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Daniel 5:23

Daniel 5:23 in Multiple Translations

Instead, you have exalted yourself against the Lord of heaven. The vessels from His house were brought to you, and as you drank wine from them with your nobles, wives, and concubines, you praised your gods of silver and gold, bronze and iron, wood and stone, which cannot see or hear or understand. But you have failed to glorify the God who holds in His hand your very breath and all your ways.

But hast lifted up thyself against the Lord of heaven; and they have brought the vessels of his house before thee, and thou, and thy lords, thy wives, and thy concubines, have drunk wine in them; and thou hast praised the gods of silver, and gold, of brass, iron, wood, and stone, which see not, nor hear, nor know: and the God in whose hand thy breath is, and whose are all thy ways, hast thou not glorified:

but hast lifted up thyself against the Lord of heaven; and they have brought the vessels of his house before thee, and thou and thy lords, thy wives and thy concubines, have drunk wine from them; and thou hast praised the gods of silver and gold, of brass, iron, wood, and stone, which see not, nor hear, nor know; and the God in whose hand thy breath is, and whose are all thy ways, hast thou not glorified.

But you have been lifting yourself up against the Lord of heaven, and they have put the vessels of his house before you, and you and your lords, your wives and your women, have taken wine in them; and you have given praise to gods of silver and gold, of brass and iron and wood and stone, who are without the power of seeing or hearing, and without knowledge: and to the God in whose hand your breath is, and whose are all your ways, you have not given glory;

You have arrogantly defied the Lord of heaven and you had the cups and bowls of his Temple brought to you. You and your nobles, your wives and concubines, drank wine from them as you praised gods made of silver, gold, bronze, iron, wood, and stone that can't see or hear or know anything. But you have not honored God who holds in his hand your very breath and everything you do.

But hast lift thy selfe vp against the Lord of heauen, and they haue brought the vessels of his House before thee, and thou and thy princes, thy wiues and thy concubines haue drunke wine in them, and thou hast praysed the gods of siluer and golde, of brasse, yron, wood and stone, which neither see, neither heare, nor vnderstand: and the God in whose hand thy breath is and all thy wayes, him hast thou not glorified.

and against the Lord of the heavens thou hast lifted up thyself; and the vessels of His house they have brought in before thee, and thou, and thy great men, thy wives, and thy concubines, are drinking wine with them, and gods of silver, and of gold, of brass, of iron, of wood, and of stone, that are not seeing, nor hearing, nor knowing, thou hast praised: and the God in whose hand [is] thy breath, and all thy ways, Him thou hast not honoured.

but have lifted up yourself against the Lord of heaven; and they have brought the vessels of his house before you, and you and your lords, your wives, and your concubines, have drunk wine from them. You have praised the gods of silver and gold, of bronze, iron, wood, and stone, which don’t see, or hear, or know; and you have not glorified the God in whose hand your breath is, and whose are all your ways.

But hast lifted up thyself against the Lord of heaven; and they have brought the vessels of his house before thee, and thou, and thy lords, thy wives, and thy concubines, have drank wine in them; and thou hast praised the gods of silver, and gold, of brass, iron, wood, and stone, which see not, nor hear, nor know: and the God in whose hand thy breath is , and whose are all thy ways, thou hast not glorified.

But hast lifted thyself up against the Lord of heaven: and the vessels of his house have been brought before thee: and thou, and thy nobles, and thy wives, and thy concubines have drunk wine in them: and thou hast praised the gods of silver, and of gold, and of brass, of iron, and of wood, and of stone, that neither see, nor hear, nor feel: but the God who hath thy breath in his hand, and all thy ways, thou hast not glorified.

You have considered yourself to be greater than God, the Lord of heaven. So you have commanded your servants to bring to you these sacred cups, which were dedicated to the Supreme God, and which were taken from his temple in Jerusalem. You and your officials and your wives and your ◄concubines/slave wives► have been drinking wine from these cups, while you have been praising your own gods—gods which are made of gold and silver and bronze and iron and wood and stone. Those are gods that cannot see, that cannot hear, and that do not know anything! You have not honored the God who gives you breath and who controls everything that happens to you.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Daniel 5:23

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 5:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וְ/עַ֣ל מָרֵֽא שְׁמַיָּ֣/א הִתְרוֹמַ֡מְתָּ וּ/לְ/מָֽאנַיָּ֨/א דִֽי בַיְתֵ֜/הּ הַיְתִ֣יו קדמי/ך קָֽדָמָ֗/ךְ ו/אנתה וְ/אַ֨נְתְּ ו/רברבני/ך וְ/רַבְרְבָנָ֜/ךְ שֵֽׁגְלָתָ֣/ךְ וּ/לְחֵנָתָ/ךְ֮ חַמְרָ/א֮ שָׁתַ֣יִן בְּ/הוֹן֒ וְ/לֵֽ/אלָהֵ֣י כַסְפָּֽ/א וְ֠/דַהֲבָ/א נְחָשָׁ֨/א פַרְזְלָ֜/א אָעָ֣/א וְ/אַבְנָ֗/א דִּ֠י לָֽא חָזַ֧יִן וְ/לָא שָׁמְעִ֛ין וְ/לָ֥א יָדְעִ֖ין שַׁבַּ֑חְתָּ וְ/לֵֽ/אלָהָ֞/א דִּֽי נִשְׁמְתָ֥/ךְ בִּ/ידֵ֛/הּ וְ/כָל אֹרְחָתָ֥/ךְ לֵ֖/הּ לָ֥א הַדַּֽרְתָּ
וְ/עַ֣ל ʻal H5922 since Adj | Prep
מָרֵֽא mârêʼ H4756 lord Adj
שְׁמַיָּ֣/א shâmayin H8065 heaven Adj | Art
הִתְרוֹמַ֡מְתָּ rûwm H7313 to rise Adj
וּ/לְ/מָֽאנַיָּ֨/א mâʼn H3984 utensil Adj | DirObjM | N-mp | Art
דִֽי dîy H1768 that Adj
בַיְתֵ֜/הּ bayith H1005 house Adj | Suff
הַיְתִ֣יו ʼâthâh H858 to come Adj
קדמי/ך qŏdâm H6925 before Adj | Suff
קָֽדָמָ֗/ךְ qŏdâm H6925 before Adj | Suff
ו/אנתה ʼantâh H607 you Adj | Pron
וְ/אַ֨נְתְּ ʼantâh H607 you Adj | Pron
ו/רברבני/ך rabrᵉbân H7261 noble Adj | N-mp | Suff
וְ/רַבְרְבָנָ֜/ךְ rabrᵉbân H7261 noble Adj | N-ms | Suff
שֵֽׁגְלָתָ֣/ךְ shêgâl H7695 consort Adj | Suff
וּ/לְחֵנָתָ/ךְ֮ lᵉchênâh H3904 concubine Adj | N-fp | Suff
חַמְרָ/א֮ chămar H2562 wine Adj | Art
שָׁתַ֣יִן shᵉthâh H8355 to drink Adj
בְּ/הוֹן֒ Adj | Suff
וְ/לֵֽ/אלָהֵ֣י ʼĕlâhh H426 god Adj | Prep | N-mp
כַסְפָּֽ/א kᵉçaph H3702 silver Adj | Art
וְ֠/דַהֲבָ/א dᵉhab H1722 gold Adj | N-ms | Art
נְחָשָׁ֨/א nᵉchâsh H5174 bronze Adj | Art
פַרְזְלָ֜/א parzel H6523 iron Adj | Art
אָעָ֣/א ʼâʻ H636 wood Adj | Art
וְ/אַבְנָ֗/א ʼeben H69 stone Adj | N-fs | Art
דִּ֠י dîy H1768 that Adj
לָֽא lâʼ H3809 not Adj
חָזַ֧יִן chăzâʼ H2370 to see Adj
וְ/לָא lâʼ H3809 not Adj | Part
שָׁמְעִ֛ין shᵉmaʻ H8086 to hear Adj
וְ/לָ֥א lâʼ H3809 not Adj | Part
יָדְעִ֖ין yᵉdaʻ H3046 to know Adj
שַׁבַּ֑חְתָּ shᵉbach H7624 to praise Adj
וְ/לֵֽ/אלָהָ֞/א ʼĕlâhh H426 god Adj | Prep | N-ms | Art
דִּֽי dîy H1768 that Adj
נִשְׁמְתָ֥/ךְ nishmâʼ H5396 breath Adj | Suff
בִּ/ידֵ֛/הּ yad H3028 hand Adj | N-fs | Suff
וְ/כָל kôl H3606 all Adj | N-ms
אֹרְחָתָ֥/ךְ ʼôrach H735 way Adj | Suff
לֵ֖/הּ Adj | Suff
לָ֥א lâʼ H3809 not Adj
הַדַּֽרְתָּ hădar H1922 to honor Adj
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Daniel 5:23

וְ/עַ֣ל ʻal H5922 "since" Adj | Prep
Similar to H5921, this word means on, above, or because of something. It is often used to describe a reason or a direction, like in Genesis 18:5 where Abraham is asked to walk before God.
Definition: 1) upon, over, on account of, above, to, against 1a) upon, over, on account of, regarding, concerning, on behalf of 1b) over (with verbs of ruling) 1c) above, beyond (in comparison) 1d) to, against (of direction)
Usage: Occurs in 86 OT verses. KJV: about, against, concerning, for, (there-) fore, from, in, [idiom] more, of, (there-, up-) on, (in-) to, [phrase] why with. See also: Ezra 4:8; Daniel 4:2; Daniel 7:28.
מָרֵֽא mârêʼ H4756 "lord" Adj
This Hebrew word means lord or master, and is used to refer to God or a king. It signifies a position of authority and power, and is used in various biblical contexts to show respect and reverence.
Definition: 1) lord 1a) of king 1b) of God
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: lord, Lord. See also: Daniel 2:47; Daniel 4:21; Daniel 5:23.
שְׁמַיָּ֣/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.
הִתְרוֹמַ֡מְתָּ rûwm H7313 "to rise" Adj
This word means to rise up or lift something, like a person lifting their hands in praise or a nation rising to power. In the Bible, it's used to describe God exalting the humble and lifting up those who trust in Him.
Definition: 1) to rise 1a) (P'al) to be lifted up 1b) (Aphel) to exalt 1c) (Hithpolel) to lift oneself up
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: extol, lift up (self), set up. See also: Daniel 4:34; Daniel 5:20; Daniel 5:23.
וּ/לְ/מָֽאנַיָּ֨/א mâʼn H3984 "utensil" Adj | DirObjM | N-mp | Art
This Hebrew word refers to a utensil or vessel, something that is used for a particular purpose. It is used to describe objects used in everyday life or in worship. The concept of utensils is seen in various biblical stories.
Definition: vessel, utensil
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: vessel. See also: Ezra 5:14; Ezra 7:19; Daniel 5:23.
דִֽי 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.
בַיְתֵ֜/הּ bayith H1005 "house" Adj | Suff
This Hebrew word for house is similar to H1004, but it primarily refers to a physical building, either a home or a temple. It is used in many passages, including those describing the construction of the temple in 1 Kings. The word emphasizes the idea of a physical structure.
Definition: 1) house (of men) 2) house (of God)
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: house. See also: Ezra 4:24; Ezra 6:12; Daniel 6:11.
הַיְתִ֣יו ʼâthâh H858 "to come" Adj
This Hebrew word means to arrive or come, and is used in phrases like 'maranatha', which means 'Lord, come'. It appears in the New Testament and is translated as 'come' or 'bring'.
Definition: 1) to come, arrive 1a) (P'al) to come 1b) (Aphel) to bring 1c) (Hophal) to be brought 2) used in the NT in the phrase "maranatha" -"Lord come" Aramaic of a.tah (אָתָה "to come" H0857)
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: (be-) come, bring. See also: Ezra 4:12; Daniel 5:3; Daniel 7:22.
קדמי/ך 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.
קָֽדָמָ֗/ךְ 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.
ו/אנתה ʼantâh H607 "you" Adj | Pron
The word thou means you, a second-person singular pronoun used to address someone directly. It appears in Aramaic texts, such as in the book of Daniel.
Definition: you, thou (second pers. sing.) Aramaic of at.tah (אַתָּ֫ה "you(m.s.)" H0859A)
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: as for thee, thou. See also: Ezra 7:25; Daniel 4:19; Daniel 6:21.
וְ/אַ֨נְתְּ ʼantâh H607 "you" Adj | Pron
The word thou means you, a second-person singular pronoun used to address someone directly. It appears in Aramaic texts, such as in the book of Daniel.
Definition: you, thou (second pers. sing.) Aramaic of at.tah (אַתָּ֫ה "you(m.s.)" H0859A)
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: as for thee, thou. See also: Ezra 7:25; Daniel 4:19; Daniel 6:21.
ו/רברבני/ך rabrᵉbân H7261 "noble" Adj | N-mp | Suff
This word refers to a noble or high-ranking person, like a lord or prince, who has power and authority. It is used to describe important people in the Bible. The KJV Bible translates it as 'lord' or 'prince'.
Definition: lord, noble Aramaic of rav (רַב "chief" H7227B)
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: lord, prince. See also: Daniel 4:33; Daniel 5:9; Daniel 6:18.
וְ/רַבְרְבָנָ֜/ךְ rabrᵉbân H7261 "noble" Adj | N-ms | Suff
This word refers to a noble or high-ranking person, like a lord or prince, who has power and authority. It is used to describe important people in the Bible. The KJV Bible translates it as 'lord' or 'prince'.
Definition: lord, noble Aramaic of rav (רַב "chief" H7227B)
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: lord, prince. See also: Daniel 4:33; Daniel 5:9; Daniel 6:18.
שֵֽׁגְלָתָ֣/ךְ shêgâl H7695 "consort" Adj | Suff
This term is used to describe a king's wife or consort, emphasizing her royal status. It is sometimes translated as 'wife' in the Bible.
Definition: king's wife, king's concubine, (royal) consort Aramaic of she.gal (שֵׁגָל "queen" H7694)
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: wife. See also: Daniel 5:2; Daniel 5:3; Daniel 5:23.
וּ/לְחֵנָתָ/ךְ֮ lᵉchênâh H3904 "concubine" Adj | N-fp | Suff
A concubine is a woman who lives with a man but is not his wife. In the Bible, concubines were common and often had lower status than wives.
Definition: concubine
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: concubine. See also: Daniel 5:2; Daniel 5:3; Daniel 5:23.
חַמְרָ/א֮ chămar H2562 "wine" Adj | Art
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means wine, as seen in various KJV translations. It originates from the Aramaic word for wine. This term is used to describe wine in the Old Testament.
Definition: wine Aramaic of che.mer (חֶ֫מֶר "wine" H2561)
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: wine. See also: Ezra 6:9; Daniel 5:2; Daniel 5:23.
שָׁתַ֣יִן shᵉthâh H8355 "to drink" Adj
This Aramaic word is similar to H8354, and it simply means to drink, like having a cup of water. It's used in the book of Daniel 5:4.
Definition: (P'al) to drink Aramaic of sha.tah (שָׁתָה "to drink" H8354)
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: drink. See also: Daniel 5:1; Daniel 5:3; Daniel 5:23.
בְּ/הוֹן֒ "" Adj | Suff
וְ/לֵֽ/אלָהֵ֣י ʼĕlâhh H426 "god" Adj | Prep | N-mp
This word means God, referring to the God of Israel or a heathen deity, as seen in various KJV translations. It is used to describe a divine being.
Definition: 1) god, God 1a) god, heathen deity 1b) God (of Israel)
Usage: Occurs in 78 OT verses. KJV: God, god. See also: Ezra 4:24; Daniel 2:19; Jeremiah 10:11.
כַסְפָּֽ/א kᵉçaph H3702 "silver" Adj | Art
Silver, whether as a metal or a form of money, like the shekels used in Exodus 21. It represents value and wealth in the Bible.
Definition: 1) silver 1a) as metal 1b) as money
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: money, silver. See also: Ezra 5:14; Ezra 7:22; Daniel 5:23.
וְ֠/דַהֲבָ/א dᵉhab H1722 "gold" Adj | N-ms | Art
In the Bible, this word means gold, a valuable metal. It is often used to describe items made of gold, such as jewelry or decorations.
Definition: gold Aramaic of za.hav (זָהָב "gold" H2091)
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: gold(-en). See also: Ezra 5:14; Daniel 3:7; Daniel 5:29.
נְחָשָׁ֨/א nᵉchâsh H5174 "bronze" Adj | Art
Bronze refers to a type of copper alloy, like the bronze serpent Moses made in Numbers 21:9. It was a common material in ancient times.
Definition: copper, bronze Aramaic of ne.chu.shah (נְחוּשָׁה "bronze" H5154)
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: brass. See also: Daniel 2:32; Daniel 4:12; Daniel 7:19.
פַרְזְלָ֜/א parzel H6523 "iron" Adj | Art
In biblical Hebrew, this word means iron, a strong metal used for tools and weapons. It appears in the Bible as a translation from the Aramaic word 'barzel'.
Definition: iron Aramaic of bar.zel (בַּרְזֶל "iron" H1270)
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: iron. See also: Daniel 2:33; Daniel 2:45; Daniel 7:19.
אָעָ֣/א ʼâʻ H636 "wood" Adj | Art
In biblical times, wood was a valuable resource, used for building and fuel, as seen in 1 Kings 5:10 where Solomon prepares timber for the temple. The word for wood appears in various contexts, including the construction of the tabernacle in Exodus 25:10.
Definition: wood, beam, timber Aramaic of ets (עֵץ ": wood" H6086)
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: timber, wood. See also: Ezra 5:8; Ezra 6:11; Daniel 5:23.
וְ/אַבְנָ֗/א ʼeben H69 "stone" Adj | N-fs | Art
The Hebrew word for stone, used to describe a rock or material for building and idol-making, found throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) stone 1a) a (the) stone 1b) stone, material of idols and buildings
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: stone. See also: Ezra 5:8; Daniel 2:45; Daniel 6:18.
דִּ֠י 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.
לָֽא lâʼ H3809 "not" Adj
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.
חָזַ֧יִן chăzâʼ H2370 "to see" Adj
Chaza means to see or gaze, and can also mean to dream or seem. It is used to describe seeing something with your eyes or in a vision.
Definition: 1) to see, behold 1a)(P'al) 1a1) to see 1a2) to see, behold, witness 1a3) to behold (in a dream or vision) 1a4) customary, seemly (passive)
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: behold, have (a dream), see, be wont. See also: Ezra 4:14; Daniel 4:10; Daniel 7:21.
וְ/לָא 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.
שָׁמְעִ֛ין shᵉmaʻ H8086 "to hear" Adj
Similar to H8085, this word means to hear and obey, used in various forms throughout the Bible. It emphasizes the importance of listening to God's commands and following them.
Definition: 1) to hear 1a) (P'al) to hear, have a sense of hearing 1b) (Ithpael) to show oneself obedient
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: hear, obey. See also: Daniel 3:5; Daniel 5:14; Daniel 7:27.
וְ/לָ֥א 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.
יָדְעִ֖ין 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.
שַׁבַּ֑חְתָּ shᵉbach H7624 "to praise" Adj
This word also means to praise, but with a sense of adoration. In Daniel 2:23, Daniel praises God for revealing a mystery. The KJV translates it simply as 'praise'.
Definition: (Pael) to laud, praise, adulate, adore Aramaic of sha.vach (שָׁבַח "to praise" H7623B)
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: praise. See also: Daniel 2:23; Daniel 4:34; Daniel 5:23.
וְ/לֵֽ/אלָהָ֞/א ʼĕlâhh H426 "god" Adj | Prep | N-ms | Art
This word means God, referring to the God of Israel or a heathen deity, as seen in various KJV translations. It is used to describe a divine being.
Definition: 1) god, God 1a) god, heathen deity 1b) God (of Israel)
Usage: Occurs in 78 OT verses. KJV: God, god. See also: Ezra 4:24; Daniel 2:19; Jeremiah 10:11.
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.
נִשְׁמְתָ֥/ךְ nishmâʼ H5396 "breath" Adj | Suff
Breath or spirit is the meaning of this word, used in the book of Daniel and other Aramaic portions of the Bible. It refers to the vital breath or spirit that gives life. The word is related to the Hebrew concept of breath and spirit.
Definition: breath, spirit Aramaic of ne.sha.mah (נְשָׁמָה "breath" H5397)
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: breath. See also: Daniel 5:23.
בִּ/ידֵ֛/הּ yad H3028 "hand" Adj | N-fs | Suff
This Hebrew word for 'hand' represents power, ability, or direction. It is often used figuratively to describe God's strength or human capability. The Bible uses 'yad' to convey a sense of power or control.
Definition: 1) hand 2) power (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: hand, power. See also: Ezra 5:8; Daniel 3:15; Daniel 7:25.
וְ/כָל kôl H3606 "all" Adj | N-ms
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.
אֹרְחָתָ֥/ךְ ʼôrach H735 "way" Adj | Suff
The word for way or path refers to a road or course of life. It is used in the Bible to describe physical journeys, such as traveling to a destination, as well as spiritual paths and the course of one's life.
Definition: way, path, course of life Aramaic of o.rach (אֹ֫רַח "way" H0734)
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: way. See also: Daniel 4:34; Daniel 5:23.
לֵ֖/הּ "" Adj | Suff
לָ֥א lâʼ H3809 "not" Adj
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.
הַדַּֽרְתָּ hădar H1922 "to honor" Adj
To honor also means to glorify or magnify God, as seen in the Bible when praising or worshiping Him, like in the book of Daniel.
Definition: (Pael) to glorify (God) Aramaic of ha.dar (הָדַר "to honor" H1921)
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: glorify, honour. See also: Daniel 4:31; Daniel 4:34; Daniel 5:23.

Study Notes — Daniel 5:23

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context — Daniel Interprets the Handwriting

21He 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. 22But you his son, O Belshazzar, have not humbled your heart, even though you knew all this.

23Instead, you have exalted yourself against the Lord of heaven. The vessels from His house were brought to you, and as you drank wine from them with your nobles, wives, and concubines, you praised your gods of silver and gold, bronze and iron, wood and stone, which cannot see or hear or understand. But you have failed to glorify the God who holds in His hand your very breath and all your ways.

24Therefore He sent the hand that wrote the inscription. 25Now this is the inscription that was written: MENE, MENE, TEKEL, PARSIN.

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Job 12:10 The life of every living thing is in His hand, as well as the breath of all mankind.
2 Daniel 4:37 Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, for all His works are true and all His ways are just. And He is able to humble those who walk in pride.
3 Jeremiah 10:23 I know, O LORD, that a man’s way is not his own; no one who walks directs his own steps.
4 Isaiah 2:12 For the Day of the LORD of Hosts will come against all the proud and lofty, against all that is exalted— it will be humbled—
5 Isaiah 37:23 Whom have you taunted and blasphemed? Against whom have you raised your voice and lifted your eyes in pride? Against the Holy One of Israel!
6 Job 31:4 Does He not see my ways and count my every step?
7 Proverbs 20:24 A man’s steps are from the LORD, so how can anyone understand his own way?
8 Psalms 115:4–8 Their idols are silver and gold, made by the hands of men. They have mouths, but cannot speak; they have eyes, but cannot see; they have ears, but cannot hear; they have noses, but cannot smell; they have hands, but cannot feel; they have feet, but cannot walk; they cannot even clear their throats. Those who make them become like them, as do all who trust in them.
9 Jeremiah 50:29 Summon the archers against Babylon, all who string the bow. Encamp all around her; let no one escape. Repay her according to her deeds; do to her as she has done. For she has defied the LORD, the Holy One of Israel.
10 Habakkuk 2:18–19 What use is an idol, that a craftsman should carve it— or an image, a teacher of lies? For its maker trusts in his own creation; he makes idols that cannot speak. Woe to him who says to wood, ‘Awake!’ or to silent stone, ‘Arise!’ Can it give guidance? Behold, it is overlaid with gold and silver, yet there is no breath in it at all.”

Daniel 5:23 Summary

[This verse tells us that Belshazzar, the king of Babylon, was punished for using the special cups and bowls from God's temple to drink wine and praise his false idols, as seen in Daniel 5:23. He forgot that the one true God is the one who gives us life and breath, as stated in Acts 17:25. We can learn from Belshazzar's mistake by remembering to always give glory to God and not to the things we own or worship. By doing so, we can avoid the same kind of punishment and instead receive God's blessing and favor, as promised in Psalm 37:3-4.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the vessels from the Lord's house being used by Belshazzar?

The vessels from the Lord's house were brought to Belshazzar, symbolizing his disrespect and disregard for the God of Israel, as seen in Daniel 5:23, similar to the desecration of the temple in 2 Chronicles 36:10.

Why did Belshazzar praise his idols instead of the one true God?

Belshazzar praised his idols because he failed to acknowledge the power and authority of the God of heaven, as stated in Daniel 5:23, and instead chose to worship created things, as warned against in Romans 1:25.

What does it mean that God holds our breath and ways in His hand?

This phrase, found in Daniel 5:23, signifies God's sovereignty and control over every aspect of our lives, as also seen in Psalm 139:16 and Job 12:10, emphasizing our dependence on Him for every breath and every step.

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

Daniel 5:23 illustrates the concept of idolatry, where created things are worshiped instead of the Creator, as discussed in Romans 1:21-23 and Isaiah 44:9-20, highlighting the foolishness of idolatry and the importance of worshiping the one true God.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways I may be 'exalting myself against the Lord of heaven' in my own life, and how can I humble myself before Him?
  2. In what ways do I prioritize the worship of created things over the worship of the Creator, and how can I shift my focus to glorify God?
  3. How do I acknowledge God's sovereignty over my life, and in what areas do I need to surrender control to Him?
  4. What are some 'vessels' in my life that God has entrusted to me, and how can I use them to glorify Him?

Gill's Exposition on Daniel 5:23

But hast lifted up thyself against the Lord of heaven,.... Who made it, and dwells in it; from whence he beholds all the actions of the children of men, and will bring them to an account for them;

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 5:23

But hast lifted up thyself against the Lord of heaven; and they have brought the vessels of his house before thee, and thou, and thy lords, thy wives, and thy concubines, have drunk wine in them; and

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Daniel 5:23

He instanceth in three or four things. 1. They have brought the vessels of his house before thee to drink wine in them, to profane them in your idolatrous feast, and ye have all polluted them with your filthy, blasphemous mouths, concubines and all. 2. Ye have praised the idol gods of metal, wood, and stone, which cannot hear, nor see, nor know. 3. And hast not glorified the true God, in whose hands thy breath is, and all thy ways. Yea, thou hast highly dishonoured, and affronted, and reproached him.

Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 5:23

Daniel 5:23 But hast lifted up thyself against the Lord of heaven; and they have brought the vessels of his house before thee, and thou, and thy lords, thy wives, and thy concubines, have drunk wine in them; and thou hast praised the gods of silver, and gold, of brass, iron, wood, and stone, which see not, nor hear, nor know: and the God in whose hand thy breath [is], and whose [are] all thy ways, hast thou not glorified:Ver. 23. But hast lifted up thyself against the Lord of heaven.] As did also Pharaoh, Sennacherib, Herod, whose acts were set forth with false and flattering praises by Nicholas Damascenus, as Josephus complaineth; but so are not Belshazzar’ s by holy Daniel, who yet is almost his only historiographer. And whose are all thy ways.] Chald., Thy whole journey. Antiq., lib. xvi. cap. 11.

Ellicott's Commentary on Daniel 5:23

(23) Gods of silver . . .—Comp. Deuteronomy 4:28. Belshazzar had exceeded those limits of authority over Israel which he had by right of conquest. The Israelites were, indeed, his subjects, but he had no right to blaspheme their God. For similar instances of men exceeding the limits of their authority while acting as ministers of God’s chastisement, see Isaiah 10:5-18; Jeremiah 51:20-25; Hosea 14, 5. Not glorified—i.e., dishonoured.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Daniel 5:23

Verse 23. But hast lifted up thyself against the Lord] And the highest evidence of this rebellion was, the profaning the sacred vessels of the Lord's house.

Cambridge Bible on Daniel 5:23

23. and they have brought, &c.] See Daniel 5:2-4. which see not, nor hear, nor know] Cf. Deuteronomy 4:28; Psalms 115:5-6; Psalms 135:16-17. in whose hand thy breath is] who is the author of thy life and being. Cf. Genesis 2:7; Job 12:10. thy ways] i.e. thy destinies. Cf. Jeremiah 10:23.

Barnes' Notes on Daniel 5:23

But hast lifted up thyself against the Lord of heaven - The God who had so signally rebuked and humbled Nebuchadnezzar.

Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 5:23

17-23. According to our text (the Greek is shorter) Daniel refuses to recognize his equality with the Babylonian Magi by accepting the presents which had previously been promised to them (Daniel

Sermons on Daniel 5:23

SermonDescription
Chuck Smith Weighed and Found Wanting by Chuck Smith In this sermon, Daniel preaches to Belshazzar, the grandson of Nebuchadnezzar, about the consequences of pride and disobedience to God. He reminds Belshazzar of how Nebuchadnezzar
Willie Mullan (Daniel) Daniel in the Lion's Den by Willie Mullan In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Daniel in the lion's den. He begins by discussing the prosperity of Daniel, who was chosen as one of the 120 princes over the k
Dan Biser An Immediate Call to Repent by Dan Biser This sermon emphasizes the urgent need for repentance in the face of societal and church challenges, highlighting the prevalence of sin, evil, and the lack of urgency and true repe
Peter Hammond Bible Survey - Daniel by Peter Hammond Peter Hammond preaches on the life of Daniel, a wise and righteous prophet who remained faithful to God despite being exiled to Babylon. Daniel's integrity and courage in the face
Arno Clemens Gaebelein Belshazzar's Feast and the Fall of Babylon by Arno Clemens Gaebelein Arno Clemens Gaebelein delves into the historical account of Belshazzar's feast and the divine judgment that followed, showcasing the defiance and blasphemy against God that led to
Horatius Bonar Open Intercourse With God. by Horatius Bonar Horatius Bonar emphasizes the natural and necessary relationship between God and humanity, asserting that open and direct communication with our Creator is essential to our existen
F.B. Meyer Who Then Is He That Can Stand Before Me? by F.B. Meyer F.B. Meyer explores the profound question of who can stand before God, emphasizing the vast chasm between human frailty and divine holiness. He illustrates that if one cannot withs

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