Daniel 5 17

Daniel 5:17 kjv

Then Daniel answered and said before the king, Let thy gifts be to thyself, and give thy rewards to another; yet I will read the writing unto the king, and make known to him the interpretation.

Daniel 5:17 nkjv

Then Daniel answered, and said before the king, "Let your gifts be for yourself, and give your rewards to another; yet I will read the writing to the king, and make known to him the interpretation.

Daniel 5:17 niv

Then Daniel answered the king, "You may keep your gifts for yourself and give your rewards to someone else. Nevertheless, I will read the writing for the king and tell him what it means.

Daniel 5:17 esv

Then Daniel answered and said before the king, "Let your gifts be for yourself, and give your rewards to another. Nevertheless, I will read the writing to the king and make known to him the interpretation.

Daniel 5:17 nlt

Daniel answered the king, "Keep your gifts or give them to someone else, but I will tell you what the writing means.

Daniel 5 verses

Daniel 5 17 meaning

Daniel chapter 5, verse 17 captures Daniel's profound declaration to King Belshazzar. He vehemently rejects any offer of earthly compensation—gifts or rewards—for deciphering the mysterious writing on the wall. Despite this refusal of personal gain, he asserts his unwavering commitment to his God-given task: to faithfully read the writing to the king and reveal its divinely-sourced interpretation. This verse signifies Daniel's integrity, his submission to God's will over worldly incentives, and his clear understanding that divine revelation is not for sale.

Daniel 5 17 Context

This verse is set immediately after King Belshazzar has summoned Daniel to interpret the mysterious handwriting on the wall (מְנֵא מְנֵא תְּקֵל וּפַרְסִין - Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin) that appeared during his sacrilegious feast. The king, having exhausted the wisdom of his own wise men, has offered lavish rewards—purple robes, a gold chain, and third ruler in the kingdom—to anyone who could solve the enigma. Belshazzar's offer is one of desperate appeasement and earthly recognition, designed to motivate. Daniel's response in verse 17 is therefore a critical pivot. It precedes his interpretation and firmly establishes his motivations and the ultimate source of his interpretive power: not worldly wealth or status, but obedience to God. Historically, Babylonian and other ancient Near Eastern courts frequently employed diviners and magicians who performed for reward; Daniel's refusal explicitly counters this common practice, highlighting the distinct nature of the God he serves. The whole chapter climaxes with the fulfillment of Daniel's prophecy that very night, validating his divine insight and the message he brings.

Daniel 5 17 Word analysis

• Then Daniel answered and said:

  • אֲחִיב (ǎḥîb - "answered") - Aramaic for "answered." This is not merely a conversational reply but a formal, significant address, characteristic of an oracle or divine pronouncement. It carries authority.
  • Significance: Daniel's response is deliberate, weighted, and direct, indicating a pivotal moment where he asserts his position relative to both the king and his God.

• before the king:

  • Significance: This emphasizes the public and challenging nature of Daniel's statement. He defies royal custom and potential royal displeasure face-to-face, highlighting his fear of God over human authority.

• “Let your gifts be to yourself:

  • מַתָּנָן (mattanan - "gifts") - Aramaic for presents, rewards, or gratuities. This refers to the immediate, tangible items offered.
  • Significance: Daniel clearly declines the immediate material offerings. It signifies a profound rejection of any personal gain from delivering God's message. It underlines that divine truth is not transactional.

• and give your rewards to another;

  • נְבוּבִין (nebuvin - "rewards") - Aramaic for wages, payments, or honorariums for services. Often implies an expected return for effort.
  • Significance: This goes beyond simply declining, suggesting that Belshazzar's rewards are intrinsically tied to earthly service, not the service of God. Daniel declares himself as not operating within that system. It also shows disinterest in the potential political power (third ruler).

• nevertheless, I will read the writing to the king and make known to him the interpretation."

  • וְבִלְהוֹד (vevilhôd - "nevertheless") - Aramaic conjunction expressing contrast. It strongly asserts that despite rejecting the rewards, the divine task will proceed.
  • אֶקְרֵא (eqrē’ - "I will read") - Aramaic, simple verb for reading aloud.
  • וּפִשְׁרֵהּ (ūpišrēh - "its interpretation") - Aramaic, from the root פשר (pshar), meaning to solve, explain, or interpret. This term is key throughout Daniel for divine revelation.
  • Significance (group analysis): This phrase unequivocally states Daniel's divine motivation. He does not operate for material benefit but out of obedience to God, to reveal the divinely granted truth. The emphasis on both "reading" (deciphering the literal symbols) and "interpretation" (understanding the spiritual meaning) highlights the comprehensive nature of his Spirit-led gift. This act demonstrates that divine truth is precious and un-purchasable, revealed through God's chosen vessels for His purposes, not for human profit or glorification.

Daniel 5 17 Bonus section

• Daniel's act foreshadows Jesus' own ministry where He freely gives, and His apostles likewise teach the gospel without charge when expedient. It is a foundational principle of giving from what God provides, rather than seeking personal enrichment through spiritual gifts.
• This verse provides a strong apologetic against the notion that prophets or those with spiritual gifts perform for pay. Daniel implicitly contrasts his righteous practice with any contemporary cultic practices that commercialized the sacred.
• Daniel’s stance aligns with a recurring theme in Scripture: God often uses seemingly disadvantaged or lowly figures to deliver His most impactful messages, precisely to prevent human pride and ensure God receives all glory. His age (likely in his 80s) further solidifies his experience and deep-seated faith over a lifetime.

Daniel 5 17 Commentary

Daniel's rejection of Belshazzar's magnificent offers in Dan 5:17 is a pivotal demonstration of spiritual integrity and prophetic authority. It instantly sets him apart from the common Babylonian wise men, whose services were typically motivated by such emoluments. Daniel communicates a clear principle: God's revelation, imparted through His servant, is beyond any earthly price or inducement. His primary motivation is obedience to God and faithfulness to the truth, not personal gain or status within a pagan court. This posture reinforces the understanding that the divine message itself is valuable, irrespective of human compensation. It signifies a loyalty that transcends material and political enticement, reflecting a genuine servant heart. His statement is not defiant in a disrespectful way, but firmly asserts a higher loyalty, ensuring that the king (and future readers) understood the message's source and its unbiased nature. It teaches that true spiritual power does not depend on worldly support or recognition.