King James Version

What Does Daniel 2:18 Mean?

Daniel 2:18 in the King James Version says “That they would desire mercies of the God of heaven concerning this secret; that Daniel and his fellows should not peris...” — study this verse from Daniel chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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. of the God: Cald. from before God that Daniel: or, that they should not destroy Daniel, etc”

Daniel 2:18 · KJV

Salvation

Context

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.

17

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

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. of the God: Cald. from before God that Daniel: or, that they should not destroy Daniel, etc

19

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

20

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

Read Daniel 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse reveals Daniel's response to King Nebuchadnezzar's impossible demand—interpret a dream without being told its content. The Aramaic rachamim (רַחֲמִין, "mercies") appears in plural form, emphasizing abundant compassion and tender mercy from "the God of heaven" (Elah shemaya), a title emphasizing God's sovereignty over earthly kingdoms.

"Desire mercies" translates l'ba'ah rachamim, meaning to seek or request compassionately. Daniel's immediate response to crisis was prayer, specifically corporate prayer with Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah (Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego). This demonstrates the power and importance of united prayer (Matthew 18:19-20). Daniel didn't rely on his own wisdom or spiritual gifts but wholly depended on God's revelation.

"This secret" (raza, רָזָא) refers to the mystery God alone could reveal. The term later appears in apocalyptic literature for divine mysteries requiring supernatural disclosure. Theologically, this verse teaches: (1) believers should respond to crises with prayer, not panic; (2) corporate prayer strengthens faith; (3) God reveals what humans cannot discover; (4) God's mercy extends even to those in pagan kingdoms. This points to Christ, the ultimate revelation of God's mysteries (Colossians 2:2-3), and the gospel revealed to all nations.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This event occurred early in Nebuchadnezzar's reign (approximately 603-602 BC), shortly after Daniel and his friends were taken captive to Babylon in 605 BC. Nebuchadnezzar had recently defeated Egypt at Carchemish, establishing Babylonian dominance over the ancient Near East. Daniel and his companions were among the Jewish nobility selected for three years of training in Babylonian language, literature, and wisdom to serve in the king's court.

Babylonian culture highly valued dream interpretation, consulting professional dream interpreters, astrologers, and magicians. Ancient texts reveal that Babylonian wise men kept extensive dream catalogs with standardized interpretations. However, Nebuchadnezzar's demand to tell both dream and interpretation without hearing the dream first was unprecedented and impossible by human means—exposing the impotence of pagan wisdom.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Daniel's immediate turn to prayer in crisis model the proper Christian response to seemingly impossible situations?
  2. What is the significance of Daniel seeking corporate prayer with his friends rather than praying alone?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וְרַחֲמִ֗ין1 of 18

“mercies”

H7359

(plural) pity

לְמִבְעֵא֙2 of 18

“That they would desire”

H1156

to seek or ask

מִן3 of 18

“of”

H4481

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of

קֳדָם֙4 of 18
H6925

before

אֱלָ֣הּ5 of 18

“the God”

H426

god

שְׁמַיָּ֔א6 of 18

“of heaven”

H8065

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

עַל7 of 18

“concerning”

H5922

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

רָזָ֖א8 of 18

“secret”

H7328

to attenuate, i.e., (figuratively) hide; a mystery

דְּנָ֑ה9 of 18

“this”

H1836

this

דִּ֣י10 of 18
H1768

that, used as relative conjunction, and especially (with a preposition) in adverbial phrases; also as preposition of

לָ֤א11 of 18

“should not”

H3809

no, not

יְהֽוֹבְדוּן֙12 of 18

“perish”

H7

to perish

דָּנִיֵּ֣אל13 of 18

“that Daniel”

H1841

danijel, the hebrew prophet

וְחַבְר֔וֹהִי14 of 18

“and his fellows”

H2269

an associate

עִם15 of 18

“with”

H5974

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

שְׁאָ֖ר16 of 18

“the rest”

H7606

a remainder

חַכִּימֵ֥י17 of 18

“of the wise”

H2445

wise, i.e., a magian

בָבֶֽל׃18 of 18

“men of Babylon”

H895

babel (i.e., babylon), including babylonia and the babylonian empire

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Daniel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Daniel 2:18 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Daniel 2:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 33:3Matthew 18:19Psalms 91:15Psalms 50:15Matthew 18:121 Samuel 17:37

Places in This Verse

Babylon 1Settlement · Modern: Babylon · 32.54°N, 44.42°E296 verses across 15 books
View all places in Daniel 2 →

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