King James Version

What Does Daniel 2:36 Mean?

Daniel 2:36 in the King James Version says “This is the dream; and we will tell the interpretation thereof before the king. — study this verse from Daniel chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

This is the dream; and we will tell the interpretation thereof before the king.

Daniel 2:36 · KJV


Context

34

Thou sawest till that a stone was cut out without hands, which smote the image upon his feet that were of iron and clay, and brake them to pieces. without: or, which was not in hands

35

Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshingfloors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them: and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth.

36

This is the dream; and we will tell the interpretation thereof before the king.

37

Thou, O king, art a king of kings: for the God of heaven hath given thee a kingdom, power, and strength, and glory.

38

And wheresoever the children of men dwell, the beasts of the field and the fowls of the heaven hath he given into thine hand, and hath made thee ruler over them all. Thou art this head of gold.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Daniel's declaration 'This is the dream; and we will tell the interpretation thereof before the king' demonstrates confidence rooted in divine revelation rather than human wisdom. The plural 'we' likely includes God as the revealer—Daniel never claims personal insight. His willingness to interpret demonstrates courage; if wrong, he faces execution. Yet confidence in God's revelation eliminates fear of man. The phrase 'before the king' emphasizes public declaration before the empire's highest authority, fulfilling Jesus's later promise that believers will testify before kings (Matthew 10:18).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Court protocol demanded precise, persuasive communication when addressing absolute monarchs. Daniel's confident declaration contrasts sharply with the Chaldeans' earlier hedging (2:10-11). Offering interpretation after revealing the dream established credibility—the king could verify accuracy. Ancient Near Eastern dream interpretation was subjective, allowing interpreters to tell kings what they wanted to hear. Daniel's objective interpretation demonstrated prophetic authority grounded in divine rather than political considerations.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Daniel's confidence in God's revelation free him from fear of powerful human authorities?
  2. What does the contrast between the Chaldeans' excuses and Daniel's confident interpretation teach about faith versus human wisdom?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
דְּנָ֣ה1 of 6

This

H1836

this

חֶלְמָ֔א2 of 6

is the dream

H2493

a dream

וּפִשְׁרֵ֖הּ3 of 6

the interpretation

H6591

an interpretation

נֵאמַ֥ר4 of 6

and we will tell

H560

to speak, to command

קֳדָם5 of 6

thereof before

H6925

before

מַלְכָּֽא׃6 of 6

the king

H4430

a king


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 2:36 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 2:36 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study