Menu

Daniel 4:9

Daniel 4:9 in Multiple Translations

“O Belteshazzar, chief of the magicians, I know that the spirit of the holy gods is in you and that no mystery baffles you. So explain to me the visions I saw in my dream, and their interpretation.

O Belteshazzar, master of the magicians, because I know that the spirit of the holy gods is in thee, and no secret troubleth thee, tell me the visions of my dream that I have seen, and the interpretation thereof.

O Belteshazzar, master of the magicians, because I know that the spirit of the holy gods is in thee, and no secret troubleth thee, tell me the visions of my dream that I have seen, and the interpretation thereof.

O Belteshazzar, master of the wonder-workers, because I am certain that the spirit of the holy gods is in you, and you are troubled by no secret; this is the dream which I saw: make clear to me its sense.

“Belteshazzar, chief of magicians,” I said, “I certainly know that the spirit of the holy gods is in you and that no mystery is difficult for you to explain. So tell me about what I saw in my dream and explain what it means.

The boughes thereof were faire and the fruite thereof much, and in it was meate for all: it made a shadow vnder it for the beastes of the fielde, and the foules of the heauen dwelt in the boughes thereof, and all flesh fedde of it.

'O Belteshazzar, master of the scribes, as I have known that the spirit of the holy gods [is] in thee, and no secret doth press thee, the visions of my dream that I have seen, and its interpretation, tell.

“Belteshazzar, master of the magicians, because I know that the spirit of the holy gods is in you and no secret troubles you, tell me the visions of my dream that I have seen, and its interpretation.

O Belteshazzar, master of the magicians, because I know that the spirit of the holy gods is in thee, and no secret troubleth thee, tell me the visions of my dream that I have seen, and the interpretation of it.

Its leaves were most beautiful, and its fruit exceeding much: and in it was food for all: under it dwelt cattle, and beasts, and in the branches thereof the fowls of the air had their abode: and all flesh did eat of it.

So, using the name that had been given to him, I said, ‘Belteshazzar, you are the most important of all my fortune-tellers. I know that the spirit of the holy gods is in you, and that you can reveal all mysteries. There is none that is too difficult for you. So, tell me what my dream means.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

Enable Study Highlights
God & Jesus
Holy Spirit
Divine Actions
Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — Daniel 4:9

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 4:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB עָפְיֵ֤/הּ שַׁפִּיר֙ וְ/אִנְבֵּ֣/הּ שַׂגִּ֔יא וּ/מָז֨וֹן לְ/כֹ֖לָּ/א בֵ֑/הּ תְּחֹת֜וֹ/הִי תַּטְלֵ֣ל חֵיוַ֣ת בָּרָ֗/א וּ/בְ/עַנְפ֨וֹ/הִי֙ ידרון יְדוּרָן֙ צִפֲּרֵ֣י שְׁמַיָּ֔/א וּ/מִנֵּ֖/הּ יִתְּזִ֥ין כָּל בִּשְׂרָֽ/א
עָפְיֵ֤/הּ ʻŏphîy H6074 foliage Adj | Suff
שַׁפִּיר֙ shappîyr H8209 fair Adj
וְ/אִנְבֵּ֣/הּ ʼêb H4 fruit Adj | N-ms | Suff
שַׂגִּ֔יא saggîyʼ H7690 greatly Adj
וּ/מָז֨וֹן mâzôwn H4203 food Adj | N-ms
לְ/כֹ֖לָּ/א kôl H3606 all Adj | N-ms | Art
בֵ֑/הּ Adj | Suff
תְּחֹת֜וֹ/הִי tᵉchôwth H8460 under Adj | Suff
תַּטְלֵ֣ל ṭᵉlal H2927 to have shade Adj
חֵיוַ֣ת chêyvâʼ H2423 beast Adj
בָּרָ֗/א bar H1251 field Adj | Art
וּ/בְ/עַנְפ֨וֹ/הִי֙ ʻănaph H6056 bough Adj | Prep | N-mp | Suff
ידרון dûwr H1753 to dwell Adj
יְדוּרָן֙ dûwr H1753 to dwell Adj
צִפֲּרֵ֣י tsᵉphar H6853 bird Adj
שְׁמַיָּ֔/א shâmayin H8065 heaven Adj | Art
וּ/מִנֵּ֖/הּ min H4481 from Adj | Prep | Suff
יִתְּזִ֥ין zûwn H2110 to feed Adj
כָּל kôl H3606 all Adj
בִּשְׂרָֽ/א bᵉshar H1321 flesh Adj | Art
Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

Use arrow keys to navigate between words.

Hebrew Word Reference — Daniel 4:9

עָפְיֵ֤/הּ ʻŏphîy H6074 "foliage" Adj | Suff
This word means foliage or leafage, describing the leaves and twigs of a tree. It is used in the Bible to describe the natural world.
Definition: leafage, foliage Aramaic of o.phe (עֳפָיִם "branch" H6073)
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: leaves. See also: Daniel 4:9; Daniel 4:11; Daniel 4:18.
שַׁפִּיר֙ shappîyr H8209 "fair" Adj
This word means fair or beautiful, often used to describe nice foliage. It is used in the Bible to describe attractive scenery and pleasing landscapes, highlighting the beauty of creation.
Definition: fair, beautiful (of foliage)
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: fair. See also: Daniel 4:9; Daniel 4:18.
וְ/אִנְבֵּ֣/הּ ʼêb H4 "fruit" Adj | N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this word means a green plant or fruit, symbolizing new life and growth. It is used to describe the beauty of nature in the Garden of Eden.
Definition: fruit, fresh, young, greening Aramaic of ev (אֵב "greenery" H0003)
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: fruit. See also: Daniel 4:9; Daniel 4:11; Daniel 4:18.
שַׂגִּ֔יא saggîyʼ H7690 "greatly" Adj
This word means greatly or exceedingly, describing something large in size or quantity. It's used to emphasize the magnitude of something, like a great multitude.
Definition: adj 1) great, much 1a) great 1b) much, many adv 2) exceedingly
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: exceeding, great(-ly); many, much, sore, very. See also: Ezra 5:11; Daniel 4:9; Daniel 7:28.
וּ/מָז֨וֹן mâzôwn H4203 "food" Adj | N-ms
The Aramaic word mazon means food or feed, similar to the Hebrew word, and is used to refer to the act of eating or the food itself, often translated as meat.
Definition: food, feed Aramaic of ma.zon (מָזוֹן "food" H4202)
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: meat. See also: Daniel 4:9; Daniel 4:18.
לְ/כֹ֖לָּ/א kôl H3606 "all" Adj | N-ms | Art
The Hebrew word for all or everything, used in the Bible to describe the entirety of something, like all people or all things. It appears in Genesis and Psalms to emphasize God's power over everything. This word is often translated as 'all' or 'every' in English Bibles.
Definition: 1) all, whole, the whole 1a) the whole of, all 1b) every, any, none
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: all, any, + (forasmuch) as, + be-(for this) cause, every, + no (manner, -ne), + there (where) -fore, + though, what (where, who) -soever, (the) whole. See also: Ezra 4:14; Daniel 3:29; Daniel 7:27.
בֵ֑/הּ "" Adj | Suff
תְּחֹת֜וֹ/הִי tᵉchôwth H8460 "under" Adj | Suff
The Hebrew word for under or beneath, often used to describe a physical location or position. It is used in various biblical contexts, including descriptions of geography and architecture.
Definition: under Aramaic of ta.chat (תַּחַת ": under" H8478)
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: under. See also: Jeremiah 10:11; Daniel 4:18; Daniel 7:27.
תַּטְלֵ֣ל ṭᵉlal H2927 "to have shade" Adj
This Hebrew word means to have shade, like being in a cool spot on a hot day. It is used in the Bible to describe a place with shade. In the book of Song of Solomon, it talks about a lovely shade.
Definition: (Aphel) to seek shade, have shade Aramaic of ta.lal (טָלַל "to cover" H2926)
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: have a shadow. See also: Daniel 4:9.
חֵיוַ֣ת chêyvâʼ H2423 "beast" Adj
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.
בָּרָ֗/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/עַנְפ֨וֹ/הִי֙ ʻănaph H6056 "bough" Adj | Prep | N-mp | Suff
A bough or branch, like a twig, is what the Hebrew word 'anaph' describes, used to cover limbs. It appears in the Bible as a natural image.
Definition: bough, branch Aramaic of a.naph (עָנָף "branch" H6057)
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: bough, branch. See also: Daniel 4:9; Daniel 4:11; Daniel 4:18.
ידרון dûwr H1753 "to dwell" Adj
This word is similar to H1752 and also means to reside or stay in a place. It is used in the Aramaic language and has the same meaning as H1752. In the book of Daniel, it describes where the Jews lived.
Definition: (P'al) to dwell Aramaic of dur (דּוּר "to dwell" H1752)
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: dwell. See also: Daniel 2:38; Daniel 4:18; Daniel 6:26.
יְדוּרָן֙ dûwr H1753 "to dwell" Adj
This word is similar to H1752 and also means to reside or stay in a place. It is used in the Aramaic language and has the same meaning as H1752. In the book of Daniel, it describes where the Jews lived.
Definition: (P'al) to dwell Aramaic of dur (דּוּר "to dwell" H1752)
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: dwell. See also: Daniel 2:38; Daniel 4:18; Daniel 6:26.
צִפֲּרֵ֣י tsᵉphar H6853 "bird" Adj
The Hebrew word for bird is a general term that refers to any type of bird. It is used in the Bible to describe the creation of birds in Genesis 1:25. The word is also used in Psalm 104:12 to describe birds living near water.
Definition: bird Aramaic of tsip.por (צִפּוֹר "bird" H6833)
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: bird. See also: Daniel 4:9; Daniel 4:18; Daniel 4:30.
שְׁמַיָּ֔/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.
וּ/מִנֵּ֖/הּ min H4481 "from" Adj | Prep | Suff
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.
יִתְּזִ֥ין zûwn H2110 "to feed" Adj
This word means to feed or nourish, similar to H2109, and is used in the Bible to describe providing food for oneself or others. The KJV translates it as feed, and it is related to being well-fed or plump.
Definition: 1) to feed 1a) (Ithp'el) to feed oneself
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: feed. See also: Daniel 4:9.
כָּל kôl H3606 "all" Adj
The Hebrew word for all or everything, used in the Bible to describe the entirety of something, like all people or all things. It appears in Genesis and Psalms to emphasize God's power over everything. This word is often translated as 'all' or 'every' in English Bibles.
Definition: 1) all, whole, the whole 1a) the whole of, all 1b) every, any, none
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: all, any, + (forasmuch) as, + be-(for this) cause, every, + no (manner, -ne), + there (where) -fore, + though, what (where, who) -soever, (the) whole. See also: Ezra 4:14; Daniel 3:29; Daniel 7:27.
בִּשְׂרָֽ/א bᵉshar H1321 "flesh" Adj | Art
This Aramaic word for flesh is similar to the Hebrew word and is used in the Bible to describe the body or a person. It appears in books like Daniel and Ezra.
Definition: flesh Aramaic of ba.sar (בָּשָׂר "flesh" H1320)
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: flesh. See also: Daniel 2:11; Daniel 4:9; Daniel 7:5.

Study Notes — Daniel 4:9

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Daniel 2:48 Then 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.
2 Daniel 5:11 There is a man in your kingdom who has the spirit of the holy gods in him. In the days of your father he was found to have insight, intelligence, and wisdom like that of the gods. Your father, King Nebuchadnezzar, appointed him chief of the magicians, enchanters, astrologers, and diviners. Your own father, the king,
3 Daniel 4:8 But at last, into my presence came Daniel (whose name is Belteshazzar after the name of my god, and in whom is the spirit of the holy gods). And I told him the dream:
4 Ezekiel 28:3 Behold, you are wiser than Daniel; no secret is hidden from you!
5 Judges 7:13–15 And as Gideon arrived, a man was telling his friend about a dream. “Behold, I had a dream,” he said, “and I saw a loaf of barley bread come tumbling into the Midianite camp. It struck the tent so hard that the tent overturned and collapsed.” His friend replied: “This is nothing less than the sword of Gideon son of Joash, the Israelite. God has delivered Midian and the whole camp into his hand.” When Gideon heard the dream and its interpretation, he bowed in worship. He returned to the camp of Israel and said, “Get up, for the LORD has delivered the camp of Midian into your hand.”
6 Daniel 4:5 I had a dream, and it frightened me; while in my bed, the images and visions in my mind alarmed me.
7 Daniel 1:20 In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king consulted them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his entire kingdom.
8 Genesis 41:38 So Pharaoh asked them, “Can we find anyone like this man, in whom the Spirit of God abides?”
9 Isaiah 54:14 In righteousness you will be established, far from oppression, for you will have no fear. Terror will be far removed, for it will not come near you.
10 Genesis 41:15–36 Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I had a dream, and no one can interpret it. But I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it.” “I myself cannot do it,” Joseph replied, “but God will give Pharaoh a sound answer.” Then Pharaoh said to Joseph: “In my dream I was standing on the bank of the Nile, when seven cows, well-fed and sleek, came up from the river and began to graze among the reeds. After them, seven other cows—sickly, ugly, and thin—came up. I have never seen such ugly cows in all the land of Egypt! Then the thin, ugly cows devoured the seven well-fed cows that were there first. When they had devoured them, however, no one could tell that they had done so; their appearance was as ugly as it had been before. Then I awoke. In my dream I also saw seven heads of grain, plump and ripe, growing on a single stalk. After them, seven other heads of grain sprouted—withered, thin, and scorched by the east wind. And the thin heads of grain swallowed the seven plump ones. I told this dream to the magicians, but no one could explain it to me.” At this, Joseph said to Pharaoh, “The dreams of Pharaoh are one and the same. God has revealed to Pharaoh what He is about to do. The seven good cows are seven years, and the seven ripe heads of grain are seven years. The dreams have the same meaning. Moreover, the seven thin, ugly cows that came up after them are seven years, and so are the seven worthless heads of grain scorched by the east wind—they are seven years of famine. It is just as I said to Pharaoh: God has shown Pharaoh what He is about to do. Behold, seven years of great abundance are coming throughout the land of Egypt, but seven years of famine will follow them. Then all the abundance in the land of Egypt will be forgotten, and the famine will devastate the land. The abundance in the land will not be remembered, since the famine that follows it will be so severe. Moreover, because the dream was given to Pharaoh in two versions, the matter has been decreed by God, and He will carry it out shortly. Now, therefore, Pharaoh should look for a discerning and wise man and set him over the land of Egypt. Let Pharaoh take action and appoint commissioners over the land to take a fifth of the harvest of Egypt during the seven years of abundance. Under the authority of Pharaoh, let them collect all the excess food from these good years, that they may come and lay up the grain to be preserved as food in the cities. This food will be a reserve for the land during the seven years of famine to come upon the land of Egypt. Then the country will not perish in the famine.”

Daniel 4:9 Summary

[In Daniel 4:9, the king asks Daniel to interpret his dream because he believes Daniel has a special gift from God that allows him to understand mysteries, similar to how God gave Joseph the ability to interpret dreams in Genesis 40:1-41:36. This shows that God gives different people different gifts and abilities, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12:4-11. The king's recognition of Daniel's gift is an example of how people can acknowledge and respect the gifts and talents that God has given to others. By seeking God's guidance and using our gifts to serve Him, we can, like Daniel, bring glory to God and fulfill our purpose in life.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the title 'chief of the magicians' mean in Daniel 4:9?

This title signifies that Daniel, also known as Belteshazzar, held a high position of authority and respect among the magicians and wise men in the kingdom, as seen in Daniel 4:8 where he is summoned to interpret the king's dream, similar to how Joseph was elevated in Egypt according to Genesis 41:39-40.

Why does the king say 'the spirit of the holy gods is in you' to Daniel?

The king's statement acknowledges that Daniel possesses a unique gift from God, which enables him to interpret dreams and mysteries, a theme also found in Daniel 5:11-12 where the queen reminds the king of Daniel's abilities, and in 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 where the Bible discusses the various spiritual gifts given by God.

What kind of mysteries was Daniel expected to solve?

Daniel was expected to solve mysteries related to dreams and their interpretations, as well as other enigmatic events, much like Joseph did in Genesis 40:1-41:36 when he interpreted the dreams of the cupbearer, the baker, and Pharaoh.

How does this verse relate to the concept of spiritual gifts in the Bible?

This verse illustrates how God gives different kinds of spiritual gifts to believers, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12:7-11, and Daniel's gift of interpretation is an example of how these gifts can be used to serve and glorify God, as seen in 1 Peter 4:10-11.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some mysteries or challenges in my life that I need God's wisdom to understand and overcome, and how can I seek His guidance?
  2. In what ways can I, like Daniel, use my gifts and talents to serve and honor God, and what steps can I take to develop these gifts?
  3. How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's sovereignty and provision, especially when faced with uncertain or difficult circumstances, as the king did in this verse?
  4. What does this verse teach me about the importance of humility and recognizing God as the source of all wisdom and understanding, as seen in Proverbs 9:10 and James 1:5?

Gill's Exposition on Daniel 4:9

O Belteshazzar, master of the magicians,.... So he called him, either because he excelled them in knowledge, and was greater than they, as Jacchiades; though not of their rank and order, which Daniel

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 4:9

O Belteshazzar, master of the magicians, because I know that the spirit of the holy gods is in thee, and no secret troubleth thee, tell me the visions of my dream that I have seen, and the interpretation thereof.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Daniel 4:9

This argued he was convinced of Daniel’ s great abilities, and that he truly deserved the title and dignity the king had honoured him with; and by this persuasion and confidence he had of him, Daniel would show he answered both the opinion and expectation the king had of him.

Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 4:9

Daniel 4:9 O Belteshazzar, master of the magicians, because I know that the spirit of the holy gods [is] in thee, and no secret troubleth thee, tell me the visions of my dream that I have seen, and the interpretation thereof.Ver. 9. Because I know that the spirit of the holy gods is in thee.] The spirit of divination and prophecy. And no secret troubleth thee.] Chald., Puts thee to business. Now he who had slighted Daniel before, to get what he desired, abaseth himself below the dignity of a king to him.

Ellicott's Commentary on Daniel 4:9

(9) Troubleth thee.—Literally, goadeth thee, or, causeth thee this difficulty.

Cambridge Bible on Daniel 4:9

9. master of the magicians] see Daniel 2:48. troubleth thee] forceth, constraineth thee, i.e. reduces thee to straits.

Barnes' Notes on Daniel 4:9

O Belteshazzar, master of the magicians - “Master,” in the sense that he was first among them, or was superior to them all.

Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 4:9

9. Daniel is here recognized as master of the magicians. (See note Daniel 2:48.) The otherwise unaccountable failure of the king to call on him first of all, instead of sending out a decree (Daniel

Sermons on Daniel 4:9

SermonDescription
Michael Howard An Excellent Spirit by Michael Howard In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a burning desire to do more than just passively observe one's circumstances. He references the story of Daniel in th
C.H. Spurgeon Now We Have Received by C.H. Spurgeon The preacher delves into the Greek word 'huperecho,' which means to excel, be superior, and hold others in higher regard. Paul emphasizes the importance of esteeming others as more
Chuck Smith The Word of Wisdom by Chuck Smith Chuck Smith emphasizes the significance of the Holy Spirit's manifestations in the life of a believer, particularly focusing on the gift of wisdom. He explains the difference betwe
Brian Guerin Fire 21 Conference by Brian Guerin Brian Guerin shares a prophetic message at the Fire 21 Conference, emphasizing the need to break barriers that hinder the flow of the Holy Spirit, likening them to a beaver dam tha
F.B. Meyer Our Daily Homily - Judges by F.B. Meyer F.B. Meyer emphasizes the persistent nature of evil habits in our lives, likening them to the Canaanites who resisted being dislodged from the land. He reminds us that as believers
David Guzik (Daniel) Purity in the Face of Adversity by David Guzik In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Daniel and his friends in Babylon. The young men were appointed a daily provision of the king's delicacies and wine for three ye
Kathryn Kuhlman Baptism of the Holy Spirit - Part 1 by Kathryn Kuhlman In this sermon, Miss Coleman shares a powerful testimony of a father who had a revelation that Jesus is the true Messiah. The father struggled with the idea of admitting his previo

Everything we make is available for free because of a generous community of supporters.

Donate