King James Version

What Does Daniel 4:26 Mean?

Daniel 4:26 in the King James Version says “And whereas they commanded to leave the stump of the tree roots; thy kingdom shall be sure unto thee, after that thou sh...” — study this verse from Daniel chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And whereas they commanded to leave the stump of the tree roots; thy kingdom shall be sure unto thee, after that thou shalt have known that the heavens do rule.”

Daniel 4:26 · KJV

Context

24

This is the interpretation, O king, and this is the decree of the most High, which is come upon my lord the king:

25

That they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and they shall wet thee with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass over thee, till thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.

26

And whereas they commanded to leave the stump of the tree roots; thy kingdom shall be sure unto thee, after that thou shalt have known that the heavens do rule.

27

Wherefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable unto thee, and break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by shewing mercy to the poor; if it may be a lengthening of thy tranquillity. a lengthening: or, an healing of thine error

28

All this came upon the king Nebuchadnezzar.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The command to leave the tree's stump indicates preservation amidst judgment: 'thy kingdom shall be sure unto thee, after that thou shalt have known that the heavens do rule.' This promise provides hope—the judgment is temporary, not permanent; restoration follows repentance. The phrase 'thy kingdom shall be sure unto thee' guarantees that though Nebuchadnezzar loses kingdom temporarily, he'll regain it after learning the lesson. The expression 'the heavens do rule' (Aramaic שָׁמַיָּא שַׁלִּיטִין/shamayya shallitin) uses 'heavens' as reverent circumlocution for God (similar to Matthew's 'kingdom of heaven'), emphasizing divine sovereignty. This verse offers remarkable grace: despite severe judgment, God promises restoration. The condition is clear—'after that thou shalt have known'—restoration requires genuine recognition of divine sovereignty, not merely time passage. This demonstrates God's redemptive purposes: He disciplines to restore, humbles to heal.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The promise of kingdom restoration was crucial. Ancient Near Eastern succession typically involved usurpation—a king's prolonged absence or incapacity invited coups. Yet Daniel prophecies that despite seven years' absence, Nebuchadnezzar's throne remains secure. This requires divine intervention: God not only judges but protects the judgment's pedagogical purpose by preserving the king's eventual restoration. Historically, Nebuchadnezzar did reign until his death (562 BC), suggesting the prophecy fulfilled: after his humbling and restoration, he completed his reign. The kingdom's preservation during his absence testified to God's sovereign control over political succession and palace intrigue.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does God's promise to restore the kingdom after judgment teach about divine discipline's redemptive goals?
  2. How does the phrase 'the heavens do rule' function as both theological truth and pastoral comfort?
  3. Why is recognition of God's sovereignty ('after that thou shalt have known') the condition for restoration?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וְדִ֣י1 of 16
H1768

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

אֲמַ֗רוּ2 of 16

“And whereas they commanded”

H560

to speak, to command

לְמִשְׁבַּ֞ק3 of 16

“to leave”

H7662

to quit, i.e., allow to remain

עִקַּ֤ר4 of 16

“the stump”

H6136

a stock

שָׁרְשׁ֙וֹהִי֙5 of 16

“roots”

H8330

a root (literally or figuratively)

דִּ֣י6 of 16
H1768

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

אִֽילָנָ֔א7 of 16

“of the tree”

H363

a tree

מַלְכוּתָ֖ךְ8 of 16

“thy kingdom”

H4437

dominion (abstractly or concretely)

לָ֣ךְ9 of 16
H0
קַיָּמָ֑ה10 of 16

“shall be sure”

H7011

permanent (as rising firmly)

מִן11 of 16

“unto thee after”

H4481

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

דִּ֣י12 of 16
H1768

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

תִנְדַּ֔ע13 of 16

“that thou shalt have known”

H3046

to inform

דִּ֥י14 of 16
H1768

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

שַׁלִּטִ֖ן15 of 16

“do rule”

H7990

mighty; abstractly, permission; concretely, a premier

שְׁמַיָּֽא׃16 of 16

“that the heavens”

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 4:26 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 4:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Daniel 4:15Matthew 21:20Luke 15:18Daniel 2:37Daniel 4:23Matthew 5:34

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