King James Version

What Does Daniel 4:35 Mean?

Daniel 4:35 in the King James Version says “And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, a...” — study this verse from Daniel chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?”

Daniel 4:35 · KJV

Context

33

The same hour was the thing fulfilled upon Nebuchadnezzar: and he was driven from men, and did eat grass as oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven, till his hairs were grown like eagles' feathers, and his nails like birds' claws.

34

And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation:

35

And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?

36

At the same time my reason returned unto me; and for the glory of my kingdom, mine honour and brightness returned unto me; and my counsellors and my lords sought unto me; and I was established in my kingdom, and excellent majesty was added unto me.

37

Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The king's theological declaration demonstrates transformed understanding: 'And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?' This radical theology relativizes all human importance ('reputed as nothing') while asserting absolute divine sovereignty. God exercises will among both heavenly beings ('army of heaven') and earthly dwellers. The rhetorical question 'none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?' affirms God's freedom from human accountability. This comes from one who learned through bitter experience that human pride cannot resist divine purposes.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern theology typically portrayed gods as powerful but constrained by cosmic forces, other deities, or fate. Nebuchadnezzar's declaration transcends pagan categories—God operates with complete freedom, unlimited by external constraints. The 'army of heaven' likely refers to angelic beings (cf. 1 Kings 22:19). Mesopotamian religion included complex hierarchies of deities and divine beings. The king now confesses one God who commands both supernatural and natural realms without limitation or accountability to any higher power.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does recognizing humans as 'reputed as nothing' in comparison to God free us from pride while establishing true dignity as dependent on Him?
  2. What does God's freedom from human accountability teach about trust—accepting His sovereignty even when we don't understand His purposes?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
וְכָל1 of 20

“And all”

H3606

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

וְדָאְרֵ֖י2 of 20

“and among the inhabitants”

H1753

to reside

אַרְעָ֑א3 of 20

“of the earth”

H772

the earth; by implication (figuratively) low

וְלָ֤א4 of 20

“and none”

H3809

no, not

חֲשִׁיבִ֔ין5 of 20

“are reputed”

H2804

to regard

וּֽכְמִצְבְּיֵ֗הּ6 of 20

“according to his will”

H6634

to please

עֲבַֽדְתְּ׃7 of 20

“and he doeth”

H5648

to do, make, prepare, keep, etc

בְּחֵ֣יל8 of 20

“in the army”

H2429

an army, or strength

שְׁמַיָּ֔א9 of 20

“of 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

וְדָאְרֵ֖י10 of 20

“and among the inhabitants”

H1753

to reside

אַרְעָ֑א11 of 20

“of the earth”

H772

the earth; by implication (figuratively) low

וְלָ֤א12 of 20

“and none”

H3809

no, not

אִיתַי֙13 of 20

“can”

H383

properly, entity; used only as a particle of affirmation, there is

דִּֽי14 of 20
H1768

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

יְמַחֵ֣א15 of 20

“stay”

H4223

to strike in pieces; also to arrest; specifically to impale

בִידֵ֔הּ16 of 20

“his hand”

H3028

hand (indicating power)

וְיֵ֥אמַר17 of 20

“or say”

H560

to speak, to command

לֵ֖הּ18 of 20
H0
מָ֥ה19 of 20

“unto him What”

H4101

what?, why?, how?

עֲבַֽדְתְּ׃20 of 20

“and he doeth”

H5648

to do, make, prepare, keep, etc

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 4:35 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 4:35 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Job 42:2Psalms 135:6Psalms 115:3Romans 11:33-36Isaiah 43:13Isaiah 40:15-17

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