Now the queen, by reason of the words of the king and his lords, came into the banquet house: and the queen spake and said, O king, live for ever: let not thy thoughts trouble thee, nor let thy countenance be changed:

DANIEL 5:10KJV
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Daniel 5:10 (KJV)

What does Daniel 5:10 mean?

Daniel 5:10 describes how the queen entered the banquet hall after hearing the king and his nobles, and she spoke to reassure the king, telling him not to let his thoughts or appearance be troubled. The verse shows the queen stepping in during a moment of crisis to calm the king and offer advice.

The scene takes place during King Belshazzar's feast, where mysterious writing has appeared on the wall, causing great fear among the king and his officials. The queen, likely the queen mother, addresses Belshazzar respectfully and tries to steady him, signaling her authority and wisdom in a tense situation.

The Aramaic behind Daniel 5:10

  • "queen" (מַלְכְּתָא, malkəṯā’): This word refers to the queen, and in this context, it is often understood as the queen mother, a figure with significant influence and experience, rather than the king’s wife.
  • "trouble" (בְּהַל, bəhal): This word means to be disturbed or alarmed. The queen tells the king not to let his thoughts disturb him, emphasizing her intent to calm his fears.
  • "countenance" (זִיו, ziv): This word means brightness or appearance, often referring to the expression or look on someone’s face. The queen is telling the king not to let his face show distress, encouraging him to remain composed.

Why Daniel 5:10 matters

  • Daniel 5:10 highlights the important role of the queen mother, who steps in with wisdom and authority when the king and his advisors are at a loss, showing her respected position in the royal court.
  • The verse sets the stage for Daniel’s introduction, as the queen’s reassurance and advice will soon lead to Daniel being called to interpret the mysterious writing.
  • This moment emphasizes the panic and confusion in the royal court, making the queen’s calm and composed intervention stand out even more.

Where else these words appear

“not” Hebrew H409 · used in 3 verses

  • Daniel 2:24 Therefore Daniel went in unto Arioch, whom the king had ordained to destroy the wise men of Babylon: he went and said thus unto him; Destroy not the wise men of Babylon: bring me in before the king, and I will shew unto the king the interpretation.
  • Daniel 4:19 Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was astonied for one hour, and his thoughts troubled him. The king spake, and said, Belteshazzar, let not the dream, or the interpretation thereof, trouble thee. Belteshazzar answered and said, My lord, the dream be to them that hate thee, and the interpretation thereof to thine enemies.

“live” Hebrew H2418 · used in 6 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 3:9 They spake and said to the king Nebuchadnezzar, O king, live for ever.
  • Daniel 6:6 Then these presidents and princes assembled together to the king, and said thus unto him, King Darius, live for ever.

“thoughts” Hebrew H7476 · used in 6 verses

  • Daniel 2:29 As for thee, O king, thy thoughts came into thy mind upon thy bed, what should come to pass hereafter: and he that revealeth secrets maketh known to thee what shall come to pass.
  • Daniel 2:30 But as for me, this secret is not revealed to me for any wisdom that I have more than any living, but for their sakes that shall make known the interpretation to the king, and that thou mightest know the thoughts of thy heart.
  • Daniel 5:6 Then the king's countenance was changed, and his thoughts troubled him, so that the joints of his loins were loosed, and his knees smote one against another.

“countenance” Hebrew H2122 · used in 6 verses

  • Daniel 2:31 Thou, O king, sawest, and behold a great image. This great image, whose brightness was excellent, stood before thee; and the form thereof was terrible.
  • Daniel 4:36 At the same time my reason returned unto me; and for the glory of my kingdom, mine honour and brightness returned unto me; and my counsellors and my lords sought unto me; and I was established in my kingdom, and excellent majesty was added unto me.
  • Daniel 5:9 Then was king Belshazzar greatly troubled, and his countenance was changed in him, and his lords were astonied.