King James Version

What Does Daniel 2:19 Mean?

Daniel 2:19 in the King James Version says “Then was the secret revealed unto Daniel in a night vision. Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven. — study this verse from Daniel chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Daniel 2:19 · KJV


Context

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:

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:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God reveals the mystery to Daniel 'in a night vision' after the prayer meeting with his companions (2:17-18). The Hebrew term chezev (vision) indicates direct divine disclosure, contrasting with the Chaldeans' interpretive methods. God answers prayer precisely at the point of need, demonstrating sovereignty and faithfulness. Daniel's immediate response is worship (2:20-23), modeling proper reception of revelation—thankfulness to God rather than personal pride. This reveals the proper relationship between prayer, revelation, and worship: we ask God, He reveals truth, we respond with gratitude and praise.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Night visions were recognized means of divine communication in the ancient world (cf. Genesis 46:2; Job 33:15). Unlike divination which sought to manipulate divine knowledge through ritual, true prophecy came through God's initiative at His timing. The communal prayer meeting (2:17-18) reflects Jewish prayer practices emphasizing corporate intercession. Daniel and friends risked their lives on confidence that Yahweh, not Babylonian gods, controls mysteries.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's revelation in answer to prayer demonstrate His responsiveness to those who seek Him earnestly?
  2. What does Daniel's immediate worship response teach about proper reception of divine insight versus prideful self-exaltation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
אֱדַ֙יִן֙1 of 12

Then

H116

then (of time)

דָּֽנִיֵּ֔אל2 of 12

Daniel

H1841

danijel, the hebrew prophet

בְּחֶזְוָ֥א3 of 12

vision

H2376

a sight

דִֽי4 of 12
H1768

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

לֵילְיָ֖א5 of 12

in a night

H3916

lael an israelite

רָזָ֣א6 of 12

was the secret

H7328

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

גֲלִ֑י7 of 12

revealed

H1541

to reveal, to carry away

אֱדַ֙יִן֙8 of 12

Then

H116

then (of time)

דָּֽנִיֵּ֔אל9 of 12

Daniel

H1841

danijel, the hebrew prophet

בָּרִ֖ךְ10 of 12

blessed

H1289

to bless

לֶאֱלָ֥הּ11 of 12

the God

H426

god

שְׁמַיָּֽא׃12 of 12

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


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 2:19 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 2:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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