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Daniel 5:15

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Daniel 5:15 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Now the wise men and enchanters were brought before me to read this inscription and interpret it for me, but they could not give its interpretation.

King James Version KJV

And now the wise men, the astrologers, have been brought in before me, that they should read this writing, and make known unto me the interpretation thereof: but they could not shew the interpretation of the thing:

American Standard Version ASV

And now the wise men, the enchanters, have been brought in before me, that they should read this writing, and make known unto me the interpretation thereof; but they could not show the interpretation of the thing.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And now the wise men, the users of secret arts, have been sent in before me for the purpose of reading this writing and making clear to me the sense of it: but they are not able to make clear the sense of the thing:

Free Bible Version FBV

Just now the wise men and enchanters were brought before me to read this writing and explain it to me, but they weren't able to do so—they couldn't tell me what it meant.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Now therefore, wisemen and astrologians haue bene brought before me, that they should reade this writing, and shewe me the interpretation thereof: but they could not declare the interpretation of the thing.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

'And now, caused to come up before me have been the wise men, the enchanters, that this writing they may read, and its interpretation to cause me to know: and they are not able to shew the interpretation of the thing:

World English Bible WEB

Now the wise men, the enchanters, have been brought in before me, that they should read this writing, and make known to me its interpretation; but they could not show the interpretation of the thing.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And now the wise men , the astrologers, have been brought in before me, that they should read this writing, and make known to me the interpretation of it, but they could not show the interpretation of the thing:

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And now the wise men the magicians have come in before me, to read this writing, and shew me the interpretation thereof: and they could not declare to me the meaning of this writing.

Translation for Translators T4T

My wise men and men who work magic have tried to read the writing on this wall and tell me what it means, but they are not able to do it.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Daniel 5:15

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 5:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וּ/כְעַ֞ן הֻעַ֣לּוּ קָֽדָמַ֗/י חַכִּֽימַיָּ/א֙ אָֽשְׁפַיָּ֔/א דִּֽי כְתָבָ֤/ה דְנָה֙ יִקְר֔וֹן וּ/פִשְׁרֵ֖/הּ לְ/הוֹדָעֻתַ֑/נִי וְ/לָֽא כָהֲלִ֥ין פְּשַֽׁר מִלְּתָ֖/א לְ/הַחֲוָיָֽה
וּ/כְעַ֞ן kᵉʻan H3705 now Adj | Adv
הֻעַ֣לּוּ ʻălal H5954 to come Adj
קָֽדָמַ֗/י qŏdâm H6925 before Adj | Suff
חַכִּֽימַיָּ/א֙ chakkîym H2445 wise Adj | Art
אָֽשְׁפַיָּ֔/א ʼashshâph H826 enchanter Adj | Art
דִּֽי dîy H1768 that Adj
כְתָבָ֤/ה kᵉthâb H3792 inscription Adj | Art
דְנָה֙ dên H1836 this Adj
יִקְר֔וֹן qᵉrâʼ H7123 to read Adj
וּ/פִשְׁרֵ֖/הּ pᵉshar H6591 interpretation Adj | N-ms | Suff
לְ/הוֹדָעֻתַ֑/נִי yᵉdaʻ H3046 to know Adj | V-Hiphil-Inf-a | Suff
וְ/לָֽא lâʼ H3809 not Adj | Part
כָהֲלִ֥ין kᵉhal H3546 be able Adj
פְּשַֽׁר pᵉshar H6591 interpretation Adj
מִלְּתָ֖/א millâh H4406 word Adj | Art
לְ/הַחֲוָיָֽה chăvâʼ H2324 to show Adj | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Daniel 5:15

וּ/כְעַ֞ן kᵉʻan H3705 "now" Adj | Adv
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.
הֻעַ֣לּוּ ʻălal H5954 "to come" Adj
This word means to enter or come into a place, and it can also mean to introduce someone or something. In the Bible, it is used to describe entering a room or bringing someone in. The KJV translates it as come in or bring in.
Definition: 1) to thrust in, go in, come in 1a) (P'al) to go in, come in 1b) (Aphel) to bring in 1c) (Hophal) to be brought in
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: bring in, come in, go in. See also: Daniel 2:16; Daniel 5:7; Daniel 6:19.
קָֽדָמַ֗/י qŏdâm H6925 "before" Adj | Suff
Before something or someone, like in the book of Isaiah where it talks about things that happened before. It can also mean in front of or from the presence of, as seen in the story of Moses and the burning bush in Exodus.
Definition: 1) before, in front of 1a) before 1b) from before
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: before, [idiom] from, [idiom] I (thought), [idiom] me, [phrase] of, [idiom] it pleased, presence. See also: Ezra 4:18; Daniel 5:13; Daniel 7:20.
חַכִּֽימַיָּ/א֙ chakkîym H2445 "wise" Adj | Art
In the Bible, this word means wise or intelligent, describing someone with good judgment. It is used to describe a wise man, like a Magian. The word appears in various books, including Proverbs and Psalms.
Definition: wise man, wise
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: wise. See also: Daniel 2:12; Daniel 2:27; Daniel 5:15.
אָֽשְׁפַיָּ֔/א ʼashshâph H826 "enchanter" Adj | Art
In the Bible, this word refers to a conjurer or enchanter, like the ones in Daniel 2:2 who tried to interpret the king's dreams. It can also mean astrologer, as seen in Isaiah 47:13. These people were involved in occult practices.
Definition: conjurer, enchanter, (CLBL) necromancer Aramaic of ash.shaph (אַשָּׁף "enchanter" H0825)
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: astrologer. See also: Daniel 2:10; Daniel 5:7; Daniel 5:15.
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.
כְתָבָ֤/ה kᵉthâb H3792 "inscription" Adj | Art
This word is similar to H3791, but it specifically refers to an inscription or written decree. It is used in the book of Daniel to describe a written command. The KJV translates it as 'writing' or 'prescribing'.
Definition: 1) a writing 1a) writing, inscription 1b) written decree, written requirement
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: prescribing, writing(-ten). See also: Ezra 6:18; Daniel 5:17; Daniel 6:11.
דְנָה֙ dên H1836 "this" Adj
This Hebrew word means 'this' or 'therefore' and is used to point to something specific. It is often used in the Bible to connect ideas or explain a reason.
Definition: demons pron 1) this, on account of this adv 2) therefore
Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: (afore-) time, [phrase] after this manner, here (-after), one...another, such, there(-fore), these, this (matter), [phrase] thus, where(-fore), which. See also: Ezra 4:11; Daniel 2:29; Jeremiah 10:11.
יִקְר֔וֹן 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/פִשְׁרֵ֖/הּ pᵉshar H6591 "interpretation" Adj | N-ms | Suff
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.
לְ/הוֹדָעֻתַ֑/נִי yᵉdaʻ H3046 "to know" Adj | V-Hiphil-Inf-a | Suff
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.
וְ/לָֽא lâʼ H3809 "not" Adj | Part
Means 'not' or 'nothing', often used to show something is absent or non-existent, like in Genesis. It implies a simple or absolute negation. Used over 2000 times in the Bible.
Definition: no, not, nothing Aramaic of lo (לֹא "not" H3808)
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: or even, neither, no(-ne, -r), (can-) not, as nothing, without. See also: Ezra 4:13; Daniel 3:16; Jeremiah 10:11.
כָהֲלִ֥ין kᵉhal H3546 "be able" Adj
To be able means to have the strength or power to do something, like when the Israelites were able to defeat their enemies with God's help. It's about being capable or strong enough to accomplish a task.
Definition: 1) to be able 1a) (P'al) to be able
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: be able, could. See also: Daniel 2:26; Daniel 5:8; Daniel 5:15.
פְּשַֽׁר pᵉshar H6591 "interpretation" Adj
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.
מִלְּתָ֖/א millâh H4406 "word" Adj | Art
Similar to H4405, this word means a word, command, or subject. It's used in the Bible to describe what God commands or what people discuss.
Definition: 1) word, thing 1a) word, utterance, command 1b) thing, affair, matter
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: commandment, matter, thing. word. See also: Daniel 2:5; Daniel 4:30; Daniel 7:28.
לְ/הַחֲוָיָֽה chăvâʼ H2324 "to show" Adj | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
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 5:15

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Daniel 5:7–8 The king called out for the enchanters, astrologers, and diviners to be brought in, and he said to these wise men of Babylon, “Whoever reads this inscription and tells me its interpretation will be clothed in purple and have a gold chain placed around his neck, and he will be made the third highest ruler in the kingdom.” So all the king’s wise men came in, but they could not read the inscription or interpret it for him.
2 Isaiah 47:12 So take your stand with your spells and with your many sorceries, with which you have wearied yourself from your youth. Perhaps you will succeed; perhaps you will inspire terror!
3 Isaiah 29:10–12 For the LORD has poured out on you a spirit of deep sleep. He has shut your eyes, O prophets; He has covered your heads, O seers. And the entire vision will be to you like the words sealed in a scroll. If it is handed to someone to read, he will say, “I cannot, because it is sealed.” Or if the scroll is handed to one unable to read, he will say, “I cannot read.”
4 Daniel 2:3–11 he said to them, “I have had a dream, and my spirit is anxious to understand it.” Then the astrologers answered the king in Aramaic, “O king, may you live forever! Tell your servants the dream, and we will give the interpretation.” The king replied to the astrologers, “My word is final: If you do not tell me the dream and its interpretation, you will be cut into pieces and your houses will be reduced to rubble. But if you tell me the dream and its interpretation, you will receive from me gifts and rewards and great honor. So tell me the dream and its interpretation.” They answered a second time, “Let the king tell the dream to his servants, and we will give the interpretation.” The king replied, “I know for sure that you are stalling for time, because you see that my word is final. If you do not tell me the dream, there is only one decree for you. You have conspired to speak before me false and fraudulent words, hoping the situation will change. Therefore tell me the dream, and I will know that you can give me its interpretation.” The astrologers answered the king, “No one on earth can do what the king requests! No king, however great and powerful, has ever asked anything like this of any magician, enchanter, or astrologer. What the king requests is so difficult that no one can tell it to him except the gods, whose dwelling is not with mortals.”

Daniel 5:15 Summary

[This verse shows that even the wisest and most knowledgeable people can't always understand or interpret everything, as seen in Daniel 5:15. Sometimes, we need God's help to understand what's going on, and this is a lesson in humility and trust, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6. We can learn from the king's example and seek out godly counsel when we're faced with challenges we can't handle on our own, and trust in God's sovereignty and provision, as stated in Romans 11:33-36.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why were the wise men and enchanters unable to interpret the inscription?

The wise men and enchanters were unable to interpret the inscription because it was a supernatural message that required divine insight, as seen in Daniel 5:15, and only God can reveal such mysteries, as stated in Deuteronomy 29:29.

What does this verse reveal about the limitations of human wisdom?

This verse shows that human wisdom, no matter how great, has its limitations, as stated in Daniel 5:15, and true understanding and interpretation come from God, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6 and 1 Corinthians 1:20.

How does this verse relate to the concept of spiritual discernment?

This verse highlights the importance of spiritual discernment, which is the ability to understand and interpret spiritual things, as seen in 1 Corinthians 2:14 and Daniel 5:15, and is a gift that comes from God.

What can we learn from the king's decision to consult with Daniel after the wise men failed?

The king's decision to consult with Daniel after the wise men failed shows that he was willing to seek out someone who had a reputation for being able to give interpretations and solve difficult problems, as stated in Daniel 5:16, and this is a lesson in humility and seeking out godly counsel, as seen in Proverbs 11:14.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some areas in my life where I am trying to rely on my own wisdom and understanding, rather than seeking God's guidance?
  2. How can I cultivate a deeper sense of spiritual discernment in my own life, and what role does prayer and Bible study play in this process?
  3. What are some ways that I can apply the lesson of humility and seeking out godly counsel, as seen in the king's decision to consult with Daniel, to my own relationships and decision-making processes?
  4. How can I trust in God's sovereignty and provision, even when faced with mysterious or seemingly insurmountable challenges, as seen in Daniel 5:15?

Gill's Exposition on Daniel 5:15

And now the wise men; the astrologers, have been brought in before me,.... For it seems they came not of themselves, or upon hearing his loud cry; but were sent for by him, and came by his orders,

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 5:15

I have even heard of thee, that the spirit of the gods is in thee, and that light and understanding and excellent wisdom is found in thee. No JFB commentary on these verses.

Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 5:15

Daniel 5:15 And now the wise [men], the astrologers, have been brought in before me, that they should read this writing, and make known unto me the interpretation thereof: but they could not shew the interpretation of the thing:Ver. 15. But they could not show the interpretation of the thing.] They could not read nor interpret it. Such as seek to sorcerers are worthy to lose their labour, as a punishment of their folly. Suidas testifieth that the citizens of Alexandria in Egypt devised and decreed that astrologers should pay a certain tribute to the State out of their gettings, and that it should be called the fool’ s tribute, because none but fools and light fellows would resort to such for direction.

Ellicott's Commentary on Daniel 5:15

(15) The thing—i.e., the whole of this miraculous transaction.

Cambridge Bible on Daniel 5:15

15. the astrologers] the enchanters (Daniel 1:20). shew] declare.

Barnes' Notes on Daniel 5:15

And now the wise men ... - Daniel 5:7-8.

Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 5:15

13-16. Art thou that Daniel — Or, with Prince, So thou art Daniel. (Compare Daniel 8:27, and note on Daniel 5:12.) The oldest LXX.

Sermons on Daniel 5:15

SermonDescription
Derek Prince Deliverance - Part 2 by Derek Prince In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Moses and the magicians in the book of Exodus. He highlights the supernatural powers displayed by both Moses and the magicians, b
Jack Hayford About Astrology by Jack Hayford Jack Hayford addresses the topic of astrology, emphasizing the Bible's rejection and condemnation of it, warning of the confusion and tragic consequences that come with practicing
David Guzik (Isaiah) the Cause & Cure of Spiritual Blindness by David Guzik In this sermon, the preacher focuses on God's message to the spiritually blind people of Jerusalem. He emphasizes that it is not enough to speak spiritually and honor God with word
J.C. Philpot New Years' Address, January 1869 by J.C. Philpot J.C. Philpot preaches about the contrast between the spiritually-minded child of God and the carnally-minded worldling, emphasizing the separation between the church and the world
David Wilkerson A Spirit of Slumber! by David Wilkerson David Wilkerson's sermon 'A Spirit of Slumber!' warns of the spiritual blindness affecting both Jews and Christians, emphasizing that many are trapped in a deep sleep, unable to pe
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