Menu

Daniel 4:6 — Word Study

Depth

WLCוּמִנִּי֙ שִׂ֣ים טְעֵ֔ם לְהַנְעָלָ֣ה קָֽדָמַ֔י לְכֹ֖ל חַכִּימֵ֣י בָבֶ֑ל דִּֽי־ פְשַׁ֥ר חֶלְמָ֖א יְהֽוֹדְעֻנַּֽנִי׃

BSAthat allkôl [every single one, the entirety] todîy interpretpᵉshar [to explain, make known] the dreamchêlem [vision, sight] for meyᵉdaʻ [to reveal, disclose its meaning]

Word
Listen & take awayDaniel 4
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 6 is in this chapter.
Hebrew ↓ Download MP3 The Masoretic text of this chapter, read aloud. Read by Abraham Shmuelof, courtesy of Audio Scriptures International. Chapter divisions by the Academy of Ancient Languages..
Say the word Each Hebrew word carries its transliteration (ye.Hod.'u.Na.ni) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
Daniel 4:6quick helps
In a sentenceNebuchadnezzar commands that all the wise men of Babylon be summoned to interpret his dream.
Who is speakingKing Nebuchadnezzar, expressing his authority and need for understanding.
Where we areThis event occurs after the king has experienced a troubling dream.
The hard wordטְעֵם
Take awayThe king seeks clarity through the wisdom of his advisors.
7 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them › clause subjectדִּי The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
How rare are these words?in the Old Testament

Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.

Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.

Deep Study — Daniel 4:6

Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.

Context — The King's Decreegenerated

5I had a dream, and it frightened me; while in my bed, the images and visions in my mind alarmed me.
6So I issued a decree that all the wise men of Babylon be brought before me to interpret the dream for me.
7When the magicians, enchanters, astrologers, and diviners came in, I told them the dream, and they could not interpret it for me.
8But 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:

Daniel 4:6 describes King Nebuchadnezzar's response to a dream that troubled him. He ordered all the wise men of Babylon to be brought before him, seeking their interpretation of the dream. This decree illustrates the king's reliance on his advisors and the importance of wisdom in the Babylonian court. The context emphasizes the tension between the king's authority and the limitations of human wisdom, leading to the eventual revelation through Daniel.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1Daniel 2:2So the king gave orders to summon the magicians, enchanters, sorcerers, and astrologers to explain his dreams. When they came and stood before the king,
2Genesis 41:7–8And the thin heads of grain swallowed up the seven plump, ripe ones. Then Pharaoh awoke and realized it was a dream.
3Isaiah 8:19When men tell you to consult the spirits of the dead and the spiritists who whisper and mutter, shouldn’t a people consult their God instead? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living?
4Isaiah 47:12–14So 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!

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 4 references, hung on the phrase they belong to


The Key Word טְעֵם, te.'Emgenerated

The word טְעֵם (te'em) refers to a decree or command, but it also carries connotations of judgment or understanding. It is derived from a root that encompasses the idea of taste or flavor, suggesting a deeper discernment or insight into matters.

In this verse, it signifies the formal command issued by Nebuchadnezzar, indicating the seriousness of his request for interpretation. The parsing as a noun in the singular absolute form emphasizes its role as a specific decree rather than a general command.


How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated

This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, which uses the term decree, consistent with the KJV and ASV.


Sentence Structuregenerated

The main verb of the verse is שִׂ֣ים, sim, meaning 'to set' or 'to appoint.' This verb governs the entire structure, indicating the action of issuing a decree.

The sentence is composed of multiple phrases, including a prepositional phrase indicating the object of the decree, and a noun phrase that describes the wise men of Babylon. The structure emphasizes the king's authority in summoning his advisors.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

The Septuagint translates טְעֵם as σοφιστῶν (sophistōn), which means 'wise men.' This choice reflects a broader interpretation, focusing on the wisdom of those summoned rather than the decree itself.

This translation shows a narrowing of focus, emphasizing the role of the wise men as interpreters of the king's dream, rather than the decree's formal nature.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

Daniel 4:6 shows King Nebuchadnezzar issuing a command for all the wise men of Babylon to come before him. He wants them to interpret a troubling dream he has had. This reflects the king's reliance on his advisors to provide insight and understanding.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

Why does Nebuchadnezzar summon the wise men?

He is seeking their interpretation of a dream that has frightened him, indicating his need for understanding and guidance.

What does the term 'wise men' refer to?

It refers to magicians, astrologers, and those with secret knowledge in Babylon, who were expected to provide insights into dreams and omens.

What is the significance of the decree?

The decree underscores the authority of the king and highlights the importance of wisdom in interpreting dreams, which were seen as messages from the divine.

How does this verse connect to the broader narrative?

It sets the stage for the eventual revelation of the dream's meaning through Daniel, contrasting human wisdom with divine insight.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. What does this decree reveal about Nebuchadnezzar's character and leadership style?
  2. How does the reliance on wise men reflect the cultural context of Babylon?
  3. In what ways can we seek wisdom in our own lives when faced with difficult decisions?
  4. How does this passage illustrate the limitations of human understanding compared to divine revelation?

The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it

Theodoret of Cyrus comments on this passage, noting the significance of the king's command and the wisdom of the prophet Daniel in interpreting dreams.

Theodoret of CyrusCOMMENTARY ON Daniel 4:7-8 c. 393–460
He did not give these details casually: it was in parallel so as to make clear to everyone the prophet’s wisdom by comparison—hence his listing the nationalities of the wise men of Babylon so as to highlight the fact that whereas they…
Early Church Fathers on Daniel 4 →

Commentators on this verse — 7 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on Daniel 4:6 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible

Therefore made I a decree,.... Published a proclamation; signifying it was his mind and will to bring in all the wise men of Babylon before him; all together, supposing that one or other of them, or

Read John Gill on Daniel 4 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

Therefore made I a decree to bring in all the wise men of Babylon before me, that they might make known unto me the interpretation of the dream.

Read Robert Jamieson on Daniel 4 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Though he had experienced before that these wise men were fooled, and could do nothing either in telling or interpreting his dream, Daniel 2, yet he will try them once again, possibly because they might gain fresh credit with the king; or he would hear what they could do, and if they failed him, he would then make use of Daniel whom he had in reserve. Perhaps these Chaldean doctors and wizards shunned and scorned Daniel’ s company, and he was as much shy of theirs; therefore they came not together; but God had disposed of this whole scene, and, for the honour of his name, suffered Daniel not to be sent for till the last.

Read Matthew Poole on Daniel 4 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Daniel 4:6 Therefore made I a decree to bring in all the wise [men] of Babylon before me, that they might make known unto me the interpretation of the dream.Ver. 6. Therefore I made a decree to bring in all the wise men of Babylon.] Whom yet he had formerly found to be no better than braggarts and impostors. Was this man truly converted?

Read John Trapp on Daniel 4 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

6. The ‘wise men’ of Babylon (Daniel 2:12) were summoned before the king, as on the occasion of his previous dream (Daniel 2:2).

Read Cambridge on Daniel 4 →
Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the Bible

Therefore made I a decree - The word here rendered decree (טעם ṭe‛êm) means, commonly, “taste, flavor,” as of wine; then “judgment, discernment, reason;” and then a judgment of a king, a mandate, edict. Compare Daniel 3:10.

Read Albert Barnes on Daniel 4 →
Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible

5-7. See notes Daniel 2:1-2. In the coronation decree of Nabonidus recently found in the ruins of Babylon (see Babylonian and Oriental Record, September, 1896) this king, the father of Belshazzar,

Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Daniel 4 →

The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company

Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.

Modern formal

BSBBerean Standard Bible2020

So I issued a decree that all the wise men of Babylon be brought before me to interpret the dream for me.

WEBWorld English Bible2000

Therefore I made a decree to bring in all the wise men of Babylon before me, that they might make known to me the interpretation of the dream.

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

So I issued a decree that all the wise men of Babylon be brought before me to interpret the dream for me.

NETBNew English Translation2006

So I issued an order for all the wise men of Babylon to be brought before me so that they could make known to me the interpretation of the dream.

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

Therefore made I a decree to bring in all the wise men of Babylon before me, that they might make known unto me the interpretation of the dream.

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

Therefore made I a decree to bring in all the wise men of Babylon before me, that they might make known unto me the interpretation of the dream.

RVARevised Version, American1894

Therefore made I a decree to bring in all the wise men of Babylon before me, that they might make known unto me the interpretation of the dream.

NWBWebster's Bible1833

Therefore I made a decree to bring in all the wise men of Babylon before me, that they might make known to me the interpretation of the dream.

GNVGeneva Bible1599

O Belteshazzar, chiefe of the enchanters, because I know, that the spirit of the holy gods is in thee, and no secret troubleth thee, tell mee the visions of my dreame, that I haue seene and the interpretation thereof.

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

And I made a decree to bring in all the wise men of Babylon before me, that they might make known unto me the interpretation of the dream.

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

And by me a decree is made, to cause all the wise men of Babylon to come up before me, that the interpretation of the dream they may cause me to know.

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

And by me a decree is made, to cause all the wise men of Babylon to come up before me, that the interpretation of the dream they may cause me to know.

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

(4:3) Therefore made I a decree to bring before me all the wise men of Babylon, that they might make known unto me the interpretation of the dream.

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

So I gave a decree to bring before me all the men of Babylon who had wisdom so they could interpret the dream for me.

From the Latin

DRADouay-Rheims (Challoner)1899

Baltassar, prince of the diviners, because I know that thou hast in thee the spirit of the holy gods, and that no secret is impossible to thee: tell me the visions of my dreams that I have seen, and the interpretation of them.

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

So I ordered all the wise men of Babylon brought before me to explain the dream to me.

BBEBible in Basic English1949

And I gave orders for all the wise men of Babylon to come in before me so that they might make clear to me the sense of my dream.

Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.


The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank

This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.

וּandclauseclauseprepositional phrase · prepositionalמִנִּfromי֙meverbשִׂ֣יםit.was.madesubjectטְעֵ֔םa.decreeprepositional phrase · prepositionalלְtoclauseverbהַנְעָלָ֣הbring.inprepositional phrase · prepositionalקָֽדָמַ֔beforeיmeprepositional phrase · prepositionalלְ(et)noun phraseכֹ֖לallnoun phraseחַכִּימֵ֣יthe.wise.menבָבֶ֑לof.Babylonclauserelpדִּֽיthatclausenoun phrase · second objectפְשַׁ֥רthe.interpretationnoun phraseחֶלְמָ֖ofאthe.dreamverbיְהֽוֹדְעֻנַּֽtheyobjectנִיwill.make.known.to.me

Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.


The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran

The Masoretic Text presents the verse as a coherent decree from Nebuchadnezzar, while the Septuagint matches 10 of the 12 words, indicating a close relationship between the two texts. The Dead Sea Scrolls show some damage, with partial restorations, but the essential command remains intact.

Masoretic TextLeningrad Codex, c. AD 1008 — the text this page is built on

וּמִנִּי֙ שִׂ֣ים טְעֵ֔ם לְהַנְעָלָ֣ה קָֽדָמַ֔י לְכֹ֖ל חַכִּימֵ֣י בָבֶ֑ל דִּֽי־ פְשַׁ֥ר חֶלְמָ֖א יְהֽוֹדְעֻנַּֽנִי׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
וּמִנִּי֙τῶνשִׂ֣יםσοφιστῶνטְעֵ֔ם’’לְהַנְעָלָ֣ה’’קָֽדָמַ֔י’’לְכֹ֖ל’’בָבֶ֑ל’’פְשַׁ֥ר’’חֶלְמָ֖א’’יְהֽוֹדְעֻנַּֽנִי׃’’

10 of the 12 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.

Dead Sea Scrolls — 4Q115a copy a thousand years older than the Leningrad Codex

בלטאשצר [רב] [חרטמי] [א] [די] [אנה] [ידעת] [די] [רוח] [אלהין] [קדישין] [ב׳ך] [וכל] רז ל׳ך לא אנס [חזוי] [חלמ׳י] [די] [חזית] [ופשר׳ה] [אמר]

3 words on the leather — 2 partly restored, 18 supplied entire by an editor.

Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.


The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with

This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.

Daniel 4:6מִןand from meand from meמִןשׂוּםit was madeit was madeשׂוּםטְעֵםa decreea decreeטְעֵםעֲלַלto bring into bring inעֲלַלקֳדָםbefore mebefore meקֳדָםכֹּלthe object the object markכֹּלחַכִּים[the] wise [the] wise men חַכִּיםבָּבֶלBabylonBabylonבָּבֶלדִּיthatthatדִּיפְּשַׁר[the] inter[the] interpretפְּשַׁרחֵ֫לֶםdream thedream theחֵ֫לֶםיְדַעthey will mthey will make יְדַעטְעֵםto feedto feedטְעֵםפְּשַׁרto interprto interpretפְּשַׁרמִן־fromfromמִן־שׂוּםto set: mato set: makeשׂוּםעָלַלto abuseto abuseעָלַלקֶ֫דֶםfront: easfront: eastקֶ֫דֶםכֹּלallallכֹּלחָכַםbe wisebe wiseחָכַםבָּבֶ֫לBabylonBabylonבָּבֶ֫לדָּאthisthisדָּאחָלַםbe healthybe healthyחָלַםיָדַעto knowto knowיָדַעחַכִּיםwisewiseחַכִּיםפְּשַׁרinterpretainterpretationפְּשַׁרקֳדָםbeforebeforeקֳדָםמַלְכוּkingdomkingdomמַלְכוּטְעֵםcommandcommandטְעֵםכּ֫וֹרֶשׁCyrusCyrusכּ֫וֹרֶשׁ
meets it a little oftener than chancemeets it far oftener than chancebuilt from the same roottwo words of the verse share ita word of this versea related word

Lexicons — every word in Daniel 4:6

One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.

Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.

and from me it was made a decree to bring in before me the object marker all [the] wise men of Babylon that [the] interpretation of dream the they will make known to me
וּמִנִּי֙u.mi.Ni and from me H4481 Conjunction · preposition · suffix
109× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word is used to show where something comes from, like from a place or at a certain time, and is often translated as from or out of.
Tyndale gloss
from
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

מִן (min) is a preposition meaning 'from' or 'out of,' and it covers a range of uses including source, reason, and comparison. It can indicate physical origin, temporal aspects, or causation. The entries agree on its various applications, with no significant disagreement noted.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

מִן prep. from, out of, by, by reason of, at, more then

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H4481 מִן

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

4481 min min

(Aramaic) corresponding to 4480:--according, after, +

because, + before, by, for, from, X him, X more than, (out)

of, part, since, X these, to, upon, + when.

see HEBREW for 04480

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

מִן־ (min) — from.

1) from, out of, by, by reason of, at, more than

1a) from, out of (of place)

1b) from, by, as a result of, by reason of, at, according to, (of source)

1c) from (of time)

1d) beyond, more than (in comparisons)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
AC/R/Sp1bs — Conjunction · preposition · suffix
AC/R/Sp1bs
and from me it was made a decree to bring in before me the object marker all [the] wise men of Babylon that [the] interpretation of dream the they will make known to me
שִׂ֣יםsim it was made H7761 Verb plural · third person masculine singular
26× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
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.
Tyndale gloss
to set: appoint
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word שׂוּם (suwm) means to set, make, or appoint. It includes various nuances such as to fix or lay down a decree. The entries indicate that it can be used in different grammatical forms, including P'al and Ithp'al, suggesting both active and passive meanings.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[שׂוּם], שִׂים vb. set, make

Pe.

make

make, appoint

set, fix

Pe‛îl from me a decree is made

Hithpe. be made

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7761 שׂוּם, שִׂים

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7761 suwm soom

(Aramaic) corresponding to 7760:--+ command, give, lay,

make, + name, + regard, set.

see HEBREW for 07760

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

שׂוּם (sum) — to set: make.

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

שׂוּם (sum) — to set: put/give.

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

שׂוּם (sum) — to set: appoint.

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

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
AVQp3ms — Verb plural · third person masculine singular
AVQp3ms
and from me it was made a decree to bring in before me the object marker all [the] wise men of Babylon that [the] interpretation of dream the they will make known to me
טְעֵ֔םte.'Em a decree H2942 Noun common · both singular absolute
28× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word is about having a command or report, and can also mean a taste or flavor. In the Bible, it can refer to a decree or wisdom, like in the book of Proverbs. It is about perceiving or understanding something.
Tyndale gloss
command
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

טְעֵם (t`em) refers to taste and judgment, encompassing both subjective and objective aspects. It can also denote a command or report. The word is derived from related roots, indicating a range of meanings that includes flavor, wisdom, and decree.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

טְעֵם 30 n.m. taste, judgment, command

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2942 טְעֵם, טַעַם

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2942 t`em teh-ame'

(Aramaic) from 2939, and equivalent to 2941; properly,

flavor; figuratively, judgment (both subjective and

objective); hence, account (both subj. and obj.):--+

chancellor, + command, commandment, decree, + regard, taste,

wisdom.

see HEBREW for 02939

see HEBREW for 02941

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

טְעֵם (te.em) — command.

1) report, taste

1a) taste

1b) report

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
ANcbsa — Noun common · both singular absolute
ANcbsa
and from me it was made a decree to bring in before me the object marker all [the] wise men of Babylon that [the] interpretation of dream the they will make known to me
לְהַנְעָלָ֣הle.han.'a.Lah to bring in H5954 Preposition · verb hiphil infinitive construct common
14× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
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.
Tyndale gloss
to come
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

עֲלַל (alal) is a Hebrew verb meaning to come in or go in, with various forms indicating different nuances such as thrusting oneself in or introducing. It appears in both active and passive forms, including to bring in and to be brought in. The entries suggest a focus on the act of entering or introducing something.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[עֲלַל] vb. go or come in

Pe.

Haph. bring in

Hoph. be brought

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5954 עֲלַל

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5954 `alal al-al'

(Aramaic) corresponding to 5953 (in the sense of thrusting

oneself in), to enter; causatively, to introduce:--bring in,

come in, go in.

see HEBREW for 05953

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

עֲלַל (a.lal) — to come.

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

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
AR/Vhcc — Preposition · verb hiphil infinitive construct common
AR/Vhcc
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

A principal thing to notice about this preposition, which in the King James Version represents about 16 Hebrew and as many Greek words and prepositions, is that, in hundreds of cases (especially in the Old Testament, but frequently also in the New Testament) in the Revised Version (British and American) the rendering is changed to more exact forms ("to," "unto," "by," "upon," "at," "with," "among," "for," "throughout," etc.; compare e.g. Ge 6:16; 13:8; 17:7,9,12; 18:1; Ex 8:17; Le 1:9, etc.); while, nearly as often, "in" is substituted for divergent forms of the King James Version (e.g. Ge 2:14; 17:11; 31:54; 40:7; 49:17; Ex…

and from me it was made a decree to bring in before me the object marker all [the] wise men of Babylon that [the] interpretation of dream the they will make known to me
קָֽדָמַ֔יka.da.Mai before me H6925 Noun common both plural construct · suffix
42× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
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.
Tyndale gloss
before
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

קֳדָם (qodam) primarily means 'before' or 'in front of.' It is used in various contexts, including indicating position or time. The entries indicate its Aramaic roots and its connection to another Hebrew word, קָדַם (H6924). Daniel 7:13 is specifically noted for its use.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[קֳדָם] 42 prep. before

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H6925 קֳדָם, קְדָם

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

6925 qodam kod-awm'

(Aramaic) or qdam (Aramaic) (Daniel 7:l3) {ked-awm'};

corresponding to 6924; before:--before, X from, X I

(thought), X me, + of, X it pleased, presence.

see HEBREW for 0l3

see HEBREW for 06924

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

קֳדָם (qo.dam) — before.

1) before, in front of

1a) before

1b) from before

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
ANcbpc/Sp1bs — Noun common both plural construct · suffix
ANcbpc/Sp1bs
and from me it was made a decree to bring in before me the object marker all [the] wise men of Babylon that [the] interpretation of dream the they will make known to me
לְכֹ֖לle.Khol the object marker all H3606 Preposition · noun common both singular construct
82× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
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.
Amplified meaning
every single one, the entirety
Tyndale gloss
all
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

כֹּל (kol) means 'all' or 'the whole.' It encompasses meanings such as every, any, and none. The term is used in various contexts throughout the Old Testament, indicating totality or completeness.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

כֹּל, כָּל־ n.m. the whole, all

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3606 כֹּל, כָּל־

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3606 kol kole

(Aramaic) corresponding to 3605:--all, any, + (forasmuch) as,

+ be-(for this) cause, every, + no (manner, -ne), + there

(where)-fore, + though, what (where, who)-soever, (the) whole.

see HEBREW for 03605

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

כֹּל (kol) — all.

1) all, whole, the whole

1a) the whole of, all

1b) every, any, none

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Adj | N-ms — Preposition · noun common both singular construct
AR/Ncbsc
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

ol: Used in various combinations, and with different meanings.

(1) All along, "Weeping all along as he went" (Jer 41:6), i.e. throughout the whole way he went, feigning equal concern with the men from Shiloh, etc., for the destruction of the Temple, so as to put them off their guard.

(2) All in all, "That God may be all in all" (1Co 15:28, Greek: panta en pasin, "all things in all (persons and) things"). "The universe, with all it comprises, will wholly answer to God's will and reflect His mind" (Dummelow).

(3) All one, "It is all one" (Job 9:22), "it makes no difference whether I live or die."

(4) At all, "If thy father miss me at all" (1Sa 20:6), "in any way," "in the least."

and from me it was made a decree to bring in before me the object marker all [the] wise men of Babylon that [the] interpretation of dream the they will make known to me
חַכִּימֵ֣יcha.ki.Mei [the] wise men of H2445
14× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
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.
Tyndale gloss
wise
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

חַכִּים (chakkiym) means 'wise' and refers to a wise man or a Magian. It is derived from a root associated with wisdom, specifically noted in Strong's H2449. The term appears in contexts that emphasize wisdom.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[חַכִּים] 14 n.m. wise man

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2445 חַכִּים

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2445 chakkiym khak-keem'

(Aramaic) from a root corresponding to 2449; wise, i.e. a

Magian:--wise.

see HEBREW for 02449

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

חַכִּים (chak.kim) — wise.

wise man, wise

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
AAampc
AAampc
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

ov:

(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.

English usagewhat the translators’ English meant
Webster's Dictionary (1828), Webster's Unabridged (1913), Webster's Dictionary (1806)

OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]

1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.

I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.

For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.

It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.

Lamentations 3:1.

The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.

Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.

That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.

Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…

and from me it was made a decree to bring in before me the object marker all [the] wise men of Babylon that [the] interpretation of dream the they will make known to me
בָבֶ֑לva.Vel Babylon H895 Noun proper
25× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
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.
Tyndale gloss
Babylon
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

בָּבֶל (Babel) refers to Babylon, an ancient city associated with confusion due to mixing. The word is derived from Aramaic and is linked to Strong's H894. It is noted as the capital of Babylonia, located on the Euphrates River.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

בָּבֶל n.pr.loc. Babylon

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H895 בָּבֶל, בַּבֶל

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

895 Babel baw-bel'

(Aramaic) corresponding to 894:--Babylon.

see HEBREW for 0894

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

בָּבֶ֫ל, בָּבֶל (ba.vel) — Babylon.

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

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
ANpl — Noun proper
ANpl
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
Easton's Bible Dictionary

Babylon

The Greek form of BABEL; Semitic form Babilu, meaning “The Gate of God.” In the Assyrian tablets it means “The city of the dispersion of the tribes.” The monumental list of its kings reaches back to B.C. 2300, and includes Khammurabi, or Amraphel (q.v.), the contemporary of Abraham. It stood on the Euphrates, about 200 miles above its junction with the Tigris, which flowed through its midst and divided it into two almost equal parts. The Elamites invaded Chaldea (i.e., Lower Mesopotamia, or Shinar, and Upper Mesopotamia, or Accad, now combined into one) and held it in subjection. At length Khammu-rabi delivered it from the foreign yoke, and founded the new empire of Chaldea (q.v.), making Babylon the capital of the united kingdom. This city gradually grew in extent and grandeur, but in process of time it became subject to Assyria. On the fall of Nineveh (B.C. 606) it threw off…

Smith's Bible Dictionary

in the Apocalypse, is the symbolical name by which Rome is denoted. (Revelation 14:8; 17:18) The power of Rome was regarded by the later Jews as was that of Babylon by their forefathers. Comp. (Jeremiah 51:7) with Reve 14:8 The occurrence of this name in (1 Peter 5:13) has given rise to a variety of conjectures, many giving it the same meaning as in the Apocalypse; others refer it to Babylon in Asia, and others still to Babylon in Egypt. The most natural supposition of all is that by Babylon is intended the old Babylon of Assyria, which was largely inhabited by Jews at the time in question.

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

1. A celebrated city situated on the Euphrates, the original foundation of which is described under the word Babel. Wit this coincide many ancient traditions, while some speak of Semiramis as the founder, and others of Nebuchadnezzar. These accounts may all be reconciled, by supposing that Semiramis rebuilt the ancient city, and the Nebuchadnezzar. These accounts may all be reconciled, by supposing that Semiramis rebuilt the ancient city, and that Nebuchadnezzar afterwards greatly enlarged and adorned it.

Babylon lay in a vast and fertile plain watered by the Euphrates, with flowed through the city. Its walls are described as 60 miles in circumference, 300 feet high, and 75 feet wide, Jer 51:44- 58. A deep trench ran parallel with the walls. In each of the four sides were 25 brazen gates, from which roads crossed to the opposite…

Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary

same as Babel

and from me it was made a decree to bring in before me the object marker all [the] wise men of Babylon that [the] interpretation of dream the they will make known to me
דִּֽי־di- that H1768 Conjunction
345× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
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'.
Tyndale gloss
that
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

דִּי (diy) is an Aramaic word meaning 'that,' functioning as a relative conjunction and a preposition in various contexts. It can indicate relationships such as 'who,' 'which,' or 'because,' and is used in adverbial phrases. The entries highlight its role in connecting clauses and marking possession.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

דִּי part. of relation, who, which, that, used also as mark of gen. and conj. that, because

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1768 דִּי

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1768 diy dee

(Aramaic) apparently for 1668; that, used as relative

conjunction, and especially (with a preposition) in adverbial

phrases; also as preposition of:--X as, but, for(-asmuch +), +

now, of, seeing, than, that, therefore, until, + what

(-soever), when, which, whom, whose.

see HEBREW for 01668

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

דִּי (di) — that.

part of relation

1) who, which, that

mark of genitive

2) that of, which belongs to, that

conj

3) that, because

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Adj — Conjunction
AC
and from me it was made a decree to bring in before me the object marker all [the] wise men of Babylon that [the] interpretation of dream the they will make known to me
פְשַׁ֥רfe.Shar [the] interpretation of H6591 Noun common · both singular construct
31× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
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.
Amplified meaning
to explain, make known
Tyndale gloss
interpretation
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

פְּשַׁר (pshar) is an Aramaic noun meaning 'interpretation,' specifically referring to the interpretation of dreams. It is derived from a root that also relates to the concept of interpretation. The entries consistently emphasize its use in the context of dream interpretation.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

פְּשַׁר 31 n.m. interpretation (of dream)

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H6591 פְּשַׁר

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

6591 pshar pesh-ar'

(Aramaic) from 6590; an interpretation:--interpretation.

see HEBREW for 06590

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

פְּשַׁר (pe.shar) — interpretation.

interpretation (of dream)

Aramaic of pit.ron (פִּתְרוֹן "interpretation" H6623)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Adj | N-ms | Suff — Noun common · both singular construct
ANcbsc
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

ov:

(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.

English usagewhat the translators’ English meant
Webster's Dictionary (1828), Webster's Unabridged (1913), Webster's Dictionary (1806)

OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]

1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.

I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.

For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.

It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.

Lamentations 3:1.

The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.

Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.

That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.

Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…

and from me it was made a decree to bring in before me the object marker all [the] wise men of Babylon that [the] interpretation of dream the they will make known to me
חֶלְמָ֖אchel.Ma' dream the H2493 Noun common both singular determined · particle
22× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
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.
Amplified meaning
vision, sight
Tyndale gloss
dream
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

חֵ֫לֶם (chelem) means 'dream' in Aramaic, derived from a root related to חֲלוֹם (chalom). The entries consistently define it as a noun referring to a dream, with no significant disagreement among the lexicons.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

חֵ֫לֶם 22 n.m. dream

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2493 חֵ֫לֶם

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2493 chelem khay'-lem

(Aramaic) from a root corresponding to 2492; a dream:--dream.

see HEBREW for 02492

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

חֵ֫לֶם (che.lem) — dream.

dream

Aramaic of cha.lom (חֲלוֹם "dream" H2472)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Adj | Suff — Noun common both singular determined · particle
ANcbsd/Ta
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
Easton's Bible Dictionary

Dream

God has frequently made use of dreams in communicating his will to men. The most remarkable instances of this are recorded in the history of Jacob (Gen. 28:12; 31:10), Laban (31:24), Joseph (37:9-11), Gideon (Judg. 7), and Solomon (1 Kings 3:5). Other significant dreams are also recorded, such as those of Abimelech (Gen. 20:3-7), Pharaoh’s chief butler and baker (40:5), Pharaoh (41:1-8), the Midianites (Judg. 7:13), Nebuchadnezzar (Dan. 2:1; 4:10, 18), the wise men from the east (Matt. 2:12), and Pilate’s wife (27:19).

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

The orientals, and in particular the Jews, greatly regarded dreams, and applied for their interpretation to those who undertook to explain them. We see the antiquity of this custom in the history of Pharaoh’s butler and baker, Ge 40:1-23; and Pharaoh himself and Nebuchadnezzar are also instances. God expressly forbade his people to observe dreams, and to consult explainers of them. He condemned to death all who pretended to have prophetic dreams, even though what they foretold came to pass, if they had any tendency to promote idolatry, De 13:1-3. But they were not forbidden, when they thought they had a significant dream, to address the prophets of the Lord, or the high priest in his ephod, to have it explained. The Lord frequently made known his will in dreams, and enabled…

Nave's Topical Bible

→ Evanescent Job 20:8

→ Vanity of Ec 5:3,7

→ INSTANCES OF

Of Abimelech,, concerning Sarah Ge 20:3

Of Jacob, concerning the ladder Ge 28:12

The ring-straked cattle Ge 31:10-13

Concerning his going down into Egypt Ge 46:2

Of Laban, concerning Jacob Ge 31:24

Of Joseph, concerning the sheaves Ge 37:5-10

Of Midianite concerning the cake of barley Jud 7:13

and from me it was made a decree to bring in before me the object marker all [the] wise men of Babylon that [the] interpretation of dream the they will make known to me
יְהֽוֹדְעֻנַּֽנִי׃ye.Hod.'u.Na.ni they will make known to me H3046 Verb hiphil imperfect third person masculine plural · suffix
47× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
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.
Amplified meaning
to reveal, disclose its meaning
Tyndale gloss
to know
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

יְדַע (yda) means 'to know' and encompasses various forms of knowledge and communication. It can refer to knowing something personally or causing someone else to know. The entries indicate its use in both Hebrew and Aramaic contexts, with a focus on the act of informing or teaching.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

יְדַע vb. know

Pe. know

Haph. cause to know, inform

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3046 יְדַע

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3046 yda` yed-ah'

(Aramaic) corresponding to 3045:--certify, know, make known,

teach.

see HEBREW for 03045

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

יְדַע (ye.da) — to know.

1) to know

1a) (P'al) to know

1b) (Aphel) to let someone know, communicate, inform, cause to know

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Adj — Verb hiphil imperfect third person masculine plural · suffix
AVhi3mp/Sp1bs
Sources on this page. Lexicons and dictionaries imported from the CrossWire SWORD modules — Abbott-Smith, Strong's, Dodson, the Intermediate Liddell-Scott-Jones, Robinson and Packard, Webster and Cawdrey. Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament (Harper, 1889 — Grimm’s Wilke’s Clavis Novi Testamenti, translated, revised and enlarged by Joseph Henry Thayer) is public domain and is set here from the Internet Archive page scan greekenglishlex00grim; it is uncorrected OCR, marked as such on the entry itself, and the Strong’s numbers — which Thayer’s own edition does not carry — were matched by lemma against the other modules on this page. Trench’s Synonyms of the New Testament (Macmillan, 1880) and Moulton and Milligan’s Vocabulary of the Greek Testament (Hodder & Stoughton, 1930, which entered the United States public domain on 1 January 2026) are set from Internet Archive page scans synonymsofnewtes00treniala and vocabularyofgree00mouluoft, and are likewise uncorrected OCR matched to Strong’s numbers by lemma. Trench treats a group of words at once, so the same essay stands on the page of each word it compares. The Mounce Concise Greek-English Dictionary is © 1993 and is used here by permission for non-commercial use, www.teknia.com/greek-dictionary. The full Liddell-Scott-Jones and the Hebrew word data (TAHOT) come from STEPBible.org, CC BY 4.0. Brown-Driver-Briggs is the OpenScriptures digitisation, public domain. Syntax analysis is the Nestle 1904 Lowfat treebank (biblicalhumanities.org); the concordance and morphology are built from the tagged Nestle 1904 text. Septuagint occurrences use the Open Scriptures Septuagint lemma index, derived from CCAT (University of Pennsylvania) and the Rahlfs 1935 dataset by Eliran Wong, CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — used here on a non-commercial ministry site. Greek of Josephus and Barnabas from the Perseus Digital Library, CC BY-SA 4.0. Commentaries and the Ante-Nicene Fathers are public-domain texts hosted on this site. Everyday Greek from the Duke Databank of Documentary Papyri, CC BY 3.0, with dates and provenance from the Heidelberger Gesamtverzeichnis. Philo and the Apostolic Fathers from Open Greek and Latin (First1KGreek), CC BY-SA 4.0. The apparatus and the fifth Greek column are the SBL Greek New Testament, © 2010 SBL and Logos Bible Software, CC BY 4.0. The Latin is the Clementine Vulgate (public domain); the Syriac New Testament is the ETCBC edition (MIT licence). The Hebrew behind the Greek is computed here from the Septuagint index and TAHOT, not taken from any aligned edition. The translation spread and the per-word edition marks come from the Translators Amalgamated Greek NT (STEPBible, CC BY 4.0); clause roles from the Nestle 1904 Lowfat treebank (CC BY-SA 4.0); place identifications and their confidence from OpenBible.info Bible Geocoding (CC BY 4.0), with map tiles © OpenStreetMap contributors. Gospel parallels are computed here from shared uncommon vocabulary, not taken from any printed harmony. Cross references are the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge and the subject headings are Nave’s Topical Bible, both public domain. Works under Creative Commons licences are used unchanged apart from markup removal.

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

Donate