Daniel 4:16

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Daniel 4:16 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Let his mind be changed from that of a man, and let him be given the mind of a beast till seven times pass him by.

King James Version KJV

Let his heart be changed from man’s, and let a beast’s heart be given unto him; and let seven times pass over him.

American Standard Version ASV

let his heart be changed from man’s, and let a beast’s heart be given unto him; and let seven times pass over him.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Let his heart be changed from that of a man, and the heart of a beast be given to him; and let seven times go by him.

Free Bible Version FBV

Let his mind become like that of an animal. Let him be like this for seven times.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Then Daniel (whose name was Belteshazzar) held his peace by the space of one houre, and his thoughts troubled him, and the King spake and said, Belteshazzar, let neither the dreame, nor the interpretation thereof trouble thee. Belteshazzar answered and saide, My lord, the dreame be to them that hate thee, and the interpretation thereof to thine enemies.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

his heart from man's is changed, and the heart of a beast is given to him, and seven times pass over him;

World English Bible WEB

Let his heart be changed from man’s, and let an animal’s heart be given to him. Then let seven times pass over him.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Let his heart be changed from man's, and let a beast's heart be given to him; and let seven times pass over him.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Then Daniel, whose name was Baltassar, began silently to think within himself for about one hour: and his thoughts troubled him. But the king answering, said: Baltassar, let not the dream and the interpretation thereof trouble thee. Baltassar answered, and said: My lord, the dream be to them that hate thee, and the interpretation thereof to thy enemies.

Translation for Translators T4T

That tree seems to have represented a man, because the angel also said, “Cause that man to live out in the fields among the animals and plants. Cause the dew from the sky to make his body damp each morning. Do not allow him to continue to have a mind like humans; instead, cause him to have a mind like animals have, for seven years.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Daniel 4:16

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 4:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB אֱדַ֨יִן דָּֽנִיֵּ֜אל דִּֽי שְׁמֵ֣/הּ בֵּלְטְשַׁאצַּ֗ר אֶשְׁתּוֹמַם֙ כְּ/שָׁעָ֣ה חֲדָ֔ה וְ/רַעְיֹנֹ֖/הִי יְבַהֲלֻנֵּ֑/הּ עָנֵ֨ה מַלְכָּ֜/א וְ/אָמַ֗ר בֵּלְטְשַׁאצַּר֙ חֶלְמָ֤/א וּ/פִשְׁרֵ/א֙ אַֽל יְבַהֲלָ֔/ךְ עָנֵ֤ה בֵלְטְשַׁאצַּר֙ וְ/אָמַ֔ר מרא/י מָרִ֕/י חֶלְמָ֥/א ל/שנאי/ך לְ/שָֽׂנְאָ֖/ךְ וּ/פִשְׁרֵ֥/הּ ל/ערי/ך לְ/עָרָֽ/ךְ

אֱדַ֨יִן ʼĕdayin H116 then Adj

דָּֽנִיֵּ֜אל Dânîyêʼl H1841 Daniel Adj

דִּֽי dîy H1768 that Adj

שְׁמֵ֣/הּ shum H8036 name Adj | Suff

בֵּלְטְשַׁאצַּ֗ר Bêlṭᵉshaʼtstsar H1096 Belteshazzar Adj

אֶשְׁתּוֹמַם֙ shᵉmam H8075 be appalled Adj

כְּ/שָׁעָ֣ה shâʻâh H8160 moment Adj | N-fs

חֲדָ֔ה chad H2298 one Adj

וְ/רַעְיֹנֹ֖/הִי raʻyôwn H7476 thought Adj | N-mp | Suff

יְבַהֲלֻנֵּ֑/הּ bᵉhal H927 to dismay Adj | Suff

עָנֵ֨ה ʻănâh H6032 to answer Adj

מַלְכָּ֜/א melek H4430 king Adj | Art

וְ/אָמַ֗ר ʼămar H560 to say Adj | V-Qal

בֵּלְטְשַׁאצַּר֙ Bêlṭᵉshaʼtstsar H1096 Belteshazzar Adj

חֶלְמָ֤/א chêlem H2493 dream Adj | Art

וּ/פִשְׁרֵ/א֙ pᵉshar H6591 interpretation Adj | N-ms | Art

אַֽל ʼal H409 not Adj

יְבַהֲלָ֔/ךְ bᵉhal H927 to dismay Adj | Suff

עָנֵ֤ה ʻănâh H6032 to answer Adj

בֵלְטְשַׁאצַּר֙ Bêlṭᵉshaʼtstsar H1096 Belteshazzar Adj

וְ/אָמַ֔ר ʼămar H560 to say Adj | V-Qal

מרא/י mârêʼ H4756 lord Adj | Suff

מָרִ֕/י mârêʼ H4756 lord Adj | Suff

חֶלְמָ֥/א chêlem H2493 dream Adj | Art

ל/שנאי/ך sᵉnêʼ H8131 to hate Adj | V-Qal | Suff

לְ/שָֽׂנְאָ֖/ךְ sᵉnêʼ H8131 to hate Adj | V-Qal | Suff

וּ/פִשְׁרֵ֥/הּ pᵉshar H6591 interpretation Adj | N-ms | Suff

ל/ערי/ך ʻâr H6146 foe Adj | N-mp | Suff

לְ/עָרָֽ/ךְ ʻâr H6146 foe Adj | N-ms | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Daniel 4:16

אֱדַ֨יִן ʼĕdayin H116 "then" Adj

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.

דָּֽנִיֵּ֜אל Dânîyêʼl H1841 "Daniel" Adj

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.

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.

שְׁמֵ֣/הּ shum H8036 "name" Adj | Suff

This word for name is similar to H8034, but used in Aramaic portions of the Bible, still referring to a person's identity or reputation. It carries the same meaning as H8034, emphasizing the significance of names in biblical culture. This concept appears in various biblical books.

Definition: name Aramaic of shem (שֵׁם "name" H8034)

Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: name. See also: Ezra 5:1; Daniel 2:20; Daniel 5:12.

בֵּלְטְשַׁאצַּ֗ר Bêlṭᵉshaʼtstsar H1096 "Belteshazzar" Adj

Belteshazzar, another name for Daniel, appears in Daniel 1:7 and 10:1. It signifies Daniel's role as a prophet with God's gift of interpretation.

Definition: A man 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) § Belteshazzar = "lord of the straitened's treasure" 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, 'Daniel' (H1840 or H1841)

Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: Belteshazzar. See also: Daniel 2:26; Daniel 4:15; Daniel 5:12.

אֶשְׁתּוֹמַם֙ shᵉmam H8075 "be appalled" Adj

This Hebrew word means to be shocked or stunned, often used to describe God's judgment, as seen in Isaiah 1:7 where the land is left desolate. It's about being devastated or appalled. The prophet Jeremiah used it to describe the destruction of Jerusalem.

Definition: (Ithpolel) [CLBL] to be appalled, be stunned Aramaic of sha.mem (שָׁמֵם ": destroyed" H8074)

Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: be astonied. See also: Daniel 4:16.

כְּ/שָׁעָ֣ה shâʻâh H8160 "moment" Adj | N-fs

This Hebrew word means a brief moment or a short time, like an hour. It describes a quick glance or a fleeting instant. In the Bible, it often refers to a specific point in time.

Definition: brief time, moment

Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: hour. See also: Daniel 3:6; Daniel 4:16; Daniel 5:5.

חֲדָ֔ה chad H2298 "one" Adj

This word means one, first, or single, and is often used in the Bible to describe something unique. It appears in books like Leviticus and Numbers. It can also be used as an article, like a or an.

Definition: 1) one (number) 1a) one 1b) a (indefinite article)

Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: a, first, one, together. See also: Ezra 4:8; Daniel 3:19; Daniel 7:16.

וְ/רַעְיֹנֹ֖/הִי raʻyôwn H7476 "thought" Adj | N-mp | Suff

This word refers to a thought or mental conception, like an idea or imagination. It is an Aramaic term that appears in the Bible, related to the concept of striving or longing.

Definition: thought Aramaic of ra.yon (רַעְיוֹן "striving" H7475)

Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: cogitation, thought. See also: Daniel 2:29; Daniel 5:6; Daniel 7:28.

יְבַהֲלֻנֵּ֑/הּ bᵉhal H927 "to dismay" Adj | Suff

This word means to hasten or terrify, and it's used in the Bible to describe people's reactions to threats or dangers. It can also mean to be in a state of alarm or trouble. It appears in stories of war and crisis.

Definition: 1) (Pual) to frighten, alarm, dismay 2) (Ithpa'al) to hurry, hasten 3) (Ithpa'al) alarmed (part.)

Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: in haste, trouble. See also: Daniel 2:25; Daniel 5:9; Daniel 7:28.

עָנֵ֨ה ʻănâh H6032 "to answer" Adj

To answer or respond to something, often by speaking or singing. In the Bible, it can mean to pay attention or testify, as seen in 1 Samuel 12:3.

Definition: 1) to answer, respond 1a) (P'al) 1a1) to answer, make reply 1a2) to respond

Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: answer, speak. See also: Psalms 60:7; Daniel 3:24; Daniel 7:2.

מַלְכָּ֜/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.

וְ/אָמַ֗ר ʼămar H560 "to say" Adj | V-Qal

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.

בֵּלְטְשַׁאצַּר֙ Bêlṭᵉshaʼtstsar H1096 "Belteshazzar" Adj

Belteshazzar, another name for Daniel, appears in Daniel 1:7 and 10:1. It signifies Daniel's role as a prophet with God's gift of interpretation.

Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: Belteshazzar. See also: Daniel 2:26; Daniel 4:15; Daniel 5:12.

חֶלְמָ֤/א chêlem H2493 "dream" Adj | Art

This word simply means a dream, like the ones Joseph had in Genesis 37. It appears in the Bible when someone has a vision or dream from God.

Definition: dream Aramaic of cha.lom (חֲלוֹם "dream" H2472)

Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: dream. See also: Daniel 2:4; Daniel 4:2; Daniel 7:1.

וּ/פִשְׁרֵ/א֙ pᵉshar H6591 "interpretation" Adj | N-ms | Art

This word refers to the explanation or meaning of something, like a dream. It is used in Daniel 2 and 4 to describe the interpretation of King Nebuchadnezzar's dreams. The word is about finding the solution to a mystery.

Definition: interpretation (of dream) Aramaic of pit.ron (פִּתְרוֹן "interpretation" H6623)

Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: interpretation. See also: Daniel 2:4; Daniel 4:4; Daniel 7:16.

אַֽל ʼal H409 "not" Adj

The Hebrew word al means not or nothing, used to show something is not true. It is often used in the Bible to negate a statement or idea.

Definition: no, not Aramaic of al (אַל "not" H0408)

Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: not. See also: Daniel 2:24; Daniel 4:16; Daniel 5:10.

יְבַהֲלָ֔/ךְ bᵉhal H927 "to dismay" Adj | Suff

Definition: 1) (Pual) to frighten, alarm, dismay 2) (Ithpa'al) to hurry, hasten 3) (Ithpa'al) alarmed (part.)

Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: in haste, trouble. See also: Daniel 2:25; Daniel 5:9; Daniel 7:28.

עָנֵ֤ה ʻănâh H6032 "to answer" Adj

To answer or respond to something, often by speaking or singing. In the Bible, it can mean to pay attention or testify, as seen in 1 Samuel 12:3.

Definition: 1) to answer, respond 1a) (P'al) 1a1) to answer, make reply 1a2) to respond

Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: answer, speak. See also: Psalms 60:7; Daniel 3:24; Daniel 7:2.

בֵלְטְשַׁאצַּר֙ Bêlṭᵉshaʼtstsar H1096 "Belteshazzar" Adj

Belteshazzar, another name for Daniel, appears in Daniel 1:7 and 10:1. It signifies Daniel's role as a prophet with God's gift of interpretation.

Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: Belteshazzar. See also: Daniel 2:26; Daniel 4:15; Daniel 5:12.

וְ/אָמַ֔ר ʼămar H560 "to say" Adj | V-Qal

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.

מרא/י mârêʼ H4756 "lord" Adj | Suff

This Hebrew word means lord or master, and is used to refer to God or a king. It signifies a position of authority and power, and is used in various biblical contexts to show respect and reverence.

Definition: 1) lord 1a) of king 1b) of God

Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: lord, Lord. See also: Daniel 2:47; Daniel 4:21; Daniel 5:23.

מָרִ֕/י mârêʼ H4756 "lord" Adj | Suff

This Hebrew word means lord or master, and is used to refer to God or a king. It signifies a position of authority and power, and is used in various biblical contexts to show respect and reverence.

Definition: 1) lord 1a) of king 1b) of God

Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: lord, Lord. See also: Daniel 2:47; Daniel 4:21; Daniel 5:23.

חֶלְמָ֥/א chêlem H2493 "dream" Adj | Art

This word simply means a dream, like the ones Joseph had in Genesis 37. It appears in the Bible when someone has a vision or dream from God.

Definition: dream Aramaic of cha.lom (חֲלוֹם "dream" H2472)

Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: dream. See also: Daniel 2:4; Daniel 4:2; Daniel 7:1.

ל/שנאי/ך sᵉnêʼ H8131 "to hate" Adj | V-Qal | Suff

To hate is a strong feeling of dislike or hostility, used to describe enemies or foes in the Bible, similar to H8130.

Definition: 1) (P'al) to hate 1a) foe (participle)

Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: hate. See also: Daniel 4:16.

לְ/שָֽׂנְאָ֖/ךְ sᵉnêʼ H8131 "to hate" Adj | V-Qal | Suff

To hate is a strong feeling of dislike or hostility, used to describe enemies or foes in the Bible, similar to H8130.

Definition: 1) (P'al) to hate 1a) foe (participle)

Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: hate. See also: Daniel 4:16.

וּ/פִשְׁרֵ֥/הּ pᵉshar H6591 "interpretation" Adj | N-ms | Suff

Definition: interpretation (of dream) Aramaic of pit.ron (פִּתְרוֹן "interpretation" H6623)

Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: interpretation. See also: Daniel 2:4; Daniel 4:4; Daniel 7:16.

ל/ערי/ך ʻâr H6146 "foe" Adj | N-mp | Suff

This word also means foe or enemy, describing someone who is watchful for mischief. It is similar to H6145 and is used to describe adversaries in the Bible. The term is often used to describe opposition or hostility.

Definition: enemy, adversary, foe Aramaic of ar (עָר "enemy" H6145)

Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: enemy. See also: Daniel 4:16.

לְ/עָרָֽ/ךְ ʻâr H6146 "foe" Adj | N-ms | Suff

Definition: enemy, adversary, foe Aramaic of ar (עָר "enemy" H6145)

Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: enemy. See also: Daniel 4:16.

Study Notes — Daniel 4:16

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Daniel 4:16 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Daniel 4:16
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 4:16
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Daniel 4:16
Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 4:16
Ellicott's Commentary on Daniel 4:16
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Daniel 4:16
Cambridge Bible on Daniel 4:16
Barnes' Notes on Daniel 4:16
Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 4:16
Sermons on Daniel 4:16

Context — Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream of a Great Tree

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. 15But leave the stump with its roots in the ground, with a band of iron and bronze around it, in the tender grass of the field. Let him be drenched with the dew of heaven and graze with the beasts on the grass of the earth.

16Let his mind be changed from that of a man, and let him be given the mind of a beast till seven times pass him by.

17This decision is the decree of the watchers, the verdict declared by the holy ones, so that the living will know that the Most High rules over the kingdom of mankind and gives it to whom He wishes, setting over it the lowliest of men.’ 18This is the dream that I, King Nebuchadnezzar, saw. Now, Belteshazzar, tell me the interpretation, because none of the wise men of my kingdom can interpret it for me. But you are able, because the spirit of the holy gods is in you.”

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Daniel 4:23	And you, O king, saw a watcher, a holy one, coming down from heaven and saying: ‘Cut down the tree and destroy it, but leave the stump with its roots in the ground, and a band of iron and bronze around it, in the tender grass of the field. Let him be drenched with the dew of heaven, and graze with the beasts of the field till seven times pass him by.’
2	Revelation 12:14	But the woman was given two wings of a great eagle to fly from the presence of the serpent to her place in the wilderness, where she was nourished for a time, and times, and half a time.
3	Daniel 4:25	You will be driven away from mankind, and your dwelling will be with the beasts of the field. You will feed on grass like an ox and be drenched with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass you by, until you acknowledge that the Most High rules over the kingdom of mankind and gives it to whom He wishes.
4	Isaiah 6:10	Make the hearts of this people calloused; deafen their ears and close their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed. ”
5	Luke 8:27–29	When Jesus stepped ashore, He was met by a demon-possessed man from the town. For a long time this man had not worn clothing or lived in a house, but he stayed in the tombs. When the man saw Jesus, he cried out and fell down before Him, shouting in a loud voice, “What do You want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg You not to torture me!” For Jesus had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. Many times it had seized him, and though he was bound with chains and shackles, he had broken the chains and been driven by the demon into solitary places.
6	Hebrews 1:11	They will perish, but You remain; they will all wear out like a garment.
7	Daniel 4:31–33	While the words were still in the king’s mouth, a voice came from heaven: “It is decreed to you, King Nebuchadnezzar, that the kingdom has departed from you. You will be driven away from mankind to live with the beasts of the field, and you will feed on grass like an ox. And seven times will pass you by, until you acknowledge that the Most High rules over the kingdom of mankind and gives it to whom He wishes.” At that moment the sentence against Nebuchadnezzar was fulfilled. He was driven away from mankind. He ate grass like an ox, and his body was drenched with the dew of heaven, until his hair grew like the feathers of an eagle and his nails like the claws of a bird.
8	Daniel 11:13	For the king of the North will raise another army, larger than the first, and after some years he will advance with a great army and many supplies.
9	Daniel 7:25	He will speak out against the Most High and oppress the saints of the Most High, intending to change the appointed times and laws; and the saints will be given into his hand for a time, and times, and half a time.
10	Mark 5:4–5	Though he was often bound with chains and shackles, he had broken the chains and shattered the shackles. Now there was no one with the strength to subdue him. Night and day in the tombs and in the mountains he kept crying out and cutting himself with stones.

Daniel 4:16 Summary

[This verse, Daniel 4:16, is talking about a punishment from God where someone's mind is changed to be like an animal's, so they can't think or act like a human being anymore. This is what happened to King Nebuchadnezzar as a consequence of his pride, as seen in Daniel 4:16. It's a reminder that God is in control and we need to humble ourselves before Him, as seen in 1 Peter 5:6. By recognizing God's sovereignty, as described in Psalm 103:19, we can learn to trust in His goodness and wisdom.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to have the mind of a beast?

Having the mind of a beast means to lose rational thought and behave like an animal, as seen in Daniel 4:16, a punishment from God, similar to what is described in Psalm 32:9, where a horse is controlled by bit and bridle, illustrating a loss of self-control.

Why would God take away someone's mind?

God takes away someone's mind as a form of judgment, as seen in Romans 1:28, where people are given over to a debased mind, and in this case, in Daniel 4:16, it is a direct consequence of pride and disobedience, as King Nebuchadnezzar had to learn humility.

What is the significance of the seven times in Daniel 4:16?

The seven times in Daniel 4:16 likely refers to a period of seven years, during which King Nebuchadnezzar would suffer the consequences of his pride, similar to the seven years of plenty and famine in Genesis 41:29-30, where God's sovereignty over human affairs is demonstrated.

Is this punishment unique to King Nebuchadnezzar?

While the specific circumstances are unique to King Nebuchadnezzar, the principle of God humbling the proud is seen throughout the Bible, such as in Proverbs 16:18, where pride goes before destruction, and in 1 Peter 5:6, where humility is required to receive God's grace.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that pride can lead to a loss of self-control in my own life, and how can I humbly submit to God's will?
In what ways do I struggle with trusting in my own strength and abilities, rather than relying on God's power and wisdom?
How can I apply the lesson of Daniel 4:16 to my own life, recognizing that God is sovereign over all human affairs and that I must submit to His authority?
What are some areas where I need to surrender my will to God's will, and how can I practically do that in my daily life?

Gill's Exposition on Daniel 4:16

Let his heart be changed from man's,.... Not as to the substance, but as to the quality: and let a beast's heart be given unto him; from a human heart, let it be changed into a brutal one; let him be

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 4:16

Let his heart be changed from man's, and let a beast's heart be given unto him; and let seven times pass over him. Let his heart be changed from man's - "heart," understanding (Isaiah 6:10, "Make the heart of this people fat").

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Daniel 4:16

Let him live seven years as a beast in man’ s shape, among beasts of the field, let him become brutish, without human sense and understanding: and this appeared much also in his outward shape; nails like claws, and hair like feathers. Some think that he was truly changed into a beast, but this cannot be, for then the Chaldeans would never more have owned or restored him. Others judge that he was not changed at all but in appearance only to the beholders and in their fancies; but this is a false construction of God’ s works, when the Scripture saith it was truly done. It is probable he was mute, and bellowed only, that he went naked, and bowed, and ate grass among the beasts, with whom his converse was: a dreadful example upon the greatest man on earth, for his brutish and raging tyranny, and inhuman carriage, abasing himself, and abusing his honours and great prerogatives to wickedness and savage cruelty, to be thus forsaken of God and men, and to be made a prodigy and spectacle to the world, and that upon record to all generations.

Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 4:16

Daniel 4:16 Let his heart be changed from man’ s, and let a beast’ s heart be given unto him; and let seven times pass over him.Ver. 16. Let his heart be changed,] i.e., Obbrutescat, nihil humanum sapiat; a fearful judgment, and yet such as reprobates are usually delivered up to. And let a beast’ s heart be given him.] Let his fantasy and appetite be so changed, that, upon a strong imagination that he is a beast, he may have affections carrying him in all things to do accordingly. Little is said of this in human history. The Chaldee chronicles are lost. Alpheus (as he is cited by Eusebius) briefly saith that Nebuchadnezzar, rapt with madness, presently vanished out of the company of men, after that he had first foretold the overthrow of the Chaldean monarchy. The Chaldeans in Abidenus’ fragments record that he was blasted by some god, and spake of Babel’ s fall by the Persians. And let seven times to pass over him,] i.e., Seven years; like as Solomon’ s temple, that seven years’ work of many thousands, was by him destroyed. Lib. ix. de Praepar. Ev. Brought., Conc. of Script.

Ellicott's Commentary on Daniel 4:16

(16) Here the metaphor of Dan 4:15 is entirely discontinued, and a man is mentioned. Seven times.—On the use of the number “seven” see Note on Daniel 3:19. The period intended by “time” is very uncertain: from the use of the word in Judges 17:10 it has been inferred that “years” are intended. This is purely conjectural. It is more probable that the word is used to signify some definite period of time, which, as appears from the words “over him,” was in some way marked out by the heavenly bodies. The word “time” is used by Daniel in the same sense (Daniel 7:25). (Comp. Daniel 12:7, where, however, a different word is employed.)

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Daniel 4:16

Verse 16. Let his heart be changed] Let him conceive himself to be a beast, and act as such, herding among the beasts of the field. Let seven times pass over him.] Let him continue in this state for seven years. I knew a man who was thus changed in his heart - in his imagination. He believed himself to be a bear, and would imitate the ursal growl, c. and the case did not appear to be hypochondriacal. Whether he ever came to sound mind, I know not.

Cambridge Bible on Daniel 4:16

16. his heart] i.e. his intelligence: let him receive the understanding of a beast (imagine himself an animal). The heart, in Hebrew psychology, is the seat not (as commonly with us) of tender feeling (a ‘heartless’ man), but of the intellect: cf. Hosea 7:11, ‘a silly dove, without heart,’ i.e. without understanding, Jeremiah 5:21, ‘a foolish people, without understanding,’ lit. without heart. seven times] i.e. seven years: cf. Daniel 7:25, Daniel 12:7 (Heb. mτ‘ηd); Revelation 12:14 (καιρός). With ‘pass over,’ comp. 1 Chronicles 29:30.

Barnes' Notes on Daniel 4:16

Let his heart be changed from man’s, and let a beast’s heart be given unto him - Here the same thing occurs in a more marked form, showing that some man was represented by the vision, and indicating

Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 4:16

15, 16. The destruction of the tree is nearly absolute, since only a “stump” remains, not rooted solidly in its former place of life, but under a most strange and unnatural form of restraint.

Sermons on Daniel 4:16

	Sermon	Description
	God Changeth Not by Joshua Daniel	In this sermon, Joshua Daniel discusses the need for a revival of faith and a return to God's unchanging truth. He emphasizes that while God and the gospel remain constant, it is o
	(Through the Bible) Daniel 1-4 by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of seeking to bring glory to God rather than exalting oneself in any kind of ministry. The sermon references the dream of King
	The Lost Sought and Saved by J.C. Philpot	J.C. Philpot preaches about the profound nature of man as a sinner and a pharisee, highlighting the deep-rooted self-righteousness and pride that plagues the human heart. He emphas
	(Revelation) Part 1 the Last Trumpet by Willie Mullan	In this sermon, the preacher begins by leading the congregation in singing the hymn "Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus." He then introduces the topic of the sermon, which is the woman m
	Esther #3 Ch. 5-7 by Chuck Missler	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Esther from the Bible. He highlights a scene where the king wants to reward Mordecai, but Haman, who wants to hang Mordecai, co
	Some Considerations Proposed to the City of London, &C. by Isaac Penington	Isaac Penington preaches a sermon urging the City of London and the nation of England to calm their spirits and wait for the Lord's plans, cautioning against rushing into ruin and
	God the Sovereign of All Kingdoms by Samuel Davies	Samuel Davies preaches about the sovereignty of God over the kingdoms of men, emphasizing that God's omnipotence did not end after creation but continues to govern the world. He ex