How great are his signs! and how mighty are his wonders! his kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion is from generation to generation.

DANIEL 4:3KJV
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Daniel 4:3 (KJV)

What does Daniel 4:3 mean?

Daniel 4:3 describes how impressive and powerful God’s actions are, declaring that His kingdom lasts forever and His rule continues through every generation. The verse highlights both the greatness of God’s miraculous signs and the unending nature of His authority.

In Daniel 4:3, King Nebuchadnezzar is speaking, reflecting on what he has witnessed after experiencing God’s power firsthand. This statement comes at the beginning of Nebuchadnezzar’s public proclamation, where he tells his people about the wonders God has done for him. The verse sets the tone for the chapter by focusing on God’s unmatched greatness and eternal rule, especially in contrast to the temporary kingdoms of men.

The Aramaic behind Daniel 4:3

  • The word for "signs" is אֲתוֹהִי (’āṯôhî), often used for extraordinary acts that point to divine power. Here, it emphasizes that God’s actions are not just miracles but meaningful signs of who He is.
  • "Wonders" is תִּמְהוֹהִי (timhôhî), which carries the sense of awe-inspiring events. This word underlines that what God does is not only powerful but also astonishing and beyond normal human experience.
  • "Everlasting" is עָלַם (’ālam), meaning something that continues without end. In this context, it stresses that God’s kingdom is not limited by time, unlike earthly kingdoms.
  • "Dominion" is שָׁלְטָן (shalṭān), meaning rule or authority. The verse uses this word to show that God’s control is absolute and extends across all generations, not just a single era.

Why Daniel 4:3 matters

  • Daniel 4:3 clarifies that Nebuchadnezzar, a powerful pagan king, recognizes God’s supremacy after witnessing His power, which is significant in the context of a foreign ruler acknowledging Israel’s God.
  • The verse emphasizes the contrast between God’s eternal kingdom and the temporary nature of human empires, a key theme in the book of Daniel.
  • This statement introduces the personal testimony that follows, framing the entire chapter as a lesson about God’s sovereignty over all rulers and nations.

Where else these words appear

“generation” Hebrew H1859 · used in 2 verses

  • Daniel 4:34 And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation:

“signs” Hebrew H852 · used in 3 verses

  • Daniel 4:2 I thought it good to shew the signs and wonders that the high God hath wrought toward me.
  • Daniel 6:27 He delivereth and rescueth, and he worketh signs and wonders in heaven and in earth, who hath delivered Daniel from the power of the lions.

“wonders” Hebrew H8540 · used in 3 verses

  • Daniel 4:2 I thought it good to shew the signs and wonders that the high God hath wrought toward me.
  • Daniel 6:27 He delivereth and rescueth, and he worketh signs and wonders in heaven and in earth, who hath delivered Daniel from the power of the lions.

“mighty” Hebrew H8624 · used in 5 verses

  • Ezra 4:20 There have been mighty kings also over Jerusalem, which have ruled over all countries beyond the river; and toll, tribute, and custom, was paid unto them.
  • Daniel 2:40 And the fourth kingdom shall be strong as iron: forasmuch as iron breaketh in pieces and subdueth all things: and as iron that breaketh all these, shall it break in pieces and bruise.
  • Daniel 2:42 And as the toes of the feet were part of iron, and part of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong, and partly broken.