Question 1

What does Daniel 2:47 mean?

Accepted Answer

Daniel 2:47 records King Nebuchadnezzar telling Daniel that Daniel’s God is truly above all other gods, is the ruler over kings, and is able to reveal mysteries, because Daniel was able to explain the king’s secret dream. The king recognizes that Daniel’s God has unique power and knowledge that no other god or person had shown. In this verse, King Nebuchadnezzar is speaking directly to Daniel after Daniel reveals and interprets the king’s troubling dream—something none of the king’s wise men could do. The king’s words show a moment of awe and respect for Daniel’s God, acknowledging that the God Daniel serves is not just another deity, but one who rules over all and reveals hidden things.

Question 2

The Aramaic behind Daniel 2:47

Accepted Answer

"God" (אֱלָהּ, ʾĕlāh) and "gods" (אֱלָהִין, ʾĕlāhīn): The king calls Daniel’s God “a God of gods,” using the same word for both. This highlights that Nebuchadnezzar is placing Daniel’s God above all other gods he knows, not denying their existence but ranking Daniel’s God as supreme. "Lord" (מָרֵא, mare): Nebuchadnezzar calls Daniel’s God “a Lord of kings,” using a term that means master or ruler. This shows the king’s recognition that Daniel’s God has authority even over powerful rulers like himself. "Revealer" (גָּלֵא, gale) and "secrets" (רָז, raz): The king says Daniel’s God is “a revealer of secrets.” The word for “secrets” means hidden or mysterious things, and “revealer” means someone who uncovers or makes known what is hidden. This emphasizes that Daniel’s God can do what no one else can—make mysteries clear.

Question 3

Why Daniel 2:47 matters

Accepted Answer

Daniel 2:47 shows a pagan king publicly acknowledging the power and supremacy of the God of Israel, which is a rare and significant moment in the Old Testament. The verse highlights the main theme of Daniel chapter 2: that God alone reveals mysteries and holds true authority over kings and kingdoms. This recognition sets the stage for later events in Daniel, where the question of who truly rules—God or earthly kings—continues to be central.

Daniel 2:47 (KJV)