Daniel 5:7

Daniel 5:7 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

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.”

King James Version KJV

The king cried aloud to bring in the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers. And the king spake, and said to the wise men of Babylon, Whosoever shall read this writing, and shew me the interpretation thereof, shall be clothed with scarlet, and have a chain of gold about his neck, and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom.

American Standard Version ASV

The king cried aloud to bring in the enchanters, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers. The king spake and said to the wise men of Babylon, Whosoever shall read this writing, and show me the interpretation thereof, shall be clothed with purple, and have a chain of gold about his neck, and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom.

Bible in Basic English BBE

The king, crying out with a loud voice, said that the users of secret arts, the Chaldaeans, and the readers of signs, were to be sent for. The king made answer and said to the wise men of Babylon, Whoever is able to make out this writing, and make clear to me the sense of it, will be clothed in purple and have a chain of gold round his neck, and will be a ruler of high authority in the kingdom.

Free Bible Version FBV

The king shouted, “Bring in the enchanters and astrologers and diviners!” He told these wise men of Babylon, “Anyone who can read this writing and explain it to me will be clothed in purple and have a gold chain placed around his neck, and he will become the third highest ruler in the kingdom.”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Wherefore the King cryed loude, that they should bring the astrologians, the Caldeans and the soothsayers. And the King spake, and sayd to the wise men of Babel, Whosoeuer can reade this writing, and declare me the interpretation thereof, shalbe clothed with purple, and shall haue a chaine of golde about his necke, and shall be the third ruler in the kingdome.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

Call doth the king mightily, to bring up the enchanters, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers. Answered hath the king, and said to the wise men of Babylon, that, 'Any man who doth read this writing, and its interpretation doth shew me, purple he putteth on, and a bracelet of gold [is] on his neck, and third in the kingdom he doth rule.'

World English Bible WEB

The king cried aloud to bring in the enchanters, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers. The king spoke and said to the wise men of Babylon, “Whoever reads this writing and shows me its interpretation shall be clothed with purple, and have a chain of gold about his neck, and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom.”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

The king cried aloud to bring in the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the sooth-sayers. And the king spoke and said to the wise men of Babylon, Whoever shall read this writing, and show me the interpretation of it, shall be clothed with scarlet, and have a chain of gold about his neck, and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And the king cried out aloud to bring in the wise men, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers. And the king spoke, and said to the wise men of Babylon: Whosoever shall read this writing, and shall make known to me the interpretation thereof, shall be clothed with purple, and shall have a golden chain on his neck, and shall be the third man in my kingdom.

Translation for Translators T4T

Then he shouted to summon the men who worked magic, the men who studied the stars, and the fortune-tellers. He said, “I will greatly honor any one of them who can read this writing and tell me what it means. I will give him a purple robe like I wear because I am the king, and I will put a gold chain around his neck. He will become a very important official in my kingdom; there will be only two others who will be more important than he will be.”

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Daniel 5:7

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 5:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB קָרֵ֤א מַלְכָּ/א֙ בְּ/חַ֔יִל לְ/הֶֽעָלָה֙ לְ/אָ֣שְׁפַיָּ֔/א כשדי/א כַּשְׂדָּאֵ֖/י וְ/גָזְרַיָּ֑/א עָנֵ֨ה מַלְכָּ֜/א וְ/אָמַ֣ר לְ/חַכִּימֵ֣י בָבֶ֗ל דִּ֣י כָל אֱ֠נָשׁ דִּֽי יִקְרֵ֞ה כְּתָבָ֣/ה דְנָ֗ה וּ/פִשְׁרֵ/הּ֙ יְחַוִּנַּ֔/נִי אַרְגְּוָנָ֣/א יִלְבַּ֗שׁ ו/המונכ/א וְ/הַֽמְנִיכָ֤/א דִֽי דַהֲבָ/א֙ עַֽל צַוְּארֵ֔/הּ וְ/תַלְתִּ֥י בְ/מַלְכוּתָ֖/א יִשְׁלַֽט

קָרֵ֤א qᵉrâʼ H7123 to read Adj

מַלְכָּ/א֙ melek H4430 king Adj | Art

בְּ/חַ֔יִל chayil H2429 strength Adj | N-ms

לְ/הֶֽעָלָה֙ ʻălal H5954 to come Adj | V-Hiphil-Inf-a

לְ/אָ֣שְׁפַיָּ֔/א ʼashshâph H826 enchanter Adj | N-mp | Art

כשדי/א Kasday H3779 Chaldean Adj | Art

כַּשְׂדָּאֵ֖/י Kasday H3779 Chaldean Adj | Suff

וְ/גָזְרַיָּ֑/א gᵉzar H1505 to determine Adj | V-Qal | Art

עָנֵ֨ה ʻănâh H6032 to answer Adj

מַלְכָּ֜/א melek H4430 king Adj | Art

וְ/אָמַ֣ר ʼămar H560 to say Adj | V-Qal

לְ/חַכִּימֵ֣י chakkîym H2445 wise Adj | N-mp

בָבֶ֗ל Babel H895 Babylon Adj

דִּ֣י dîy H1768 that Adj

כָל kôl H3606 all Adj

אֱ֠נָשׁ ʼĕnâsh H606 man Adj

דִּֽי dîy H1768 that Adj

יִקְרֵ֞ה qᵉrâʼ H7123 to read Adj

כְּתָבָ֣/ה kᵉthâb H3792 inscription Adj | Art

דְנָ֗ה dên H1836 this Adj

וּ/פִשְׁרֵ/הּ֙ pᵉshar H6591 interpretation Adj | N-ms | Suff

יְחַוִּנַּ֔/נִי chăvâʼ H2324 to show Adj | Suff

אַרְגְּוָנָ֣/א ʼargᵉvân H711 purple Adj | Art

יִלְבַּ֗שׁ lᵉbash H3848 to clothe Adj

ו/המונכ/א hamnîyk H2002 chain Adj | N-ms | Art

וְ/הַֽמְנִיכָ֤/א hamnîyk H2002 chain Adj | N-ms | Art

דִֽי dîy H1768 that Adj

דַהֲבָ/א֙ dᵉhab H1722 gold Adj | Art

עַֽל ʻal H5922 since Adj

צַוְּארֵ֔/הּ tsavvaʼr H6676 neck Adj | Suff

וְ/תַלְתִּ֥י tᵉlîythay H8523 third Adj | Adj

בְ/מַלְכוּתָ֖/א malkûw H4437 kingdom Adj | N-fs | Art

יִשְׁלַֽט shᵉlêṭ H7981 to rule Adj

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Daniel 5:7

קָרֵ֤א 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.

מַלְכָּ/א֙ 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.

בְּ/חַ֔יִל chayil H2429 "strength" Adj | N-ms

This word also means strength or power, often referring to a large army or force. It's used in the Bible to describe the might of God or a powerful nation, as seen in Psalm 68:35.

Definition: 1) strength, army, power 1a) power 1b) force, army

Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: aloud, army, [idiom] most (mighty), power. See also: Ezra 4:23; Daniel 4:11; Daniel 5:7.

לְ/הֶֽעָלָה֙ ʻălal H5954 "to come" Adj | V-Hiphil-Inf-a

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.

לְ/אָ֣שְׁפַיָּ֔/א ʼashshâph H826 "enchanter" Adj | N-mp | 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.

כשדי/א Kasday H3779 "Chaldean" Adj | Art

A Chaldean is a person from Chaldea, skilled in astrology and wisdom, like those in Daniel 2:2. They were known for their knowledge and magical practices. The term is used in Ezekiel 23:14-15.

Definition: Group of kas.di (כַּשְׂדִּים "Chaldea" H3778) § Chaldean = "clod breakers" 1) a territory in lower Mesopotamia bordering on the Persian Gulf 2) the inhabitants of Chaldea, living on the lower Euphrates and Tigris 3) those persons considered the wisest in the land (by extension)

Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: Chaldean. See also: Daniel 2:5; Daniel 4:4; Daniel 5:30.

כַּשְׂדָּאֵ֖/י Kasday H3779 "Chaldean" Adj | Suff

A Chaldean is a person from Chaldea, skilled in astrology and wisdom, like those in Daniel 2:2. They were known for their knowledge and magical practices. The term is used in Ezekiel 23:14-15.

Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: Chaldean. See also: Daniel 2:5; Daniel 4:4; Daniel 5:30.

וְ/גָזְרַיָּ֑/א gᵉzar H1505 "to determine" Adj | V-Qal | Art

This Hebrew word means to determine or decide something, like a soothsayer figuring out the future. It involves cutting or separating to understand or know something. The word is used in a few places in the Old Testament.

Definition: 1) to cut, determine 1a) (P'al) determiner (participle) 1b) (Ithp'al) to be cut out

Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: cut out, soothsayer. See also: Daniel 2:27; Daniel 4:4; Daniel 5:11.

עָנֵ֨ה ʻănâh H6032 "to answer" Adj

To answer or respond to something, often by speaking or singing. In the Bible, it can mean to pay attention or testify, as seen in 1 Samuel 12:3.

Definition: 1) to answer, respond 1a) (P'al) 1a1) to answer, make reply 1a2) to respond

Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: answer, speak. See also: Psalms 60:7; Daniel 3:24; Daniel 7:2.

מַלְכָּ֜/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.

וְ/אָמַ֣ר ʼămar H560 "to say" Adj | V-Qal

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to say or speak, often used when God commands or declares something, as seen in many KJV translations. It is used with great flexibility, including to command, declare, or tell. This word appears in various contexts, including Genesis and Exodus.

Definition: (P'al) to say, to speak, to command, to tell, to relate Aramaic of a.mar (אָמַר "to say" H0559)

Usage: Occurs in 65 OT verses. KJV: command, declare, say, speak, tell. See also: Ezra 5:3; Daniel 3:28; Jeremiah 10:11.

לְ/חַכִּימֵ֣י chakkîym H2445 "wise" Adj | N-mp

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.

בָבֶ֗ל Babel H895 "Babylon" Adj

Babel is another term for Babylon, a city and empire in the Bible, meaning confusion or mixing. It is found in Daniel 1:1-2, describing the Babylonian empire. The city was a major center of power.

Definition: Aramaic of ba.vel (בָּבֶ֫ל, בָּבֶל "Babylon" H0894) § Babel or Babylon = "confusion (by mixing)" Babel or Babylon, the ancient site and/or capital of Babylonia (modern Hillah) situated on the Euphrates

Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: Babylon. See also: Ezra 5:12; Daniel 2:24; Daniel 7:1.

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.

כָל 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.

אֱ֠נָשׁ ʼĕnâsh H606 "man" Adj

A human being or mankind, used to describe people in general, as seen in Psalm 8 and Isaiah 52. This word refers to humans as individuals or collectively.

Definition: 1) man, human being 2) mankind (collective) Aramaic of e.nosh (אֱנוֹשׁ "human" H0582)

Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: man, [phrase] whosoever. See also: Ezra 4:11; Daniel 4:29; Daniel 7:13.

דִּֽי dîy H1768 "that" Adj

Definition: part of relation 1) who, which, that mark of genitive 2) that of, which belongs to, that conj 3) that, because

יִקְרֵ֞ה 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.

כְּתָבָ֣/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.

דְנָ֗ה 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.

וּ/פִשְׁרֵ/הּ֙ 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.

יְחַוִּנַּ֔/נִי chăvâʼ H2324 "to show" Adj | Suff

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.

אַרְגְּוָנָ֣/א ʼargᵉvân H711 "purple" Adj | Art

In the Bible, this word describes a deep purple color, like the expensive dye used for royal robes in Esther 8:15. It signifies wealth and luxury, often associated with power and status. The color purple is mentioned in various contexts, including descriptions of rich fabrics.

Definition: purple, red-purple Aramaic of ar.ge.van (אַרְגְּוָן "purple" H0710)

Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: purple. See also: Daniel 5:7; Daniel 5:16; Daniel 5:29.

יִלְבַּ֗שׁ lᵉbash H3848 "to clothe" Adj

To clothe means to wrap something around or put on a garment. This word is similar to H3847 and is used in the Bible to describe being clothed or dressing someone.

Definition: 1) to be clothed 1a) (P'al) to be clothed 1b) (Aphel) to clothe someone

Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: clothe. See also: Daniel 5:7; Daniel 5:16; Daniel 5:29.

ו/המונכ/א hamnîyk H2002 "chain" Adj | N-ms | Art

This Hebrew word refers to a necklace or chain, a type of jewelry. It is used in the KJV translation to describe a decorative item, possibly made of precious metals or stones.

Definition: necklace, chain

Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: chain. See also: Daniel 5:7; Daniel 5:16; Daniel 5:29.

וְ/הַֽמְנִיכָ֤/א hamnîyk H2002 "chain" Adj | N-ms | Art

This Hebrew word refers to a necklace or chain, a type of jewelry. It is used in the KJV translation to describe a decorative item, possibly made of precious metals or stones.

Definition: necklace, chain

Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: chain. See also: Daniel 5:7; Daniel 5:16; Daniel 5:29.

דִֽי dîy H1768 "that" Adj

Definition: part of relation 1) who, which, that mark of genitive 2) that of, which belongs to, that conj 3) that, because

דַהֲבָ/א֙ dᵉhab H1722 "gold" Adj | 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.

עַֽל ʻal H5922 "since" Adj

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.

צַוְּארֵ֔/הּ tsavvaʼr H6676 "neck" Adj | Suff

In the Bible, this word refers to the back of the neck, where burdens are carried, as seen in Genesis 27:16. It symbolizes strength and endurance. God often calls people to carry His burden.

Definition: neck Aramaic of tsav.var (צַוָּאר "neck" H6677A)

Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: neck. See also: Daniel 5:7; Daniel 5:29; Hosea 10:11.

וְ/תַלְתִּ֥י tᵉlîythay H8523 "third" Adj | Adj

Third is an ordinal number used in the Bible to describe something in a sequence, such as the third day or the third son. It appears in various books, including Genesis and Exodus.

Definition: third (as substantive) Aramaic of she.li.shi (שְׁלִישִׁי "third" H7992)

Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: third. See also: Daniel 2:39; Daniel 5:7.

בְ/מַלְכוּתָ֖/א malkûw H4437 "kingdom" Adj | N-fs | Art

A kingdom refers to the territory or area ruled by a king, like King David's kingdom in Israel. It can also mean the reign or period of time a king is in power. The word is used in the Bible to describe royal authority and dominion.

Definition: 1) royalty, reign, kingdom 1a) royalty, kingship, kingly authority 1b) kingdom 1c) realm (of territory) 1d) reign (of time)

Usage: Occurs in 43 OT verses. KJV: kingdom, kingly, realm, reign. See also: Ezra 4:24; Daniel 5:7; Daniel 7:27.

יִשְׁלַֽט shᵉlêṭ H7981 "to rule" Adj

This Hebrew word means to have control or power over something or someone, like a ruler governing their people. It appears in the Bible when talking about leaders or authority figures. In the KJV, it's translated as 'have power' or 'bear rule'.

Definition: 1) to have power, rule, domineer, rule over 1a) (P'al) have power upon or over, rule, fall upon, assault, be ruler 1b) (Aphel) make ruler

Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: have the mastery, have power, bear rule, be (make) ruler. See also: Daniel 2:38; Daniel 3:27; Daniel 6:25.

Study Notes — Daniel 5:7

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Daniel 5:7 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Daniel 5:7
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 5:7
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Daniel 5:7
Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 5:7
Ellicott's Commentary on Daniel 5:7
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Daniel 5:7
Cambridge Bible on Daniel 5:7
Barnes' Notes on Daniel 5:7
Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 5:7
Sermons on Daniel 5:7

Context — The Handwriting on the Wall

5At that moment the fingers of a human hand appeared and wrote on the plaster of the wall, near the lampstand in the royal palace. As the king watched the hand that was writing, 6his face grew pale and his thoughts so alarmed him that his hips gave way and his knees knocked together.

7The 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.”

8So all the king’s wise men came in, but they could not read the inscription or interpret it for him. 9Then King Belshazzar became even more terrified, his face grew even more pale, and his nobles were bewildered.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Daniel 5:29	Then Belshazzar gave the command, and they clothed Daniel in purple, placed a gold chain around his neck, and proclaimed him the third highest ruler in the kingdom.
2	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.”
3	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.
4	Genesis 41:42–44	Then Pharaoh removed the signet ring from his finger, put it on Joseph’s finger, clothed him in garments of fine linen, and placed a gold chain around his neck. He had Joseph ride in his second chariot, with men calling out before him, “Bow the knee!” So he placed him over all the land of Egypt. And Pharaoh declared to Joseph, “I am Pharaoh, but without your permission, no one in all the land of Egypt shall lift his hand or foot.”
5	Daniel 6:2–3	and over them three administrators, including Daniel, to whom these satraps were accountable so that the king would not suffer loss. Soon, by his extraordinary spirit, Daniel distinguished himself among the administrators and satraps. So the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom.
6	Daniel 2:6	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.”
7	Isaiah 47:13	You are wearied by your many counselors; let them come forward now and save you— your astrologers who observe the stars, who monthly predict your fate.
8	Ezekiel 16:11	I adorned you with jewelry, and I put bracelets on your wrists and a chain around your neck.
9	Daniel 2:2	So the king gave orders to summon the magicians, enchanters, sorcerers, and astrologers to explain his dreams. When they came and stood before the king,
10	Daniel 4:6–7	So I issued a decree that all the wise men of Babylon be brought before me to interpret the dream for me. When the magicians, enchanters, astrologers, and diviners came in, I told them the dream, and they could not interpret it for me.

Daniel 5:7 Summary

[In this verse, King Belshazzar is trying to understand a mysterious message that has appeared on the wall of his palace, and he is offering a big reward to anyone who can interpret it. He calls for his wise men, but they are unable to figure out what the message means. This shows us that even the wisest people in the world do not have all the answers, and sometimes we need to look to God for guidance and wisdom, as seen in (Proverbs 3:5-6) and (Psalm 119:105). The king's situation reminds us that true wisdom and understanding come from God, and we should seek Him first in times of uncertainty or confusion.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did King Belshazzar call for the enchanters, astrologers, and diviners to interpret the inscription?

King Belshazzar called for these wise men because he was desperate to understand the mysterious writing on the wall, and he believed they had the power to interpret it, as seen in Daniel 5:7, similar to how Pharaoh called for his wise men in Exodus 7:11 to interpret his dreams.

What was the king's offer to the person who could interpret the inscription?

The king offered a significant reward to the person who could interpret the inscription, including being clothed in purple, having a gold chain placed around their neck, and being made the third highest ruler in the kingdom, as stated in Daniel 5:7, which is reminiscent of the rewards offered to Joseph in Genesis 41:42-43 for interpreting Pharaoh's dreams.

Why did the king's wise men fail to interpret the inscription?

The king's wise men failed to interpret the inscription because they did not have the spiritual understanding or the divine guidance needed to decipher the message, as seen in Daniel 5:8, which highlights the limitations of human wisdom, as also noted in Proverbs 28:5.

What can we learn from the king's reaction to the mysterious inscription?

We can learn that when we are faced with the unknown or the unexplainable, we should turn to God for guidance and wisdom, rather than relying solely on human wisdom, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6, which encourages us to trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding.

Reflection Questions

What are some areas in my life where I am seeking answers or guidance, and how can I seek God's wisdom in those areas?
How do I respond when faced with the unknown or the unexplainable, and what can I learn from the king's reaction in this verse?
What are some ways that I can prioritize seeking God's wisdom and guidance in my daily life, rather than relying solely on human wisdom or my own understanding?
How can I apply the principle of seeking God's wisdom, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6, to my decision-making and problem-solving processes?

Gill's Exposition on Daniel 5:7

The king cried aloud to bring in the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers,.... Or, "with strength" (n); with a strong voice, as loud as he could; which is expressive of the fright he was

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 5:7

The king cried aloud to bring in the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Daniel 5:7

To bring in the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the sooth-sayers, to read the hand-writing, with promise of scarlet clothing, gold chains, and honours. This is the old trade, and the last refuge this poor heathen prince had, which yet failed him; for how can the devil help when God is against him? , &c. Moreover, he had his father’ s experience, 4:7. Twice he tried them, and they could do nothing, and yet he will go to the devil’ s oracle. Men naturally leave God and go to refuges of lies, and God gives them up to strong delusions to believe their lies.

Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 5:7

Daniel 5:7 The king cried aloud to bring in the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers. [And] the king spake, and said to the wise [men] of Babylon, Whosoever shall read this writing, and shew me the interpretation thereof, shall be clothed with scarlet, and [have] a chain of gold about his neck, and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom.Ver. 7. The king cried aloud to bring in the astrologers.] Daniel seemeth not to have been in any request in the days of this dissolute prince, Neither was there any courtier that would mention him, or mind the king of him till the old queen came in. Such combibones drinking buddies are unfit comforters; many of them likely were by this time bucked with wine, and then laid out to be sunned and scorned. Shall be clothed with scarlet, &c.] A troubled heart will give anything for release, as Cain, Spira, &c. And shall be the third ruler in the kingdom,] i.e., Next to myself and the queen-mother. Thus he promiseth to another a third place, who could not promise to himself any place. Spirat superbiam miser.

Ellicott's Commentary on Daniel 5:7

(7) The astrologers.—It is worthy of notice that on this occasion the magicians (the chartummim) do not appear. We must either suppose that they are included under the general term “Chaldeans,” or that the king in his terror forgot to summon them. The “wise men” spoken of (Daniel 5:8) were the body over which Daniel was president—a post which it appears. from Daniel 8:27, he held at this time. It is needless to discuss why Daniel did not come in at first. The third ruler.—See Excursus C. Those who adopt another view of Belshazzar maintain that a triumvirate existed at this time similar to that in the days of Darius the Mede (Daniel 6:2), and that the king promises to raise to the rank of “triumvir” the person who could interpret the vision successfully. It may be noticed that the form of the ordinal “third,” both here and in Daniel 5:16; Daniel 5:29, is very peculiar, and that in the last two passages it resembles a substantive rather than an adjective.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Daniel 5:7

Verse 7. Whosoever shall read this writing] He knew it must be some awful portent, and wished to know what.

Cambridge Bible on Daniel 5:7

7. aloud] lit. with might, as Daniel 3:4, Daniel 4:14. Not simply ‘commanded,’ but ‘cried aloud’: the king’s alarm was reflected in the tones of his voice. the enchanters, the Chaldeans, and the determiners (of fates)] Cf. Daniel 4:7; and see on Daniel 1:21, Daniel 2:2; Daniel 2:27. spake] answered (Daniel 2:20). So Daniel 5:10. the wise men of Babylon] Daniel 2:12; Daniel 2:14, &c. shew me] declare to me (Daniel 2:4; Daniel 2:6, &c.). scarlet] purple (R.V.), as Exodus 25:4; Judges 8:26, &c. So Daniel 5:16; Daniel 5:29. Purple was a royal, or princely, colour among the Persians (Esther 8:15; Xen. Anab. i. Daniel 5:8), the Medes (Cyrop. i. iii. 2, ii. iv. 6), and also (it may be inferred) among the Seleucidae (1Ma 10:20; 1Ma 10:62; 1Ma 10:64; 1Ma 14:43 f.; cf. Daniel 8:14). a chain of gold about his neck] Cf. Genesis 41:42, where Pharaoh decorates Joseph similarly. A golden necklace was worn also by Persians of rank (cf. Xen. Anab. i. Daniel 5:8, viii. 29); and was given sometimes by the Persian kings as a compliment or mark of distinction: in Hdt. iii. 20 Cambyses sends ‘a purple garment, a golden necklace, bracelets,’ with other presents, to the Ethiopians; and in Xen. Anab. I. ii. 27 the younger Cyrus gives one to Syennesis. (The word, hamnuk or hamnik, occurs in the O.T. only here and Daniel 5:16; Daniel 5:29. It is probably of Persian origin [hamyβnak], a diminutive from hδmyβn ‘girdle.’ It is found in the Targums, in the form mμnξk and in Syriac as hamnξk and hemnξk (see Genesis 41:42, Onk. and Pesh.); and it made its way into Greek as μανιάκης, LXX. Theod. here, Polyb., &c.). and shall rule as one of three in the kingdom] So R.V. marg. The expression (which recurs Daniel 5:16; Daniel 5:29) is difficult. The rendering of A.V. is however certainly not tenable. The word rendered ‘third’ in A.V. is not that which is used anywhere else (either in the Targums or in Daniel) to denote the ordinal; but resembles most closely the word (tiltβ or tϋltβ) which both in the Targums and in Syriac means. a third part (e.g. 2 Kings 11:5-6, ‘a third part of you’). Hence the literal rendering appears to be, ‘shall rule as a third part in the kingdom,’ i.e. have a third part of the supreme authority in the country, be one of the three chief ministers, ‘rule as one of three.’ Cf. LXX. δοθήσεταιαὐτῷἐξουσίατοῦτρίτουμέρουςτῆςβασιλείας.

Barnes' Notes on Daniel 5:7

And the king cried aloud - Margin, as in the Chaldee, “with might.” This indicates a sudden and an alarming cry.

Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 5:7

7-9. This Babylonian king, like his “father,” forgetting Daniel, calls for help from the same worthless crowd of “witches” (Wyclif) and Chaldeans (see note Daniel 2:2; some ancient texts omit

Sermons on Daniel 5:7

	Sermon	Description
	The Glorying of Leaven by Carter Conlon	In this sermon, the preacher begins by recounting the story of Belshazzar and how he was blind to the truth and hardened to the gospel. The preacher then paraphrases Matthew chapte
	One Messiah, Two Comings by Jacob Prasch	In this sermon, the speaker begins by quoting a verse from the Bible that declares the power and authority of the Lord. He then relates this verse to the current situation in Jerus
	(Genesis) Genesis 41:42-45 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Joseph in the land of Egypt. Joseph is called upon to interpret Pharaoh's dreams, revealing that there will be seven years of fa
	A Look at the Book by Denis Lyle	Denis Lyle preaches on the book of Daniel, highlighting the prophetic accuracy and divine inspiration of Daniel's predictions about the rise and fall of empires. The sermon emphasi
	The Counterfeit 'Knowledge' by G.W. North	G.W. North addresses the distinction between divine knowledge and counterfeit knowledge derived from human spirits, emphasizing that the latter is often mistaken for genuine insigh