Daniel 2:28 (KJV)

What does Daniel 2:28 mean?

Daniel 2:28 says that God in heaven is the one who reveals hidden things and has shown King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in the future. Daniel tells the king that the mysterious dream and visions he had while lying in bed are about to be explained.

Daniel is speaking to King Nebuchadnezzar, who has had a troubling dream that none of his wise men could interpret. Daniel makes it clear that the ability to reveal secrets does not come from human wisdom, but from God. This sets the stage for Daniel to explain the dream’s meaning, emphasizing that God controls the future and communicates important messages to people in authority.

The Aramaic behind Daniel 2:28

• "God" (אֱלָהּ, ʾĕlāh): This word is the general Aramaic term for God, highlighting that Daniel is pointing to the one true God rather than any Babylonian deity.
• "Revealeth" (גָּלֵא, gālēʾ): This verb means to uncover or make known something hidden, stressing that only God can truly disclose mysteries that are beyond human understanding.
• "Secrets" (רָז, rāz): This word refers to hidden or mysterious things, underlining the idea that the king’s dream is not just puzzling but carries a deeper, divine meaning.
• "Latter days" (אַחֲרִית יוֹמַיָּא, ʾaḥarīt yômayya): This phrase often points to future times, sometimes with a sense of what will happen at the end of an era or in significant future events.

Why Daniel 2:28 matters

• Daniel 2:28 corrects the idea that human wisdom or magic can explain everything, showing that some truths come only from God.
• The verse shifts the focus from Daniel’s abilities to God’s power, making it clear that Daniel is just the messenger.
• Daniel 2:28 connects the king’s dream to future events, preparing the reader for the prophecy that follows and showing that God is involved in the course of history.