Daniel 5:12
Daniel 5:12 in Multiple Translations
did this because Daniel, the one he named Belteshazzar, was found to have an extraordinary spirit, as well as knowledge, understanding, and the ability to interpret dreams, explain riddles, and solve difficult problems. Summon Daniel, therefore, and he will give you the interpretation.”
Forasmuch as an excellent spirit, and knowledge, and understanding, interpreting of dreams, and shewing of hard sentences, and dissolving of doubts, were found in the same Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar: now let Daniel be called, and he will shew the interpretation.
forasmuch as an excellent spirit, and knowledge, and understanding, interpreting of dreams, and showing of dark sentences, and dissolving of doubts, were found in the same Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar. Now let Daniel be called, and he will show the interpretation.
Because a most special spirit, and knowledge and reason and the power of reading dreams and unfolding dark sayings and answering hard questions, were seen to be in him, even in Daniel (named Belteshazzar by the king): now let Daniel be sent for, and he will make clear the sense of the writing.
because Daniel (called Belteshazzar by the king) was found to have an excellent mind, full of understanding and insight, and also able to interpret dreams, explain mysteries, and solve difficult problems. Call Daniel in and let him explain what this means to you.”
Because a more excellent spirit, and knowledge, and vnderstanding (for hee did expound dreames, and declare hard sentences, and dissolued doubtes) were founde in him, euen in Daniel, whome the King named Belteshazzar: nowe let Daniel be called, and hee will declare the interpretation.
because that an excellent spirit, and knowledge, and understanding, interpreting of dreams, and showing of enigmas, and loosing of knots was found in him, in Daniel, whose name the king made Belteshazzar: now let Daniel be called, and the interpretation he doth show.'
because an excellent spirit, knowledge, understanding, interpreting of dreams, showing of dark sentences, and dissolving of doubts were found in the same Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar. Now let Daniel be called, and he will show the interpretation.”
Forasmuch as an excellent spirit, and knowledge, and understanding, the interpreting of dreams, and showing of hard sentences, and dissolving of doubts, were found in the same Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar: now let Daniel be called, and he will show the interpretation.
Because a greater spirit, and knowledge, and understanding, and interpretation of dreams, and shewing of secrets, and resolving of difficult things, were found in him, that is, in Daniel: whom the king named Baltassar. Now therefore let Daniel be called for, and he will tell the interpretation.
That man’s name is Daniel; the king gave him a new name, Belteshazzar. He is very intelligent and is able to know and understand many things. He is even able to tell the meaning of dreams, and explain riddles, and explain things that are very difficult to understand. Summon him, and he will tell you what this writing means.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Daniel 5:12
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 5:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כָּ/ל
קֳבֵ֡ל
דִּ֣י
ר֣וּחַ
יַתִּירָ֡ה
וּ/מַנְדַּ֡ע
וְ/שָׂכְלְתָנ֡וּ
מְפַשַּׁ֣ר
חֶלְמִין֩
וַֽ/אַֽחֲוָיַ֨ת
אֲחִידָ֜ן
וּ/מְשָׁרֵ֣א
קִטְרִ֗ין
הִשְׁתְּכַ֤חַת
בֵּ/הּ֙
בְּ/דָ֣נִיֵּ֔אל
דִּֽי
מַלְכָּ֥/א
שָׂם
שְׁמֵ֖/הּ
בֵּלְטְשַׁאצַּ֑ר
כְּעַ֛ן
דָּנִיֵּ֥אל
יִתְקְרֵ֖י
וּ/פִשְׁרָ֥/ה
יְהַֽחֲוֵֽה
כָּ/ל
kôl
H3606
all
Adj | Conj
קֳבֵ֡ל
qᵉbêl
H6903
before
Adj
דִּ֣י
dîy
H1768
that
Adj
ר֣וּחַ
rûwach
H7308
spirit
Adj
יַתִּירָ֡ה
yattîyr
H3493
preeminent
Adj
וּ/מַנְדַּ֡ע
mandaʻ
H4486
knowledge
Adj | N-ms
וְ/שָׂכְלְתָנ֡וּ
soklᵉthânûw
H7924
insight
Adj | N-fs
מְפַשַּׁ֣ר
pᵉshar
H6590
to interpret
Adj
חֶלְמִין֩
chêlem
H2493
dream
Adj
וַֽ/אַֽחֲוָיַ֨ת
ʼachăvâh
H263
explanation
Adj | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
אֲחִידָ֜ן
ʼăchîydâh
H280
riddle
Adj
וּ/מְשָׁרֵ֣א
shᵉrêʼ
H8271
to loose
Adj | V-Piel
קִטְרִ֗ין
qᵉṭar
H7001
joint
Adj
הִשְׁתְּכַ֤חַת
shᵉkach
H7912
to find
Adj
בֵּ/הּ֙
Adj | Suff
בְּ/דָ֣נִיֵּ֔אל
Dânîyêʼl
H1841
Daniel
Adj | N-proper
דִּֽי
dîy
H1768
that
Adj
מַלְכָּ֥/א
melek
H4430
king
Adj | Art
שָׂם
sûwm
H7761
to set
Adj
שְׁמֵ֖/הּ
shum
H8036
name
Adj | Suff
בֵּלְטְשַׁאצַּ֑ר
Bêlṭᵉshaʼtstsar
H1096
Belteshazzar
Adj
כְּעַ֛ן
kᵉʻan
H3705
now
Adj
דָּנִיֵּ֥אל
Dânîyêʼl
H1841
Daniel
Adj
יִתְקְרֵ֖י
qᵉrâʼ
H7123
to read
Adj
וּ/פִשְׁרָ֥/ה
pᵉshar
H6591
interpretation
Adj | N-ms | Art
יְהַֽחֲוֵֽה
chăvâʼ
H2324
to show
Adj
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Daniel 5:12
כָּ/ל
kôl
H3606
"all"
Adj | Conj
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.
קֳבֵ֡ל
qᵉbêl
H6903
"before"
Adj
This Hebrew word is used to describe something that is in front of or before something else. It can also mean because of or on account of something. The word is used in various contexts throughout the Old Testament, including in the books of Genesis and Isaiah.
Definition: subst 1) front prep 2) in front of, before, because of, in view of, by reason of, because of this, therefore conj 3) because that, inasmuch as, although, according as, before adv 4) accordingly, then
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] according to, [phrase] as, [phrase] because, before, [phrase] for this cause, [phrase] forasmuch as, [phrase] by this means, over against, by reason of, [phrase] that, [phrase] therefore, [phrase] though, [phrase] wherefore. See also: Ezra 4:14; Daniel 3:7; Daniel 6:23.
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.
ר֣וּחַ
rûwach
H7308
"spirit"
Adj
This word for spirit is used to describe the wind, a person's mind, or their emotions, and is seen in the writings of King Solomon.
Definition: 1) spirit, wind 1a) wind 1b) spirit 1b1) of man 1b2) seat of the mind
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: mind, spirit, wind. See also: Daniel 2:35; Daniel 5:12; Daniel 7:15.
יַתִּירָ֡ה
yattîyr
H3493
"preeminent"
Adj
This word means 'preeminent' or 'excellent', like in Psalm 71 where it describes God's excellent greatness.
Definition: adj 1) pre-eminent, surpassing, extreme, extraordinary adv 2) exceedingly, extremely
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: exceeding(-ly), excellent. See also: Daniel 2:31; Daniel 5:14; Daniel 7:19.
וּ/מַנְדַּ֡ע
mandaʻ
H4486
"knowledge"
Adj | N-ms
Knowledge or wisdom refers to the power of knowing or understanding something. In the book of Daniel, knowledge and wisdom are highly valued. This term is used to describe a deep understanding or insight into a particular subject.
Definition: knowledge, power of knowing Aramaic of mad.da (מַדָּע "knowledge" H4093)
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: knowledge, reason, understanding. See also: Daniel 2:21; Daniel 4:33; Daniel 5:12.
וְ/שָׂכְלְתָנ֡וּ
soklᵉthânûw
H7924
"insight"
Adj | N-fs
This Aramaic word means insight or intelligence, related to understanding. It is used in Daniel to describe wise decisions.
Definition: insight Aramaic of se.khel (שֵׂ֫כֶל "understanding" H7922)
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: understanding. See also: Daniel 5:11; Daniel 5:12; Daniel 5:14.
מְפַשַּׁ֣ר
pᵉshar
H6590
"to interpret"
Adj
This Hebrew word means to interpret something, like understanding a dream or message. It appears in the Bible when Daniel interprets King Nebuchadnezzar's dreams in Daniel 2. The word is used to explain the meaning of something unclear.
Definition: 1) to interpret 1a) (P'al) to interpret 1b) (Pael) to interpret
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: make (interpretations), interpreting. See also: Daniel 5:12; Daniel 5:16.
חֶלְמִין֩
chêlem
H2493
"dream"
Adj
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.
וַֽ/אַֽחֲוָיַ֨ת
ʼachăvâh
H263
"explanation"
Adj | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to declare or explain something, like solving a riddle. It appears in the book of Daniel, where Daniel interprets the king's dreams. The word is about making something clear.
Definition: declaration, a declaring Aramaic of ach.vah (אַחְוָה "declaration" H0262)
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: showing. See also: Daniel 5:12.
אֲחִידָ֜ן
ʼăchîydâh
H280
"riddle"
Adj
Achiyda means riddle or puzzle, it refers to a difficult or confusing question. It is used to describe a hard sentence or enigma.
Definition: puzzle, riddle Aramaic of chi.dah (חִידָה "riddle" H2420)
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: hard sentence. See also: Daniel 5:12.
וּ/מְשָׁרֵ֣א
shᵉrêʼ
H8271
"to loose"
Adj | V-Piel
To set something free or loosen it, like unloading an animal or starting a new journey, as described in the book of Zechariah.
Definition: 1) to loosen, abide, begin 1a) (P'al) 1a1) to loosen 1a2) to abide (from loosing girths for camp) 1b) (Pael) to begin, open 1c) (Ithpael) to be loosened
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: begin, dissolve, dwell, loose. See also: Ezra 5:2; Daniel 5:6; Daniel 5:16.
קִטְרִ֗ין
qᵉṭar
H7001
"joint"
Adj
A joint or knot, this Hebrew word can refer to a physical connection, like the joints in our bodies, or a figurative one, like a problem or riddle. In the Bible, it is used to describe the complexities of human life and the challenges we face. The word appears in the book of Job.
Definition: 1) knot, joint, problem 1a) joints (of the hip) 1b) difficulties, doubts (fig)
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: doubt, joint. See also: Daniel 5:6; Daniel 5:12; Daniel 5:16.
הִשְׁתְּכַ֤חַת
shᵉkach
H7912
"to find"
Adj
This word means to find or discover something, either literally or figuratively. It's used in the Bible to describe finding things, like wisdom or God's favor. The KJV translates it simply as 'find'.
Definition: 1) to find 1a) (Aphel) to find 1b) (Ithp'al) to be found
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: find. See also: Ezra 4:15; Daniel 5:12; Daniel 6:24.
בֵּ/הּ֙
""
Adj | Suff
בְּ/דָ֣נִיֵּ֔אל
Dânîyêʼl
H1841
"Daniel"
Adj | N-proper
The prophet Daniel, also called Belteshazzar, lived during the Exile and Return, and his name means God is my judge.
Definition: A prophet living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Ezk.14.14; also called Belteshazzar at Dan.1.7; 2.26; 4.8,9,18,19; 5.12; 10.1; Aramaic of da.niy.yel (דָּנִיֵּאל, דָּנִאֵל "Daniel" H1840) § Daniel = "God is my judge" 1) the 4th of the greater prophets, taken as hostage in the first deportation to Babylon, because of the gift of God of the interpretation of dreams, he became the 2nd in command of the Babylon empire and lasted through the end of the Babylonian empire and into the Persian empire. His prophecies are the key to the understanding of end time events. Noted for his purity and holiness by contemporary prophet, Ezekiel 1a) also, 'Belteshazzar' (H01095 or H01096)
Usage: Occurs in 43 OT verses. KJV: Daniel. See also: Daniel 2:13; Daniel 5:29; Daniel 7:28.
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.
מַלְכָּ֥/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.
שָׂם
sûwm
H7761
"to set"
Adj
This word is similar to H7760, but is more focused on setting or appointing someone or something to a specific role or task. It is used in books like Genesis and Exodus to describe God's commands and appointments.
Definition: 1) to set, make, appoint 1a) (P'al) 1a1) to make, make decree, setout (decree) 1a2) to make, appoint 1a3) to set, fix 1b) (Ithp'al) to be made, be set, be laid
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] command, give, lay, make, [phrase] name, [phrase] regard, set. See also: Ezra 4:19; Ezra 6:12; Daniel 6:27.
שְׁמֵ֖/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.
בֵּלְטְשַׁאצַּ֑ר
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.
כְּעַ֛ן
kᵉʻan
H3705
"now"
Adj
In the Bible, this word means 'now' or 'at this time', often used to indicate a current moment or situation, like in Genesis. It's about what's happening currently. It's used to show when something is happening.
Definition: now, at this time, until now Aramaic equivalent: ke.e.net (כְּעֶ֫נֶת "now" H3706)
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: now. See also: Ezra 4:13; Daniel 2:23; Daniel 6:9.
דָּנִיֵּ֥אל
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.
יִתְקְרֵ֖י
qᵉrâʼ
H7123
"to read"
Adj
This word means to read or call out loud, often used to describe reading scripture or proclaiming a message. In the book of Nehemiah, the priest Ezra reads the law aloud to the people.
Definition: 1) to call, read aloud, read out, shout 1a) (P'al) 1a1) to call, proclaim 1a2) to read aloud, read out 1b)(Ithp'el) to be summoned, be called
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: call, cry, read. See also: Ezra 4:18; Daniel 5:8; Daniel 5:17.
וּ/פִשְׁרָ֥/ה
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.
יְהַֽחֲוֵֽה
chăvâʼ
H2324
"to show"
Adj
This Hebrew word means to show or explain something, like a prophet interpreting a vision. It is used in the book of Daniel to describe how God reveals secrets to his people.
Definition: 1) to show, interpret, explain, inform, tell, declare 1a) (Pael) to show, interpret 1b) (Aphel) to show
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: shew. See also: Daniel 2:4; Daniel 2:16; Daniel 5:15.
Study Notes — Daniel 5:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Daniel 5:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Daniel 5:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 5:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 5:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on Daniel 5:12
- Cambridge Bible on Daniel 5:12
- Barnes' Notes on Daniel 5:12
- Sermons on Daniel 5:12
Context — The Handwriting on the Wall
10Hearing the outcry of the king and his nobles, the queen entered the banquet hall. “O king, may you live forever!” she said. “Do not let your thoughts terrify you, or your face grow pale.
11There 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,
12did this because Daniel, the one he named Belteshazzar, was found to have an extraordinary spirit, as well as knowledge, understanding, and the ability to interpret dreams, explain riddles, and solve difficult problems. Summon Daniel, therefore, and he will give you the interpretation.”
13So Daniel was brought before the king, who asked him, “Are you Daniel, one of the exiles my father the king brought from Judah? 14I have heard that the spirit of the gods is in you, and that you have insight, intelligence, and extraordinary wisdom.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Daniel 5:14 | I have heard that the spirit of the gods is in you, and that you have insight, intelligence, and extraordinary wisdom. |
| 2 | Daniel 6:3 | Soon, by his extraordinary spirit, Daniel distinguished himself among the administrators and satraps. So the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom. |
| 3 | Daniel 1:7 | The chief official gave them new names: To Daniel he gave the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abednego. |
| 4 | Daniel 5:16 | But I have heard about you, that you are able to give interpretations and solve difficult problems. Therefore, if you can read this inscription and give me its interpretation, you will be clothed in purple and have a gold chain placed around your neck, and you will be made the third highest ruler in the kingdom.” |
| 5 | Proverbs 12:26 | A righteous man is cautious in friendship, but the ways of the wicked lead them astray. |
| 6 | Psalms 16:3 | As for the saints in the land, they are the excellence in whom all my delight resides. |
| 7 | 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: |
| 8 | Proverbs 17:27 | A man of knowledge restrains his words, and a man of understanding maintains a calm spirit. |
| 9 | 2 Chronicles 9:1–2 | Now when the queen of Sheba heard about the fame of Solomon, she came to test him with difficult questions. She arrived in Jerusalem with a very large caravan—with camels bearing spices, gold in abundance, and precious stones. So she came to Solomon and spoke with him about all that was on her mind. And Solomon answered all her questions; nothing was too difficult for him to explain. |
| 10 | Colossians 1:29 | To this end I also labor, striving with all His energy working powerfully within me. |
Daniel 5:12 Summary
[This verse tells us that Daniel was a very special person who had a close relationship with God, which gave him extraordinary wisdom and understanding, as seen in Daniel 5:12. He could interpret dreams and solve problems that no one else could, which is similar to the gifts given to Joseph in Genesis 41:1-40. Daniel's example teaches us that when we seek God and trust in Him, He can give us the wisdom and insight we need to navigate life's challenges, just like He did for Daniel and Joseph. We can learn from Daniel's example and seek God's guidance in our own lives, trusting that He will provide us with the wisdom and understanding we need.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did King Nebuchadnezzar appoint Daniel as chief of the magicians, enchanters, astrologers, and diviners?
King Nebuchadnezzar recognized Daniel's extraordinary spirit, knowledge, understanding, and ability to interpret dreams, which is why he appointed him to this position, as seen in Daniel 5:12 and Daniel 1:20.
What does it mean to have the spirit of the holy gods in someone?
In Daniel 5:12, having the spirit of the holy gods refers to the presence of God's Spirit in someone, giving them wisdom, insight, and understanding, similar to what is described in Genesis 41:38 and Exodus 31:3.
How did Daniel develop his ability to interpret dreams and solve difficult problems?
Daniel's ability to interpret dreams and solve problems was a gift from God, as seen in Daniel 1:17 and Daniel 2:19, where God gave him wisdom and revelation.
What can we learn from Daniel's example about spiritual gifts and talents?
We can learn from Daniel's example that our spiritual gifts and talents are to be used for God's glory and to serve others, as seen in 1 Corinthians 12:7 and 1 Peter 4:10.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need God's wisdom and insight, and how can I seek Him for guidance?
- How can I, like Daniel, use my spiritual gifts and talents to serve others and bring glory to God?
- What does it mean to have an 'extraordinary spirit' like Daniel, and how can I cultivate this in my own life?
- In what ways can I trust God to give me understanding and wisdom in difficult situations, just as He did for Daniel?
Gill's Exposition on Daniel 5:12
Forasmuch as an excellent spirit,.... A superior spirit to all the wise men in Babylon for natural knowledge and political wisdom; and he had yet a more excellent spirit which she knew nothing of,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 5:12
Forasmuch as an excellent spirit, and knowledge, and understanding, interpreting of dreams, and shewing of hard sentences, and dissolving of doubts, were found in the same Daniel, whom the king named
Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 5:12
Daniel 5:12 Forasmuch as an excellent spirit, and knowledge, and understanding, interpreting of dreams, and shewing of hard sentences, and dissolving of doubts, were found in the same Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar: now let Daniel be called, and he will shew the interpretation.Ver. 12. Forasmuch as an excellent spirit, &c.] Very excellent is the grace of the Spirit in godly hearts, neither can natural conscience do less than stoop and strike sail to the image of God in whomsoever. And dissolving of doubts.] Chald., Knots; that is, perplexed and obscure speeches and sentences. Now let Daniel be called.] Who will not obtrude himself, nor, like the marigold, open and shut with the sun; but, as the violet, which grows low and hangs the head downward, hiding itself also with its own leaves, so Daniel, were it not that the fragrant smell of his many virtues betrayed him to the world, would choose to live and die in his self-contenting secrecy.
Ellicott's Commentary on Daniel 5:12
(12) Forasmuch as.—The effect of these words is to combine the two facts mentioned in Daniel 5:11, and to make the advice at the end of this verse more forcible. “Because Daniel is a wise man, and has proved his wisdom in the days of Nebuchadnezzar, therefore send for him now.” Dissolving of doubts.—See marginal alternative; and for an illustration comp. Records of the Past, vol. iii., p. 141.
Cambridge Bible on Daniel 5:12
12. an excellent spirit] a surpassing spirit, i.e. pre-eminent ability. Cf. Daniel 5:14, Daniel 6:3; and see on Daniel 2:31. The Aramaic word used stands often in the Syriac version of the N.T. for πλεῖον and περισσότερον, as Matthew 6:25; Matthew 11:9; Matthew 12:42. interpreting … dissolving] These two English words are, of course, substantives. The meaning of the passage is, no doubt, given correctly, but it involves a change of punctuation: in the original, the two words, as actually pointed, are participles and out of construction with the context. shewing of hard sentences] declaring of riddles. As Prof. Bevan remarks, the two Aramaic words here used correspond exactly to the two Hebrew words found in Judges 14:14-15; Judges 14:19, and there rendered ‘declare the riddle.’ ‘Hard’ or (R.V.) ‘dark sentences,’ or ‘sayings’ (Psalms 49:4; Psalms 78:2; Proverbs 1:6) is an obscure expression, the retention of which in the R.V. is to be regretted. The Hebrew word is the same as that which is used in 1 Kings 10:1 of the ‘hard questions’ with which the Queen of Sheba plied Solomon. It is also used of an allegory Ezekiel 17:2, of an ‘enigma’ of life, Psalms 49:4, of a truth taught indirectly Psalms 78:2, and of a satirical poem, containing indirect, taunting allusions, Habakkuk 2:6. Orientals love both actual riddles and also indirect, figurative modes of speech; and the power of explaining either the one or the other is highly esteemed by them. dissolving of doubts] loosing of knots: i.e. either solving of difficulties (cf. the same word in the Talm., Jebamoth 61a (‘I see a knot [difficulty] here,’ 107b ‘they made two knots [raised two difficulties] against him’; it has also the same sense of perplexity in Syriac, P.S[258] col. 3591); or (Bevan) untying of magic knots or spells (cf. this sense of the word in Syriac, ‘tiers of knots,’ of a species of enchanters, ‘incantations and knots,’ P.S[259] l. c.), to accomplish which demanded special skill. [258] .S.
R. Payne Smith, Thesaurus Syriacus. [259] .S. R. Payne Smith, Thesaurus Syriacus.whom the king named Belteshazzar] See Daniel 1:7. and he will shew] declare (Daniel 5:7).
Barnes' Notes on Daniel 5:12
Forasmuch as an excellent spirit - Not an excellent spirit in the sense in which that phrase is sometimes used now, as denoting a good and pious spirit, but a spirit or mind that excels; that is,
Sermons on Daniel 5:12
| Sermon | Description | |
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May God Give Us Light by Carter Conlon | This sermon is a powerful call to resist the temptations and delicacies of the world, to stand firm in faith like Daniel did, and to choose to walk in the light of God's truth. It |
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The Call of God by Walter Beuttler | Walter Beuttler emphasizes the importance of being called by God and the process of transformation that should follow. He stresses the need for personal application of biblical tru |
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Lessons From the Past by E.A. Adeboye | E.A. Adeboye emphasizes the importance of learning from past failures and successes to achieve future goals. He highlights the need to identify strengths, sustain them, and prevent |
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Daniel 6:1 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith emphasizes the character of Daniel, a man of excellent spirit, who allowed his spirit to rule over his body and mind. He highlights the importance of having a purpose i |
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Witnesses for God by George Kulp | George Kulp preaches about the importance of being true to God, sharing a story of a young man who chose to serve God despite facing rejection from his family, leading to a powerfu |
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God's Man in Babylon by Steve Gallagher | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the battle that takes place in the mind and heart of believers. He emphasizes the influence of technology, particularly television, in drawin |
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A Plea for the Godly by Thomas Watson | Thomas Watson preaches about the characteristics of a righteous man, emphasizing the importance of humility, holiness, justice, love, and perseverance in one's faith. He highlights |