of men. Verse 35 occurs after Nebuchadnezzar has been restored to his senses and throne. He is now testifying to God's absolute sovereignty, having personally experienced the consequences of opposing Him. This declaration occurs within the context of the Babylonian empire, a dominant force in the ancient Near East, at a time when polytheistic beliefs were common. Nebuchadnezzar's public affirmation of the God of Israel counters any notion that other deities held supreme power.
Daniel 4 35 Word Analysis
"And all the inhabitants of the earth":
And: Conjunction connecting this statement to the previous one about God's actions.all: Emphasizes universality; there is no one excluded from God's dominion.the inhabitants: Refers to people living on the earth.of the earth: Specifies the domain—the planet Earth and all its people. The phraseearth(Hebrew:erets) can also refer to land or a region, but here, in contrast to heaven, it signifies the entire terrestrial sphere. This is significant as earthly powers and kingdoms are subject to divine rule.
"are reputed as nothing":
are reputed: Suggests what is generally considered or judged to be true. It reflects an accounting or estimation.as nothing: Implies insignificance, worthlessness, or lack of real substance or independent power when measured against God's power. The Aramaic word used here (mədə qerev/mekəreev) relates to counting or being reckoned. In God's reckoning, the power of nations is insignificant.
"and He does according to His will":
and: Connects God's relative insignificance of others to His active agency.He: Refers back to God, emphasizing His personal action.does: Indicates His active working and performing of His intentions.according to His will: Specifies the basis of His actions—His sovereign desire and purpose, which is absolutely paramount and unchallenged. The Aramaic word forwill(ṣəbûwâ/şĕbûyâ) denotes desire, pleasure, or will.
"in the army of heaven":
in: Preposition indicating location or realm.the army: Refers to the host of spiritual beings or celestial bodies. The Aramaic word (çĕbâ’) is often translated ashostorarmy. In the Old Testament, this term is frequently used for the celestial bodies (stars, sun, moon) and angelic beings, all understood as part of God's sovereign administration.of heaven: Specifies the realm—the heavens, the dwelling place of God and His hosts.
"and among the inhabitants of the earth":
and: Further connects God's actions.among: Indicates His pervasive influence and control within this sphere.the inhabitants: Reiterates all people.of the earth: Again, the earthly realm. This phrase explicitly states that God's will and actions are executed not only in the spiritual or celestial realm but also among the people on Earth, showing the comprehensiveness of His rule.
"no one can restrain His hand":
no one: Absolute prohibition; no person or power.can restrain: Is able to hinder, hold back, or prevent. The Aramaicměqēqormaqēqrefers to halting or preventing.His hand: A figure of speech representing His power, action, and might. To restrain God's hand means to thwart His plans or stop His work. This powerfully asserts that no created being can successfully oppose or nullify God's divine purpose.
Group of Words Analysis
- "reputed as nothing...no one can restrain His hand": This is a stark contrast highlighting God's absolute sovereignty over against the perceived power of all earthly entities and even heavenly hosts. The "reputation as nothing" applies to all other powers when contrasted with God. God's action "according to His will" is inherently unstoppable. This theological assertion reflects a consistent biblical theme that human efforts and kingdoms are temporary and subject to divine control. The ultimate power lies with the Creator.
Daniel 4 35 Bonus Section
This verse, as part of Nebuchadnezzar's testimony, acts as a profound theological cornerstone in the book of Daniel. It reinforces the idea that history is not a random unfolding of events but a purposeful orchestration by God. Nebuchadnezzar's admission reflects the journey of many rulers in Scripture who, in their pride, rebel against God, only to be brought to their knees and confess His supremacy. This universal declaration also sets the stage for future prophecies in Daniel concerning the rise and fall of empires, all of which are ultimately under God's control until His eternal kingdom is established. The concept of "the army of heaven" being subject to God also includes the created universe, which operates by divine laws.
Daniel 4 35 Commentary
Nebuchadnezzar, humbled by God's intervention, now testifies to a profound truth: earthly powers and beings, no matter how grand or numerous, are ultimately insignificant in God's sight. His declaration serves as a universal statement of God's supreme authority. God executes His will through His actions in the heavenly hosts and among all people on earth without any hindrance. This isn't just a theological observation; it's a personal testimony born from a humbling experience, emphasizing that true power and authority originate from and are administered by the Most High. The inability of any being to restrain God's hand underscores His omnipotence and the futility of resisting His sovereign plan. This serves as a stark reminder to all leaders and peoples that true security and purpose are found in acknowledging and submitting to the divine King of kings.