King James Version

What Does Daniel 2:7 Mean?

Daniel 2:7 in the King James Version says “They answered again and said, Let the king tell his servants the dream, and we will shew the interpretation of it. — study this verse from Daniel chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

They answered again and said, Let the king tell his servants the dream, and we will shew the interpretation of it.

Daniel 2:7 · KJV


Context

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

7

They answered again and said, Let the king tell his servants the dream, and we will shew the interpretation of it.

8

The king answered and said, I know of certainty that ye would gain the time, because ye see the thing is gone from me. gain: Cald. buy

9

But if ye will not make known unto me the dream, there is but one decree for you: for ye have prepared lying and corrupt words to speak before me, till the time be changed: therefore tell me the dream, and I shall know that ye can shew me the interpretation thereof.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The Chaldeans' response—"There is not a man upon the earth that can shew the king's matter"—admits absolute human inability. Despite their claims to supernatural knowledge through divination, astrology, and magic, they confess helplessness when truly tested. The phrase "not a man" (Aramaic: kol-enahsh, כָּל־אֱנָשׁ) emphasizes universal human limitation. No technique, learning, or secret knowledge can access what only divine revelation can provide.

Their further admission "except the gods, whose dwelling is not with flesh" inadvertently speaks theological truth. They correctly recognize that only divine beings could know the dream without being told, and that these gods remain distant from humanity. This pagan theology acknowledges god's existence but denies their involvement in human affairs—they dwell apart, unconcerned with earthly matters. This sets up the contrast with Israel's God who dwells among His people, reveals His purposes, and acts in history.

Ironically, the Chaldeans prophesy their own refutation. Soon Daniel will demonstrate that the living God does dwell with flesh—not physically (yet), but through His Spirit empowering believers. This prefigures the incarnation, when God literally dwells with humanity in Christ. The Chaldeans are correct that only deity can reveal hidden things, but wrong that deity remains distant. Israel's God draws near, speaks to His people, and accomplishes what pagan gods cannot—personal relationship and real revelation.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Babylonian religion featured elaborate divination systems—hepatoscopy (examining animal livers), extispicy (reading entrails), astrology, and dream interpretation manuals. Extensive cuneiform libraries from Babylon and Nineveh contained omen texts correlating signs with events. Yet when truly tested, these methods proved fraudulent. Nebuchadnezzar's demand exposed their impotence. This scene dramatically demonstrates biblical truth: pagan divination is empty pretense, whereas revelation from Israel's God provides genuine supernatural knowledge. Daniel's later success vindicates Yahweh's supremacy over Babylonian gods.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the Chaldeans' confession of human inability prepare for God's revelation through Daniel, demonstrating divine superiority?
  2. What does pagan belief that gods remain distant contrast with the biblical truth of God's covenant presence among His people?
  3. In what ways does Daniel's Spirit-enabled revelation prefigure Christ's incarnation—God dwelling with humanity to reveal truth?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
עֲנ֥וֹ1 of 9

They answered

H6032

properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,

תִנְיָנ֖וּת2 of 9

again

H8579

a second time

יֵאמַ֥ר3 of 9

and said

H560

to speak, to command

מַלְכָּ֕א4 of 9

Let the king

H4430

a king

חֶלְמָ֛א5 of 9

the dream

H2493

a dream

יֵאמַ֥ר6 of 9

and said

H560

to speak, to command

לְעַבְד֖וֹהִי7 of 9

his servants

H5649

a servant

וּפִשְׁרָ֥ה8 of 9

the interpretation

H6591

an interpretation

נְהַחֲוֵֽה׃9 of 9

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 2:7 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 2:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study