Therefore made I a decree to bring in all the wise men of Babylon before me, that they might make known unto me the interpretation of the dream.

DANIEL 4:6KJV
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Daniel 4:6 (KJV)

What does Daniel 4:6 mean?

Daniel 4:6 describes how King Nebuchadnezzar issued an official order to summon all the wise men of Babylon so they could explain the meaning of his troubling dream. The king wanted these experts to interpret the dream for him because he did not understand its message.

In this verse, Nebuchadnezzar is speaking, recounting his actions after having a disturbing dream. He calls together all the wise men—such as magicians, astrologers, and advisors—hoping they can provide an interpretation. This sets the stage for the events that follow, where human wisdom is shown to be limited, and Daniel’s God-given insight becomes crucial.

The Aramaic behind Daniel 4:6

  • "decree" (גְּזֵרָה, gezērāʾ): This word means an official command or order. The use of this term shows Nebuchadnezzar’s authority and the seriousness with which he treated the dream.
  • "wise" (חַכִּימִין, ḥakkîmîn): Refers to those considered skilled in wisdom, such as scholars or court advisors. The king’s reliance on these men highlights the limits of human understanding in the story.
  • "interpretation" (פְּשַׁר, peshar): This word means an explanation or solution, especially of mysterious things like dreams. The focus on interpretation underlines the mystery and importance of the dream’s meaning in the narrative.

Why Daniel 4:6 matters

  • Daniel 4:6 shows Nebuchadnezzar’s dependence on human wisdom before he turns to Daniel, setting up a contrast between earthly and divine insight.
  • The verse connects to the larger theme in Daniel of God revealing mysteries that human experts cannot solve on their own.
  • This moment helps the reader understand the king’s anxiety and the urgency he felt, which drives the story forward and prepares for Daniel’s later role.

Where else these words appear

“bring” Hebrew H5954 · used in 12 verses

  • Daniel 2:16 Then Daniel went in, and desired of the king that he would give him time, and that he would shew the king the interpretation.
  • Daniel 4:7 Then came in the magicians, the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers: and I told the dream before them; but they did not make known unto me the interpretation thereof.
  • Daniel 5:13 Then was Daniel brought in before the king. And the king spake and said unto Daniel, Art thou that Daniel, which art of the children of the captivity of Judah, whom the king my father brought out of Jewry?

“wise” Hebrew H2445 · used in 13 verses

  • Daniel 2:12 For this cause the king was angry and very furious, and commanded to destroy all the wise men of Babylon.
  • 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 4:18 This dream I king Nebuchadnezzar have seen. Now thou, O Belteshazzar, declare the interpretation thereof, forasmuch as all the wise men of my kingdom are not able to make known unto me the interpretation: but thou art able; for the spirit of the holy gods is in thee.

“dream” Hebrew H2493 · used in 18 verses

  • Daniel 2:4 Then spake the Chaldeans to the king in Syriack, O king, live for ever: tell thy servants the dream, and we will shew the interpretation.
  • Daniel 2:26 The king answered and said to Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, Art thou able to make known unto me the dream which I have seen, and the interpretation thereof?
  • Daniel 4:8 But at the last Daniel came in before me, whose name was Belteshazzar, according to the name of my god, and in whom is the spirit of the holy gods: and before him I told the dream, saying,

“Babylon” Hebrew H895 · used in 21 verses

  • Ezra 5:12 But after that our fathers had provoked the God of heaven unto wrath, he gave them into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, the Chaldean, who destroyed this house, and carried the people away into Babylon.
  • Ezra 7:16 And all the silver and gold that thou canst find in all the province of Babylon, with the freewill offering of the people, and of the priests, offering willingly for the house of their God which is in Jerusalem:
  • Daniel 3:1 Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold, whose height was threescore cubits, and the breadth thereof six cubits: he set it up in the plain of Dura, in the province of Babylon.