Daniel 4 8

Daniel 4:8 kjv

But at the last Daniel came in before me, whose name was Belteshazzar, according to the name of my God, and in whom is the spirit of the holy gods: and before him I told the dream, saying,

Daniel 4:8 nkjv

But at last Daniel came before me (his name is Belteshazzar, according to the name of my god; in him is the Spirit of the Holy God), and I told the dream before him, saying:

Daniel 4:8 niv

Finally, Daniel came into my presence and I told him the dream. (He is called Belteshazzar, after the name of my god, and the spirit of the holy gods is in him.)

Daniel 4:8 esv

At last Daniel came in before me ? he who was named Belteshazzar after the name of my god, and in whom is the spirit of the holy gods ? and I told him the dream, saying,

Daniel 4:8 nlt

At last Daniel came in before me, and I told him the dream. (He was named Belteshazzar after my god, and the spirit of the holy gods is in him.)

Daniel 4 verses

Daniel 4 8 Meaning

This verse records Nebuchadnezzar's personal account of approaching a high official named Daniel. The king identifies Daniel by his divine designation, "Belteshazzar," and by the spirit of the holy gods within him, recognizing his unique connection to God.

Daniel 4 8 Context

Chapter 4 details King Nebuchadnezzar's account of his own dream and his encounter with Daniel. The dream involves a mighty tree that is felled by a divine command. Daniel interprets the dream, revealing that it concerns the king himself and warning him of a period of madness. This verse is set within Nebuchadnezzar's recounting of how he summoned Daniel to interpret a puzzling dream. The broader context is the progression of God's sovereignty over earthly kingdoms, even demonstrated through a pagan king's recognition of Daniel's spiritual insight. The king is troubled by a vision and seeks understanding, highlighting his awareness of powers beyond human comprehension.

Daniel 4 8 Word Analysis

• and (וְ, we): A conjunctive particle, indicating continuation or addition.
• I (אֲנָא, ana): First person singular pronoun.
• Daniel (דָּנִיֵּאל, Daniyyel): Means "God is my judge." A prominent Hebrew exile.
• thou (אַנְתְּ, 'ant): Second person masculine singular pronoun.
• art (הֲוָה, hava'): A verb meaning "to be" or "to become."
• called (שְׁמָךְ, shmeḵ): Root שמ"א (shem'a), meaning "name" or "called."
• Belteshazzar (בֵּלְשַׁאצַּר, Belteshatsar): Nebuchadnezzar's Babylonian name for Daniel. Likely means "Bel protect the king."
• a (וְ, we): Conjunction "and," here connecting clauses.
• name (שְׁמָה, shmah): "Name."
• forasmuch (אֲרוּ, 'aru): Particle indicating cause or reason, "because," "since."
• as (דִּי, di): Relative pronoun, "that," "which," "who."
• I (אֲנָא, ana): First person singular pronoun.
• have (יֵשׁ, yesh): "There is," used here to introduce the possessive or acknowledgment of the spirit.
• the (רוּחַ, ruwach): "Spirit," "wind," "breath."
• spirit (אֱלָהִין, 'elahin): Plural of 'El', meaning "gods." Likely refers to the collective divine spirit attributed to Daniel.
• of the gods (קַדִּישִׁין, qadishin): "Holy ones" or "holy ones" in the plural.
• holy (בָּךְ, bakh): "In you," "within you."
• in thee (קַדִּישׁ, qadish): "Holy."
• is (שַׁפִּיר, shappir): "Good," "beautiful," "right," often used to mean "fit" or "pleasing."
• very (אֵילין, 'ayilin): Plural of 'el', signifying strength or power; possibly referring to powers or deities.
• understanding (בינה, binah): Insight, intelligence, discernment.
• and (וְ, we): Conjunction.
• wisdom (חָכְמָה, chokmah): Wisdom, skill, sagacity.

Word Group Analysis:

• "the spirit of the holy gods is in thee" (רוּחַ אֱלָהִין קַדִּישִׁין בָּךְ, ruwach 'elahin qadishin bakh): This phrase signifies more than just innate intelligence; it points to a divine endowment of supernatural insight and ability, which the Babylonian king correctly attributes to Daniel. This acknowledges God's active presence and empowerment.
• "wisdom and understanding" (חָכְמָה וּבִינָה, chokmah u-vinah): These are often paired to represent comprehensive intellectual and spiritual insight, distinct from mere knowledge.

Daniel 4 8 Bonus Section

The Babylonian name "Belteshazzar" serves as a sign of assimilation and engagement with the ruling culture, yet Daniel's divine calling, as evidenced by his wisdom, transcended these cultural markers. The king’s explicit use of "holy gods" in the plural might reflect a Babylonian religious understanding that Daniel would interpret through the lens of his monotheistic faith, referring to the singular Spirit of the God of Israel. The acknowledgment by Nebuchadnezzar foreshadows the larger theme of God's kingdom's supremacy over earthly empires, which Daniel repeatedly proclaimed throughout his ministry.

Daniel 4 8 Commentary

Nebuchadnezzar, a non-Israelite king, here displays an astonishing awareness and acknowledgment of Daniel's unique spiritual capacity. The king recognizes that Daniel possesses more than ordinary wisdom; he attributes it to a divine source, "the spirit of the holy gods." This isn't polytheistic in Daniel's case, but rather the king's understanding of what divinity could enable. Daniel's spiritual gifts, particularly wisdom and understanding, are openly acknowledged by a Gentile ruler who calls him by his Babylonian name, Belteshazzar. This highlights the sovereignty of the God of Israel whose Spirit empowers and illuminates His servants, even within pagan courts and dreams. The king's explicit mention of the "holy gods" and "holy spirit" suggests he perceived a singular, elevated divine quality in Daniel, setting him apart. It underscores the testament that God uses and highlights His people even when surrounded by opposing cultures, allowing His truth and power to be recognized.