King James Version

What Does Daniel 4:9 Mean?

Daniel 4:9 in the King James Version says “O Belteshazzar, master of the magicians, because I know that the spirit of the holy gods is in thee, and no secret troub...” — study this verse from Daniel chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“O Belteshazzar, master of the magicians, because I know that the spirit of the holy gods is in thee, and no secret troubleth thee, tell me the visions of my dream that I have seen, and the interpretation thereof.”

Daniel 4:9 · KJV

Holy Spirit

Context

7

Then came in the magicians, the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers: and I told the dream before them; but they did not make known unto me the interpretation thereof.

8

But at the last Daniel came in before me, whose name was Belteshazzar, according to the name of my god, and in whom is the spirit of the holy gods: and before him I told the dream, saying,

9

O Belteshazzar, master of the magicians, because I know that the spirit of the holy gods is in thee, and no secret troubleth thee, tell me the visions of my dream that I have seen, and the interpretation thereof.

10

Thus were the visions of mine head in my bed; I saw , and behold a tree in the midst of the earth, and the height thereof was great. I saw: Cald. I was seeing

11

The tree grew, and was strong, and the height thereof reached unto heaven, and the sight thereof to the end of all the earth:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Nebuchadnezzar addresses Daniel as 'master of the magicians'—acknowledging his administrative position over Babylon's wise men (cf. Daniel 2:48) while affirming his unique spiritual capacity. The king's confidence that 'no secret troubleth thee' reflects Daniel's proven track record interpreting chapter 2's dream. This establishes narrative expectation: if anyone can interpret, Daniel can. The phrase 'spirit of the holy gods is in thee' repeats verse 8, emphasizing the source of Daniel's ability. From God's perspective, this wasn't multiple deities but the one Holy Spirit; from Nebuchadnezzar's polytheistic framework, transcendent spiritual enablement suggested divine plurality. The king's request ('tell me the visions of my dream') shows he remembered the dream clearly (unlike chapter 2) but needed interpretive insight—understanding the dream's meaning and implications.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern kings regularly consulted dream interpreters, believing dreams conveyed divine messages about political futures, military campaigns, or cosmic purposes. Professional oneiromancy (dream interpretation) involved complex symbolic systems—various objects, animals, or scenarios held specific meanings in dream lexicons. Nebuchadnezzar's repeated reliance on Daniel shows his earlier interpretation (chapter 2) proved accurate, establishing Daniel's credibility. The title 'master of the magicians' reflects Daniel's administrative role heading Babylon's intellectual establishment—a remarkable position for a Hebrew exile, demonstrating God's providence in positioning His servants strategically.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Daniel's proven faithfulness and accuracy in chapter 2 lead to greater influence in chapter 4?
  2. What does it mean to be 'in the world but not of it' when holding influential positions in secular institutions?
  3. Why does God sometimes grant His servants administrative authority over institutions representing false worldviews?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
בֵּלְטְשַׁאצַּר֮1 of 22

“O Belteshazzar”

H1096

belteshatstsar, the babylonian name of daniel

רַ֣ב2 of 22

“master”

H7229

abundant

חַרְטֻמַיָּא֒3 of 22

“of the magicians”

H2749

a horoscopist (as drawing magical lines or circles)

דִּ֣י׀4 of 22
H1768

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

אֲנָ֣ה5 of 22

“because I”

H576

i

יִדְעֵ֗ת6 of 22

“know”

H3046

to inform

דִּ֠י7 of 22
H1768

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

ר֣וּחַ8 of 22

“that the spirit”

H7308

mind, spirit

אֱלָהִ֤ין9 of 22

“gods”

H426

god

קַדִּישִׁין֙10 of 22

“of the holy”

H6922

sacred (ceremonially or morally); (as noun) god (by eminence), an angel, a saint, a sanctuary

בָּ֔ךְ11 of 22
H0
וְכָל12 of 22

“is in thee and no”

H3606

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

רָ֖ז13 of 22

“secret”

H7328

to attenuate, i.e., (figuratively) hide; a mystery

לָא14 of 22
H3809

no, not

אָנֵ֣ס15 of 22

“troubleth”

H598

figuratively, to distress

לָ֑ךְ16 of 22
H0
חֶזְוֵ֨י17 of 22

“me the visions”

H2376

a sight

חֶלְמִ֧י18 of 22

“of my dream”

H2493

a dream

דִֽי19 of 22
H1768

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

חֲזֵ֛ית20 of 22

“that I have seen”

H2370

to gaze upon; mentally to dream, be usual (i.e., seem)

וּפִשְׁרֵ֖הּ21 of 22

“and the interpretation”

H6591

an interpretation

אֱמַֽר׃22 of 22

“thee tell”

H560

to speak, to command

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 4:9 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 4:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Daniel 2:48Daniel 5:11Daniel 4:8Ezekiel 28:3Genesis 41:38Judges 7:13-15

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