The King's Troubling Dream

1 During the second year of Nebuchadnezzar's reign, Nebuchadnezzar had dreams that troubled him. As a result, he couldn't sleep.

1 Now in the second year of the reign of Nebuchadnezzar, Nebuchadnezzar (a)(A)had dreams; and his spirit was troubled and his (B)sleep (b)left him.

1 And in the second year of the reign of Nebuchadnezzar Nebuchadnezzar dreamed dreams, wherewith his spirit was troubled, and his sleep brake from him.

1 In the second year of his reign, Nebuchadnezzar had dreams(A) that troubled him, and sleep deserted him.(B)

1 In the second year (604 b.c.) of the reign of Nebuchadnezzar, Nebuchadnezzar had dreams which troubled and disturbed his spirit and [interfered with] his ability to sleep.

2 So the king gave orders to summon diviners, enchanters, sorcerers, and Chaldeans to reveal to the king what he had dreamed. When they came and stood before him,

2 Then the king (c)gave orders to call in the (d)(C)magicians, the conjurers, the sorcerers and the (e)Chaldeans to tell the king his dreams. So they came in and stood before the king.

2 Then the king commanded to call the magicians, and the astrologers, and the sorcerers, and the Chaldeans, for to shew the king his dreams. So they came and stood before the king.

2 So the king gave orders to summon the diviner-priests, mediums, sorcerers, and Chaldeans(a)(C) to tell the king his dreams. When they came and stood before the king,

2 Then the king gave a command to call the magicians, the enchanters, the sorcerers, and the (a)Chaldeans to tell the king his dreams. So they came in and stood before the king.

3 the king told them, "I have dreamed a dream and I will remain troubled until I can understand it."

3 The king said to them, “I (f)(D)had a dream and my spirit (g)is anxious to (h)understand the dream.”

3 And the king said unto them, I have dreamed a dream, and my spirit was troubled to know the dream.

3 he said to them, “I have had a dream and am anxious to understand it.”

3 The king said to them, “I had a dream, and my spirit is troubled and anxious to know the [content and meaning of the] dream.”

4 The Chaldeans responded to the king in Aramaic: "May the king live forever. Tell the dream to your servants, and we'll reveal its meaning."

4 Then the Chaldeans spoke to the king in (i)(E)Aramaic: “(F)O king, live forever! (G)Tell the dream to your servants, and we will declare the interpretation.”

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.

4 The Chaldeans spoke to the king (Aramaic(b)(D) begins here): “May the king live forever.(E) Tell your servants the dream, and we will give the interpretation.”

4 Then the Chaldeans said to the king in (b)Aramaic, “O king, live forever! Tell the dream to your servants, and we will declare the interpretation.”

5 In reply the king told the Chaldeans, "Here is what I have commanded: If you don't tell me both the dream and its meaning, you'll be destroyed and your houses will be reduced to rubble.

5 The king replied to the Chaldeans, “(j)The command from me is firm: if you do not make known to me the dream and its interpretation, you will be (k)(H)torn limb from limb and your houses will be made a rubbish heap.

5 The king answered and said to the Chaldeans, The thing is gone from me: if ye will not make known unto me the dream, with the interpretation thereof, ye shall be cut in pieces, and your houses shall be made a dunghill.

5 The king replied to the Chaldeans, “My word is final: If you don’t tell me the dream and its interpretation, you will be torn limb from limb,(c) and your houses will be made a garbage dump.(F)

5 The king replied to the Chaldeans, “My command is firm and unchangeable: if you do not reveal to me the [content of the] dream along with its interpretation, you shall be cut into pieces and your houses shall be made a heap of rubbish.

6 But if you do relate the dream to me as well as its meaning, you'll receive gifts, rewards, and great honor from me. Therefore reveal the dream to me, along with its meaning."

6 But if you declare the dream and its interpretation, you will receive from me (I)gifts and a reward and great honor; therefore declare to me the dream and its interpretation.”

6 But if ye shew the dream, and the interpretation thereof, ye shall receive of me gifts and rewards and great honour: therefore shew me the dream, and the interpretation thereof.

6 But if you make the dream and its interpretation known to me, you’ll receive gifts, a reward, and great honor from me.(G) So make the dream and its interpretation known to me.”

6 But if you tell [me] the [content of the] dream along with its interpretation, you shall receive from me gifts and rewards and great honor. So tell me the dream and its interpretation.”

7 They replied again, "Let the king tell his servants the dream, and we'll disclose its meaning."

7 They answered a second time and said, “Let the king (J)tell the dream to his servants, and we will declare the interpretation.”

7 They answered again and said, Let the king tell his servants the dream, and we will shew the interpretation of it.

7 They answered a second time, “May the king tell the dream to his servants, and we will give the interpretation.”

7 They answered again, “Let the king tell the dream to his servants, and we will explain its interpretation [to you].”

8 The king responded, "I'm convinced that you're stalling for time because you're aware of what I've commanded.

8 The king replied, “I know for certain that you are (l)bargaining for time, inasmuch as you have seen that (m)the command from me is firm,

8 The king answered and said, I know of certainty that ye would gain the time, because ye see the thing is gone from me.

8 The king replied, “I know for certain you are trying to gain some time, because you see that my word is final.

8 The king replied, “I know for certain that you are bargaining for time, because you have seen that my command [to you] is firm and irrevocable.

9 So if you don't disclose the dream to me, there will be only one sentence for all of you. You have conspired together to present lies and corrupt interpretations until the situation changes. Now tell me the dream and I'll know that you can reveal its true meaning."

9 that if you do not make the dream known to me, there is only (K)one (n)decree for you. For you have agreed together to speak lying and corrupt (o)words before me until the (p)situation is changed; therefore tell me the dream, that I may (L)know that you can declare to me its interpretation.”

9 But if ye will not make known unto me the dream, there is but one decree for you: for ye have prepared lying and corrupt words to speak before me, till the time be changed: therefore tell me the dream, and I shall know that ye can shew me the interpretation thereof.

9 If you don’t tell me the dream, there is one decree for you.(H) You have conspired to tell me something false or fraudulent until the situation changes. So tell me the dream and I will know you can give me its interpretation.”

9 If you will not reveal to me the [content of the] dream, there is but one sentence for you; for you have [already] prepared lying and corrupt words [and you have agreed together] to speak [them] before me [hoping to delay your execution] until the situation is changed. Therefore, tell me the dream [first], and then I will know [with confidence] that you can give me its interpretation.”

10 The Chaldeans answered the king directly, "There's not a single man on earth who can do what the king has commanded. No king, lord, or ruler has ever asked such a thing from any diviner, enchanter, or Chaldean.

10 The Chaldeans answered (q)the king and said, “There is not a man on earth who could declare the matter (r)for the king, inasmuch as no great king or ruler has ever asked anything like this of any (s)(M)magician, conjurer or Chaldean.

10 The Chaldeans answered before the king, and said, There is not a man upon the earth that can shew the king's matter: therefore there is no king, lord, nor ruler, that asked such things at any magician, or astrologer, or Chaldean.

10 The Chaldeans answered the king, “No one on earth can make known what the king requests.(I) Consequently, no king, however great and powerful, has ever asked anything like this of any diviner-priest, medium, or Chaldean.

10 The Chaldeans answered the king and said, “There is not a man on earth who can tell the king this matter, for no king, lord or ruler has ever asked such a thing as this of any magician or enchanter or Chaldean.

11 Furthermore, what the king is asking is so difficult that no one can reveal it except the gods and they don't live with human beings."

11 Moreover, the thing which the king demands is (t)difficult, and there is no one else who could declare it (u)to the king except (N)gods, whose (O)dwelling place is not with mortal flesh.”

11 And it is a rare thing that the king requireth, and there is none other that can shew it before the king, except the gods, whose dwelling is not with flesh.

11 What the king is asking is so difficult that no one can make it known to him except the gods, whose dwelling is not with mortals.”(J)

11 Furthermore, what the king demands is an unusual and difficult thing indeed! No one except the gods can reveal it to the king, and their dwelling is not with [mortal] flesh.”

12 At this point, the king flew into a rage and issued an order to destroy all the advisors of Babylon.

12 Because of this the king became (P)indignant and very furious and gave orders to destroy all the wise men of Babylon.

12 For this cause the king was angry and very furious, and commanded to destroy all the wise men of Babylon.

12 Because of this, the king became violently angry(K) and gave orders to destroy all the wise men of Babylon.

12 Because of this the king was indignant and extremely furious and gave a command to destroy all the wise men of Babylon.

13 When the order went out to kill the advisors, they searched for Daniel and his friends to kill them, too.

13 So the (v)decree went forth that the wise men should be slain; and they looked for (Q)Daniel and his friends to (w)kill them.

13 And the decree went forth that the wise men should be slain; and they sought Daniel and his fellows to be slain.

13 The decree was issued that the wise men were to be executed, and they searched for Daniel and his friends, to execute them.

13 So the decree went out that the wise men were to be killed; and they looked for Daniel and his companions to put them to death.

God Shows Daniel What The Dream Means

14 Daniel responded with wisdom and discretion to Arioch, the king's executioner, who had gone out to execute the advisors of Babylon.

14 Then Daniel replied with discretion and discernment to (R)Arioch, the captain of the king’s (x)bodyguard, who had gone forth to slay the wise men of Babylon;

14 Then Daniel answered with counsel and wisdom to Arioch the captain of the king's guard, which was gone forth to slay the wise men of Babylon:

14 Then Daniel responded with tact and discretion to Arioch, the commander of the king’s guard,(d)(L) who had gone out to execute the wise men of Babylon.

14 Then Daniel replied with discretion and wisdom to Arioch, the captain of the king’s (c)bodyguard, who had gone out to execute the wise men of Babylon;

15 He asked him, "Why such a harsh decree from the king?" Then Arioch informed Daniel,

15 he said to Arioch, the king’s commander, “For what reason is the (y)decree from the king so (z)urgent?” Then Arioch informed Daniel about the matter.

15 He answered and said to Arioch the king's captain, Why is the decree so hasty from the king? Then Arioch made the thing known to Daniel.

15 He asked Arioch, the king’s officer, “Why is the decree from the king so harsh?”(e)(M) Then Arioch explained the situation to Daniel.

15 he said to Arioch, the king’s captain, “Why is the decree from the king so harsh and urgent?” Then Arioch explained the matter to Daniel.

16 so Daniel went to ask Nebuchadnezzar for an appointment to see him, and it was granted him so that he could reveal the meaning to the king.

16 So Daniel went in and requested of the king that he would (aa)give him time, in order that he might declare the interpretation to the king.

16 Then Daniel went in, and desired of the king that he would give him time, and that he would shew the king the interpretation.

16 So Daniel went and asked the king to give him some time, so that he could give the king the interpretation.

16 So Daniel went in and asked the king to appoint a date and give him time, so that he might reveal to the king the interpretation of the dream.

God Reveals Nebuchadnezzar's Dream

17 Then Daniel went home and told his friends Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah about the king's command.

17 Then Daniel went to his house and informed his friends, (S)Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, about the matter,

17 Then Daniel went to his house, and made the thing known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions:

17 Then Daniel went to his house and told his friends Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah about the matter,

17 Then Daniel returned to his house and discussed the matter with Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions,

18 Daniel was seeking mercy, in order to ask about this mystery in the presence of the God of heaven, so that Daniel and his friends might not be executed along with the rest of the advisors of Babylon.

18 so that they might (T)request compassion from the God of heaven concerning this mystery, so that Daniel and his friends would not be (U)destroyed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon.

18 That they would desire mercies of the God of heaven concerning this secret; that Daniel and his fellows should not perish with the rest of the wise men of Babylon.

18 urging them to ask the God of heaven(N) for mercy(O) concerning this mystery, so Daniel and his friends would not be killed with the rest of Babylon’s wise men.(P)

18 in order that they might seek compassion from the God of heaven regarding this secret, so that Daniel and his companions would not be executed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon.

19 When the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision later that night, Daniel blessed the God of heaven

19 Then the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a night (V)vision. Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven;

19 Then was the secret revealed unto Daniel in a night vision. Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven.

19 The mystery was then revealed to Daniel in a vision(Q) at night, and Daniel praised the God of heaven

19 Then the secret was revealed to Daniel in a vision of the night, and Daniel blessed the God of heaven.

20 and said, "May the name of God be blessed forever and ever; wisdom and power are his for evermore.

20 Daniel said,“Let the name of God be (W)blessed forever and ever,For (X)wisdom and power belong to Him.

20 Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his:

20 and declared:May the name of Godbe praised forever and ever,(R)for wisdom(S) and power belong to Him.

20 Daniel answered,“Blessed be the name of God forever and ever,For wisdom and power belong to Him.

21 It is God who alters the times and seasons, and he removes kings and promotes kings. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.

21 “It is He who (Y)changes the times and the epochs;He (Z)removes kings and (ab)establishes kings;He gives (AA)wisdom to wise menAnd knowledge to (ac)men of understanding.

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:

21 He changes the times and seasons;He removes kings and establishes kings.(T)He gives wisdom to the wiseand knowledge to thosewho have understanding.(U)

21 “It is He who changes the times and the seasons;He removes kings and establishes kings.He gives wisdom to the wiseAnd [greater] knowledge to those who have understanding!(A)

22 He reveals what is profoundly mysterious and knows what is in the darkness; with him dwells light.

22 “It is He who (AB)reveals the profound and hidden things;(AC)He knows what is in the darkness,And the (AD)light dwells with Him.

22 He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him.

22 He reveals the deep and hidden things;He knows what is in the darkness,(V)and light dwells with Him.(W)

22 “It is He who reveals the profound and hidden things;He knows what is in the darkness,And the light dwells with Him.(B)

23 To you, God of my ancestors, I give thanks and praise, because you have given me wisdom and power; you have now revealed to me what we asked of you by making known to us what the king commanded."

23 “To You, O (AE)God of my fathers, I give thanks and praise,For You have given me (AF)wisdom and power;Even now You have made known to me what we (AG)requested of You,For You have made known to us the king’s matter.”

23 I thank thee, and praise thee, O thou God of my fathers, who hast given me wisdom and might, and hast made known unto me now what we desired of thee: for thou hast now made known unto us the king's matter.

23 I offer thanks and praise to You,God of my fathers,(X)because You have given mewisdom and power.And now You have let me knowwhat we asked of You,for You have let us know(Y)the king’s mystery.(f)

23 “I thank You and praise You, O God of my fathers,For You have given me wisdom and power;Even now You have made known to me what we requested of You,For You have made known to us [the solution to] the king’s matter.”

Daniel Praises God And Interprets The King's Dream

24 After this, Daniel went to Arioch, whom the king had appointed to execute the advisors of Babylon. He told him, "Don't destroy the advisors of Babylon. Bring me before the king and I'll explain the meaning to him."

24 Therefore, Daniel went in to Arioch, whom the king had appointed to destroy the wise men of Babylon; he went and spoke to him as follows: “(AH)Do not destroy the wise men of Babylon! Take me (ad)into the king’s presence, and I will declare the interpretation to the king.”

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.

24 Therefore Daniel went to Arioch,(Z) whom the king had assigned to destroy the wise men of Babylon. He came and said to him, “Don’t kill the wise men of Babylon! Bring me before the king, and I will give him the interpretation.”(AA)

24 So Daniel went to Arioch, whom the king had appointed to destroy the wise men of Babylon; he went and said this to him: “Do not execute the wise men of Babylon! Bring me before the king, and I will reveal to the king the interpretation [of his dream].”

25 Then Arioch quickly brought Daniel into the king's presence and informed him: "I've found a man from the Judean captives who will make known the meaning to the king."

25 Then Arioch hurriedly (AI)brought Daniel (ae)into the king’s presence and spoke to him as follows: “I have found a man among the (af)(AJ)exiles from Judah who can make the interpretation known to the king!”

25 Then Arioch brought in Daniel before the king in haste, and said thus unto him, I have found a man of the captives of Judah, that will make known unto the king the interpretation.

25 Then Arioch quickly brought Daniel before the king and said to him, “I have found a man among the Judean exiles(AB) who can let the king know the interpretation.”

25 Then Arioch hurriedly brought Daniel before the king and said this to him: “I have found a man among the exiles of Judah who can explain to the king the interpretation [of the dream].”

26 King Nebuchadnezzar replied by saying to Daniel (whose Babylonian name is Belteshazzar), "Are you able to tell me about the dream and its meaning?"

26 The king said to Daniel, whose name was (AK)Belteshazzar, “Are you able to make known to me the dream which I have seen and its interpretation?”

26 The king answered and said to Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, Art thou able to make known unto me the dream which I have seen, and the interpretation thereof?

26 The king said in reply to Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar,(AC) “Are you able to tell me the dream I had and its interpretation?”(AD)

26 The king said to Daniel, whose [Babylonian] name was Belteshazzar, “Are you able to reveal to me the [content of the] dream which I have seen and its interpretation?”

27 By way of answer, Daniel addressed the king:

27 Daniel answered before the king and said, “As for the mystery about which the king has inquired, neither (AL)wise men, conjurers, (ag)magicians nor diviners are able to declare it to the king.

27 Daniel answered in the presence of the king, and said, The secret which the king hath demanded cannot the wise men, the astrologers, the magicians, the soothsayers, shew unto the king;

27 Daniel answered the king: “No wise man, medium, diviner-priest, or astrologer(AE) is able to make known to the king the mystery he asked about.

27 Daniel answered the king and said, “Regarding the mystery about which the king has inquired, neither the wise men, enchanters, magicians, nor astrologers are able to answer the king,

28 "None of the advisors, enchanters, diviners, or astrologers can explain the secret that the king has requested to be made known. But there is a God in heaven who reveals secrets, and he is making known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in the latter days.

28 However, there is a (AM)God in heaven who reveals mysteries, and He has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will take place in the (ah)(AN)latter days. This was your dream and the (AO)visions (ai)in your mind while on your bed.

28 But there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets, and maketh known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days. Thy dream, and the visions of thy head upon thy bed, are these;

28 But there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries, and He has let King Nebuchadnezzar know what will happen in the last days.(AF) Your dream and the visions that came into your mind as you lay in bed(AG) were these:

28 but there is a God in heaven who reveals secrets, and He has shown King Nebuchadnezzar what will take place in the latter days (end of days). This was your dream and the vision [that appeared] in your mind while on your bed.

29 "While you were in bed, the dream and the visions that came to your head were as follows: Your majesty, when you were in bed, thoughts came to your mind about what would happen in the future, and the Revealer of Secrets has made known to you what will take place.

29 As for you, O king, while on your bed your thoughts (aj)turned to what would take place (ak)in the future; and (AP)He who reveals mysteries has made known to you what will take place.

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.

29 Your Majesty, while you were in your bed, thoughts came to your mind about what will happen in the future.(g)(AH) The revealer of mysteries(AI) has let you know what will happen.

29 As for you, O king, as you were lying on your bed thoughts came into your mind about what will take place in the future; and He who reveals secrets has shown you what will occur.

30 As for me, this secret was made known to me, not because my own wisdom is greater than anyone else alive, but in order that the meaning may be made known to the king, and that you might understand the thoughts of your heart.

30 But as for me, this mystery has not been revealed to me for any (AQ)wisdom (al)residing in me more than in any other living man, but for the purpose of making the interpretation known to the king, and that you may (am)understand the (AR)thoughts of your (an)mind.

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.

30 As for me, this mystery has been revealed to me,(AJ) not because I have more wisdom than anyone living, but in order that the interpretation might be made known to the king, and that you may understand the thoughts of your mind.(AK)

30 But as for me, this secret has not been revealed to me because my wisdom is greater than that of any other living man, but in order to make the interpretation known to the king, and so that you may understand [fully] the thoughts of your mind.

The Dream's Interpretation

31 "Your majesty, while you were watching, you observed an enormous statue. This magnificent statue stood before you with extraordinary brilliance. Its appearance was terrifying.

31 “You, O king, were looking and behold, there was a single great statue; that statue, which was large and (ao)of extraordinary splendor, was standing in front of you, and its appearance was (AS)awesome.

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.

31 “My king, as you were watching, a colossal statue appeared. That statue, tall and dazzling, was standing in front of you, and its appearance was terrifying.

31 “You, O king, were looking, and behold, [there was] a single great statue; this image, which was large and of unsurpassed splendor, stood before you, and its appearance was awesome and terrifying.

32 That statue had a head made of pure gold, with its chest and arms made of silver, its abdomen and thighs made of bronze,

32 The (AT)head of that statue was made of fine gold, its breast and its arms of silver, its belly and its thighs of bronze,

32 This image's head was of fine gold, his breast and his arms of silver, his belly and his thighs of brass,

32 The head of the statue was pure gold, its chest and arms were silver, its stomach and thighs were bronze,

32 As for this (d)statue, its head was made of fine gold, its breast and its arms of silver, its belly and its thighs of bronze,

33 its legs made of iron, and its feet made partly of iron and partly of clay.

33 its legs of iron, its feet partly of iron and partly of clay.

33 His legs of iron, his feet part of iron and part of clay.

33 its legs were iron, and its feet were partly iron and partly fired clay.

33 its legs of iron, its feet partly of iron and partly of clay [pottery].

34 "As you were watching, a rock was quarried but not with human hands and it struck the iron and clay feet of the statue, breaking them to pieces.

34 You (ap)continued looking until a (AU)stone was cut out (AV)without hands, and it struck the statue on its feet of iron and clay and (AW)crushed them.

34 Thou sawest till that a stone was cut out without hands, which smote the image upon his feet that were of iron and clay, and brake them to pieces.

34 As you were watching, a stone broke off without a hand touching it,(h)(AL) struck the statue(AM) on its feet of iron and fired clay, and crushed them.(AN)

34 As you were looking, a (e)stone was cut out without [human] hands, and it struck the statue on its feet of iron and clay and crushed them.(C)

35 Then the iron, the clay, the bronze, the silver, and the gold were broken in pieces together and became like chaff from a summer threshing floor that the breeze carries away without leaving a trace. Then the rock that struck the statue grew into a huge mountain and filled the entire earth.

35 Then the iron, the clay, the bronze, the silver and the gold were crushed (aq)all at the same time and became (AX)like chaff from the summer threshing floors; and the wind carried them away so that (AY)not a trace of them was found. But the stone that struck the statue became a great (AZ)mountain and filled the whole earth.

35 Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshingfloors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them: and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth.

35 Then the iron, the fired clay, the bronze, the silver, and the gold were shattered and became like chaff(AO) from the summer threshing floors. The wind carried them away, and not a trace of them could be found. But the stone that struck the statue became a great mountain and filled(AP) the whole earth.

35 Then the iron, the clay, the bronze, the silver, and the gold were crushed together and became like the chaff from the summer threshing floors; and the wind carried them away so that not a trace of them could be found. And the stone that struck the statue became a great mountain and filled the whole earth.

36 "This was the dream, and we'll now relate its meaning to the king.

36 “This was the dream; now we will tell (BA)its interpretation before the king.

36 This is the dream; and we will tell the interpretation thereof before the king.

36 “This was the dream; now we will tell the king its interpretation.

36 “This was the dream; now we will tell the king its interpretation.

37 You, your majesty, king of kings to whom the God of heaven has given the kingdom, the power, the strength, and the glory,

37 You, O king, are the (BB)king of kings, to whom the God of heaven has given the (ar)kingdom, the (BC)power, the strength and the glory;

37 Thou, O king, art a king of kings: for the God of heaven hath given thee a kingdom, power, and strength, and glory.

37 Your Majesty, you are king of kings.(AQ) The God of heaven has given you sovereignty, power,(AR) strength, and glory.

37 You, O king, are the king of [earthly] kings, to whom the God of heaven has given the kingdom, the power, the strength and the glory;(D)

38 so that wherever people, wild animals, or birds of the sky live, he has placed them under your control, giving you dominion over them all you're that head of gold.

38 and wherever the sons of men dwell, or the (BD)beasts of the field, or the birds of the sky, He has given them into your hand and has caused you to rule over them all. You are the head of gold.

38 And wheresoever the children of men dwell, the beasts of the field and the fowls of the heaven hath he given into thine hand, and hath made thee ruler over them all. Thou art this head of gold.

38 Wherever people live—or wild animals, or birds of the air—He has handed them over to you and made you ruler over them all.(AS) You are the head of gold.

38 and wherever the sons of men dwell, and the beasts of the field, and the birds of the heavens, He has given them into your hand and has made you ruler over them all. You [king of Babylon] are the head of gold.

39 "After you, another kingdom will arise that is inferior to yours, and then a third kingdom of bronze will arise to rule all the earth.

39 After you there will arise another kingdom inferior to you, then another third kingdom of bronze, which will rule over all the earth.

39 And after thee shall arise another kingdom inferior to thee, and another third kingdom of brass, which shall bear rule over all the earth.

39 “After you, there will arise another kingdom, inferior to yours, and then another, a third kingdom, of bronze, which will rule the whole earth.(AT)

39 After you will arise another kingdom (Medo-Persia) inferior to you, and then a third kingdom of bronze (Greece under Alexander the Great), which will rule over all the earth.

40 Then there will be a fourth kingdom, as strong as iron. Just as all things are broken to pieces and shattered by iron, so it will shatter and crush everything.

40 Then there will be a (BE)fourth kingdom as strong as iron; inasmuch as iron crushes and shatters all things, so, like iron that breaks in pieces, it will crush and break all these in pieces.

40 And the fourth kingdom shall be strong as iron: forasmuch as iron breaketh in pieces and subdueth all things: and as iron that breaketh all these, shall it break in pieces and bruise.

40 A fourth kingdom will be as strong as iron; for iron crushes and shatters everything, and like iron that smashes, it will crush and smash all the others.(i)(AU)

40 Then a fourth kingdom (Rome) will be strong as iron, for iron breaks to pieces and shatters all things; and like iron which crushes things in pieces, it will break and crush all these [others].(E)

41 "The feet and toes that you saw, made partly of potter's clay and partly of iron, represent a divided kingdom. It will still have the strength of iron, in that you saw iron mixed with clay.

41 In that you saw the feet and toes, partly of potter’s clay and partly of iron, it will be a divided kingdom; but it will have in it the toughness of iron, inasmuch as you saw the iron mixed with (as)common clay.

41 And whereas thou sawest the feet and toes, part of potters' clay, and part of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; but there shall be in it of the strength of the iron, forasmuch as thou sawest the iron mixed with miry clay.

41 You saw the feet and toes, partly of a potter’s fired clay and partly of iron—it will be a divided kingdom, though some of the strength of iron will be in it. You saw the iron mixed with clay,

41 And as you saw the feet and toes, partly of potter’s clay and partly of iron, it will be a divided kingdom; but there will be in it some of the durability and strength of iron, just as you saw the iron mixed with common clay.

42 Just as their toes and feet are part iron and part clay, so will the kingdom be both strong and brittle.

42 As the toes of the feet were partly of iron and partly of pottery, so some of the kingdom will be strong and part of it will be brittle.

42 And as the toes of the feet were part of iron, and part of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong, and partly broken.

42 and that the toes of the feet were partly iron and partly fired clay—part of the kingdom will be strong, and part will be brittle.

42 As the [ten] toes of the feet were partly of iron and partly of clay, so some of the kingdom will be strong, and another part of it will be brittle.

43 Just as you saw iron mixed with clay, so they will mix themselves with human offspring. Furthermore, they won't remain together, just as iron doesn't mix with clay.

43 And in that you saw the iron mixed with (at)common clay, they will combine with one another (au)in the seed of men; but they will not adhere to one another, even as iron does not combine with pottery.

43 And whereas thou sawest iron mixed with miry clay, they shall mingle themselves with the seed of men: but they shall not cleave one to another, even as iron is not mixed with clay.

43 You saw the iron mixed with clay—the peoples will mix with one another(j) but will not hold together, just as iron does not mix with fired clay.

43 And as you saw the iron mixed with common clay, so they will combine with one another in the seed of men; but they will not merge [for such diverse things or ideologies cannot unite], even as iron does not mix with clay.

44 "During the reigns of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, nor its sovereignty left in the hands of another people. It will shatter and crush all of these kingdoms, and it will stand forever.

44 In the days of those kings the (BF)God of heaven will (BG)set up a (BH)kingdom which will never be destroyed, and that kingdom will not be (av)left for another people; it will (BI)crush and put an end to all these kingdoms, but it will itself endure forever.

44 And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.

44 “In the days of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed,(AV) and this kingdom will not be left to another people. It will crush all these kingdoms(AW) and bring them to an end, but will itself endure forever.

44 In the days of those [final ten] kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, nor will its sovereignty be left for another people; but it will crush and put an end to all these kingdoms, and it will stand forever.(F)

45 Now, just as you saw that the stone was cut out of the mountain without human hands and that it crushed the iron, bronze, clay, silver, and gold to pieces so also the great God has revealed to the king what will take place after this. Your dream will come true, and its meaning will prove trustworthy."

45 Inasmuch as you saw that a (BJ)stone was cut out of the mountain without hands and that it crushed the iron, the bronze, the clay, the silver and the gold, the (BK)great God has made known to the king what (BL)will take place (aw)in the future; so the dream is true and its interpretation is trustworthy.”

45 Forasmuch as thou sawest that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it brake in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold; the great God hath made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter: and the dream is certain, and the interpretation thereof sure.

45 You saw a stone(AX) break off from the mountain without a hand touching it,(k)(AY) and it crushed the iron, bronze, fired clay, silver, and gold. The great God has told the king what will happen in the future.(l)(AZ) The dream is true, and its interpretation certain.”

45 Just as you saw that a stone was cut out of the mountain without hands and that it crushed the iron, the bronze, the clay, the silver and the gold, the great God has revealed to the king what will take place in the future; so the dream is true and its interpretation is trustworthy.”

The King's Response To Daniel And His God

46 Then King Nebuchadnezzar fell on his face before Daniel, paid honor to him, and commanded that an offering and incense be presented on his behalf.

46 Then King Nebuchadnezzar fell on his face and did (BM)homage to Daniel, and gave orders to present to him an offering and (ax)(BN)fragrant incense.

46 Then the king Nebuchadnezzar fell upon his face, and worshipped Daniel, and commanded that they should offer an oblation and sweet odours unto him.

46 Then King Nebuchadnezzar fell down, paid homage to Daniel, and gave orders to present an offering and incense to him.(BA)

46 Then King Nebuchadnezzar fell face downward and paid respect to Daniel [as a great prophet of the highest God], and gave orders for an offering and fragrant incense to be presented to him [in honor of his God].

47 The king told Daniel, "Truly your God is the God of gods, the Lord of kings, and the Revealer of Secrets, because you were able to reveal this mystery."

47 The king answered Daniel and said, “Surely (BO)your God is a (BP)God of gods and a Lord of kings and a (BQ)revealer of mysteries, since you have been able to reveal this mystery.”

47 The king answered unto Daniel, and said, Of a truth it is, that your God is a God of gods, and a Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets, seeing thou couldest reveal this secret.

47 The king said to Daniel, “Your God is indeed God of gods, Lord of kings,(BB) and a revealer of mysteries,(BC) since you were able to reveal this mystery.”

47 The king answered Daniel and said, “Most certainly your God is the God of gods and the Lord of kings and a revealer of mysteries, since you have been able to reveal this mystery!”(G)

48 Then the king promoted Daniel to a high position and lavished many great gifts on him, including making him ruler over the entire province of Babylon and chief administrator over the advisors of Babylon.

48 Then the king (ay)(BR)promoted Daniel and gave him many great gifts, and he made him ruler over the whole (BS)province of Babylon and chief (az)prefect over all the wise men of Babylon.

48 Then the king made Daniel a great man, and gave him many great gifts, and made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon, and chief of the governors over all the wise men of Babylon.

48 Then the king promoted Daniel and gave him many generous gifts. He made him ruler over the entire province of Babylon and chief governor over all the wise men of Babylon.(BD)

48 Then the king promoted Daniel [to an exalted position] and gave him many great gifts, and he made him ruler over the entire province of Babylon and chief governor over all the wise men of Babylon.

49 Moreover, Daniel requested that the king appoint Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego administrators over the province of Babylon, while Daniel himself remained in the royal court.

49 And Daniel made request of the king, and he (BT)appointed (BU)Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego over the administration of the province of Babylon, while Daniel was at the king’s (ba)(BV)court.

49 Then Daniel requested of the king, and he set Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, over the affairs of the province of Babylon: but Daniel sat in the gate of the king.

49 At Daniel’s request, the king appointed Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego(BE) to manage the province of Babylon. But Daniel remained at the king’s court.(BF)

49 And Daniel made a request of the king, and he appointed Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego over the affairs of the province of Babylon, while Daniel was at the court of the king.

Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers.

International Standard Version Copyright © 1996-2008 by the ISV Foundation.

King James Version Public Domain

New American Standard Bible Copyright ©1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, Calif. All rights reserved. For Permission to Quote Information visit http://www.lockman.org