Nevertheless leave the stump of his roots in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let his portion be with the beasts in the grass of the earth:

DANIEL 4:15KJV
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Daniel 4:15 (KJV)

What does Daniel 4:15 mean?

Daniel 4:15 describes how, even after a great tree is cut down, its stump and roots are left in the ground, secured with a band of iron and bronze, remaining among the grass and exposed to the dew, sharing its place with the animals. This verse uses the image of the tree to show that something important will be left behind and preserved, even after a major downfall.

In this part of the story, King Nebuchadnezzar is hearing about a dream he had, and Daniel is later called to interpret it. The tree represents Nebuchadnezzar himself, and the stump left in the earth hints that his kingdom or life will not be totally destroyed—there is hope for restoration. The details about the band of iron and bronze, the dew, and the beasts all point to a period of humiliation and living away from royal privilege, but not complete ruin.

The Aramaic behind Daniel 4:15

  • "stump" (עִקַּר, ‘iqqar): This word means the base or stump of a tree, emphasizing that the foundation remains even after the tree is cut down. It suggests potential for regrowth or restoration.
  • "band" (אֲסוּר, ’asur): This means a bond or fetter, here made of iron and bronze. The image of the stump being bound may suggest restraint or protection, possibly showing that the remaining part is being preserved for a purpose.
  • "dew" (טַל, ṭal): Dew from heaven often symbolizes exposure to the elements and a loss of comfort or shelter, highlighting the king’s coming humiliation.
  • "portion" (חֲלָק, ḥalaq): This word refers to a share or allotment. Here, it shows that Nebuchadnezzar’s share will be with the animals, not with people, underlining his coming loss of status.

Why Daniel 4:15 matters

  • Daniel 4:15 clarifies that Nebuchadnezzar’s judgment is not total destruction; there is a limit and a future possibility of restoration, which is a key theme in the chapter.
  • The verse highlights the seriousness of Nebuchadnezzar’s coming humiliation by describing him as sharing life with the beasts, not as a king among people.
  • The details about the iron and bronze band have led to different interpretations, but the main point is that God is in control of Nebuchadnezzar’s fate, setting boundaries on both his downfall and his eventual recovery.

Where else these words appear

“grass” Hebrew H1883 · used in 2 verses

  • Daniel 4:23 And whereas the king saw a watcher and an holy one coming down from heaven, and saying, Hew the tree down, and destroy it; yet leave the stump of the roots thereof in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let his portion be with the beasts of the field, till seven times pass over him;

“stump” Hebrew H6136 · used in 3 verses

  • Daniel 4:23 And whereas the king saw a watcher and an holy one coming down from heaven, and saying, Hew the tree down, and destroy it; yet leave the stump of the roots thereof in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let his portion be with the beasts of the field, till seven times pass over him;
  • Daniel 4:26 And whereas they commanded to leave the stump of the tree roots; thy kingdom shall be sure unto thee, after that thou shalt have known that the heavens do rule.

“roots” Hebrew H8330 · used in 3 verses

  • Daniel 4:23 And whereas the king saw a watcher and an holy one coming down from heaven, and saying, Hew the tree down, and destroy it; yet leave the stump of the roots thereof in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let his portion be with the beasts of the field, till seven times pass over him;
  • Daniel 4:26 And whereas they commanded to leave the stump of the tree roots; thy kingdom shall be sure unto thee, after that thou shalt have known that the heavens do rule.

“band” Hebrew H613 · used in 3 verses

  • Ezra 7:26 And whosoever will not do the law of thy God, and the law of the king, let judgment be executed speedily upon him, whether it be unto death, or to banishment, or to confiscation of goods, or to imprisonment.
  • Daniel 4:23 And whereas the king saw a watcher and an holy one coming down from heaven, and saying, Hew the tree down, and destroy it; yet leave the stump of the roots thereof in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let his portion be with the beasts of the field, till seven times pass over him;