Daniel 4:23
Daniel 4:23 in Multiple Translations
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.’
And whereas the king saw a watcher and an holy one coming down from heaven, and saying, Hew the tree down, and destroy it; yet leave the stump of the roots thereof in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let his portion be with the beasts of the field, till seven times pass over him;
And whereas the king saw a watcher and a holy one coming down from heaven, and saying, Hew down the tree, and destroy it; nevertheless leave the stump of the roots thereof in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field, and let it be wet with the dew of heaven: and let his portion be with the beasts of the field, till seven times pass over him;
And as for the vision which the king saw of a watcher, a holy one, coming down from heaven, saying, Let the tree be cut down and given to destruction;
Then Your Majesty saw a watcher, a holy one, coming down from heaven who said, ‘Cut down the tree and destroy it, but leave the stump and its roots in the ground, and bind it with iron and bronze, surrounded by the new grass of the field. Let him become soaked with the dew of heaven and let him live with the animals outside in the undergrowth. Let his mind become like that of an animal. Let him be like this for seven times.’
Where as they sayd, that one should leaue the stumpe of the tree rootes, thy kingdome shall remaine vnto thee: after that, thou shalt knowe, that the heauens haue the rule.
and that which the king hath seen — a sifter, even a holy one, coming down from the heavens, and he hath said, Cut down the tree, and destroy it; but the stump of its roots leave in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field, and with the dew of the heavens it is wet, and with the beast of the field [is] his portion, till that seven times pass over him.
“Whereas the king saw a holy watcher coming down from the sky and saying, ‘Cut down the tree, and destroy it; nevertheless leave the stump of its roots in the earth, even with a band of iron and bronze, in the tender grass of the field, and let it be wet with the dew of the sky. Let his portion be with the animals of the field, until seven times pass over him.’
And whereas the king saw a watcher and a holy one coming down from heaven, and saying, Hew the tree down, and destroy it; yet leave the stump of its roots in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let its portion be with the beasts of the field, till seven times shall pass over him;
But whereas he commanded, that the stump of the roots thereof, that is, of the tree, should be left: thy kingdom shall remain to thee after thou shalt have known that power is from heaven.
Then you saw a holy angel coming down from heaven. That angel said, ‘Cut down the tree, and cut off its branches! Strip/Shake off all of its leaves, and scatter its fruit. But leave the stump of the tree and its roots in the ground. Fasten a band of iron and bronze around the stump and allow it to stay there with grass around it. Each morning cause the dew from the sky to make this man, who was represented by the tree, damp. Cause him to live in the fields with the animals for seven years.’
Berean Amplified Bible — Daniel 4:23
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 4:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/דִ֣י
אֲמַ֗רוּ
לְ/מִשְׁבַּ֞ק
עִקַּ֤ר
שָׁרְשׁ֨וֹ/הִי֙
דִּ֣י
אִֽילָנָ֔/א
מַלְכוּתָ֖/ךְ
לָ֣/ךְ
קַיָּמָ֑ה
מִן
דִּ֣י
תִנְדַּ֔ע
דִּ֥י
שַׁלִּטִ֖ן
שְׁמַיָּֽ/א
וְ/דִ֣י
dîy
H1768
that
Adj | Rel
אֲמַ֗רוּ
ʼămar
H560
to say
Adj
לְ/מִשְׁבַּ֞ק
shᵉbaq
H7662
to be left
Adj | V-Qal-Inf-a
עִקַּ֤ר
ʻiqqar
H6136
root
Adj
שָׁרְשׁ֨וֹ/הִי֙
shôresh
H8330
root
Adj | Suff
דִּ֣י
dîy
H1768
that
Adj
אִֽילָנָ֔/א
ʼîylân
H363
tree
Adj | Art
מַלְכוּתָ֖/ךְ
malkûw
H4437
kingdom
Adj | Suff
לָ֣/ךְ
Adj | Suff
קַיָּמָ֑ה
qayâm
H7011
enduring
Adj
מִן
min
H4481
from
Adj
דִּ֣י
dîy
H1768
that
Adj
תִנְדַּ֔ע
yᵉdaʻ
H3046
to know
Adj
דִּ֥י
dîy
H1768
that
Adj
שַׁלִּטִ֖ן
shallîyṭ
H7990
ruling
Adj
שְׁמַיָּֽ/א
shâmayin
H8065
heaven
Adj | Art
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Daniel 4:23
וְ/דִ֣י
dîy
H1768
"that"
Adj | Rel
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.
אֲמַ֗רוּ
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/מִשְׁבַּ֞ק
shᵉbaq
H7662
"to be left"
Adj | V-Qal-Inf-a
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.
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.
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.
אִֽילָנָ֔/א
ʼîylân
H363
"tree"
Adj | Art
This word simply means a tree, like the ones found in the garden of Eden in Genesis 2:9 or the tree of life in Revelation 22:2. It is often used in biblical descriptions of nature and creation.
Definition: ram Aramaic of a.yil (אַ֫יִל "terebinth" H0352D)
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: tree. See also: Daniel 4:7; Daniel 4:17; Daniel 4:23.
מַלְכוּתָ֖/ךְ
malkûw
H4437
"kingdom"
Adj | Suff
A kingdom refers to the territory or area ruled by a king, like King David's kingdom in Israel. It can also mean the reign or period of time a king is in power. The word is used in the Bible to describe royal authority and dominion.
Definition: 1) royalty, reign, kingdom 1a) royalty, kingship, kingly authority 1b) kingdom 1c) realm (of territory) 1d) reign (of time)
Usage: Occurs in 43 OT verses. KJV: kingdom, kingly, realm, reign. See also: Ezra 4:24; Daniel 5:7; Daniel 7:27.
לָ֣/ךְ
""
Adj | Suff
קַיָּמָ֑ה
qayâm
H7011
"enduring"
Adj
This Hebrew word means something that is permanent or secure, like a promise that will never change. In the book of Psalm 111, it describes God's works as enduring and secure, giving us confidence in His faithfulness. It can also refer to a person who is steadfast and reliable.
Definition: secure, enduring
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: stedfast, sure. See also: Daniel 4:23; Daniel 6:27.
מִן
min
H4481
"from"
Adj
This word is used to show where something comes from, like from a place or at a certain time, and is often translated as from or out of.
Definition: 1) from, out of, by, by reason of, at, more than 1a) from, out of (of place) 1b) from, by, as a result of, by reason of, at, according to, (of source) 1c) from (of time) 1d) beyond, more than (in comparisons)
Usage: Occurs in 83 OT verses. KJV: according, after, [phrase] because, [phrase] before, by, for, from, [idiom] him, [idiom] more than, (out) of, part, since, [idiom] these, to, upon, [phrase] when. See also: Ezra 4:12; Daniel 3:22; Jeremiah 10:11.
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.
תִנְדַּ֔ע
yᵉdaʻ
H3046
"to know"
Adj
To know in Hebrew can also mean to let someone know or communicate, and is used in different forms, such as to certify, inform, or teach, in the Bible.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (P'al) to know 1b) (Aphel) to let someone know, communicate, inform, cause to know
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: certify, know, make known, teach. See also: Ezra 4:12; Daniel 2:30; Daniel 7:16.
דִּ֥י
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.
שַׁלִּטִ֖ן
shallîyṭ
H7990
"ruling"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means having authority or being a ruler. It describes someone with mastery or power, like a captain or leader. This concept appears in various books, including the historical accounts of Israel's kings.
Definition: 1) having mastery, having authority, ruling 1a) having or exercising mastery, ruling 1b) ruler (subst) 1c) having authority 1c1) it is authorised
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: captain, be lawful, rule(-r). See also: Ezra 4:20; Daniel 4:22; Daniel 5:29.
שְׁמַיָּֽ/א
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.
Study Notes — Daniel 4:23
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Daniel 4:23 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Daniel 4:23
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 4:23
- Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 4:23
- Ellicott's Commentary on Daniel 4:23
- Cambridge Bible on Daniel 4:23
- Barnes' Notes on Daniel 4:23
- Sermons on Daniel 4:23
Context — Daniel Interprets the Second Dream
21whose foliage was beautiful and whose fruit was abundant, providing food for all, under which the beasts of the field lived, and in whose branches the birds of the air nested—
22you, O king, are that tree! For you have become great and strong; your greatness has grown to reach the sky, and your dominion extends to the ends of the earth.
23And 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, 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 of the field till seven times pass him by.’
24This is the interpretation, O king, and this is the decree that the Most High has issued against my lord the king: 25You 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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Daniel 5:21 | He was driven away from mankind, and his mind was like that of a beast. He lived with the wild donkeys and ate grass like an ox, and his body was drenched with the dew of heaven until he acknowledged that the Most High God rules over the kingdom of mankind, setting over it whom He wishes. |
| 2 | Daniel 4:13–16 | As I lay on my bed, I also saw in the visions of my mind a watcher, a holy one, coming down from heaven. He 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. 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 on the grass of the earth. 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. |
Daniel 4:23 Summary
In Daniel 4:23, we see a powerful message from God to King Nebuchadnezzar, warning him to humble himself and recognize God's sovereignty. The king is told that he will be punished for his pride, but that his kingdom will not be completely destroyed (as seen in Daniel 4:26). This verse reminds us that God is in control of all things, and that we must acknowledge and submit to His will, just as it says in Romans 11:36 and Psalm 103:19. By humbling ourselves before God and recognizing His sovereignty, we can avoid the kind of punishment that King Nebuchadnezzar faced.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the 'watcher, a holy one' in Daniel 4:23?
The 'watcher, a holy one' refers to an angelic being who is sent by God to deliver a message to King Nebuchadnezzar, as seen in Daniel 4:13, and this is reminiscent of other angelic appearances in the Bible, such as in Acts 10:3 and Luke 1:11.
Why is the tree to be cut down but the stump left intact?
The tree represents King Nebuchadnezzar, and the stump with its roots intact signifies that his kingdom will not be completely destroyed, but rather, it will be preserved until he acknowledges God's sovereignty, much like the promise made to David in 2 Samuel 7:16.
What is the meaning of 'seven times' in Daniel 4:23?
The 'seven times' in Daniel 4:23 is believed to represent a period of seven years, during which King Nebuchadnezzar will be punished for his pride and will live among the beasts of the field, as further explained in Daniel 4:25, and this concept of a set period of time for punishment is also seen in Leviticus 26:18 and Leviticus 26:21-24.
How does this verse relate to the overall theme of Daniel 4?
This verse is a key part of the dream that King Nebuchadnezzar had, which Daniel interprets as a warning to the king to humble himself before God, lest he face punishment, as stated in Daniel 4:27, and this theme of humility and recognition of God's sovereignty is a common thread throughout the book of Daniel, such as in Daniel 5:20-21.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can humble myself before God, just as King Nebuchadnezzar was commanded to do?
- How can I recognize and acknowledge God's sovereignty in my own life, especially in times of pride or uncertainty?
- What are some 'stumps' in my life that need to be preserved and nourished, rather than cut down and destroyed?
- In what ways can I be more mindful of the 'dew of heaven' and the 'beasts of the field' in my daily life, as symbols of God's provision and care?
Gill's Exposition on Daniel 4:23
And whereas the king saw a watcher, and an Holy One,.... Here is related another part of the dream, which respects the cutting down of the tree, or the miserable condition the king should be brought into; see Daniel 4:13.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 4:23
And whereas the king saw a watcher and an holy one coming down from heaven, and saying, Hew the tree down, and destroy it; yet leave the stump of the roots thereof in the earth, even with a band of
Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 4:23
Daniel 4:23 And whereas the king saw a watcher and an holy one coming down from heaven, and saying, Hew the tree down, and destroy it; yet leave the stump of the roots thereof in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and [let] his portion [be] with the beasts of the field, till seven times pass over him;Ver. 23. And whereas the king, &c.] See Daniel 4:13. Hew the tree down.] Sin ever endeth tragically. Yet leave the stump.] Reserve him for a kingly state again, like as he had left a stump in Judah, spared the kingly seed, showed pity to the remnant of the Lord. The least favour that is shown to the godly shall be repaid double.
Ellicott's Commentary on Daniel 4:23
(23) Destroy it.—Observe how, in this verse, these words stand for the whole of the latter part of Dan 4:14.
Cambridge Bible on Daniel 4:23
23. Abbreviated from Daniel 4:13-16.
Barnes' Notes on Daniel 4:23
And whereas the king saw a watcher ... - See the note at Daniel 4:13. The recapitulation in this verse is slightly varied from the statement in Daniel 4:14-16, still so as not materially to affect the sense.
Sermons on Daniel 4:23
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(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 |
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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 |
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Studies in the Psalms 02 I Shall Not Be Moved by Neil Fraser | In this sermon, the preacher references two passages from the Bible - Daniel 4 and Acts 4 - to emphasize that God is still in control despite the rise and fall of earthly rulers. H |
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They Are Founded on the Loveliness of the Moral Excellency of Divine Things. by Jonathan Edwards | Jonathan Edwards preaches about the foundation of holy affections, emphasizing that true holiness is primarily based on the moral excellency of divine things. He explains that mora |