Then the king Nebuchadnezzar fell upon his face, and worshipped Daniel, and commanded that they should offer an oblation and sweet odours unto him.

DANIEL 2:46KJV
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Daniel 2:46 (KJV)

What does Daniel 2:46 mean?

Daniel 2:46 describes King Nebuchadnezzar falling down before Daniel, showing him great honor and even ordering offerings and incense to be presented to Daniel. This act reflects the king’s amazement and deep respect after Daniel revealed and interpreted his dream.

In this scene, Nebuchadnezzar, the powerful Babylonian king, responds to Daniel’s God-given wisdom by treating Daniel in a way usually reserved for divine beings. The king’s actions—falling on his face, worshipping Daniel, and commanding offerings—show just how astonished he is by Daniel’s ability to reveal secrets that none of his own wise men could. This moment highlights the dramatic impact Daniel’s revelation had on the king and sets the stage for Nebuchadnezzar’s growing awareness of Daniel’s God.

The Aramaic behind Daniel 2:46

  • The word for "worshipped" is סְגַד (segad), which often means to bow down or pay homage, not always in a strictly religious sense. Here, it shows Nebuchadnezzar’s extreme respect, though the act could be seen as going beyond what would be appropriate for a human.
  • The term for "oblation" is מִנְחָה (minḥah), which refers to a gift or offering, often given to a deity. Nebuchadnezzar’s command to offer this to Daniel shows just how highly he regarded Daniel’s role in revealing the dream.
  • "Sweet odours" comes from נִיחוֹחַ (niḥoach), meaning fragrant incense, typically used in worship. The king’s order to offer incense to Daniel again blurs the line between honoring a person and treating him as divine.

Why Daniel 2:46 matters

  • Daniel 2:46 clears up any idea that Nebuchadnezzar saw Daniel as just another wise man; the king’s reaction is far more dramatic and reverent than anything he did for his own magicians.
  • This verse emphasizes the extraordinary impact of Daniel’s revelation, showing that the king recognized something supernatural at work, even if he did not fully understand the God behind Daniel’s wisdom.
  • The scene sets up a recurring theme in Daniel: pagan rulers being confronted with the power of Israel’s God, often responding with awe, confusion, or misplaced worship.

Where else these words appear

“face” Hebrew H600 · used in 2 verses

  • Daniel 3:19 Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury, and the form of his visage was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: therefore he spake, and commanded that they should heat the furnace one seven times more than it was wont to be heated.

“oblation” Hebrew H4504 · used in 2 verses

  • Ezra 7:17 That thou mayest buy speedily with this money bullocks, rams, lambs, with their meat offerings and their drink offerings, and offer them upon the altar of the house of your God which is in Jerusalem.

“odours” Hebrew H5208 · used in 2 verses

  • Ezra 6:10 That they may offer sacrifices of sweet savours unto the God of heaven, and pray for the life of the king, and of his sons.

“fell” Hebrew H5308 · used in 11 verses

  • 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 3:7 Therefore at that time, when all the people heard the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and all kinds of musick, all the people, the nations, and the languages, fell down and worshipped the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up.
  • Daniel 3:15 Now if ye be ready that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the image which I have made; well: but if ye worship not, ye shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace; and who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands?