King James Version

What Does Daniel 2:21 Mean?

Daniel 2:21 in the King James Version says “And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and ...” — study this verse from Daniel chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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:”

Daniel 2:21 · KJV

Wisdom

Context

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:

22

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

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.

Read Daniel 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God 'changeth the times and the seasons' demonstrates sovereignty over history. Hebrew 'iddan (times) and zeman (seasons) together encompass chronological progression and appointed moments. God isn't merely eternal but actively governs temporal affairs. 'He removeth kings, and setteth up kings' directly addresses Daniel's situation under Nebuchadnezzar—even this pagan emperor rules only by divine permission. This profound political theology declares no human authority exists except by God's decree (cf. Romans 13:1). The verse's second half focuses on revelation: God 'giveth wisdom unto the wise' and 'knowledge to them that know understanding,' showing He sovereignly distributes insight.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern peoples attributed political changes to divine activity, but polytheism meant competing gods controlled different spheres. Daniel's monotheism declares one God sovereignly directs all historical developments. The rise and fall of kings—central concern for court officials—lies entirely in Yahweh's hands, not fate, astrology, or competing deities. This radical claim would be verified through Daniel's lifetime witnessing Babylonian, Median, and Persian kingdoms.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's sovereignty over kings and kingdoms provide comfort when political situations seem chaotic or threatening?
  2. What does God's control over 'times and seasons' teach about His purposeful direction of history toward appointed ends?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וְ֠הוּא1 of 14
H1932

he (she or it); self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demonstrative) this or that; occasionally (instead of copula) as or are

מְהַשְׁנֵ֤א2 of 14

“And he changeth”

H8133

to alter

עִדָּנַיָּא֙3 of 14

“the times”

H5732

a set time; technically, a year

וְזִמְנַיָּ֔א4 of 14

“and the seasons”

H2166

an appointed occasion

מְהַעְדֵּ֥ה5 of 14

“he removeth”

H5709

to advance, i.e., pass on or continue; causatively, to remove; specifically, to bedeck (i.e., bring an ornament upon)

מַלְכִ֑ין6 of 14

“kings”

H4430

a king

וּמְהָקֵ֣ים7 of 14

“and setteth up”

H6966

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

מַלְכִ֑ין8 of 14

“kings”

H4430

a king

יָהֵ֤ב9 of 14

“he giveth”

H3052

to give (whether literal or figurative); generally, to put; imperatively (reflexive) come

חָכְמְתָא֙10 of 14

“wisdom”

H2452

wisdom

לְחַכִּימִ֔ין11 of 14

“unto the wise”

H2445

wise, i.e., a magian

וּמַנְדְּעָ֖א12 of 14

“and knowledge”

H4486

wisdom or intelligence

לְיָדְעֵ֥י13 of 14

“to them that know”

H3046

to inform

בִינָֽה׃14 of 14

“understanding”

H999

understanding

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 2:21 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 2:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 75:5-7Psalms 31:14-15Psalms 113:7-8Daniel 4:17Daniel 7:25James 3:15-17

Test Your Knowledge

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