Forasmuch as an excellent spirit, and knowledge, and understanding, interpreting of dreams, and shewing of hard sentences, and dissolving of doubts, were found in the same Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar: now let Daniel be called, and he will shew the interpretation.

DANIEL 5:12KJV
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Daniel 5:12 (KJV)

What does Daniel 5:12 mean?

Daniel 5:12 describes how Daniel was recognized for having an extraordinary spirit, knowledge, understanding, and the ability to interpret dreams, explain difficult problems, and solve doubts. Because of these qualities, the king’s advisors suggest that Daniel be called to interpret the mysterious writing on the wall for King Belshazzar.

In this scene, the queen is speaking to King Belshazzar during a crisis at a royal banquet, when no one else can explain a supernatural message. She reminds the king that Daniel, whom Nebuchadnezzar had renamed Belteshazzar, is uniquely gifted in wisdom and insight. The verse highlights Daniel’s reputation and the trust placed in him to solve mysteries that others cannot.

The Aramaic behind Daniel 5:12

  • "Excellent spirit" (יַתִּירָא yattira, H3493; רוּחַ ruach, H7308): The phrase points to Daniel’s exceptional character and inner qualities, not just intelligence but a remarkable disposition or attitude.
  • "Shewing of hard sentences" (הַחְוָאָה hachva, H263; חִידָה chida, H280): This means Daniel could explain riddles or complex, puzzling statements—skills highly valued in the royal court.
  • "Dissolving of doubts" (שְׁרָא sherā, H8271; קְטָר qetar, H7001): The original words suggest Daniel could unravel or untangle difficult problems or uncertainties, literally “untie knots,” showing his ability to resolve what others found impossible.

Why Daniel 5:12 matters

  • Daniel 5:12 clarifies that Daniel’s wisdom was widely recognized and not limited to one king’s reign, showing his consistent reputation across generations.
  • The verse emphasizes that Daniel’s abilities were not just in dream interpretation but also in solving complex and confusing issues, making him invaluable in times of crisis.
  • This sets up the dramatic moment when Daniel is called to interpret the writing on the wall, highlighting the failure of other wise men and the unique role Daniel plays in the story.

Where else these words appear

“interpreting” Hebrew H6590 · used in 2 verses

  • Daniel 5:16 And I have heard of thee, that thou canst make interpretations, and dissolve doubts: now if thou canst read the writing, and make known to me the interpretation thereof, thou shalt be clothed with scarlet, and have a chain of gold about thy neck, and shalt be the third ruler in the kingdom.

“understanding” Hebrew H7924 · used in 3 verses

  • Daniel 5:11 There is a man in thy kingdom, in whom is the spirit of the holy gods; and in the days of thy father light and understanding and wisdom, like the wisdom of the gods, was found in him; whom the king Nebuchadnezzar thy father, the king, I say, thy father, made master of the magicians, astrologers, Chaldeans, and soothsayers;
  • Daniel 5:14 I have even heard of thee, that the spirit of the gods is in thee, and that light and understanding and excellent wisdom is found in thee.

“doubts” Hebrew H7001 · used in 3 verses

  • 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.
  • Daniel 5:16 And I have heard of thee, that thou canst make interpretations, and dissolve doubts: now if thou canst read the writing, and make known to me the interpretation thereof, thou shalt be clothed with scarlet, and have a chain of gold about thy neck, and shalt be the third ruler in the kingdom.

“knowledge” Hebrew H4486 · used in 4 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 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:
  • 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.