And he was driven from the sons of men; and his heart was made like the beasts, and his dwelling was with the wild asses: they fed him with grass like oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven; till he knew that the most high God ruled in the kingdom of men, and that he appointeth over it whomsoever he will.

DANIEL 5:21KJV
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Daniel 5:21 (KJV)

What does Daniel 5:21 mean?

Daniel 5:21 describes how a king was humbled by God: he was driven away from people, made to live like an animal, and only restored after he recognized that the Most High God is in control of human kingdoms and gives power to whomever He chooses. This verse highlights God’s authority over all rulers and kingdoms.

In this verse, Daniel is speaking to King Belshazzar, reminding him of what happened to Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar’s predecessor. Daniel recounts how Nebuchadnezzar lost his sanity and lived among animals until he acknowledged God’s ultimate rule. The story is meant to warn Belshazzar that pride and ignoring God’s sovereignty lead to downfall.

The Aramaic behind Daniel 5:21

  • "driven" (דְּחַה, deḥah): This word means to be forcefully pushed away or expelled. It emphasizes that Nebuchadnezzar’s removal from society was not voluntary but a direct result of God’s action.
  • "heart" (לֵבַב, levav): The word for "heart" here refers to the mind or understanding, not just emotions. Nebuchadnezzar’s mind was changed to be like that of an animal, showing a loss of human reason.
  • "beasts" (חֵיוָה, ḥēvah): This word means wild animals. The comparison stresses how completely Nebuchadnezzar’s dignity and humanity were stripped away.
  • "knew" (יְדַע, yedaʿ): The word means to recognize or acknowledge. Nebuchadnezzar’s restoration depended on his personal recognition of God’s rule, not just a passive awareness.

Why Daniel 5:21 matters

  • Daniel 5:21 clarifies that no human ruler is above God’s authority, and even the most powerful can be humbled if they become arrogant.
  • The verse connects Nebuchadnezzar’s story to Belshazzar’s situation, warning that failing to learn from the past leads to similar consequences.
  • By focusing on Nebuchadnezzar’s recognition of God’s rule, the verse emphasizes that true power and restoration come from acknowledging God’s sovereignty.