King James Version

What Does Daniel 4:1 Mean?

Daniel 4:1 in the King James Version says “Nebuchadnezzar the king, unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto ... — study this verse from Daniel chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Nebuchadnezzar the king, unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you.

Daniel 4:1 · KJV


Context

1

Nebuchadnezzar the king, unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you.

2

I thought it good to shew the signs and wonders that the high God hath wrought toward me. I thought: Cald. It was seemly before me

3

How great are his signs! and how mighty are his wonders! his kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion is from generation to generation.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Chapter 4 uniquely presents Nebuchadnezzar's first-person testimony: 'Nebuchadnezzar the king, unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth.' This royal proclamation format was common in ancient Near Eastern inscriptions. The universal address ('all people, nations, languages') emphasizes the message's global significance. The greeting 'Peace be multiplied unto you' expresses genuine goodwill from one who experienced God's humbling power. This chapter represents the pagan king's conversion testimony—arrogance brought low, then restoration through acknowledging God's sovereignty.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Babylonian royal inscriptions typically began with king's name, titles, and greeting to subjects. Nebuchadnezzar's historical inscriptions (found in archaeological discoveries) celebrate military conquests and building projects, attributing success to Marduk. This biblical text subverts that pattern—the king now attributes events to Yahweh and testifies to personal humiliation rather than triumph. The proclamation's form follows ancient conventions while revolutionizing the content with monotheistic theology.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does a pagan king's testimony to God's sovereignty carry unique evangelistic power with unbelievers?
  2. What does Nebuchadnezzar's transformation from pride to humility teach about genuine conversion involving broken self-sufficiency?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
נְבוּכַדְנֶצַּ֣ר1 of 12

Nebuchadnezzar

H5020

nebukadnetstsar (or nebukadretsts(-ar, or)), king of babylon

מַלְכָּ֗א2 of 12

the king

H4430

a king

בְּכָל3 of 12

in all

H3606

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

עַֽמְמַיָּ֞א4 of 12

people

H5972

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

אֻמַיָּ֧א5 of 12

nations

H524

a collection, i.e., community of persons

וְלִשָּׁנַיָּ֛א6 of 12

and languages

H3961

speech, i.e., a nation

דִּֽי7 of 12
H1768

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

דָאְרִ֥ין8 of 12

that dwell

H1753

to reside

בְּכָל9 of 12

in all

H3606

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

אַרְעָ֖א10 of 12

the earth

H772

the earth; by implication (figuratively) low

שְׁלָמְכ֥וֹן11 of 12

Peace

H8001

prosperity

יִשְׂגֵּֽא׃12 of 12

be multiplied

H7680

to increase


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 4:1 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 4:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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