This is the dream; and we will tell the interpretation thereof before the king.

DANIEL 2:36KJV
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Daniel 2:36 (KJV)

What does Daniel 2:36 mean?

Daniel 2:36 is Daniel’s announcement to King Nebuchadnezzar that he is about to explain the meaning of the king’s dream. Daniel states plainly that he and his companions will give the interpretation of the dream in the king’s presence.

Daniel is speaking directly to Nebuchadnezzar after recounting the dream the king had. The setting is the royal court, where Daniel has just described the dream that troubled the king. Now, Daniel shifts from telling the dream itself to revealing its significance, making it clear that the explanation is about to begin.

The Aramaic behind Daniel 2:36

  • "This" (דְּנָה, denāh): This word points specifically to the dream Daniel has just described, showing he is referring to something definite and known to the audience.
  • "Interpretation" (פְּשַׁר, peshar): This Aramaic word means an explanation or the act of making something clear, emphasizing that Daniel is not just retelling the dream but will reveal its deeper meaning.
  • "Before" (קֳדָם, qodam): This word means "in front of" or "in the presence of," highlighting that Daniel is addressing the king directly and publicly, not in secret.

Why Daniel 2:36 matters

  • Daniel 2:36 marks the turning point from recounting the dream to explaining its meaning, signaling a shift in the narrative’s focus.
  • The verse shows Daniel’s confidence and clarity, as he openly declares that he will interpret the dream for the king, which builds trust in his role as a true interpreter.
  • This moment sets up the rest of the chapter, where the meaning of the dream’s symbols will be revealed, shaping the message of the entire story.

Where else these words appear

“dream” Hebrew H2493 · used in 18 verses

  • Daniel 2:4 Then spake the Chaldeans to the king in Syriack, O king, live for ever: tell thy servants the dream, and we will shew the interpretation.
  • Daniel 2:26 The king answered and said to Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, Art thou able to make known unto me the dream which I have seen, and the interpretation thereof?
  • Daniel 4:8 But at the last Daniel came in before me, whose name was Belteshazzar, according to the name of my god, and in whom is the spirit of the holy gods: and before him I told the dream, saying,

“interpretation” Hebrew H6591 · used in 26 verses

  • Daniel 2:4 Then spake the Chaldeans to the king in Syriack, O king, live for ever: tell thy servants the dream, and we will shew the interpretation.
  • Daniel 2:26 The king answered and said to Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, Art thou able to make known unto me the dream which I have seen, and the interpretation thereof?
  • Daniel 4:24 This is the interpretation, O king, and this is the decree of the most High, which is come upon my lord the king:

“before” Hebrew H6925 · used in 38 verses

  • Ezra 4:18 The letter which ye sent unto us hath been plainly read before me.
  • Daniel 2:27 Daniel answered in the presence of the king, and said, The secret which the king hath demanded cannot the wise men, the astrologers, the magicians, the soothsayers, shew unto the king;
  • Daniel 6:1 It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom an hundred and twenty princes, which should be over the whole kingdom;

“This” Hebrew H1836 · used in 53 verses

  • Ezra 4:11 This is the copy of the letter that they sent unto him, even unto Artaxerxes the king; Thy servants the men on this side the river, and at such a time.
  • Ezra 6:17 And offered at the dedication of this house of God an hundred bullocks, two hundred rams, four hundred lambs; and for a sin offering for all Israel, twelve he goats, according to the number of the tribes of Israel.
  • Daniel 3:22 Therefore because the king's commandment was urgent, and the furnace exceeding hot, the flame of the fire slew those men that took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.