King James Version

What Does Daniel 4:16 Mean?

Daniel 4:16 in the King James Version says “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.” — study this verse from Daniel chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Daniel 4:16 · KJV

Context

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.

18

This dream I king Nebuchadnezzar have seen. Now thou, O Belteshazzar, declare the interpretation thereof, forasmuch as all the wise men of my kingdom are not able to make known unto me the interpretation: but thou art able; for the spirit of the holy gods is in thee.

Read Daniel 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The transformation intensifies: 'Let his heart be changed from man's, and let a beast's heart be given unto him.' The heart (לֵבַב/lebab) in biblical thought represents the inner person—mind, will, emotions, character. Changing from human to beast heart indicates complete loss of rational faculties, moral consciousness, and social capacity. This isn't merely physical degradation but mental and spiritual transformation—Nebuchadnezzar will think, feel, and behave like an animal. The 'seven times' that must pass likely indicates seven years (though some suggest seven periods/seasons). This specific duration shows God's control—the judgment isn't random madness but purposeful discipline with defined limits. Like Job's suffering, it has appointed boundaries. This teaches that God's disciplines, though severe, are measured and purposeful, designed to produce repentance rather than destruction.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Historical records show gaps in Nebuchadnezzar's documented activities around 582-575 BC, possibly corresponding to this seven-year period. The illness described resembles clinical lycanthropy or boanthropy—rare psychiatric conditions where patients believe themselves to be animals, exhibiting appropriate behavior (eating grass, living outdoors, etc.). Modern medicine recognizes such conditions; Scripture presents this specific instance as divinely imposed for redemptive purposes. The seven-year duration provided sufficient time for complete humiliation—long enough to break pride thoroughly, not so long as to be merely punitive. Ancient medicine had no treatment for such conditions, making the king's eventual recovery (v.34-36) obviously miraculous, vindicating Daniel's prophecy.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the transformation of the 'heart' from human to beast teach about the seriousness of pride's spiritual effects?
  2. How does the specific seven-year duration demonstrate God's control and purpose in discipline?
  3. Why is temporary rather than permanent judgment often more effective in producing repentance?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וּלְבַ֥ב1 of 12

“Let his heart”

H3825

the heart (as the most interior organ)

מִן2 of 12

“from”

H4481

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of

אֲנָושָׁ֣א3 of 12

“man's”

H606

a man

יְשַׁנּ֔וֹן4 of 12

“be changed”

H8133

to alter

וּלְבַ֥ב5 of 12

“Let his heart”

H3825

the heart (as the most interior organ)

חֵיוָ֖ה6 of 12

“and let a beast's”

H2423

an animal

יִתְיְהִ֣ב7 of 12

“be given”

H3052

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

לֵ֑הּ8 of 12
H0
וְשִׁבְעָ֥ה9 of 12

“unto him and let seven”

H7655

seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number

עִדָּנִ֖ין10 of 12

“times”

H5732

a set time; technically, a year

יַחְלְפ֥וּן11 of 12

“pass”

H2499

to pass on (of time)

עֲלֽוֹהִי׃12 of 12

“over”

H5922

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

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 4:16 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 4:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Daniel 4:23Isaiah 6:10Revelation 12:14Daniel 4:25Luke 8:27-29Daniel 11:13

Test Your Knowledge

Daniel 4 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterDaniel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Daniel 4 with CommentaryAll Daniel ChaptersComplete Daniel QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes