King James Version

What Does Daniel 4:15 Mean?

Daniel 4:15 in the King James Version says “Nevertheless leave the stump of his roots in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the f...” — study this verse from Daniel chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Nevertheless leave the stump of his roots in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let his portion be with the beasts in the grass of the earth:”

Daniel 4:15 · KJV

Context

13

I saw in the visions of my head upon my bed, and, behold, a watcher and an holy one came down from heaven;

14

He cried aloud, and said thus, Hew down the tree, and cut off his branches, shake off his leaves, and scatter his fruit: let the beasts get away from under it, and the fowls from his branches: aloud: Cald. with might

15

Nevertheless leave the stump of his roots in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let his portion be with the beasts in the grass of the earth:

16

Let his heart be changed from man's, and let a beast's heart be given unto him; and let seven times pass over him.

17

This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men.

Read Daniel 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The command to bind the stump with iron and brass introduces complex symbolism. The stump represents the preserved core of Nebuchadnezzar's kingdom and person—judgment doesn't completely destroy, leaving possibility for restoration. The binding with metals (iron and brass/bronze) may signify both protection (preventing animals from damaging the stump) and restraint (preventing premature regrowth). The instruction 'let it be wet with the dew of heaven' indicates exposure to natural elements—the exalted king will be brought low to experience beast-like existence under open sky. The phrase 'let his portion be with the beasts in the grass of the earth' confirms the personal application: Nebuchadnezzar will graze like cattle, completely stripped of royal dignity and human society. This comprehensive humiliation targets the pride that attributed imperial success to personal merit rather than divine grant.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The binding of stumps with metal bands was actually practiced in ancient arboriculture to prevent splitting while encouraging regrowth—a practical detail adding realism to the dream imagery. Nebuchadnezzar's coming exposure 'to the dew of heaven' contrasts sharply with his luxurious palace life described in verse 4. Ancient Near Eastern kings lived in elaborate comfort—fine foods, luxurious furnishings, constant servants. The prospect of dwelling with beasts represented complete reversal of status. This humiliation would have been unimaginable to ancient audiences: kings were considered semi-divine, above common humanity. God reducing a king to beast-level existence demonstrated total sovereignty over human pride.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does God preserve a 'stump' rather than completely destroying proud rulers?
  2. How does Nebuchadnezzar's exposure to natural elements ('dew of heaven,' 'beasts,' 'grass') symbolize being stripped of artificial human pride?
  3. What does the combination of preservation and restraint (stump bound with metal) teach about God's discipline?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
בְּרַ֨ם1 of 20

“Nevertheless”

H1297

properly, highly, i.e., surely; but used adversatively, however

עִקַּ֤ר2 of 20

“the stump”

H6136

a stock

שָׁרְשׁ֙וֹהִי֙3 of 20

“of his roots”

H8330

a root (literally or figuratively)

אַרְעָֽא׃4 of 20

“in the earth”

H772

the earth; by implication (figuratively) low

שְׁבֻ֔קוּ5 of 20

“leave”

H7662

to quit, i.e., allow to remain

וּבֶֽאֱסוּר֙6 of 20

“even with a band”

H613

a bond (especially manacles of a prisoner)

דִּֽי7 of 20
H1768

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

פַרְזֶ֣ל8 of 20

“of iron”

H6523

iron

וּנְחָ֔שׁ9 of 20

“and brass”

H5174

copper

בְּדִתְאָ֖א10 of 20

“in the tender grass”

H1883

a sprout; by analogy, grass

דִּ֣י11 of 20
H1768

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

בָרָ֑א12 of 20

“of the field”

H1251

a field

וּבְטַ֤ל13 of 20

“with the dew”

H2920

dew (as covering vegetation)

שְׁמַיָּא֙14 of 20

“of heaven”

H8065

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

יִצְטַבַּ֔ע15 of 20

“and let it be wet”

H6647

to dip

וְעִם16 of 20

“be with”

H5974

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

חֵיוְתָ֥א17 of 20

“the beasts”

H2423

an animal

חֲלָקֵ֖הּ18 of 20

“and let his portion”

H2508

a part

בַּעֲשַׂ֥ב19 of 20

“in the grass”

H6211

a moth

אַרְעָֽא׃20 of 20

“in the earth”

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 4:15 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 4:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Job 14:7-9Ezekiel 29:14-15Daniel 4:25-27

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