The Mysterious Writing On The Wall
1 King Belshazzar made a great banquet to his thousand lords: with all these thousand he made great cheer,
1 Belshazzar the king made a great feast to a thousand of his lords, and drank wine before the thousand.
1 Belshazzar the king (a)held a great (A)feast for a thousand of his nobles, and he was drinking wine in the presence of the thousand.
1 King Belshazzar put on a great festival for a thousand of his officials. He joined all one thousand of them in getting drunk.
2 and when he was drunken with wine, he commanded to bring him the golden and silver vessels, which his father Nebuchadnezzar had taken out of the temple at Jerusalem: that the king and his lords with his queen and concubines might drink thereout.
2 Belshazzar, whiles he tasted the wine, commanded to bring the golden and silver vessels which his father Nebuchadnezzar had taken out of the temple which was in Jerusalem; that the king, and his princes, his wives, and his concubines, might drink therein.
2 When Belshazzar tasted the wine, he gave orders to bring the gold and silver (B)vessels which Nebuchadnezzar his (b)father had taken out of the temple which was in Jerusalem, so that the king and his nobles, his wives and his concubines might drink from them.
2 Under the influence of(a) the wine, Belshazzar gave orders to bring in the gold and silver vessels(B) that his predecessor(b) Nebuchadnezzar had taken from the temple in Jerusalem, so that the king and his nobles, wives, and concubines could drink from them.
2 Under the influence of wine, Belshazzar ordered that the gold and silver vessels his grandfather Nebuchadnezzar had taken from the Temple in Jerusalem be brought in so the king, his officials, his wives, and his mistresses could drink from them.
3 So they brought the golden vessel, that was taken out of the temple of the LORD's house at Jerusalem. Then the king and his lords with his queen and concubines drunk out of them.
3 Then they brought the golden vessels that were taken out of the temple of the house of God which was at Jerusalem; and the king, and his princes, his wives, and his concubines, drank in them.
3 Then they brought the gold vessels that had been taken out of the temple, the house of God which was in Jerusalem; and the king and his nobles, his wives and his concubines drank from them.
3 So they brought in the gold(c) vessels that had been taken from the temple, the house of God in Jerusalem, and the king and his nobles, wives, and concubines drank from them.
3 As ordered, they brought in the gold vessels that had been taken from the sanctuary of God's Temple in Jerusalem, and the king, his officials, his wives, and mistresses drank from them.
4 They drunk wine, and praised their Idols of gold, silver, copper, iron, wood and stone.
4 They drank wine, and praised the gods of gold, and of silver, of brass, of iron, of wood, and of stone.
4 They (C)drank the wine and praised the gods of (D)gold and silver, of bronze, iron, wood and stone.
4 They drank the wine and praised their gods made of gold and silver, bronze, iron, wood, and stone.(C)
4 As they drank the wine, they praised gods of gold, silver, bronze, iron, wood, and stone.
The Handwriting On The Wall
5 In the very same hour there appeared fingers, as it had been of a man's hand writing, right over against the candlestick upon the plain wall in the king's palace: and the king saw the palm of the hand that wrote.
5 In the same hour came forth fingers of a man's hand, and wrote over against the candlestick upon the plaister of the wall of the king's palace: and the king saw the part of the hand that wrote.
5 Suddenly the fingers of a man’s hand emerged and began writing opposite the lampstand on the plaster of the wall of the king’s palace, and the king saw the (c)back of the hand that did the writing.
5 At that moment the fingers of a man’s hand appeared and began writing on the plaster of the king’s palace wall next to the lampstand. As the king watched the hand(d) that was writing,
5 At that moment, humanlike fingers of a hand appeared near the lamp stand of the royal palace and wrote on the plaster of the wall.
6 Then changed the king his countenance, and his thoughts troubled him, so that the joints of his body shook, and his knees smote one against another.
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.
6 Then the king’s (d)(E)face grew pale and his thoughts alarmed him, and his (F)hip joints went slack and his (G)knees began knocking together.
6 his face turned pale,(e) and his thoughts so terrified him that his hip joints shook and his knees knocked together.
6 While the king watched the back of the hand as it was writing, his facial expression changed. Utterly frightened, he lost control of his own bowels and his knees knocked together.
7 Wherefore the king cried mightily, that they should bring him the charmers, Chaldeans, and the conjurers of devils. The king spake also to the wise men of Babylon, and said, "Whoso can read this writing, and show me the plain meaning thereof: shall be clothed with purple, have a chain of gold about his neck, and rule the third part of my kingdom."
7 The king cried aloud to bring in the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers. And the king spake, and said to the wise men of Babylon, Whosoever shall read this writing, and shew me the interpretation thereof, shall be clothed with scarlet, and have a chain of gold about his neck, and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom.
7 The king called aloud to bring in the (H)conjurers, the (e)Chaldeans and the diviners. The king spoke and said to the wise men of Babylon, “Any man who can read this inscription and explain its interpretation to me shall be (I)clothed with purple and have a (J)necklace of gold around his neck, and have authority as (f)(K)third ruler in the kingdom.”
7 The king called out to bring in the mediums, Chaldeans, and astrologers. He said to these wise men of Babylon, “Whoever reads this inscription and gives me its interpretation will be clothed in purple, have a gold chain around his neck,(D) and have the third highest position in the kingdom.”
7 The king cried out to bring in enchanters, Chaldeans, and astrologers. He announced to the advisors of Babylon, "Whoever can read this writing and tell me its meaning will be clothed in purple, have a gold chain placed around his neck, and will become the third highest ruler in the kingdom."
8 Upon this, came all the king's wise men: but they could neither read the writing, nor show the king what it signified.
8 Then came in all the king's wise men: but they could not read the writing, nor make known to the king the interpretation thereof.
8 Then all the king’s wise men came in, but (L)they could not read the inscription or make known its interpretation to the king.
8 So all the king’s wise men came in, but none could read the inscription or make its interpretation known to him.
8 Then all the king's advisors came in, but they were unable to read the writing or tell the king what it meant.
9 Then was the king sore afraid in so much, that his color changed, and his lords were sore vexed.
9 Then was king Belshazzar greatly troubled, and his countenance was changed in him, and his lords were astonied.
9 Then King Belshazzar was greatly (M)alarmed, his (g)(N)face grew even paler, and his nobles were perplexed.
9 Then King Belshazzar became even more terrified, his face turned pale,(f) and his nobles were bewildered.(E)
9 So King Belshazzar became even more frightened, and his facial expression showed it. His officials also were thrown into confusion.
10 So by reason of this matter, that had happened to the king and his lords, the queen went up herself into the banquet house, and spake unto the king, saying, "O king, God save thy life forever: Let not the thoughts trouble thee, and let not thy countenance be changed.
10 Now the queen, by reason of the words of the king and his lords, came into the banquet house: and the queen spake and said, O king, live for ever: let not thy thoughts trouble thee, nor let thy countenance be changed:
10 The queen entered the banquet (h)hall because of the words of the king and his nobles; the queen spoke and said, “(O)O king, live forever! Do not let your thoughts alarm you or your (i)face be pale.
10 Because of the outcry of the king and his nobles, the queen(g) came to the banquet hall. “May the king live forever,” she said. “Don’t let your thoughts terrify you or your face be pale.(h)
10 Hearing the voices of the king and his officials, the queen entered the banquet hall. "Your majesty, live forever," the queen said. "Don't be frightened by your thoughts or allow your facial expression to show it.
11 For why? There is a man in thy kingdom, that hath the spirit of the holy gods within him, as it was seen in thy father's days. He hath understanding and wisdom like the gods; Yea, the king Nebuchadnezzar thy father made this man chief of the soothsayers, charmers, Chaldeans and devil conjurers:
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;
11 There is a (P)man in your kingdom in whom is (j)a (Q)spirit of the holy gods; and in the days of your father, illumination, insight and wisdom like the wisdom of the gods were found in him. And King Nebuchadnezzar, your father, your father (k)(R)the king, appointed him chief of the (l)magicians, conjurers, (m)Chaldeans and diviners.
11 There is a man in your kingdom who has the spirit of the holy gods in him.(F) In the days of your predecessor he was found to have insight, intelligence, and wisdom like the wisdom of the gods. Your predecessor, King Nebuchadnezzar, appointed him chief of the diviners, mediums, Chaldeans, and astrologers. Your own predecessor, the king,
11 There's a man in your kingdom in whom dwells the spirit of the holy gods. During your grandfather's reign, he was found to have insight, intelligence, and wisdom, like that of the gods. Your grandfather, King Nebuchadnezzar your kingly predecessor appointed him to be chief administrator over the magicians, enchanters, Chaldeans, and astrologers,
12 because that such an abundant spirit, knowledge and wisdom, to expound dreams, open secrets, and to declare hard doubts, was found in him. Yea, even in Daniel, whom the king named Balteshazzar. Let this same Daniel be sent for, and he shall tell what it meaneth."
12 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.
12 This was because an (S)extraordinary spirit, knowledge and insight, interpretation of dreams, explanation of enigmas and solving of difficult problems were found in this Daniel, whom the king named (T)Belteshazzar. Let Daniel now be summoned and he will declare the interpretation.”
12 did this because Daniel, the one the king named Belteshazzar, was found to have an extraordinary spirit, knowledge and perception, and the ability to interpret dreams, explain riddles, and solve problems.(G) Therefore, summon Daniel, and he will give the interpretation.”
12 because he was found to have an extraordinary spirit, knowledge, and understanding, along with an ability to interpret dreams, explain riddles, and solve difficult problems. His name is Daniel, whom the king renamed Belteshazzar. Call for Daniel, and he will reveal the meaning of the writing."
Daniel Deciphers And Interprets The Writing
13 Then was Daniel brought before the king. So the king spake unto Daniel, and said, "Art thou that Daniel, one of the prisoners of Judah whom my father the king brought out of Jewry?
13 Then was Daniel brought in before the king. And the king spake and said unto Daniel, Art thou that Daniel, which art of the children of the captivity of Judah, whom the king my father brought out of Jewry?
13 Then Daniel was brought in before the king. The king spoke and said to Daniel, “Are you that Daniel who is one of the (n)(U)exiles from Judah, whom my father the king (V)brought from Judah?
13 Then Daniel was brought before the king. The king said to him, “Are you Daniel, one of the Judean exiles that my predecessor the king brought from Judah?(H)
13 Then Daniel was brought before the king. The king spoke up and told Daniel, "So you are Daniel, one of the Judean exiles whom my grandfather the king brought from Judah!
14 I have heard speak of thee, that thou hast the spirit of the holy gods, experience and understanding, and that there hath been great wisdom found in thee.
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.
14 Now I have heard about you that (o)a spirit of the gods is in you, and that illumination, insight and extraordinary wisdom have been found in you.
14 I’ve heard that you have the spirit of the gods in you, and that you have insight, intelligence, and extraordinary wisdom.
14 I've heard about you, that a spirit of the gods is in you and that you have insight, discernment, and extraordinary wisdom.
15 Now have there been brought me, wise and conjuring charmers, to read this writing, and to show me the meaning thereof: but they could not tell me, what this matter signified.
15 And now the wise men, the astrologers, have been brought in before me, that they should read this writing, and make known unto me the interpretation thereof: but they could not shew the interpretation of the thing:
15 Just now the (W)wise men and the conjurers were brought in before me that they might read this inscription and make its interpretation known to me, but they (X)could not declare the interpretation of the (p)message.
15 Now the wise men and mediums were brought before me to read this inscription and make its interpretation known to me, but they could not give its interpretation.
15 Take note that the advisors and enchanters were brought before me to read the writing and explain its meaning, but they were unable to do so.
16 Then heard I say, that thou can expound dark things, and declare hard doubts. Well then, if thou can read this writing, and show me the meaning thereof: thou shalt be clothed with purple, have a chain of gold about thy neck, and rule the third part of my kingdom."
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.
16 But I personally have heard about you, that you are able to give interpretations and solve difficult problems. Now if you are able to read the inscription and make its (Y)interpretation known to me, you will be (Z)clothed with purple and wear a necklace of gold around your neck, and you will have authority as the (q)third ruler in the kingdom.”
16 However, I have heard about you that you can give interpretations and solve problems. Therefore, if you can read this inscription and give me its interpretation, you will be clothed in purple, have a gold chain around your neck, and have the third highest position in the kingdom.”(I)
16 However, I've heard that you can provide meaning and interpretation, and that you can solve difficult problems. If you are able to read the writing and report its meaning, you will be clothed in purple, have a gold chain placed around your neck, and you will become the third highest ruler in the kingdom."
17 Daniel answered, and said before the king, "As for thy rewards, keep them to thyself, or give thy rich gifts to another: yet not the less, I will read the writing unto the king, and show him the interpretation thereof.
17 Then Daniel answered and said before the king, Let thy gifts be to thyself, and give thy rewards to another; yet I will read the writing unto the king, and make known to him the interpretation.
17 Then Daniel answered and said before the king, “(r)Keep your (AA)gifts for yourself or give your rewards to someone else; however, I will read the inscription to the king and make the interpretation known to him.
17 Then Daniel answered the king, “You may keep your gifts, and give your rewards to someone else;(J) however, I will read the inscription for the king and make the interpretation known to him.
17 At this, Daniel answered, speaking directly to the king, "Let your gifts and rewards be given to someone else. However, I'll read the writing for the king and tell him its meaning.
18 O king, God the highest gave unto Nebuchadnezzar, thy father, the dignity of a king, with worship and honor:
18 O thou king, the most high God gave Nebuchadnezzar thy father a kingdom, and majesty, and glory, and honour:
18 (s)O king, the (AB)Most High God (AC)granted (t)sovereignty, (AD)grandeur, glory and majesty to Nebuchadnezzar your father.
18 Your Majesty, the Most High God gave sovereignty,(K) greatness, glory, and majesty to your predecessor Nebuchadnezzar.(L)
18 Your majesty, the Most High God gave your grandfather Nebuchadnezzar sovereignty, as well as greatness, glory, and splendor.
19 So that all people, kindreds and tongues stood in awe and fear of him, by reason of the high estate that he had sent him. For why? He slew whom he would; he smote, whom it pleased him. Again: whom he would, he set up; and whom he list, he put down.
19 And for the majesty that he gave him, all people, nations, and languages, trembled and feared before him: whom he would he slew; and whom he would he kept alive; and whom he would he set up; and whom he would he put down.
19 Because of the grandeur which He bestowed on him, all the peoples, nations and men of every (u)language feared and trembled before him; (AE)whomever he wished he killed and whomever he wished he spared alive; and whomever he wished he elevated and whomever he wished he humbled.
19 Because of the greatness He gave him, all peoples, nations, and languages(M) were terrified and fearful of him. He killed anyone he wanted and kept alive anyone he wanted; he exalted anyone he wanted and humbled anyone he wanted.
19 And because of the greatness that he gave him, all nations, nations, and languages revered and feared him. He executed those whom he desired to execute, he spared those whom he wished to spare, he promoted those whom he desired to promote, and he humbled those whom he wished to humble.
20 But because his heart was so proud, and his stomach set so fast unto wilfulness: he was deposed from his kingly throne, and his majesty was taken from him.
20 But when his heart was lifted up, and his mind hardened in pride, he was deposed from his kingly throne, and they took his glory from him:
20 But when his heart was (AF)lifted up and his spirit became so (v)(AG)proud that he behaved arrogantly, he was (AH)deposed from his royal throne and his glory was taken away from him.
20 But when his heart was exalted and his spirit became arrogant,(N) he was deposed from his royal throne and his glory was taken from him.(O)
20 But when he became arrogant and his spirit hardened, he was removed from his royal throne and his glory was taken away from him.
21 He was shot out from among men, his heart was like a beast's heart, and his dwelling was with the wild asses: he was fain to eat grass like an ox, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven: till he knew, that the highest had power upon the kingdoms of men, and setteth over them, whom he list.
21 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.
21 He was also (AI)driven away from (w)mankind, and his heart was made like that of beasts, and his dwelling place was with the (AJ)wild donkeys. He was given grass to eat like cattle, and his body was drenched with the dew of heaven until he recognized that the (AK)Most High God is ruler over the realm of mankind and that He sets over it whomever He wishes.
21 He was driven away from people,(P) his mind was like an animal’s, he lived with the wild donkeys,(Q) he was fed grass like cattle, and his body was drenched with dew from the sky until he acknowledged that the Most High God is ruler over the kingdom of men and sets anyone He wants over it.(R)
21 He was driven away from human society and given the mind of an animal. He lived with wild donkeys, ate grass like cattle, and his body was soaked with dew from the sky until he realized that the Most High God is sovereign over human kingdoms and places over them whomever he desires.
22 And thou, his son, O Belshazzar, for all this, hast not submitted thine heart, though thou knewest all these things:
22 And thou his son, O Belshazzar, hast not humbled thine heart, though thou knewest all this;
22 Yet you, his (x)son, Belshazzar, have (AL)not humbled your heart, (y)even though you knew all this,
22 “But you his successor, Belshazzar, have not humbled your heart,(S) even though you knew all this.
22 "But you, Belshazzar, his grandson, haven't humbled yourself, even though you knew all of this.
23 but hast magnified thyself above the LORD of heaven, so that the vessels of his house were brought before thee: that thou, and thy lords, with thy queen and concubines, might drink wine thereout: and hast praised the Idols of silver and gold, copper and iron, of wood and stone. As for the God in whose hand consisteth thy breath and all thy ways: thou hast not loved him.
23 But hast lifted up thyself against the Lord of heaven; and they have brought the vessels of his house before thee, and thou, and thy lords, thy wives, and thy concubines, have drunk wine in them; and thou hast praised the gods of silver, and gold, of brass, iron, wood, and stone, which see not, nor hear, nor know: and the God in whose hand thy breath is, and whose are all thy ways, hast thou not glorified:
23 but you have (AM)exalted yourself against the (AN)Lord of heaven; and they have brought the vessels of His house before you, and you and your nobles, your wives and your concubines have been drinking wine from them; and you have praised the (AO)gods of silver and gold, of bronze, iron, wood and stone, which do not see, hear or understand. But the God (AP)in whose hand are your life-breath and all your (AQ)ways, you have not glorified.
23 Instead, you have exalted yourself against the Lord of heaven. The vessels from His house were brought to you, and as you and your nobles, wives, and concubines drank wine from them,(T) you praised the gods made of silver and gold, bronze, iron, wood, and stone, which do not see or hear or understand.(U) But you have not glorified the God who holds your life-breath in His hand and who controls the whole course of your life.(i)
23 "You've exalted yourself against the Lord of heaven. "You've had the vessels from his Temple brought into your presence. "And you, your officials, and your wives and mistresses drank wine from them. "You praised gods of silver, gold, bronze, iron, wood, and stone, which can't see, hear, or demonstrate knowledge. "But you didn't honor God, who holds in his power your very life and all your ways.
24 Therefore is the palm of this hand sent hither from him, to token up this writing.
24 Then was the part of the hand sent from him; and this writing was written.
24 Therefore, He sent the hand, and this writing was inscribed.
24 "Therefore, the hand that wrote this inscription was sent from his presence.
The Inscription's Interpretation
25 And this is the scripture that is written up, 'Mene, Tekel, Phares.'
25 And this is the writing that was written, MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN.
25 “Now this is the inscription that was written out: ‘(aa)MENĒ, (ab)MENĒ, (ac)TEKĒL, (ad)UPHARSIN.’
25 “This is the writing that was inscribed:MENE, MENE, TEKEL, PARSIN.
25 This is the written inscription: MENE, MENE, TEKEL AND PARSIN
26 Now the interpretation of the thing is this: Mene, God hath numbered thy kingdom, and brought it to an end.
26 This is the interpretation of the thing: MENE; God hath numbered thy kingdom, and finished it.
26 This is the interpretation of the (ae)message: ‘MENĒ’—God has numbered your kingdom and (AS)put an end to it.
26 This is the interpretation of the message:MENE(j) means that God has numbered the days of your kingdom and brought it to an end.
26 These are the meanings of the words: MENE: God has audited your kingdom and has ended it.
29 Then commanded Belshazzar to clothe Daniel with purple, to hang a chain of gold about his neck, and to make a proclamation concerning him: that he should be the ruler of the third part of his kingdom.
29 Then commanded Belshazzar, and they clothed Daniel with scarlet, and put a chain of gold about his neck, and made a proclamation concerning him, that he should be the third ruler in the kingdom.
29 Then Belshazzar gave orders, and they (AV)clothed Daniel with purple and put a necklace of gold around his neck, and issued a proclamation concerning him that he now had authority as the (ag)third ruler in the kingdom.
29 Then Belshazzar gave an order, and they clothed Daniel in purple, placed a gold chain around his neck,(V) and issued a proclamation concerning him that he should be the third ruler in the kingdom.
29 Then Belshazzar gave orders to clothe Daniel in purple, to place a chain of gold around his neck, and to proclaim him the third highest ruler of the kingdom.