Daniel 5:20 (KJV)

What does Daniel 5:20 mean?

Daniel 5:20 describes how the Babylonian king’s pride led to his downfall: when his heart became arrogant and his mind stubborn with pride, he lost his royal throne and his glory was taken away. The verse highlights a direct connection between the king’s prideful attitude and his removal from power.

In this scene, Daniel is speaking to Belshazzar, recounting the story of Belshazzar’s predecessor, Nebuchadnezzar. Daniel explains that Nebuchadnezzar’s arrogance and hardened spirit resulted in God taking away his kingship and honor. This serves as a warning to Belshazzar, showing that pride before God leads to a loss of status and authority.

The Aramaic behind Daniel 5:20

• "heart" (לֵבָב, levav): This word often refers to the inner self or will, not just emotions. Here, it points to Nebuchadnezzar’s inner attitude becoming proud.
• "up" (רום, rum): This verb means to be lifted up or exalted. It emphasizes that Nebuchadnezzar’s pride was a self-exaltation, not just a passing feeling.
• "mind" (רוּחַ, ruach): While often meaning "spirit" or "wind," here it refers to Nebuchadnezzar’s disposition or mindset, showing a stubborn or unyielding attitude.
• "hardened" (תקף, teqaf): This word carries the sense of becoming strong or obstinate. It suggests Nebuchadnezzar’s mind was not just proud but resistant to change or humility.
• "pride" (זְיוָה, z’vah): This word means pride or arrogance, highlighting the root cause of Nebuchadnezzar’s fall.

Why Daniel 5:20 matters

• Daniel 5:20 clarifies that Nebuchadnezzar’s loss of power was not random but directly linked to his pride and stubbornness, emphasizing a moral lesson about humility.
• The verse connects Nebuchadnezzar’s experience to Belshazzar’s current situation, warning that ignoring God’s authority brings consequences.
• Understanding the original Aramaic words deepens the sense that this was an inner, willful pride, not just an outward act, making the warning more personal and searching.