Then Daniel went in, and desired of the king that he would give him time, and that he would shew the king the interpretation.

DANIEL 2:16KJV
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Daniel 2:16 (KJV)

What does Daniel 2:16 mean?

Daniel 2:16 describes Daniel approaching King Nebuchadnezzar to ask for more time so that he could provide the king with the interpretation of his troubling dream. Daniel requests this delay with the hope that he will be able to reveal the meaning of the dream to the king.

In this scene, Daniel is speaking directly to the king of Babylon, who has demanded that his wise men both tell him his dream and interpret it—something none of them could do. Daniel’s request for time shows his confidence that God can reveal the mystery, setting up the events that follow where Daniel seeks God’s help with his friends.

The Aramaic behind Daniel 2:16

  • "desired" (בָּעָה, baʿaʾ): This Aramaic word means to ask or request earnestly. Daniel’s approach is not just a casual question but a respectful and urgent plea to the king, showing both boldness and humility.
  • "time" (זְמָן, zeman): This word refers to a specific period or opportunity. Daniel is not asking for an indefinite delay, but a set amount of time to seek the answer, which highlights his faith that a solution is possible and imminent.
  • "interpretation" (פְּשַׁר, peshar): This word means the explanation or meaning of something hidden. Daniel is promising not just to guess, but to provide the true explanation of the king’s mysterious dream.

Why Daniel 2:16 matters

  • Daniel 2:16 clarifies that Daniel did not immediately know the dream or its meaning, but trusted that he could receive the answer if given time, which underscores his reliance on God rather than his own wisdom.
  • The verse highlights Daniel’s courage and initiative; he steps forward when others have failed, setting him apart among the wise men of Babylon.
  • This moment sets the stage for the dramatic revelation that follows, showing how Daniel’s faith and actions lead to a turning point in the story and in his standing before the king.

Where else these words appear

“give” Hebrew H5415 · used in 6 verses

  • Ezra 4:13 Be it known now unto the king, that, if this city be builded, and the walls set up again, then will they not pay toll, tribute, and custom, and so thou shalt endamage the revenue of the kings.
  • Ezra 7:20 And whatsoever more shall be needful for the house of thy God, which thou shalt have occasion to bestow, bestow it out of the king's treasure house.
  • Daniel 4:25 That they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and they shall wet thee with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass over thee, till thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.

“time” Hebrew H2166 · used in 11 verses

  • Ezra 5:3 At the same time came to them Tatnai, governor on this side the river, and Shetharboznai, and their companions, and said thus unto them, Who hath commanded you to build this house, and to make up this wall?
  • Daniel 3:8 Wherefore at that time certain Chaldeans came near, and accused the Jews.
  • Daniel 6:13 Then answered they and said before the king, That Daniel, which is of the children of the captivity of Judah, regardeth not thee, O king, nor the decree that thou hast signed, but maketh his petition three times a day.

“in” Hebrew H5954 · used in 12 verses

  • Daniel 2:24 Therefore Daniel went in unto Arioch, whom the king had ordained to destroy the wise men of Babylon: he went and said thus unto him; Destroy not the wise men of Babylon: bring me in before the king, and I will shew unto the king the interpretation.
  • Daniel 4:7 Then came in the magicians, the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers: and I told the dream before them; but they did not make known unto me the interpretation thereof.
  • Daniel 5:13 Then was Daniel brought in before the king. And the king spake and said unto Daniel, Art thou that Daniel, which art of the children of the captivity of Judah, whom the king my father brought out of Jewry?

“desired” Hebrew H1156 · used in 12 verses

  • Daniel 2:13 And the decree went forth that the wise men should be slain; and they sought Daniel and his fellows to be slain.
  • Daniel 2:49 Then Daniel requested of the king, and he set Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, over the affairs of the province of Babylon: but Daniel sat in the gate of the king.
  • Daniel 6:11 Then these men assembled, and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God.