Daniel 2:46
Daniel 2:46 in Multiple Translations
At this, King Nebuchadnezzar fell on his face, paid homage to Daniel, and ordered that an offering of incense be presented to him.
¶ Then the king Nebuchadnezzar fell upon his face, and worshipped Daniel, and commanded that they should offer an oblation and sweet odours unto him.
Then the king Nebuchadnezzar fell upon his face, and worshipped Daniel, and commanded that they should offer an oblation and sweet odors unto him.
Then King Nebuchadnezzar, falling down on his face, gave worship to Daniel, and gave orders for an offering and spices to be given to him;
Then King Nebuchadnezzar fell down before Daniel and worshiped him, and ordered offerings of grain and incense to be made to him.
Then the King Nebuchad-nezzar fell vpon his face, and bowed himselfe vnto Daniel, and commanded that they should offer meate offrings, and sweete odours vnto him.
Then hath king Nebuchadnezzar fallen on his face, and to Daniel he hath done obeisance, and present, and sweet things, he hath said to pour out to him.
Then King Nebuchadnezzar fell on his face, worshiped Daniel, and commanded that they should offer an offering and sweet odors to him.
Then the king Nebuchadnezzar fell upon his face, and worshiped Daniel, and commanded that they should offer an oblation and sweet odors to him.
Then king Nabuchodonosor fell on his face, and worshipped Daniel, and commanded that they should offer in sacrifice to him victims and incense.
Then King Nebuchadnezzar prostrated himself in front of me in great respect. He commanded his people that they burn incense and burn an offering of grain to honor me.
Berean Amplified Bible — Daniel 2:46
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 2:46 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
בֵּ֠/אדַיִן
מַלְכָּ֤/א
נְבֽוּכַדְנֶצַּר֙
נְפַ֣ל
עַל
אַנְפּ֔וֹ/הִי
וּ/לְ/דָנִיֵּ֖אל
סְגִ֑ד
וּ/מִנְחָה֙
וְ/נִ֣יחֹחִ֔ין
אֲמַ֖ר
לְ/נַסָּ֥כָה
לֵֽ/הּ
בֵּ֠/אדַיִן
ʼĕdayin
H116
then
Adj | Adv
מַלְכָּ֤/א
melek
H4430
king
Adj | Art
נְבֽוּכַדְנֶצַּר֙
Nᵉbûwkadnetstsar
H5020
Nebuchadnezzar
Adj
נְפַ֣ל
nᵉphal
H5308
to fall
Adj
עַל
ʻal
H5922
since
Adj
אַנְפּ֔וֹ/הִי
ʼănaph
H600
face
Adj | Suff
וּ/לְ/דָנִיֵּ֖אל
Dânîyêʼl
H1841
Daniel
Adj | Prep | N-proper
סְגִ֑ד
çᵉgid
H5457
to do homage
Adj
וּ/מִנְחָה֙
minchâh
H4504
offering
Adj | N-fs
וְ/נִ֣יחֹחִ֔ין
nîychôwach
H5208
soothing
Adj | N-mp
אֲמַ֖ר
ʼămar
H560
to say
Adj
לְ/נַסָּ֥כָה
nᵉçak
H5260
to pour
Adj | V-Piel-Inf-a
לֵֽ/הּ
Adj | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Daniel 2:46
בֵּ֠/אדַיִן
ʼĕdayin
H116
"then"
Adj | Adv
Then or at that time, referring to a specific point in the past or future, like in the story of creation when God said 'then' the earth was formed. It is used to show a sequence of events. The KJV translates it as 'then' or 'now'.
Definition: then, afterwards, thereupon, from that time Aramaic of az (אָז "then" H0227A)
Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: now, that time, then. See also: Ezra 4:9; Daniel 4:16; Daniel 7:19.
מַלְכָּ֤/א
melek
H4430
"king"
Adj | Art
Melek means king, referring to a ruler or monarch, used in the Bible to describe kings like David and Solomon. It is translated as king or royal in the KJV.
Definition: king Aramaic of me.lekh (מֶ֫לֶךְ "king" H4428) § 1) king
Usage: Occurs in 131 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Ezra 4:8; Daniel 3:1; Daniel 7:24.
נְבֽוּכַדְנֶצַּר֙
Nᵉbûwkadnetstsar
H5020
"Nebuchadnezzar"
Adj
Nebuchadnezzar was a king of Babylon who lived during the time of the Divided Monarchy, and is first mentioned in 2 Kings 24:1. He was the father of Belshazzar and is known for capturing Jerusalem and taking Judah captive. His name is Aramaic for may Nebo protect the crown.
Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.24.1; father of: Belshazzar (H1112) Aramaic of ne.vu.khad.nets.tsar (נְבוּכַדְרֶאצַּר, נְבוּכַדְנֶצַּר "Nebuchadnezzar" H5019) § Nebuchadnezzar = "may Nebo protect the crown" the great king of Babylon who captured Jerusalem and carried Judah captive
Usage: Occurs in 30 OT verses. KJV: Nebuchadnezzar. See also: Ezra 2:1; Daniel 3:19; Daniel 5:18.
נְפַ֣ל
nᵉphal
H5308
"to fall"
Adj
This Hebrew word also means to fall, and it's used when someone or something drops down. It's found in books like Exodus and Jeremiah, where people fell down to worship or fell into trouble.
Definition: 1) to fall 1a) (P'al) 1a1) to fall 1a2) to fall down
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: fall (down), have occasion. See also: Ezra 7:20; Daniel 3:10; Daniel 7:20.
עַל
ʻal
H5922
"since"
Adj
Similar to H5921, this word means on, above, or because of something. It is often used to describe a reason or a direction, like in Genesis 18:5 where Abraham is asked to walk before God.
Definition: 1) upon, over, on account of, above, to, against 1a) upon, over, on account of, regarding, concerning, on behalf of 1b) over (with verbs of ruling) 1c) above, beyond (in comparison) 1d) to, against (of direction)
Usage: Occurs in 86 OT verses. KJV: about, against, concerning, for, (there-) fore, from, in, [idiom] more, of, (there-, up-) on, (in-) to, [phrase] why with. See also: Ezra 4:8; Daniel 4:2; Daniel 7:28.
אַנְפּ֔וֹ/הִי
ʼănaph
H600
"face"
Adj | Suff
In the Bible, this word means face or nose, like in Exodus when Moses saw God's face. It can also mean presence or appearance. The Hebrew word is related to anger or nose.
Definition: face, nose Aramaic of aph (אַף ": anger" H0639)
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: face, visage. See also: Daniel 2:46; Daniel 3:19.
וּ/לְ/דָנִיֵּ֖אל
Dânîyêʼl
H1841
"Daniel"
Adj | Prep | N-proper
The prophet Daniel, also called Belteshazzar, lived during the Exile and Return, and his name means God is my judge.
Definition: A prophet living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Ezk.14.14; also called Belteshazzar at Dan.1.7; 2.26; 4.8,9,18,19; 5.12; 10.1; Aramaic of da.niy.yel (דָּנִיֵּאל, דָּנִאֵל "Daniel" H1840) § Daniel = "God is my judge" 1) the 4th of the greater prophets, taken as hostage in the first deportation to Babylon, because of the gift of God of the interpretation of dreams, he became the 2nd in command of the Babylon empire and lasted through the end of the Babylonian empire and into the Persian empire. His prophecies are the key to the understanding of end time events. Noted for his purity and holiness by contemporary prophet, Ezekiel 1a) also, 'Belteshazzar' (H01095 or H01096)
Usage: Occurs in 43 OT verses. KJV: Daniel. See also: Daniel 2:13; Daniel 5:29; Daniel 7:28.
סְגִ֑ד
çᵉgid
H5457
"to do homage"
Adj
This word is similar to H5456, but it specifically means to worship or show homage to someone, often by bowing down. It's used in the Bible to describe worshiping God or idols. The concept is seen in the book of Daniel.
Definition: 1) to prostrate oneself, do homage, worship 1a) (P'al) to do homage
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: worship. See also: Daniel 2:46; Daniel 3:11; Daniel 3:28.
וּ/מִנְחָה֙
minchâh
H4504
"offering"
Adj | N-fs
This word is similar to H4503, also referring to a sacrificial offering, often a meal offering. It appears in Numbers 5:15, describing an offering to God. In the Bible, offerings were a way to worship God.
Definition: 1) gift, offering 1a) oblation, offering (to God through representative) 1b) meal offering
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: oblation, meat offering. See also: Ezra 7:17; Daniel 2:46.
וְ/נִ֣יחֹחִ֔ין
nîychôwach
H5208
"soothing"
Adj | N-mp
This Hebrew word means a soothing or calming smell, like a sweet fragrance. It appears in the Bible to describe a pleasant odor, often related to sacrifices. The word is used to convey a sense of peace and tranquility.
Definition: soothing, tranquillising Aramaic of ni.cho.ach (נִיחֹחַ "soothing" H5207)
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: sweet odour (savour). See also: Ezra 6:10; Daniel 2:46.
אֲמַ֖ר
ʼămar
H560
"to say"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to say or speak, often used when God commands or declares something, as seen in many KJV translations. It is used with great flexibility, including to command, declare, or tell. This word appears in various contexts, including Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: (P'al) to say, to speak, to command, to tell, to relate Aramaic of a.mar (אָמַר "to say" H0559)
Usage: Occurs in 65 OT verses. KJV: command, declare, say, speak, tell. See also: Ezra 5:3; Daniel 3:28; Jeremiah 10:11.
לְ/נַסָּ֥כָה
nᵉçak
H5260
"to pour"
Adj | V-Piel-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to pour out a libation or offer a sacrifice. It is used in Exodus and Numbers to describe rituals and ceremonies. The word is also used to describe the act of offering a drink to God.
Definition: 1) to pour out, offer sacrifice 1a) (Pael) to pour out, offer (a sacrifice)
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: offer. See also: Daniel 2:46.
לֵֽ/הּ
""
Adj | Suff
Study Notes — Daniel 2:46
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Daniel 2:46 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Daniel 2:46
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 2:46
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Daniel 2:46
- Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 2:46
- Ellicott's Commentary on Daniel 2:46
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Daniel 2:46
- Cambridge Bible on Daniel 2:46
- Barnes' Notes on Daniel 2:46
- Sermons on Daniel 2:46
Context — Nebuchadnezzar Promotes Daniel
44In the days of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, nor will it be left to another people. It will shatter all these kingdoms and bring them to an end, but will itself stand forever.
45And just as you saw a stone being cut out of the mountain without human hands, and it shattered the iron, bronze, clay, silver, and gold, so the great God has told the king what will happen in the future. The dream is true, and its interpretation is trustworthy.”
46At this, King Nebuchadnezzar fell on his face, paid homage to Daniel, and ordered that an offering and incense be presented to him.
47The king said to Daniel, “Your God is truly the God of gods and Lord of kings, the Revealer of Mysteries, since you were able to reveal this mystery.” 48Then the king promoted Daniel and gave him many generous gifts. He made him ruler over the entire province of Babylon and chief administrator over all the wise men of Babylon.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Acts 10:25 | As Peter was about to enter, Cornelius met him and fell at his feet to worship him. |
| 2 | Acts 14:13 | The priest of Zeus, whose temple was just outside the city, brought bulls and wreaths to the city gates, hoping to offer a sacrifice along with the crowds. |
| 3 | Ezra 6:10 | Then they will be able to offer sacrifices of a sweet aroma to the God of heaven and to pray for the lives of the king and his sons. |
| 4 | Leviticus 26:31 | I will reduce your cities to rubble and lay waste your sanctuaries, and I will refuse to smell the pleasing aroma of your sacrifices. |
| 5 | Revelation 22:8 | And I am John, who heard and saw these things. And when I had heard and seen them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who had shown me these things. |
| 6 | Acts 28:6 | The islanders were expecting him to swell up or suddenly drop dead. But after waiting a long time and seeing nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and said he was a god. |
| 7 | Luke 17:16 | He fell facedown at Jesus’ feet in thanksgiving to Him—and he was a Samaritan. |
| 8 | Revelation 11:16 | And the twenty-four elders who sit on their thrones before God fell on their faces and worshiped God, |
| 9 | Revelation 19:10 | So I fell at his feet to worship him. But he told me, “Do not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers who rely on the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” |
Daniel 2:46 Summary
[In this verse, King Nebuchadnezzar is so amazed by Daniel's ability to interpret his dream that he falls on his face and pays homage to him. This shows that even a powerful king can recognize and respect God's power and wisdom when it is demonstrated through someone like Daniel. As it says in Romans 11:33, 'Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!', and in Matthew 10:40, 'He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me'. This verse teaches us that God can use anyone to reveal His power and wisdom, and that we should be humble and respectful when we see it happening.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did King Nebuchadnezzar pay homage to Daniel?
King Nebuchadnezzar paid homage to Daniel because he was amazed by Daniel's ability to interpret his dream, which demonstrated the power and wisdom of the true God, as seen in Daniel 2:46 and acknowledged in Daniel 2:47, where he says, 'Your God is truly the God of gods and Lord of kings, the Revealer of Mysteries'.
What is the significance of offering incense to Daniel?
The offering of incense to Daniel, as ordered by King Nebuchadnezzar, was a sign of great respect and reverence, similar to the incense offered to God in worship, as described in Exodus 30:7-8 and Revelation 8:3-4.
Is it right to worship or pay homage to a human being?
While it is not right to worship a human being, as instructed in Exodus 20:3 and Isaiah 2:11, King Nebuchadnezzar's actions in Daniel 2:46 can be seen as an act of respect and acknowledgment of God's power working through Daniel, rather than worshiping Daniel himself.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the Bible?
This verse demonstrates the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham in Genesis 12:3, where God says that all nations will be blessed through him, and also points forward to the ultimate revelation of God's power and wisdom in Jesus Christ, as seen in Colossians 2:3 and Revelation 1:8.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can demonstrate respect and reverence for those who have been used by God to reveal His power and wisdom in my life?
- How can I, like Daniel, be a vessel for God's power and wisdom to be revealed to those around me?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to acknowledge and submit to God's sovereignty, just as King Nebuchadnezzar did in this verse?
- How can I balance the need to show respect and honor to those in authority with the command to worship God alone, as taught in Exodus 20:3-5 and Matthew 4:10?
Gill's Exposition on Daniel 2:46
Then the king Nebuchadnezzar fell upon his face, and worshipped Daniel,.... Imagining there was something of divinity in him, that he could so exactly tell him his dream, which was past and gone; and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 2:46
Then the king Nebuchadnezzar fell upon his face, and worshipped Daniel, and commanded that they should offer an oblation and sweet odours unto him.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Daniel 2:46
This was strange, that so great a monarch should thus worship his vassal: thus was it sometimes done to men, as to Elias the prophet, : this was done in consternation and admiration, because he saw so much of God in the prophet, and in the revelation of the dream; but why did Daniel suffer it to be done to him? 1. Though he could not hinder the king in his prostration, and in his word of command, yet doubtless he showed his averseness with much zeal and abhorrence, as the apostles did in the like case, , because it was high sacrilege and idolatry. 2. It is not said they offered sacrifice to Daniel, but only the king commanded it, which doubtless Daniel refused, because he was so careful in not defiling himself with the king’ s dainties, ; also when he would not omit the worship of God, though with the hazard of his life, ; therefore the king, being instructed of Daniel, gives God all the glory, in the next words.
Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 2:46
Daniel 2:46 Then the king Nebuchadnezzar fell upon his face, and worshipped Daniel, and commanded that they should offer an oblation and sweet odours unto him.Ver. 46. Then the king Nebuchadnezzar fell upon his face.] Out of admiration, and an opinion of some divinity in Daniel. See the like, Acts 14:11; Acts 28:6. So the savages of Nova Albion stole upon the English, at their departure thence, a sacrifice, and set it on fire ere we were aware, saith Captain Drake, for they supposed us to be gods indeed. And worshipped Daniel,] i.e., He was about to do it, but that Daniel utterly and earnestly refused it, directing him to God, the sole object of divine adoration, as appeareth by the next verse. And indeed it had been better for Daniel a thousand times to have been put to death than to have suffered an oblation and sweet odours to have been offered unto him. He had said enough before to prevent such a mischief. See here how Satan tempteth the saints by extremes. Daniel, who before was destined to death, is now deified; and this was the more dangerous temptation of the two. Be not "ignorant of his wiles."
Ellicott's Commentary on Daniel 2:46
(46) Worshipped.—This act is of an entirely different nature from such as are mentioned Genesis 33:7; 1 Kings 1:16. The Hebrew word employed here is always used (e.g., Isaiah 46:6) of paying adoration to an idol. Probably the king imagined that the gods were dwelling in Daniel in a higher sense from that in which they dwelt with his other wise men, and worshipped them on account of the marvellous revelation which they had vouchsafed to him through the means of Daniel. Oblation.—That is, the unbloody offering customary among the Babylonians; some honour different from the present mentioned in Daniel 2:48.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Daniel 2:46
Verse 46. The king - fell upon his face] Prostrated himself: this was the fullest act of adoration among the ancients. Worshipped Daniel] Supposing him to be a god, or Divine being. No doubt Daniel forbade him; for to receive this would have been gross idolatry.
Cambridge Bible on Daniel 2:46
46–48. Nebuchadnezzar is profoundly impressed by Daniel’s skill, and bestows upon him high honour and rewards (cf. the promise of Dan 2:6).
Barnes' Notes on Daniel 2:46
Then the king Nebuchadnezzar fell upon his face - This was the common method of signifying profound respect among the Orientals.
Sermons on Daniel 2:46
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Following a God Authored Trail - Part 1 by Danny Bond | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of following God's guidance in our lives. He uses the example of Peter and Cornelius from the Book of Acts to illustrate this p |
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1 Corinthians 14:1 by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches about the dangers of being consumed by the desire for wealth and the importance of using wealth for the benefit of others. He emphasizes the need to priori |
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Progress of Redemption #04 by David Shirley | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of the word of God and how it can change people's lives. The sermon takes place in Judea, a Persian province, around 430 BC. T |
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Blotted Out by Mel Trotter | In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a boy in Chicago who confessed to killing his parents. The boy's confession was recorded on a dictaphone, and when played back, it |
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Luke 19:42 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith emphasizes the significance of 'this day' as Jesus enters Jerusalem, fulfilling the prophecy of Zechariah. He explains how Jesus had previously avoided public acknowled |
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Revelation Overview Pt. 6 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of debt and how it can trap individuals. He then transitions to the book of Revelation, specifically chapter 19, where the church |
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The Eternal Bride of the Eternal Son by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the preacher describes a vision of a city with a river of the water of life running through it. In the midst of the river, there is a tree of life that bears twelve |