Daniel 2:7 (KJV)

What does Daniel 2:7 mean?

Daniel 2:7 shows the king’s advisors asking Nebuchadnezzar once again to tell them his dream, promising that if he does, they will give him its interpretation. The verse highlights their insistence that they need to hear the dream itself before they can offer any explanation.

In this scene, Nebuchadnezzar’s wise men are responding to his demand for both the dream and its meaning, a request he made to test their abilities. The advisors, likely feeling pressure and uncertainty, repeat their earlier plea, hoping the king will reveal the dream so they can interpret it. This exchange sets up the tension that leads to Daniel’s later involvement in the story.

The Aramaic behind Daniel 2:7

• "answered" — עָנָה (ʿanah): This word means to respond or reply, showing the advisors are directly addressing the king’s challenge.
• "tell" — אֲמַר (amar): Here, it carries the sense of asking the king to state or declare the dream, emphasizing their dependence on him for information.
• "interpretation" — פְּשַׁר (peshar): This term refers to an explanation or solution, underlining that the advisors claim they can explain the dream’s meaning if only they know what it is.

Why Daniel 2:7 matters

• Daniel 2:7 highlights the advisors’ inability to meet the king’s demand, setting the stage for Daniel’s unique role in revealing both the dream and its meaning.
• The verse shows the advisors’ strategy of repeating their request, which may suggest their lack of true insight or their hope that the king will lower his expectations.
• This moment builds suspense in the story, as it becomes clear that ordinary wisdom and methods are not enough for the king’s challenge, paving the way for a demonstration of divine insight later in the chapter.