King James Version

What Does Daniel 4:3 Mean?

Daniel 4:3 in the King James Version says “How great are his signs! and how mighty are his wonders! his kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion is from... — study this verse from Daniel chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Daniel 4:3 · 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:

5

I saw a dream which made me afraid, and the thoughts upon my bed and the visions of my head troubled me.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The king's doxology proclaims: '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.' The exclamatory 'How great...how mighty' expresses wonder and worship. The declaration about God's eternal kingdom directly contrasts with human kingdoms' temporality (Daniel 2:44). Nebuchadnezzar, ruling earth's mightiest empire, acknowledges a superior kingdom that outlasts all earthly dominion. This confession fulfills Daniel 2's prophecy—human kingdoms will pass, but God's kingdom endures forever.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Babylonian kings claimed eternal dominion for their empire. Royal titles included 'king of the four quarters' implying universal rule. Inscriptions celebrated achievements designed to last 'for all days' and 'everlasting name.' Nebuchadnezzar's confession subverts imperial ideology—only God's kingdom truly lasts forever. Ancient Near Eastern peoples understood 'generation to generation' as spanning all time. The king's acknowledgment that divine dominion supersedes human empire was revolutionary for absolute monarchy claiming divine sanction.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does recognizing God's kingdom as eternal relativize all earthly political structures and achievements?
  2. What does the contrast between human empires' claims to permanence and God's actual eternal kingdom teach about true versus false security?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
אָת֙וֹהִי֙1 of 13

are his signs

H852

a portent

כְּמָ֣ה2 of 13

and how

H4101

what?, why?, how?

רַבְרְבִ֔ין3 of 13

great

H7260

huge (in size); domineering (in character)

וְתִמְה֖וֹהִי4 of 13

are his wonders

H8540

a miracle

כְּמָ֣ה5 of 13

and how

H4101

what?, why?, how?

תַקִּיפִ֑ין6 of 13

mighty

H8624

powerful

מַלְכ֣וּת7 of 13

his kingdom

H4437

dominion (abstractly or concretely)

מַלְכ֣וּת8 of 13

his kingdom

H4437

dominion (abstractly or concretely)

עָלַ֔ם9 of 13

is an everlasting

H5957

remote time, i.e., the future or past indefinitely; often adverb, forever

וְשָׁלְטָנֵ֖הּ10 of 13

and his dominion

H7985

empire (abstractly or concretely)

עִם11 of 13

is from

H5974

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

וְדָֽר׃12 of 13

generation

H1859

an age

וְדָֽר׃13 of 13

generation

H1859

an age


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 4:3 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 4:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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