King James Version

What Does Daniel 4:21 Mean?

Daniel 4:21 in the King James Version says “Whose leaves were fair, and the fruit thereof much, and in it was meat for all; under which the beasts of the field dwel...” — study this verse from Daniel chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Whose leaves were fair, and the fruit thereof much, and in it was meat for all; under which the beasts of the field dwelt, and upon whose branches the fowls of the heaven had their habitation:”

Daniel 4:21 · KJV

Context

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.

20

The tree that thou sawest, which grew, and was strong, whose height reached unto the heaven, and the sight thereof to all the earth;

21

Whose leaves were fair, and the fruit thereof much, and in it was meat for all; under which the beasts of the field dwelt, and upon whose branches the fowls of the heaven had their habitation:

22

It is thou, O king, that art grown and become strong: for thy greatness is grown, and reacheth unto heaven, and thy dominion to the end of the earth.

23

And whereas the king saw a watcher and an holy one coming down from heaven, and saying, Hew the tree down, and destroy it; yet leave the stump of the roots thereof 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 of the field, till seven times pass over him;

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Daniel continues recounting: the tree's leaves were fair, fruit abundant, providing food for all; beasts and birds finding shelter and sustenance under and within it. This section emphasizes the tree's beneficent character—not merely tall and visible, but productive and nurturing. The universal scope ('meat for all') depicts empire-wide prosperity under Nebuchadnezzar's reign. This makes the coming judgment more sobering: even beneficial rule that provides for many doesn't guarantee divine approval if accompanied by pride. The passage warns that outward success and genuine benefit to others can coexist with heart pride that merits judgment. Good works don't justify spiritual arrogance; public service doesn't excuse private pride. This challenges both ancient and modern assumptions that productive, beneficent leadership earns divine favor regardless of heart attitude.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Nebuchadnezzar's reign did bring considerable stability and prosperity to Babylon and surrounding regions. His building projects employed thousands; his military successes secured borders enabling trade; his administration organized vast territories effectively. Subjects benefited from Pax Babylonica—relative peace preferable to constant warfare. This made him seem indispensable, fostering dependence that fed his ego. The dream's symbolism accurately captured historical reality: the empire was productive, beneficent, and provided for millions. Yet this very success became spiritually dangerous when the king claimed credit rather than acknowledging divine enablement. History repeatedly shows how human achievements, however beneficial, become idolatrous when divorced from recognition of God's sovereignty.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can genuine good works and benefit to others coexist with heart pride that displeases God?
  2. Why doesn't productivity and public service automatically earn divine approval?
  3. In what ways might our beneficial contributions to society mask underlying spiritual pride?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וְעָפְיֵ֤הּ1 of 15

“Whose leaves”

H6074

a twig; bough, i.e., (collectively) foliage

שַׁפִּיר֙2 of 15

“were fair”

H8209

beautiful

וְאִנְבֵּ֣הּ3 of 15

“and the fruit”

H4

fruit

שַׂגִּ֔יא4 of 15

“thereof much”

H7690

large (in size, quantity or number, also adverbial)

וּמָז֨וֹן5 of 15

“and in it was meat”

H4203

food

לְכֹ֖לָּא6 of 15

“for all”

H3606

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

בֵ֑הּ7 of 15
H0
תְּחֹת֗וֹהִי8 of 15

“under”

H8460

beneath

תְּדוּר֙9 of 15

“dwelt”

H1753

to reside

חֵיוַ֣ת10 of 15

“which the beasts”

H2423

an animal

בָּרָ֔א11 of 15

“of the field”

H1251

a field

וּבְעַנְפ֕וֹהִי12 of 15

“and upon whose branches”

H6056

a twig (as covering the limbs)

יִשְׁכְּנָ֖ן13 of 15

“had their habitation”

H7932

to dwell

צִפֲּרֵ֥י14 of 15

“the fowls”

H6853

a bird

שְׁמַיָּֽא׃15 of 15

“of the 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

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 4:21 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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