I thank thee, and praise thee, O thou God of my fathers, who hast given me wisdom and might, and hast made known unto me now what we desired of thee: for thou hast now made known unto us the king's matter.

DANIEL 2:23KJV
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Daniel 2:23 (KJV)

What does Daniel 2:23 mean?

Daniel 2:23 is Daniel’s prayer of thanks to God after God reveals the meaning of King Nebuchadnezzar’s troubling dream to him. Daniel praises God for giving him wisdom and strength, and for answering his request by making known the secret of the king’s dream.

Daniel is speaking directly to God, calling Him the “God of my fathers,” which shows Daniel’s connection to his ancestors’ faith. This verse comes right after Daniel receives a vision in the night, solving the mystery that had threatened the lives of Daniel and his friends. Daniel’s words highlight his gratitude and recognition that true wisdom and power come from God alone.

The Aramaic behind Daniel 2:23

  • “thank” (יְדָה, yedah): This word means to give thanks or acknowledge. Daniel is not just expressing gratitude but also publicly recognizing God’s action.
  • “praise” (שְׁבַח, shevach): This word carries the sense of giving honor or acclaim. Daniel is lifting up God’s reputation, not just his own feelings.
  • “wisdom” (חָכְמָה, chokhmah): This word refers to insight or understanding, which is what Daniel needed to interpret the king’s dream.
  • “might” (גְּבוּרָה, gevurah): This word means strength or power, emphasizing that God not only gives knowledge but also the ability to act.

Why Daniel 2:23 matters

  • Daniel 2:23 shows that Daniel credits God, not himself, for the insight and ability to interpret the king’s dream, correcting any idea that Daniel’s wisdom is his own achievement.
  • The verse connects Daniel’s faith to the faith of his ancestors, showing continuity in trusting God across generations.
  • Daniel’s prayer sets an example of humility and gratitude before God, especially in moments of crisis or when receiving answers to prayer.

Where else these words appear

“thank” Hebrew H3029 · used in 2 verses

  • Daniel 6:10 Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.

“might” Hebrew H1370 · used in 2 verses

  • Daniel 2:20 Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his:

“praise” Hebrew H7624 · used in 5 verses

  • Daniel 4:34 And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation:
  • Daniel 4:37 Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase.
  • Daniel 5:4 They drank wine, and praised the gods of gold, and of silver, of brass, of iron, of wood, and of stone.

“fathers” Hebrew H2 · used in 7 verses

  • Ezra 4:15 That search may be made in the book of the records of thy fathers: so shalt thou find in the book of the records, and know that this city is a rebellious city, and hurtful unto kings and provinces, and that they have moved sedition within the same of old time: for which cause was this city destroyed.
  • Daniel 5:2 Belshazzar, whiles he tasted the wine, commanded to bring the golden and silver vessels which his father Nebuchadnezzar had taken out of the temple which was in Jerusalem; that the king, and his princes, his wives, and his concubines, might drink therein.
  • 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?