King James Version

What Does Daniel 2:39 Mean?

Daniel 2:39 in the King James Version says “And after thee shall arise another kingdom inferior to thee, and another third kingdom of brass, which shall bear rule o...” — study this verse from Daniel chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And after thee shall arise another kingdom inferior to thee, and another third kingdom of brass, which shall bear rule over all the earth.”

Daniel 2:39 · KJV

Context

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.

39

And after thee shall arise another kingdom inferior to thee, and another third kingdom of brass, which shall bear rule over all the earth.

40

And the fourth kingdom shall be strong as iron: forasmuch as iron breaketh in pieces and subdueth all things: and as iron that breaketh all these, shall it break in pieces and bruise.

41

And whereas thou sawest the feet and toes, part of potters' clay, and part of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; but there shall be in it of the strength of the iron, forasmuch as thou sawest the iron mixed with miry clay.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Daniel begins interpretation: "And after thee shall arise another kingdom inferior to thee, and another third kingdom of brass, which shall bear rule over all the earth." This verse skips detailed description of silver and brass kingdoms (verses 32-33 already described them), focusing on their relationship to Babylon. "Inferior to thee" doesn't mean militarily weaker but spiritually/morally inferior. Medo-Persia was larger and richer than Babylon but lacked Babylon's absolute monarchy—power was distributed among nobles, reducing royal authority. This "inferiority" continues the descending-value pattern.

"Another third kingdom of brass" identifies Greece, which "shall bear rule over all the earth." Alexander's conquests created the most geographically extensive empire to that point, spreading Greek culture from Spain to India. The phrase "all the earth" uses hyperbole common in ancient texts, meaning the known civilized world. Yet it accurately captures Alexander's unprecedented reach—he conquered territory no previous empire had united. Greek language and culture's spread fulfilled this prophecy remarkably.

This verse's brevity regarding Persia and Greece (compared to later detailed prophecies in chapters 7-8, 11) teaches that God reveals truth progressively. Initial revelation provides outline; later revelation adds detail. Nebuchadnezzar needed only general overview; Daniel received increasingly specific prophecies as time progressed. This pattern continues in Scripture—Old Testament prophecies sketch Messiah generally; New Testament reveals Christ specifically. Progressive revelation demonstrates God's pedagogical wisdom, providing information suited to recipients' needs and contexts.

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Historical & Cultural Context

History precisely fulfilled this succession: Medo-Persia conquered Babylon (539 BC), ruling until Greece under Alexander conquered them (331 BC). Persian Empire was indeed "inferior" to Babylon in governmental structure—Persian kings shared power with nobility (seven princes, Esther 1:14), unlike Babylon's absolute monarchy. Greece under Alexander achieved wider geographical extent than any previous empire, bearing rule "over all the earth" in ancient understanding. This historical fulfillment over 274 years (605-331 BC) validated Daniel's prophetic authority and established confidence in unfulfilled prophecies.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does 'inferior' meaning morally rather than militarily teach about God's values differing from human measurements of success?
  2. How does Greece ruling 'over all the earth' demonstrate the progressive expansion but moral decline of successive empires?
  3. In what ways does progressive revelation—outline first, details later—demonstrate God's pedagogical wisdom in revealing truth suited to recipients' needs?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וּבָתְרָ֗ךְ1 of 15

“And after”

H870

a place; (adverb) after

תְּק֛וּם2 of 15

“thee shall arise”

H6966

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

וּמַלְכ֨וּ3 of 15

“kingdom”

H4437

dominion (abstractly or concretely)

אָחֳרִי֙4 of 15

“and another”

H317

other

אַרְעָֽא׃5 of 15

“inferior”

H772

the earth; by implication (figuratively) low

מִנָּ֑ךְ6 of 15

“to thee”

H4481

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

וּמַלְכ֨וּ7 of 15

“kingdom”

H4437

dominion (abstractly or concretely)

תְלִיתָיָ֤א8 of 15

“third”

H8523

third

אָחֳרִי֙9 of 15

“and another”

H317

other

דִּ֣י10 of 15
H1768

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

נְחָשָׁ֔א11 of 15

“of brass”

H5174

copper

דִּ֥י12 of 15
H1768

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

תִשְׁלַ֖ט13 of 15

“which shall bear rule”

H7981

to rule over

בְּכָל14 of 15

“over all”

H3606

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אַרְעָֽא׃15 of 15

“inferior”

H772

the earth; by implication (figuratively) low

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 2:39 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 2:39 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Daniel 2:32Isaiah 44:28-45:5Daniel 5:28-31Daniel 10:20Daniel 8:3-14Daniel 8:20

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