Daniel 5:22 (KJV)

What does Daniel 5:22 mean?

Daniel 5:22 says that Belshazzar, though he knew what had happened to his ancestor Nebuchadnezzar, did not humble himself. Daniel is pointing out that Belshazzar ignored the lessons of the past and failed to show humility before God, even with clear warnings.

Daniel is speaking directly to King Belshazzar during the feast where the mysterious writing appeared on the wall. Daniel reminds Belshazzar that he is Nebuchadnezzar’s son (or descendant) and should have learned from Nebuchadnezzar’s experience of pride and humbling. The verse highlights Belshazzar’s personal responsibility for his actions, stressing that he had knowledge of what happened before but still chose arrogance.

The Aramaic behind Daniel 5:22

• בַּר (bar, H1247): This Aramaic word means "son" or "descendant." Daniel calls Belshazzar the "son" of Nebuchadnezzar, which can mean a biological son or simply a successor in the royal line, not necessarily a direct child.
• לָא (la, H3809): This word means "not." Daniel uses it to stress that Belshazzar did not humble himself, making the accusation clear and direct.
• שְׁפַל (shephal, H8214): This verb means "to humble" or "bring low." Daniel accuses Belshazzar of failing to lower his pride, a central issue in the story.
• לֵב (lev, H3825): This word means "heart." Daniel is not talking about outward actions only, but about Belshazzar’s inner attitude and mindset.
• יְדַע (yeda, H3046): This verb means "to know." Daniel points out that Belshazzar had knowledge of past events, so his failure is not from ignorance but from willful disregard.

Why Daniel 5:22 matters

• Daniel 5:22 clarifies that Belshazzar’s fault was not ignorance, but a conscious choice to ignore what he knew about God’s dealings with Nebuchadnezzar.
• The verse emphasizes personal responsibility: knowing the truth and failing to act on it is a serious matter in the narrative.
• This verse sets up the reason for Belshazzar’s downfall, connecting his pride and lack of humility directly to the judgment that follows in the chapter.