Daniel 2:2
Daniel 2:2 in Multiple Translations
So the king gave orders to summon the magicians, enchanters, sorcerers, and astrologers to explain his dreams. When they came and stood before the king,
Then the king commanded to call the magicians, and the astrologers, and the sorcerers, and the Chaldeans, for to shew the king his dreams. So they came and stood before the king.
Then the king commanded to call the magicians, and the enchanters, and the sorcerers, and the Chaldeans, to tell the king his dreams. So they came in and stood before the king.
Then the king gave orders that the wonder-workers, and the users of secret arts, and those who made use of evil powers, and the Chaldaeans, were to be sent for to make clear to the king his dreams. So they came and took their places before the king.
So the king summoned the magicians, enchanters, sorcerers, and astrologers to tell him what he had dreamed. They came in and stood before him.
Then the King commanded to call the inchanters, and the astrologians and the sorcerers, and the Caldeans for to shewe the King his dreames: so they came and stoode before the King.
and the king saith to call for scribes, and for enchanters, and for sorcerers, and for Chaldeans, to declare to the king his dreams. And they come in and stand before the king;
Then the king commanded that the magicians, the enchanters, the sorcerers, and the Chaldeans be called to tell the king his dreams. So they came in and stood before the king.
Then the king commanded to call the magicians, and the astrologers, and the sorcerers, and the Chaldeans, to show the king his dream. So they came and stood before the king.
Then the king commanded to call together the diviners and the wise men, and the magicians, and the Chaldeans: to declare to the king his dreams: so they came and stood before the king.
The next morning he summoned his men who worked magic, fortune-tellers, those who worked sorcery, and those who studied the stars. Because he had forgotten what he had dreamed, he insisted that they tell him what he had dreamed. As they stood there in front of the king,
Berean Amplified Bible — Daniel 2:2
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Daniel 2:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
הַ֠/מֶּלֶךְ
לִ/קְרֹ֨א
לַֽ/חַרְטֻמִּ֜ים
וְ/לָֽ/אַשָּׁפִ֗ים
וְ/לַֽ/מְכַשְּׁפִים֙
וְ/לַ/כַּשְׂדִּ֔ים
לְ/הַגִּ֥יד
לַ/מֶּ֖לֶךְ
חֲלֹמֹתָ֑י/ו
וַ/יָּבֹ֕אוּ
וַ/יַּֽעַמְד֖וּ
לִ/פְנֵ֥י
הַ/מֶּֽלֶךְ
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הַ֠/מֶּלֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
לִ/קְרֹ֨א
qârâʼ
H7121
to call
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
לַֽ/חַרְטֻמִּ֜ים
charṭôm
H2748
magician
Prep | N-mp
וְ/לָֽ/אַשָּׁפִ֗ים
ʼashshâph
H825
enchanter
Conj | Prep | N-mp
וְ/לַֽ/מְכַשְּׁפִים֙
kâshaph
H3784
to practice sorcery
Conj | Prep | V-Piel
וְ/לַ/כַּשְׂדִּ֔ים
Kasdîy
H3778
Chaldea
Conj | Prep | Ngmpa
לְ/הַגִּ֥יד
nâgad
H5046
to tell
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
לַ/מֶּ֖לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Prep | N-ms
חֲלֹמֹתָ֑י/ו
chălôwm
H2472
dream
N-mp | Suff
וַ/יָּבֹ֕אוּ
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
וַ/יַּֽעַמְד֖וּ
ʻâmad
H5975
to stand
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
לִ/פְנֵ֥י
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp
הַ/מֶּֽלֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Daniel 2:2
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
הַ֠/מֶּלֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
Art | N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
לִ/קְרֹ֨א
qârâʼ
H7121
"to call"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
לַֽ/חַרְטֻמִּ֜ים
charṭôm
H2748
"magician"
Prep | N-mp
This word refers to a magician or astrologer who claims to have special knowledge of the stars and supernatural forces. Such individuals were known for drawing magical lines and circles to predict the future. They were often seen as having occult powers.
Definition: 1) diviner, magician, astrologer 1a) engraver, writer (only in derivative sense of one possessed of occult knowledge) Aramaic equivalent: char.tom (חַרְטֹם "magician" H2749)
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: magician. See also: Genesis 41:8; Exodus 8:14; Daniel 2:2.
וְ/לָֽ/אַשָּׁפִ֗ים
ʼashshâph
H825
"enchanter"
Conj | Prep | N-mp
An enchanter or astrologer is what this word describes, often used in the Bible to warn against false spiritual practices. In Daniel, these enchanters are contrasted with true prophets and wise men who follow God.
Definition: 1) necromancer, conjurer, 2) (TWOT) astrologer, enchanter, exorcist Aramaic equivalent: ash.shaph (אָשַׁף "enchanter" H0826)
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: astrologer. See also: Daniel 1:20; Daniel 2:2.
וְ/לַֽ/מְכַשְּׁפִים֙
kâshaph
H3784
"to practice sorcery"
Conj | Prep | V-Piel
To practice sorcery means to use magic or witchcraft to try to control or manipulate others. In the Bible, this is strongly condemned, as seen in books like Deuteronomy and Revelation.
Definition: 1) (Piel) to practice witchcraft or sorcery, use witchcraft 1a) sorcerer, sorceress (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: sorcerer, (use) witch(-craft). See also: Exodus 7:11; 2 Chronicles 33:6; Malachi 3:5.
וְ/לַ/כַּשְׂדִּ֔ים
Kasdîy
H3778
"Chaldea"
Conj | Prep | Ngmpa
Chaldea refers to a region in Mesopotamia and its inhabitants, known for wisdom and astrology, as seen in Daniel 1:4. The Chaldeans lived near the Persian Gulf and were considered wise. They are mentioned in 2 Kings 25:11.
Definition: § Chaldea or Chaldeans = "clod-breakers" 1) a territory in lower Mesopotamia bordering on the Persian Gulf 2) the inhabitants of Chaldea, living on the lower Euphrates and Tigris 3) those persons considered the wisest in the land (by extension)
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: Chaldeans, Chaldees, inhabitants of Chaldea. See also: Genesis 11:28; Jeremiah 37:13; Isaiah 13:19.
לְ/הַגִּ֥יד
nâgad
H5046
"to tell"
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
To tell or declare something openly, as in Genesis 3:11 where God asks Adam to tell the truth. It means to stand boldly and announce something to someone present. In Exodus 32:27, Moses tells the Levites to declare their actions to the people.
Definition: 1) to be conspicuous, tell, make known 1a) (Hiphil) to tell, declare 1a1) to tell, announce, report 1a2) to declare, make known, expound 1a3) to inform of 1a4) to publish, declare, proclaim 1a5) to avow, acknowledge, confess 1a5a) messenger (participle) 1b) (Hophal) to be told, be announced, be reported
Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: bewray, [idiom] certainly, certify, declare(-ing), denounce, expound, [idiom] fully, messenger, plainly, profess, rehearse, report, shew (forth), speak, [idiom] surely, tell, utter. See also: Genesis 3:11; 1 Samuel 14:33; 2 Kings 9:15.
לַ/מֶּ֖לֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
Prep | N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
חֲלֹמֹתָ֑י/ו
chălôwm
H2472
"dream"
N-mp | Suff
This Hebrew word means a dream, which can be ordinary or have a prophetic meaning, as seen in the Bible where God communicates through dreams. It appears in the story of Joseph in Genesis. The word is also used in Joel 2:28.
Definition: 1) dream 1a) dream (ordinary) 1b) dream (with prophetic meaning) Aramaic equivalent: che.lem (חֵ֫לֶם "dream" H2493)
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: dream(-er). See also: Genesis 20:3; Deuteronomy 13:2; Psalms 73:20.
וַ/יָּבֹ֕אוּ
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
וַ/יַּֽעַמְד֖וּ
ʻâmad
H5975
"to stand"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
Means 'to stand' in a strong sense, like in Exodus 17:12 where Moses stood with his arms up to help Israel win a battle.
Definition: : stand/stop/establish 1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of 1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease 1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast 1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground 1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright 1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against 1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain 1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect 1b4) to present (one) before (king) 1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be presented, be caused to stand, be stood before
Usage: Occurs in 497 OT verses. KJV: abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry. See also: Genesis 18:8; Joshua 21:44; 1 Chronicles 6:17.
לִ/פְנֵ֥י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
הַ/מֶּֽלֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
Art | N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
Study Notes — Daniel 2:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Daniel 2:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Daniel 2:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 2:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Daniel 2:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 2:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Daniel 2:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Daniel 2:2
- Cambridge Bible on Daniel 2:2
- Barnes' Notes on Daniel 2:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 2:2
- Sermons on Daniel 2:2
Context — Nebuchadnezzar’s Troubling Dream
1In the second year of his reign, Nebuchadnezzar had dreams that troubled his spirit, and sleep escaped him.
2So the king gave orders to summon the magicians, enchanters, sorcerers, and astrologers to explain his dreams. When they came and stood before the king,
3he said to them, “I have had a dream, and my spirit is anxious to understand it.” 4Then the astrologers answered the king in Aramaic, “O king, may you live forever! Tell your servants the dream, and we will give the interpretation.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Daniel 1:20 | In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king consulted them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his entire kingdom. |
| 2 | Daniel 4:6 | So I issued a decree that all the wise men of Babylon be brought before me to interpret the dream for me. |
| 3 | Genesis 41:8 | In the morning his spirit was troubled, so he summoned all the magicians and wise men of Egypt. Pharaoh told them his dreams, but no one could interpret them for him. |
| 4 | Exodus 7:11 | But Pharaoh called the wise men and sorcerers and magicians of Egypt, and they also did the same things by their magic arts. |
| 5 | Isaiah 47:12–13 | So take your stand with your spells and with your many sorceries, with which you have wearied yourself from your youth. Perhaps you will succeed; perhaps you will inspire terror! You are wearied by your many counselors; let them come forward now and save you— your astrologers who observe the stars, who monthly predict your fate. |
| 6 | Daniel 5:7 | The king called out for the enchanters, astrologers, and diviners to be brought in, and he said to these wise men of Babylon, “Whoever reads this inscription and tells me its interpretation will be clothed in purple and have a gold chain placed around his neck, and he will be made the third highest ruler in the kingdom.” |
| 7 | Daniel 2:10 | The astrologers answered the king, “No one on earth can do what the king requests! No king, however great and powerful, has ever asked anything like this of any magician, enchanter, or astrologer. |
| 8 | Deuteronomy 18:10–12 | Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, practices divination or conjury, interprets omens, practices sorcery, casts spells, consults a medium or spiritist, or inquires of the dead. For whoever does these things is detestable to the LORD. And because of these detestable things, the LORD your God is driving out the nations before you. |
| 9 | Isaiah 8:19 | When men tell you to consult the spirits of the dead and the spiritists who whisper and mutter, shouldn’t a people consult their God instead? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living? |
| 10 | Isaiah 19:3 | Then the spirit of the Egyptians will be emptied out from among them, and I will frustrate their plans, so that they will resort to idols and spirits of the dead, to mediums and spiritists. |
Daniel 2:2 Summary
In Daniel 2:2, King Nebuchadnezzar calls upon his advisors to help him understand his dreams, showing that even the most powerful people can be troubled by things they do not understand. This event is a reminder that God is the one who gives wisdom and understanding, as seen in James 1:5, and that we can trust in His power and sovereignty, even when faced with difficult circumstances (Psalm 23:4). The king's actions also demonstrate the importance of seeking guidance and counsel from others, as seen in Proverbs 11:14. By seeking God's guidance and trusting in His power, we can find peace and understanding, even in the midst of trouble.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did King Nebuchadnezzar summon the magicians, enchanters, sorcerers, and astrologers?
King Nebuchadnezzar summoned these individuals because he was troubled by his dreams and sought an explanation, as seen in Daniel 2:2, and this was a common practice in ancient Babylon, similar to how Pharaoh sought interpretation of his dreams in Genesis 41:8.
What kind of dreams was King Nebuchadnezzar having?
The Bible does not specify the exact content of King Nebuchadnezzar's dreams, but it is clear that they troubled his spirit and made it difficult for him to sleep, as stated in Daniel 2:1.
Why did the king's advisors stand before him?
The king's advisors stood before him as a sign of respect and to show that they were ready to serve him and provide the interpretation of his dreams, as seen in Daniel 2:2, similar to how servants stood before their masters in other biblical accounts, such as Esther 5:2.
How does this event relate to God's plan?
This event is part of God's plan to reveal Himself to King Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonian empire, as seen in the subsequent events of Daniel 2, and ultimately to demonstrate His sovereignty and power, as stated in Isaiah 46:10.
Reflection Questions
- What are some things that trouble my spirit and keep me from sleeping, and how can I seek God's guidance and peace in those times?
- How can I, like the king's advisors, stand before God and be ready to serve Him, even when I do not fully understand His plans?
- What are some ways that God has spoken to me through dreams or visions, and how have I responded to those experiences?
- How can I, like Daniel, trust in God's sovereignty and power, even when faced with uncertain or difficult circumstances?
Gill's Exposition on Daniel 2:2
Then the king commanded to call the magicians,.... He ordered his servants in waiting to send immediately for the wise men, the philosophers of that age and kingdom, that studied the things of
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 2:2
Then the king commanded to call the magicians, and the astrologers, and the sorcerers, and the Chaldeans, for to shew the king his dreams. So they came and stood before the king.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Daniel 2:2
The magicians and the astrologers: these words signify astrologers, or those that cast nativities, that pretended great skill in natural and supernatural things; and the sorcerers, or necromancers, were those who used diabolical arts. See Poole ""; See Poole "", See Poole "". Though Pharaoh and Nebuchadnezzar made use of these as their great counsellors, yet God baffled them by Moses and Daniel; and forbade his people the use or toleration of them, because they are an abomination to him. God will have his people ask counsel of him and his words, and not of the devil’ s oracles. Chaldeans: this name the magicians assumed, as being national and most noble; and whatever these wise men or wizards said, it was as if Jupiter himself had spoken it, as the Roman satirist said of them, Juv. Sat. 6. They came and stood before the king. Daniel was not called among them. Why? Because the king confided more in these his own old standers; but chiefly God had thus ordered by his wise providence that Daniel should not be in their number, for if he had, the interpretation would have been attributed to astrology and magic, and not to God, as now it was.
Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 2:2
Daniel 2:2 Then the king commanded to call the magicians, and the astrologers, and the sorcerers, and the Chaldeans, for to shew the king his dreams. So they came and stood before the king.Ver. 2. Then the king commanded to call the magicians.] These had Ham for their founder, saith Pintus; but who can tell that? Daniel haply was forgotten by Nebuchadnezzar, as David had sometime been by Saul. A sweet providence it was that he was not called among the magicians. God will not have his matched or mingled with wicked ones.
Ellicott's Commentary on Daniel 2:2
(2) Magicians.—Heb. chartummim, so called, most probably, from the pencil or stylus with which they wrote. The word is elsewhere used of the Egyptian magicians. (See Schrader, Keil-Inschriften, p. 26; Records of the Past, vol. 1 p. 131.) Astrologers.—Heb. ashshaphim, a name derived from the whisperings or mutterings made by them while employed in their incantations. They are mentioned by Daniel only. Sorcerers.—Heb. mekashshaphim; are spoken of in the Pentateuch both as male and female, (e.g. Deuteronomy 18:10). They are mentioned by Isaiah (Isaiah 47:9; Isaiah 47:12) as prevalent in the Babylon of his days. Probably the Chaldæans spoken of in this verse did not form a separate class of magicians, but denoted the priests, such as those mentioned Herod. i. 181, and was contained in the first class of magicians mentioned in the verse. It appears that Daniel excelled (Daniel 1:17) in all classes of magic learning, whether it required a knowledge of “learning, wisdom, or dreams.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Daniel 2:2
Verse 2. The magicians] חרטמים chartummim. See Clarke on Genesis 41:8. The astrologers] אשפים ashshaphim. Perhaps from נשף nashaph, to breathe, because they laid claim to Divine inspiration; but probably the persons in question were the philosophers and astronomers among the Babylonians. The sorcerers] מכשפים mechashshephim. See Clarke on Deuteronomy 18:10; and "Exodus 22:18"; and "Leviticus 19:31", where several of these arts are explained. The Chaldeans] Who these were is difficult to be ascertained. They might be a college of learned men, where all arts and sciences were professed and taught. The Chaldeans were the most ancient philosophers of the world; they might have been originally inhabitants of the Babylonian Irak; and still have preserved to themselves exclusively the name of Chaldeans, to distinguish themselves from other nations and peoples who inhabited the one hundred and twenty provinces of which the Babylonish government was composed.
Cambridge Bible on Daniel 2:2
2. the magicians, and the enchanters] See on Daniel 1:20. As in Egypt (Genesis 41:8), the ‘magicians’ and ‘wise men’ (Daniel 2:12) would be the natural persons for the king to consult on the interpretation of a dream. and the sorcerers] This is a word which is well known in the earlier literature: e.g. Exodus 7:11; Exodus 22:18 (in the fem.); Deuteronomy 18:10; cf. the subst. sorceries Micah 5:11, and (in Babylon) Isaiah 47:9; Isaiah 47:12. Chaldeans] Here, as in Daniel 1:4, used in the sense of the priestly or learned class (see p. 12 ff). So Daniel 2:4-5; Daniel 2:10. for to shew] for to tell (R.V.). To ‘shew’ is used often in A.V., and sometimes in R.V., not in the modern sense of pointing out, but in that of telling or declaring; and it stands here for the Heb. word usually rendered tell or declare. So Genesis 46:31 (R.V. tell); Judges 13:10; 1 Samuel 11:9 (R.V. told), 1 Samuel 19:7, 1 Samuel 25:8 (R.V. told); 2 Kings 6:11; Isaiah 41:22; Isaiah 41:26 (R.V. declare), &c.; cf. the Parallel Psalter, p. 481. 3 was disturbed] or is disturbed. It is not perfectly clear whether the intention of the writer is to represent the king as having really forgotten the dream and desiring to have it recalled to him; or as still remembering it, and merely making this demand for the purpose of testing the magicians’ skill.
Barnes' Notes on Daniel 2:2
Then the king commanded - That is, when he awoke. The particle rendered “then,” does not imply that this occurred immediately.
Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 2:2
2. The magicians — This is a “good Babylonian word” (Fr. Delitzsch) and is found in connection with several other good Babylonian terms.
Sermons on Daniel 2:2
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(Daniel) Purity in the Face of Adversity by David Guzik | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Daniel and his friends in Babylon. The young men were appointed a daily provision of the king's delicacies and wine for three ye |
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Spirit and Soul by Watchman Nee | Watchman Nee emphasizes the necessity for believers to recognize their spirit, as it is the primary means through which God communicates with humanity. He explains that many Christ |
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2 Timothy - Part 14 by John Hunter | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the presence of con men in the world who deceive people and take their money. He also talks about a proud and arrogant man who believes he is |
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All Miracles and Healings Come From God by Anton Bosch | Anton Bosch emphasizes that the ability to perform miracles does not automatically authenticate a ministry, as even false prophets and charlatans can deceive with signs and wonders |
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Deliverance - Part 2 by Derek Prince | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Moses and the magicians in the book of Exodus. He highlights the supernatural powers displayed by both Moses and the magicians, b |
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About Astrology by Jack Hayford | Jack Hayford addresses the topic of astrology, emphasizing the Bible's rejection and condemnation of it, warning of the confusion and tragic consequences that come with practicing |
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Recognizing and Dealing With Occult Involvement by Bill McLeod | Bill McLeod emphasizes the critical need for believers to recognize and renounce occult involvement, explaining that many individuals struggle with spiritual affliction due to thei |