King James Version

What Does Daniel 2:22 Mean?

Daniel 2:22 in the King James Version says “He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him. — study this verse from Daniel chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Daniel 2:22 · KJV


Context

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.

24

Therefore Daniel went in unto Arioch, whom the king had ordained to destroy the wise men of Babylon: he went and said thus unto him; Destroy not the wise men of Babylon: bring me in before the king, and I will shew unto the king the interpretation.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God 'revealeth the deep and secret things' directly addresses the present crisis—Nebuchadnezzar's dream. The Hebrew 'amiqata (deep things) refers to mysteries hidden from human discovery. 'He knoweth what is in the darkness' means nothing is concealed from Him; divine omniscience penetrates all hiddenness. 'Light dwelleth with him' uses metaphor: as light reveals what darkness hides, God's knowledge illuminates all mysteries. This verse establishes the theological foundation for Daniel's interpretation—only God truly knows the future because He ordains it. Unlike pagan divination claiming to discern fate, biblical prophecy reveals God's sovereign purposes.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Mesopotamian religion emphasized hidden knowledge accessible through proper rituals, omens, and divination. Mystery religions promised initiates access to secret wisdom. Daniel's declaration that God alone reveals mysteries challenged these systems. The light/darkness metaphor was universal—light represented knowledge, truth, and divine presence; darkness signified ignorance, evil, and chaos. God's dwelling with light meant perfect knowledge without obscurity.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's knowledge of 'deep and secret things' provide assurance that nothing in our lives is hidden from His awareness and care?
  2. What is the difference between God revealing mysteries and human attempts to uncover hidden knowledge through divination or speculation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
ה֛וּא1 of 10
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

גָּלֵ֥א2 of 10

He revealeth

H1541

to reveal, to carry away

עַמִּיקָתָ֖א3 of 10

the deep

H5994

profound, i.e., unsearchable

וּמְסַתְּרָתָ֑א4 of 10

and secret things

H5642

to conceal; figuratively, to demolish

יָדַע֙5 of 10

he knoweth

H3046

to inform

מָ֣ה6 of 10

what

H4101

what?, why?, how?

בַחֲשׁוֹכָ֔א7 of 10

is in the darkness

H2816

the dark

וּנְהיֹרָ֖א8 of 10

and the light

H5094

illumination, i.e., (figuratively) wisdom

עִמֵּ֥הּ9 of 10

with him

H5974

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

שְׁרֵֽא׃10 of 10

dwelleth

H8271

to free, separate; figuratively, to unravel, commence; by implication (of unloading beasts) to reside


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 2:22 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 2:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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