King James Version

What Does Daniel 4:2 Mean?

Daniel 4:2 in the King James Version says “I thought it good to shew the signs and wonders that the high God hath wrought toward me. I thought: Cald. It was seemly... — study this verse from Daniel chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Daniel 4:2 · 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.

4

I Nebuchadnezzar was at rest in mine house, and flourishing in my palace:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Nebuchadnezzar declares his purpose: 'I thought it good to shew the signs and wonders that the high God hath wrought toward me.' The phrase 'signs and wonders' (Aramaic: atha v'timhaya) describes miraculous divine interventions demonstrating God's power. 'The high God' acknowledges supreme divine authority. Critically, these signs were 'toward me'—personal experience, not abstract theology. The king testifies from direct encounter with God's sovereignty. This models effective witness: sharing personal experience of God's transformative work rather than merely asserting doctrines.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern royal inscriptions documented kings' accomplishments and divine favor. Nebuchadnezzar subverts this genre—instead of boasting of conquest, he testifies to God's humbling work in his life. The term 'signs and wonders' appears in Exodus describing God's acts against Egypt (Exodus 7:3), now applied to God's work on a Gentile king. This universalizes God's sovereign power—He works 'signs and wonders' among all peoples, not just Israel.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does personal testimony of God's work in our lives carry persuasive power beyond doctrinal arguments?
  2. What does the king's willingness to publicly share his humiliation teach about authentic testimony requiring vulnerability?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
אָֽתַיָּא֙1 of 10

the signs

H852

a portent

וְתִמְהַיָּ֔א2 of 10

and wonders

H8540

a miracle

דִּ֚י3 of 10
H1768

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

עֲבַ֣ד4 of 10

hath wrought

H5648

to do, make, prepare, keep, etc

עִמִּ֔י5 of 10

toward

H5974

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

אֱלָהָ֖א6 of 10

God

H426

god

עִלָּיָ֑א7 of 10

that the high

H5943

supreme (i.e., god)

שְׁפַ֥ר8 of 10

it good

H8232

to be beautiful

קָֽדָמַ֖י9 of 10

I thought

H6925

before

לְהַחֲוָיָֽה׃10 of 10

to 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 4:2 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 4:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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