Daniel 4:12
Daniel 4:12 in Multiple Translations
Its leaves were beautiful, its fruit was abundant, and upon it was food for all. Under it the beasts of the field found shelter, in its branches the birds of the air nested, and from it every creature was fed.
The leaves thereof were fair, and the fruit thereof much, and in it was meat for all: the beasts of the field had shadow under it, and the fowls of the heaven dwelt in the boughs thereof, and all flesh was fed of it.
The leaves thereof were fair, and the fruit thereof much, and in it was food for all: the beasts of the field had shadow under it, and the birds of the heavens dwelt in the branches thereof, and all flesh was fed from it.
Its leaves were fair and it had much fruit, and in it was food enough for all: the beasts of the field had shade under it, and the birds of heaven were resting in its branches, and it gave food to all living things.
Its leaves were beautiful, and it was full of fruit for all to eat. Wild animals rested in its shade, and birds nested in its branches. It fed all living creatures.
Neuerthelesse leaue the stumpe of his rootes in the earth, and with a band of yron and brasse binde it among the grasse of the fielde, and let it be wet with the dewe of heauen, and let his portion be with the beastes among the grasse of the fielde.
its leaves [are] fair, and its budding great, and food for all [is] in it: under it take shade doth the beast of the field, and in its boughs dwell do the birds of the heavens, and of it fed are all flesh.
Its leaves were beautiful, and it had much fruit, and in it was food for all. The animals of the field had shade under it, and the birds of the sky lived in its branches, and all flesh was fed from it.
Its leaves were fair, and its fruit abundant, and in it was food for all: the beasts of the field had shade under it, and the fowls of heaven dwelt among its boughs, and all flesh was fed from it.
Nevertheless leave the stump of its roots in the earth, and let it be tied with a band of iron, and of brass, among the grass, that is without, and let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let its portion be with the wild beasts in the grass of the earth.
It had beautiful leaves, and it had produced a lot of fruit for people to eat. Wild animals rested in the shade of that tree, and birds built nests in its branches. All the living creatures everywhere in the world got food from that tree.
Berean Amplified Bible — Daniel 4:12
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 4:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
בְּרַ֨ם
עִקַּ֤ר
שָׁרְשׁ֨וֹ/הִי֙
בְּ/אַרְעָ֣/א
שְׁבֻ֔קוּ
וּ/בֶֽ/אֱסוּר֙
דִּֽי
פַרְזֶ֣ל
וּ/נְחָ֔שׁ
בְּ/דִתְאָ֖/א
דִּ֣י
בָרָ֑/א
וּ/בְ/טַ֤ל
שְׁמַיָּ/א֙
יִצְטַבַּ֔ע
וְ/עִם
חֵיוְתָ֥/א
חֲלָקֵ֖/הּ
בַּ/עֲשַׂ֥ב
אַרְעָֽ/א
בְּרַ֨ם
bᵉram
H1297
nevertheless
Adj
עִקַּ֤ר
ʻiqqar
H6136
root
Adj
שָׁרְשׁ֨וֹ/הִי֙
shôresh
H8330
root
Adj | Suff
בְּ/אַרְעָ֣/א
ʼăraʻ
H772
earth
Adj | N-fs | Art
שְׁבֻ֔קוּ
shᵉbaq
H7662
to be left
Adj
וּ/בֶֽ/אֱסוּר֙
ʼĕçûwr
H613
bond
Adj | Prep | N-ms
דִּֽי
dîy
H1768
that
Adj
פַרְזֶ֣ל
parzel
H6523
iron
Adj
וּ/נְחָ֔שׁ
nᵉchâsh
H5174
bronze
Adj | N-ms
בְּ/דִתְאָ֖/א
detheʼ
H1883
grass
Adj | N-ms | Art
דִּ֣י
dîy
H1768
that
Adj
בָרָ֑/א
bar
H1251
field
Adj | Art
וּ/בְ/טַ֤ל
ṭal
H2920
dew
Adj | Prep | N-ms
שְׁמַיָּ/א֙
shâmayin
H8065
heaven
Adj | Art
יִצְטַבַּ֔ע
tsᵉbaʻ
H6647
to drench
Adj
וְ/עִם
ʻim
H5974
with
Adj | Prep
חֵיוְתָ֥/א
chêyvâʼ
H2423
beast
Adj | Art
חֲלָקֵ֖/הּ
chălâq
H2508
portion
Adj | Suff
בַּ/עֲשַׂ֥ב
ʻâsh
H6211
moth
Adj | N-ms
אַרְעָֽ/א
ʼăraʻ
H772
earth
Adj | Art
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Daniel 4:12
בְּרַ֨ם
bᵉram
H1297
"nevertheless"
Adj
The word 'nevertheless' shows contrast, like in a sentence saying 'I'm tired, but I'll go anyway'. In the Bible, it's used to highlight surprising or unexpected events, like in the stories of Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: only, nevertheless, but
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: but, nevertheless, yet. See also: Ezra 5:13; Daniel 4:12; Daniel 5:17.
עִקַּ֤ר
ʻiqqar
H6136
"root"
Adj
Refers to a root or stump of a tree, like the one in Isaiah 11:1 where a new shoot sprouts from the stump of Jesse. This word symbolizes new life and growth. It is also used in Job 14:8 to describe a tree cut down.
Definition: root, stock Aramaic of e.qer (עֵ֫קֶר "descendant" H6133)
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: stump. See also: Daniel 4:12; Daniel 4:20; Daniel 4:23.
שָׁרְשׁ֨וֹ/הִי֙
shôresh
H8330
"root"
Adj | Suff
A root is the underground part of a plant. In the Bible, it can also mean a source or foundation, like in the book of Daniel.
Definition: root Aramaic of she.resh (שֹׁ֫רֶשׁ "root" H8328)
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: root. See also: Daniel 4:12; Daniel 4:20; Daniel 4:23.
בְּ/אַרְעָ֣/א
ʼăraʻ
H772
"earth"
Adj | N-fs | Art
The Hebrew word for earth or planet, referring to the world we live in, as seen in the Bible's description of creation in Genesis. It can also imply something low or earthly. In Psalm 90:2, Moses prays to God who has been the earth's home since the beginning.
Definition: : planet earth, world, ground Aramaic of e.rets (אֶ֫רֶץ ": soil" H0776H)
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: earth, interior. See also: Ezra 5:11; Daniel 4:17; Jeremiah 10:11.
שְׁבֻ֔קוּ
shᵉbaq
H7662
"to be left"
Adj
This word means to leave something or someone alone, allowing it to remain as is. It can also mean to quit or stop doing something. In the Bible, it's translated as leave or let alone.
Definition: 1) to leave, let alone 1a) (P'al) to leave, let alone 1b) (Ithpael) to be left
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: leave, let alone. See also: Ezra 6:7; Daniel 4:12; Daniel 4:23.
וּ/בֶֽ/אֱסוּר֙
ʼĕçûwr
H613
"bond"
Adj | Prep | N-ms
A bond refers to a restraint, like a prisoner's manacles. It is also translated as imprisonment, emphasizing a state of being held captive.
Definition: band, bond, imprisonment Aramaic of e.sur (אֵסוּר "bond" H0612)
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: band, imprisonment. See also: Ezra 7:26; Daniel 4:12; Daniel 4:20.
דִּֽי
dîy
H1768
"that"
Adj
This word is used as a relative conjunction, like 'that' or 'which', to connect ideas in sentences. It appears in Genesis and Exodus to describe relationships between people and things. The KJV translates it as 'that' or 'which'.
Definition: part of relation 1) who, which, that mark of genitive 2) that of, which belongs to, that conj 3) that, because
Usage: Occurs in 186 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] as, but, for(-asmuch [phrase]), [phrase] now, of, seeing, than, that, therefore, until, [phrase] what (-soever), when, which, whom, whose. See also: Ezra 4:9; Daniel 3:7; Jeremiah 10:11.
פַרְזֶ֣ל
parzel
H6523
"iron"
Adj
In biblical Hebrew, this word means iron, a strong metal used for tools and weapons. It appears in the Bible as a translation from the Aramaic word 'barzel'.
Definition: iron Aramaic of bar.zel (בַּרְזֶל "iron" H1270)
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: iron. See also: Daniel 2:33; Daniel 2:45; Daniel 7:19.
וּ/נְחָ֔שׁ
nᵉchâsh
H5174
"bronze"
Adj | N-ms
Bronze refers to a type of copper alloy, like the bronze serpent Moses made in Numbers 21:9. It was a common material in ancient times.
Definition: copper, bronze Aramaic of ne.chu.shah (נְחוּשָׁה "bronze" H5154)
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: brass. See also: Daniel 2:32; Daniel 4:12; Daniel 7:19.
בְּ/דִתְאָ֖/א
detheʼ
H1883
"grass"
Adj | N-ms | Art
In the Bible, this word means a sprout or grass, often referring to new growth. It appears in descriptions of natural scenery. The word is similar to the Aramaic term for grass.
Definition: grass Aramaic of de.she (דֶּ֫שֶׁא "grass" H1877)
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: tender grass. See also: Daniel 4:12; Daniel 4:20.
דִּ֣י
dîy
H1768
"that"
Adj
This word is used as a relative conjunction, like 'that' or 'which', to connect ideas in sentences. It appears in Genesis and Exodus to describe relationships between people and things. The KJV translates it as 'that' or 'which'.
Definition: part of relation 1) who, which, that mark of genitive 2) that of, which belongs to, that conj 3) that, because
Usage: Occurs in 186 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] as, but, for(-asmuch [phrase]), [phrase] now, of, seeing, than, that, therefore, until, [phrase] what (-soever), when, which, whom, whose. See also: Ezra 4:9; Daniel 3:7; Jeremiah 10:11.
בָרָ֑/א
bar
H1251
"field"
Adj | Art
The word 'bar' is also used to describe a field or open area. It appears in Aramaic passages, like those found in the book of Daniel, to describe rural landscapes and fields.
Definition: field Aramaic of bar (בָּר "field" H1250B)
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: field. See also: Daniel 2:38; Daniel 4:18; Daniel 4:29.
וּ/בְ/טַ֤ל
ṭal
H2920
"dew"
Adj | Prep | N-ms
This Aramaic word for dew is similar to the Hebrew word, and refers to the moisture that covers the ground and plants at night. It is used in the Bible to describe the beauty of nature.
Definition: dew Aramaic of tal (טַל "dew" H2919)
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: dew. See also: Daniel 4:12; Daniel 4:22; Daniel 5:21.
שְׁמַיָּ/א֙
shâmayin
H8065
"heaven"
Adj | Art
This Aramaic word for heaven is similar to the Hebrew word, referring to the sky and the abode of God. It is used to describe the dwelling place of God in the Bible.
Definition: 1) heaven, heavens, sky 1a) visible sky 1b) Heaven (as abode of God)
Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: heaven. See also: Ezra 5:11; Daniel 4:12; Jeremiah 10:11.
יִצְטַבַּ֔ע
tsᵉbaʻ
H6647
"to drench"
Adj
Tsᵉbaʻ means to drench or dip something in a liquid, like water or dye. It's used to describe wetting or soaking an object, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to dip, wet (something) 1a) (Pael) to wet 1b) (Ithpael) to be wet
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: wet. See also: Daniel 4:12; Daniel 4:22; Daniel 5:21.
וְ/עִם
ʻim
H5974
"with"
Adj | Prep
Means 'with' in the Bible, showing something is done together or at the same time, like in Genesis 1:26 where God says 'Let us make man in our image'.
Definition: 1) with 1a) together with, with 1b) with, during
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: by, from, like, to(-ward), with. See also: Ezra 5:2; Daniel 4:12; Daniel 7:21.
חֵיוְתָ֥/א
chêyvâʼ
H2423
"beast"
Adj | Art
This word refers to any kind of animal, from small creatures to large beasts. It is used in the Bible to talk about animals in general, and is translated as 'beast'.
Definition: beast, animal Aramaic of chay.yah (חַיָּה "living thing" H2416C)
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: beast. See also: Daniel 2:38; Daniel 5:21; Daniel 7:23.
חֲלָקֵ֖/הּ
chălâq
H2508
"portion"
Adj | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a portion or share of something, like a part of a larger whole. It is used to describe a person's inheritance or possession. This concept is seen in the Old Testament, particularly in the book of Joshua.
Definition: portion, possession, lot Aramaic of che.leq (חֵ֫לֶק "portion" H2506A)
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: portion. See also: Ezra 4:16; Daniel 4:12; Daniel 4:20.
בַּ/עֲשַׂ֥ב
ʻâsh
H6211
"moth"
Adj | N-ms
In the Bible, this word refers to a moth or grass, symbolizing something that is fragile or easily destroyed. It is first used in Job 4:19 to describe the fragility of human life. The word is also related to vegetation and herbage.
Definition: moth
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: moth. See also H5906 (עַיִשׁ). See also: Job 4:19; Daniel 4:12; Psalms 39:12.
אַרְעָֽ/א
ʼăraʻ
H772
"earth"
Adj | Art
The Hebrew word for earth or planet, referring to the world we live in, as seen in the Bible's description of creation in Genesis. It can also imply something low or earthly. In Psalm 90:2, Moses prays to God who has been the earth's home since the beginning.
Definition: : planet earth, world, ground Aramaic of e.rets (אֶ֫רֶץ ": soil" H0776H)
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: earth, interior. See also: Ezra 5:11; Daniel 4:17; Jeremiah 10:11.
Study Notes — Daniel 4:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Daniel 4:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Daniel 4:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 4:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Daniel 4:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 4:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on Daniel 4:12
- Cambridge Bible on Daniel 4:12
- Barnes' Notes on Daniel 4:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 4:12
- Sermons on Daniel 4:12
Context — Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream of a Great Tree
10In these visions of my mind as I was lying in bed, I saw this come to pass: There was a tree in the midst of the land, and its height was great.
11The tree grew large and strong; its top reached the sky, and it was visible to the ends of the earth.
12Its leaves were beautiful, its fruit was abundant, and upon it was food for all. Under it the beasts of the field found shelter, in its branches the birds of the air nested, and from it every creature was fed.
13As I lay on my bed, I also saw in the visions of my mind a watcher, a holy one, coming down from heaven. 14He called out in a loud voice: ‘Cut down the tree and chop off its branches; strip off its leaves and scatter its fruit. Let the beasts flee from under it, and the birds from its branches.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Luke 13:19 | It is like a mustard seed that a man tossed into his garden. It grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air nested in its branches.” |
| 2 | Lamentations 4:20 | The LORD’s anointed, the breath of our life, was captured in their pits. We had said of him, “Under his shadow we will live among the nations.” |
| 3 | Ezekiel 31:6–7 | All the birds of the air nested in its branches, and all the beasts of the field gave birth beneath its boughs; all the great nations lived in its shade. It was beautiful in its greatness, in the length of its limbs, for its roots extended to abundant waters. |
| 4 | Ezekiel 17:23 | I will plant it on the mountain heights of Israel so that it will bear branches; it will yield fruit and become a majestic cedar. Birds of every kind will nest under it, taking shelter in the shade of its branches. |
| 5 | Matthew 13:32 | Although it is the smallest of all seeds, yet it grows into the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches.” |
| 6 | Jeremiah 27:6–7 | So now I have placed all these lands under the authority of My servant Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon. I have even made the beasts of the field subject to him. All nations will serve him and his son and grandson, until the time of his own land comes; then many nations and great kings will enslave him. |
| 7 | Mark 13:32 | No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. |
Daniel 4:12 Summary
The tree in Daniel 4:12 represents a powerful and prosperous kingdom that provides for all the creatures around it, much like how God provides for all His creation (Psalm 104:10-14). This verse reminds us that God is the ultimate source of all provision and shelter, and that we, like the creatures in the verse, can come to Him for our needs (Matthew 6:26). Just as the tree's beauty and abundance are a testament to God's goodness, our own lives can reflect God's love and care for us when we trust in Him (Deuteronomy 8:10-14). By recognizing God's sovereignty over our lives, we can learn to trust in His provision and care for us, just as the creatures trust in the tree for their needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the tree in Daniel 4:12 represent?
The tree in Daniel 4:12 represents the kingdom of Nebuchadnezzar, as described in Daniel 4:10-11, which had grown large and strong, providing for all the creatures of the field and air, much like how God provides for all His creation, as seen in Psalm 104:10-14 and Matthew 6:26.
Why is the tree described as having beautiful leaves and abundant fruit?
The beautiful leaves and abundant fruit of the tree in Daniel 4:12 symbolize the prosperity and abundance of Nebuchadnezzar's kingdom, which was a blessing from God, as stated in Deuteronomy 8:10-14, and a testament to God's provision and care for His people.
What is the significance of the beasts and birds finding shelter in the tree?
The beasts and birds finding shelter in the tree, as mentioned in Daniel 4:12, represent how Nebuchadnezzar's kingdom had become a refuge for many nations and peoples, similar to how God desires His people to be a blessing to all nations, as stated in Genesis 12:2-3 and Isaiah 49:6.
How does this verse relate to God's sovereignty over all creation?
Daniel 4:12 illustrates God's sovereignty over all creation, as the tree, representing Nebuchadnezzar's kingdom, is subject to God's will, as declared in Psalm 24:1 and Job 41:11, reminding us that God is the ultimate ruler over all the earth and its inhabitants.
Reflection Questions
- How can I, like the tree in Daniel 4:12, be a source of provision and shelter for those around me, and what does this mean for my role in my community?
- What are some ways in which I can acknowledge and respond to God's sovereignty over my life, just as the tree is subject to God's will in Daniel 4:12?
- In what ways can I, like the creatures in Daniel 4:12, come to God as my source of food and shelter, and how can I trust in His provision for my life?
- How can I balance my own ambitions and desires with the recognition that, like the tree in Daniel 4:12, my accomplishments and prosperity are ultimately a gift from God, as stated in James 1:17 and 1 Corinthians 4:7?
Gill's Exposition on Daniel 4:12
The leaves thereof were fair,.... Or "branches" (i), as some; and design either the provinces belonging to his empire, which were very large and flourishing; or the governors of them under him, as
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 4:12
The leaves thereof were fair, and the fruit thereof much, and in it was meat for all: the beasts of the field had shadow under it, and the fowls of the heaven dwelt in the boughs thereof, and all flesh was fed of it.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Daniel 4:12
The fruit thereof much: this notes the public good and benefit of magistracy; so that it is better living under tyranny than anarchy, as Calvin saith.
Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 4:12
Daniel 4:12 The leaves thereof [were] fair, and the fruit thereof much, and in it [was] meat for all: the beasts of the field had shadow under it, and the fowls of the heaven dwelt in the boughs thereof, and all flesh was fed of it.Ver. 12. The leaves thereof were fair, and the fruit.] But because pride harboured under these leaves and poisoned these fair fruits, they were broken down and trod under foot. The beasts of the field had shadow under it.] Great is the benefit of civil government, and far extending. But most men content themselves with a natural use of it, as beasts of the field do of their food, without improvement of any higher good.
Ellicott's Commentary on Daniel 4:12
(12) The fruit thereof much.—By this is implied the great quantity of fruit as well as the largeness of it.
Cambridge Bible on Daniel 4:12
12. meat] in the old sense of the word (see on Amos 5:22; and cf. Genesis 1:29-30), food in general, not what we now call ‘meat.’ So Daniel 4:21. The Aram. word occurs in Syr. and the Targums; and twice in the Heb. of the O.T., Genesis 45:23 (A.V. ‘meat,’ R.V. ‘victual’), 2 Chronicles 11:23 (A.V., R.V. ‘victual’). had shadow … dwelt … was fed of it] Better, were sheltering …, dwelling …, was being fed from it. The tenses of the original denote what was habitual, and therefore might be observed as taking place continuously at the time of the dream. Cf. for the thought Ezekiel 31:6.
Barnes' Notes on Daniel 4:12
The leaves thereof were fair - Were beautiful. That is, they were abundant, and green, and there were no signs of decay.
Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 4:12
10-12. The king saw in his dream a lofty tree rising as it were out of the very center of the world, and continuing to grow until it reached the clouds and could be seen to the end of the earth.
Sermons on Daniel 4:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Through the Bible) 2 Chronicles 28-36 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker tells the story of Balaam and his donkey from the Bible. Balaam is tempted by the king's offer of wealth and power, but his donkey keeps veering off the |
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The Nations the Enemies of Israel-Their Final Opposition to Jerusalem Followed by Judgment Upon Them by Arno Clemens Gaebelein | Arno Clemens Gaebelein preaches about the distinction between the nation of Israel and the nations, highlighting God's chosen people and the disobedience of Israel leading to the d |
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God's Truth: The Roles of Men and Women by Russell Kelfer | In this sermon, Russell Kelfer discusses the importance of recognizing the distinct differences and roles between men and women in marriage. He emphasizes that while men may be phy |
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Ascension Power by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of repentance and turning away from sin. He reminds the audience that seeing the wounds of Jesus should make it difficult for |
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Your Redemption Is Drawing Nigh by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on Mark's gospel, specifically chapters 13 and 14. The sermon begins by discussing Jesus' conversation with his disciples about his second comin |
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The Coming of Jesus by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes the imminent return of Jesus Christ, urging believers to be prepared and expectant for His coming. It highlights the need for spiritual awakening, readiness, |
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The Battle Over the Testimony of Jesus by Lance Lambert | This sermon delves into the themes of awaiting and hastening the coming of the Lord, emphasizing the ongoing spiritual battle and the importance of surrendering our will to God. It |