King James Version

What Does Daniel 4:17 Mean?

Daniel 4:17 in the King James Version says “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...” — study this verse from Daniel chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Daniel 4:17 · KJV

Context

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.

19

Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was astonied for one hour, and his thoughts troubled him. The king spake, and said, Belteshazzar, let not the dream, or the interpretation thereof, trouble thee. Belteshazzar answered and said, My lord, the dream be to them that hate thee, and the interpretation thereof to thine enemies.

Read Daniel 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The dream's interpretation declares: '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.' 'Watchers' and 'holy ones' (Aramaic: irin, wakeful ones; qaddishin, holy/consecrated beings) likely refer to angelic beings participating in God's heavenly council (cf. 1 Kings 22:19-22; Job 1:6). God's judgment involves angelic agency while remaining ultimately His decree. The purpose clause reveals God's pedagogical intent: demonstrating to 'the living' that He rules all human kingdoms, deposing and elevating whomever He wills.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern religion included divine councils where gods deliberated. Daniel's theology maintains monotheism while acknowledging angelic beings who serve God's purposes. The 'watchers' concept appears in Second Temple Jewish literature (1 Enoch) but here serves orthodox theology—angels execute God's decrees, they don't decide independently. The phrase 'kingdom of men' emphasizes human political structures' subordination to divine sovereignty—a radical claim in absolute monarchies claiming divine right.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's use of angelic agents in governance and judgment reveal the cosmic scope of His kingdom?
  2. What does the purpose clause teach about God using dramatic interventions to publicly demonstrate His sovereignty over human pride?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 24 words
בִּגְזֵרַ֤ת1 of 24

“is by the decree”

H1510

a decree

עִירִין֙2 of 24

“of the watchers”

H5894

a watcher, i.e., an angel (as guardian)

פִּתְגָמָ֔א3 of 24

“This matter”

H6600

a word, answer, letter or decree

וּמֵאמַ֥ר4 of 24

“by the word”

H3983

something (authoritatively) said, i.e., an edict

קַדִּישִׁ֖ין5 of 24

“of the holy ones”

H6922

sacred (ceremonially or morally); (as noun) god (by eminence), an angel, a saint, a sanctuary

שְׁאֵֽלְתָ֑א6 of 24

“and the demand”

H7595

properly, a question (at law), i.e., judicial decision or mandate

עַד7 of 24

“to”

H5705

until

דִּבְרַ֡ת8 of 24

“the intent”

H1701

a reason, suit or style

דִּ֣י9 of 24
H1768

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

יִנְדְּע֣וּן10 of 24

“may know”

H3046

to inform

חַ֠יַּיָּא11 of 24

“that the living”

H2417

alive; also (as noun in plural) life

דִּֽי12 of 24
H1768

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

שַׁלִּ֨יט13 of 24

“ruleth”

H7990

mighty; abstractly, permission; concretely, a premier

עִלָּיָ֜א14 of 24

“that the most High”

H5943

supreme (i.e., god)

בְּמַלְכ֣וּת15 of 24

“in the kingdom”

H4437

dominion (abstractly or concretely)

אֲנָשִׁ֖ים16 of 24

“of men”

H606

a man

וּלְמַן17 of 24

“it to whomsoever”

H4479

who or what (properly, interrogatively, hence, also indefinitely and relatively)

דִּ֤י18 of 24
H1768

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

יִצְבֵּא֙19 of 24

“he will”

H6634

to please

יִתְּנִנַּ֔הּ20 of 24

“and giveth”

H5415

give

וּשְׁפַ֥ל21 of 24

“it the basest”

H8215

low

אֲנָשִׁ֖ים22 of 24

“of men”

H606

a man

יְקִ֥ים23 of 24

“and setteth up”

H6966

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

עֲלַֽיהּ׃24 of 24

“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 4:17 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 4:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Daniel 4:25Daniel 2:21Psalms 75:6-71 Samuel 2:8Jeremiah 27:5-7Daniel 5:18-21

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