That they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and they shall wet thee with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass over thee, till thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.

DANIEL 4:25KJV
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Daniel 4:25 (KJV)

What does Daniel 4:25 mean?

Daniel 4:25 means that King Nebuchadnezzar will be driven away from people and forced to live like an animal, eating grass and being exposed to the weather, for a period of "seven times" until he recognizes that the Most High God is truly in control of all human kingdoms and gives power to whomever He wishes. The verse is a warning that Nebuchadnezzar’s pride will be humbled until he learns this lesson.

The verse is spoken by Daniel to King Nebuchadnezzar after the king has a troubling dream. Daniel explains that God will humble the king by taking away his royal authority and making him live among animals, showing that human power is not ultimate. The phrase "seven times" is often understood as a symbolic period of time, emphasizing that the experience will last until Nebuchadnezzar acknowledges God's sovereignty.

The Aramaic behind Daniel 4:25

  • "drive" (יְטָרְדֻנָּךְ, yəṭārədunnāḵ): This word means to forcefully remove or expel. It highlights that Nebuchadnezzar’s separation from people is not voluntary but imposed upon him.
  • "seven times" (שִׁבְעָה עִדָּנִין, shiv‘a ‘iddānīn): The word for "times" (‘iddānīn) can mean periods or seasons, not necessarily literal years. This suggests the duration is set by God and is meant to be understood as a complete, divinely appointed period.
  • "ruleth" (שַׁלִּיט, shallit): This word means to have authority or dominion. The verse stresses that ultimate authority over kingdoms belongs to God, not to earthly rulers.
  • "giveth" (יְהִב, yəhiv): This word means to give or grant. It underscores that any power or kingdom a person has is given by God’s decision, not earned or seized independently.

Why Daniel 4:25 matters

  • Daniel 4:25 clears up the misunderstanding that earthly power is permanent or self-earned, showing that all authority is subject to God’s will.
  • The verse emphasizes the theme that pride leads to downfall, especially for those in high positions, and that humility before God is necessary.
  • This verse connects to the wider story in Daniel 4, where Nebuchadnezzar’s personal experience becomes a lesson for all about recognizing God’s ultimate authority over human affairs.