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.

DANIEL 4:26KJV
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Daniel 4:26 (KJV)

What does Daniel 4:26 mean?

Daniel 4:26 means that King Nebuchadnezzar’s kingdom will be restored to him after he recognizes that God in heaven is the true ruler over all earthly kingdoms. The verse uses the image of the tree’s stump being left in the ground to show that Nebuchadnezzar’s rule will not be completely destroyed, but will remain ready to grow again once he learns this lesson.

In this verse, Daniel is explaining the meaning of the dream Nebuchadnezzar had, where a great tree was cut down but its stump and roots were left. Daniel tells the king that this is a sign of hope: although Nebuchadnezzar will lose his power for a time because of his pride, his kingdom will be kept secure for him until he acknowledges God’s authority. The focus is on God’s ultimate control and the chance for restoration after humility.

The Aramaic behind Daniel 4:26

  • "stump" (עִקַּר, ‘iqqar): This word refers to the part of the tree left in the ground after being cut down. In the dream, it symbolizes that something of Nebuchadnezzar’s kingdom will remain, making restoration possible.
  • "sure" (יַקִּיר, yaqqir): This word carries the sense of being firm or secure. Daniel is assuring Nebuchadnezzar that his kingdom’s foundation will be kept safe, not wiped out.
  • "known" (יְדַעְתְּ, yeda‘t): This word means to know or acknowledge. The restoration depends on Nebuchadnezzar coming to a real understanding that “the heavens do rule”—that is, that God is in charge.

Why Daniel 4:26 matters

  • Daniel 4:26 clarifies that Nebuchadnezzar’s punishment is not meant to be permanent, but is intended to teach him humility and the reality of God’s sovereignty.
  • The verse highlights that God’s mercy allows for restoration, not just judgment, as long as there is genuine recognition of His authority.
  • This verse connects the symbolic details of the dream (the stump and roots) directly to Nebuchadnezzar’s personal experience, making the prophecy both a warning and a promise of hope.

Where else these words appear

“sure” Hebrew H7011 · used in 2 verses

  • Daniel 6:26 I make a decree, That in every dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel: for he is the living God, and stedfast for ever, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed, and his dominion shall be even unto the end.

“stump” Hebrew H6136 · used in 3 verses

  • Daniel 4:15 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 4:23 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;

“roots” Hebrew H8330 · used in 3 verses

  • Daniel 4:15 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 4:23 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;

“leave” Hebrew H7662 · used in 5 verses

  • Ezra 6:7 Let the work of this house of God alone; let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews build this house of God in his place.
  • Daniel 2:44 And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.
  • Daniel 4:15 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: