King James Version

What Does Daniel 2:4 Mean?

Daniel 2:4 in the King James Version says “Then spake the Chaldeans to the king in Syriack, O king, live for ever: tell thy servants the dream, and we will shew th...” — study this verse from Daniel chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then spake the Chaldeans to the king in Syriack, O king, live for ever: tell thy servants the dream, and we will shew the interpretation.”

Daniel 2:4 · KJV

Context

2

Then the king commanded to call the magicians, and the astrologers, and the sorcerers, and the Chaldeans, for to shew the king his dreams. So they came and stood before the king.

3

And the king said unto them, I have dreamed a dream, and my spirit was troubled to know the dream.

4

Then spake the Chaldeans to the king in Syriack, O king, live for ever: tell thy servants the dream, and we will shew the interpretation.

5

The king answered and said to the Chaldeans, The thing is gone from me: if ye will not make known unto me the dream, with the interpretation thereof, ye shall be cut in pieces, and your houses shall be made a dunghill. cut: Cald. made pieces

6

But if ye shew the dream, and the interpretation thereof, ye shall receive of me gifts and rewards and great honour: therefore shew me the dream, and the interpretation thereof. rewards: or, fee

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The Chaldeans' response in 'Syriack' (Aramaic) marks a literary shift—Daniel 2:4b-7:28 is written in Aramaic rather than Hebrew. This language change signals focus on Gentile kingdoms and God's sovereignty over world empires. The formal address 'O king, live forever' was standard court protocol (cf. 1 Kings 1:31; Nehemiah 2:3). 'Tell thy servants the dream' assumes normal procedure: the king recounts his dream, and interpreters provide meaning. This reasonable request sets up the coming impossible demand that will expose pagan wisdom's bankruptcy.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Aramaic served as the lingua franca of the ancient Near East, used for international diplomacy and commerce. Its use here reflects historical authenticity—Babylonian court officials would have addressed the king in Aramaic for formal proceedings. The Chaldeans were an elite priestly caste specializing in astronomy, mathematics, and divination, not just ethnic Chaldeans from southern Mesopotamia. Their professional confidence will soon be shattered.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the language shift to Aramaic suggest about God's message extending beyond Israel to encompass all nations?
  2. How does the Chaldeans' confident request to hear the dream reveal their dependence on human interpretive systems rather than divine revelation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וַֽיְדַבְּר֧וּ1 of 12

“Then spake”

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

הַכַּשְׂדִּ֛ים2 of 12

“the Chaldeans”

H3778

a kasdite, or descendant of kesed; by implication, a chaldaean (as if so descended); also an astrologer (as if proverbial of that people

לַמֶּ֖לֶךְ3 of 12

“to the king”

H4428

a king

אֲרָמִ֑ית4 of 12

“in Syriack”

H762

(only adverbial) in aramean

מַלְכָּא֙5 of 12

“O king”

H4430

a king

לְעָלְמִ֣ין6 of 12

“for ever”

H5957

remote time, i.e., the future or past indefinitely; often adverb, forever

חֱיִ֔י7 of 12

“live”

H2418

to live

אֱמַ֥ר8 of 12

“tell”

H560

to speak, to command

חֶלְמָ֛א9 of 12

“the dream”

H2493

a dream

לְעַבְדָ֖יךְ10 of 12

“thy servants”

H5649

a servant

וּפִשְׁרָ֥א11 of 12

“the interpretation”

H6591

an interpretation

נְחַוֵּֽא׃12 of 12

“and we will shew”

H2324

to show

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 2:4 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 2:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Daniel 5:10Daniel 3:9Ezra 4:7Isaiah 36:11Daniel 6:61 Kings 1:31

Places in This Verse

ChaldeaRegion · Modern: Tell el Muqayyar · 30.96°N, 46.10°E85 verses across 11 books
View all places in Daniel 2 →

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