Belshazzar
Belshazzar in the Bible — the king of Babylon, son of Nebuchadnezzar (DAN 5:1). Referenced in 4 scripture passages.
Name meaning: “master of the treasure”
Profile
- Gender
- male
- Scripture References
- 4 references
- Known Names
- 3 names
- Relationships
- 1 connection
Biography
Belshazzar is a male figure identified as the king of Babylon and noted as the son of Nebuchadnezzar, according to Daniel 5:1. There are no additional tribal affiliations or personal notes provided about him. His role as king places him prominently within the Babylonian monarchy during the biblical narrative.
Names & Titles
The name Belshazzar means 'Bel protect the king,' reflecting a theistic invocation common in Babylonian royal names, though it was not given by God. He is also referred to by titles such as 'King Belshazzar' and 'King of Babylon,' which emphasize his royal status and rule over Babylon, as seen in Daniel 5:9 and Daniel 7:1.
Family
Scripture records that Belshazzar is the son of Nebuchadnezzar, as indicated in Daniel 5:1. Beyond this paternal relationship, there are no other family connections mentioned in the biblical text.
Significance
Belshazzar's significance in Scripture stems from his position as the Babylonian king during a pivotal moment in biblical history. As the son of Nebuchadnezzar, he represents the continuation of Babylonian royal authority. His reign is noted in Daniel 5, where his actions and the ensuing divine judgment reveal God's sovereignty over earthly kingdoms.
Names & Labels (3)
- Hebrew
- בֵּלְשַׁאצַּר
- Transliteration
- beləshatsar
- Meaning
- Bel protect the king
- Greek
- Βαλτασαρ
- Reference
- DAN 5:1
- Strong's
- H1113
- Hebrew
- מַלְכָּא בֵלְשַׁאצַּר
- Transliteration
- maləka beləshatsar
- Meaning
- king Belshazzar
- Greek
- none
- Reference
- DAN 5:9
- Strong's
- H4430, H1113
- Hebrew
- מֶֽלֶךְ־בָּבֶל
- Transliteration
- melek bavel
- Meaning
- king of Babel
- Greek
- none
- Reference
- DAN 7:1
- Strong's
- H4430, H895
Family & Relationships (1)
son
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Belshazzar in the Bible?
Belshazzar is a male figure identified as the king of Babylon and noted as the son of Nebuchadnezzar, according to Daniel 5:1. There are no additional tribal affiliations or personal notes provided about him. His role as king places him prominently within the Babylonian monarchy during the biblical narrative.
What does the name Belshazzar mean?
The name Belshazzar means “master of the treasure” according to Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary.