While the word was in the king's mouth, there fell a voice from heaven, saying, O king Nebuchadnezzar, to thee it is spoken; The kingdom is departed from thee.

DANIEL 4:31KJV
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Daniel 4:31 (KJV)

What does Daniel 4:31 mean?

Daniel 4:31 describes a moment when, as King Nebuchadnezzar is still speaking, a voice from heaven interrupts him and announces that his kingdom has been taken away. This signals an immediate and divine judgment against the king, showing that his authority is being removed by a higher power.

In the story, King Nebuchadnezzar is boasting about his achievements when a heavenly voice suddenly declares that his reign is over. The verse highlights that the loss of his kingdom is not gradual or political, but comes directly from God, emphasizing the king’s lack of ultimate control over his own power and future.

The Aramaic behind Daniel 4:31

  • "voice" (קָל, qāl): This word means "voice" or "sound." Here, it is not just any voice but one that comes "from heaven," stressing that the message is divine and authoritative, not from a human messenger.
  • "departed" (עֲדָה, ‘ădāh): This word means "to pass away" or "to be removed." The use of this word makes it clear that the kingdom is not just lost or taken by another person, but it is completely removed from Nebuchadnezzar by a direct act.

Why Daniel 4:31 matters

  • Daniel 4:31 makes it clear that Nebuchadnezzar’s downfall is sudden and comes directly from God, not from human enemies or natural causes.
  • The verse highlights the theme of divine sovereignty, showing that even the most powerful rulers are subject to God’s authority and timing.
  • This moment connects to the wider story, where Nebuchadnezzar’s pride leads to his humbling, fulfilling the warning given earlier in the chapter.

Where else these words appear

“mouth” Hebrew H6433 · used in 6 verses

  • Daniel 6:17 And a stone was brought, and laid upon the mouth of the den; and the king sealed it with his own signet, and with the signet of his lords; that the purpose might not be changed concerning Daniel.
  • Daniel 6:22 My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.
  • Daniel 7:8 I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things.

“voice” Hebrew H7032 · used in 7 verses

  • Daniel 3:5 That at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king hath set up:
  • Daniel 3:10 Thou, O king, hast made a decree, that every man that shall hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, shall fall down and worship the golden image:
  • Daniel 6:20 And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel: and the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions?

“departed” Hebrew H5709 · used in 9 verses

  • Daniel 2:21 And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:
  • Daniel 5:20 But when his heart was lifted up, and his mind hardened in pride, he was deposed from his kingly throne, and they took his glory from him:
  • Daniel 7:12 As concerning the rest of the beasts, they had their dominion taken away: yet their lives were prolonged for a season and time.

“fell” Hebrew H5308 · used in 11 verses

  • Ezra 7:20 And whatsoever more shall be needful for the house of thy God, which thou shalt have occasion to bestow, bestow it out of the king's treasure house.
  • Daniel 3:6 And whoso falleth not down and worshippeth shall the same hour be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.
  • Daniel 3:11 And whoso falleth not down and worshippeth, that he should be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.