King James Version

What Does Daniel 2:48 Mean?

Daniel 2:48 in the King James Version says “Then the king made Daniel a great man, and gave him many great gifts, and made him ruler over the whole province of Baby...” — study this verse from Daniel chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then the king made Daniel a great man, and gave him many great gifts, and made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon, and chief of the governors over all the wise men of Babylon.”

Daniel 2:48 · KJV

Context

46

Then the king Nebuchadnezzar fell upon his face, and worshipped Daniel, and commanded that they should offer an oblation and sweet odours unto him.

47

The king answered unto Daniel, and said, Of a truth it is, that your God is a God of gods, and a Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets, seeing thou couldest reveal this secret.

48

Then the king made Daniel a great man, and gave him many great gifts, and made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon, and chief of the governors over all the wise men of Babylon.

49

Then Daniel requested of the king, and he set Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, over the affairs of the province of Babylon: but Daniel sat in the gate of the king.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Nebuchadnezzar's response demonstrates the interpretation's impact: he 'made Daniel a great man, and gave him many great gifts, and made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon.' The threefold 'great' emphasizes extraordinary elevation. Making Daniel 'chief of the governors over all the wise men of Babylon' places a Hebrew exile over the empire's intellectual elite—a stunning reversal. This fulfills Joseph's pattern of exaltation in Egypt and demonstrates that God can position His servants for influence even in pagan empires. Daniel's promotion serves God's purposes of maintaining a prophetic witness in Babylon.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern empires rewarded those who solved problems or provided valuable counsel. Daniel's promotion to rule Babylon province and oversee all wise men gave him significant political power. This position would prove crucial in subsequent narratives (fiery furnace, writing on wall, lions' den). Archaeological evidence shows that Nebuchadnezzar restructured his administration throughout his reign, and Daniel's appointment reflects typical ancient practice of incorporating talented foreigners into imperial bureaucracy.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Daniel's elevation demonstrate God's ability to position His servants for influence in hostile environments?
  2. What does Daniel's promotion over those who sought to destroy him teach about God's vindication of faithful servants?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
אֱדַ֨יִן1 of 20

“Then”

H116

then (of time)

מַלְכָּ֜א2 of 20

“the king”

H4430

a king

לְדָנִיֵּ֣אל3 of 20

“Daniel”

H1841

danijel, the hebrew prophet

רַבִּ֗י4 of 20

“a great man”

H7236

to increase (in whatever respect)

וּמַתְּנָ֨ן5 of 20

“gifts”

H4978

a present; specifically (in a good sense), a sacrificial offering, (in a bad sense) a bribe

רַבְרְבָ֤ן6 of 20

“great”

H7260

huge (in size); domineering (in character)

שַׂגִּיאָן֙7 of 20

“him many”

H7690

large (in size, quantity or number, also adverbial)

יְהַב8 of 20

“and gave”

H3052

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

לֵ֔הּ9 of 20
H0
וְהַ֨שְׁלְטֵ֔הּ10 of 20

“and made him ruler”

H7981

to rule over

עַ֖ל11 of 20

“over”

H5922

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כָּל12 of 20

“all”

H3606

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

מְדִינַ֣ת13 of 20

“province”

H4083

properly, a judgeship, i.e., jurisdiction; by implication, a district (as ruled by a judge); generally, a region

בָבֶֽל׃14 of 20

“men of Babylon”

H895

babel (i.e., babylon), including babylonia and the babylonian empire

וְרַ֨ב15 of 20

“and chief”

H7229

abundant

סִגְנִ֔ין16 of 20

“of the governors”

H5460

a prefect of a province

עַ֖ל17 of 20

“over”

H5922

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כָּל18 of 20

“all”

H3606

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

חַכִּימֵ֥י19 of 20

“the wise”

H2445

wise, i.e., a magian

בָבֶֽל׃20 of 20

“men of Babylon”

H895

babel (i.e., babylon), including babylonia and the babylonian empire

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 2:48 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 2:48 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Daniel 2:6Daniel 4:9Daniel 5:11Genesis 41:39-43Daniel 5:29Daniel 5:16

Places in This Verse

Babylon 1Settlement · Modern: Babylon · 32.54°N, 44.42°E296 verses across 15 books
View all places in Daniel 2 →

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