Whose leaves were fair, and the fruit thereof much, and in it was meat for all; under which the beasts of the field dwelt, and upon whose branches the fowls of the heaven had their habitation:

DANIEL 4:21KJV
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Daniel 4:21 (KJV)

What does Daniel 4:21 mean?

Daniel 4:21 describes a great tree whose beautiful leaves and abundant fruit provide food and shelter for all creatures, with animals living beneath its branches and birds nesting in its limbs. The verse uses this image to show how the tree supports and sustains life for every living thing around it.

In this part of the book of Daniel, King Nebuchadnezzar is recounting a dream to Daniel. The dream features a massive tree visible to the ends of the earth, symbolizing the king’s vast influence and the prosperity his rule brings to many. The verse highlights the tree’s (and thus the king’s) role as a source of provision and protection for all kinds of creatures, emphasizing the reach and impact of his power.

The Aramaic behind Daniel 4:21

  • "leaves" (עֲפַנְיֵהּ, ‛ăp̄an·yeh): This word refers to the tree’s foliage, described as "fair" or beautiful, suggesting not just usefulness but also attractiveness and vitality.
  • "meat" (אֶסְפַּרְנֵהּ, ’esparneh): Here, "meat" means food or nourishment, not just animal flesh, showing that the tree provides for every need, not just shelter but sustenance.
  • "dwelt" (שְׁכַן, shekan): This word means to settle down or reside, indicating that the animals are not just passing by but are at home under the tree, emphasizing security and stability.
  • "habitation" (דִּרוּ, diru): This term for the birds’ dwelling in the branches suggests a permanent, safe place to live, reinforcing the idea of the tree as a life-giving center.

Why Daniel 4:21 matters

  • Daniel 4:21 clarifies that the tree in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream is not just large, but actively provides for and protects all living things, highlighting the king’s responsibility for the well-being of his subjects.
  • The verse connects the image of the tree to the king’s influence, showing that his power is meant to benefit others, not just himself.
  • Understanding the details of the tree’s role helps make sense of the coming judgment in the story, as the removal of the tree will have a dramatic impact on everyone who depended on it.

Where else these words appear

“fair” Hebrew H8209 · used in 2 verses

  • Daniel 4:12 The leaves thereof were fair, and the fruit thereof much, and in it was meat for all: the beasts of the field had shadow under it, and the fowls of the heaven dwelt in the boughs thereof, and all flesh was fed of it.

“meat” Hebrew H4203 · used in 2 verses

  • Daniel 4:12 The leaves thereof were fair, and the fruit thereof much, and in it was meat for all: the beasts of the field had shadow under it, and the fowls of the heaven dwelt in the boughs thereof, and all flesh was fed of it.

“habitation” Hebrew H7932 · used in 2 verses

  • Ezra 6:12 And the God that hath caused his name to dwell there destroy all kings and people, that shall put to their hand to alter and to destroy this house of God which is at Jerusalem. I Darius have made a decree; let it be done with speed.

“leaves” Hebrew H6074 · used in 3 verses

  • Daniel 4:12 The leaves thereof were fair, and the fruit thereof much, and in it was meat for all: the beasts of the field had shadow under it, and the fowls of the heaven dwelt in the boughs thereof, and all flesh was fed of it.
  • Daniel 4:14 He cried aloud, and said thus, Hew down the tree, and cut off his branches, shake off his leaves, and scatter his fruit: let the beasts get away from under it, and the fowls from his branches: