King James Version

What Does Daniel 5:10 Mean?

Daniel 5:10 in the King James Version says “Now the queen, by reason of the words of the king and his lords, came into the banquet house: and the queen spake and sa...” — study this verse from Daniel chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Now the queen, by reason of the words of the king and his lords, came into the banquet house: and the queen spake and said, O king, live for ever: let not thy thoughts trouble thee, nor let thy countenance be changed:”

Daniel 5:10 · KJV

Context

8

Then came in all the king's wise men: but they could not read the writing, nor make known to the king the interpretation thereof.

9

Then was king Belshazzar greatly troubled, and his countenance was changed in him, and his lords were astonied. countenance: Cald. brightnesses

10

Now the queen, by reason of the words of the king and his lords, came into the banquet house: and the queen spake and said, O king, live for ever: let not thy thoughts trouble thee, nor let thy countenance be changed:

11

There is a man in thy kingdom, in whom is the spirit of the holy gods; and in the days of thy father light and understanding and wisdom, like the wisdom of the gods, was found in him; whom the king Nebuchadnezzar thy father, the king, I say, thy father, made master of the magicians, astrologers, Chaldeans, and soothsayers; father: or, grandfather

12

Forasmuch as an excellent spirit, and knowledge, and understanding, interpreting of dreams, and shewing of hard sentences, and dissolving of doubts, were found in the same Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar: now let Daniel be called, and he will shew the interpretation. interpreting: or, of an interpreter dissolving: or, of a dissolver doubts: Cald. knots

Read Daniel 5 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The queen (likely the queen mother, Nebuchadnezzar's widow or Belshazzar's mother, since the king's wives were already present at the feast, v.2) enters after hearing the commotion. Her opening words—'O king, live for ever'—use the standard greeting while addressing the immediate situation: 'let not thy thoughts trouble thee, neither let thy countenance be changed.' She has wisdom the king lacks: knowledge of Daniel and his proven abilities. Her calm demeanor and immediate solution contrast with the panicked king and dismayed nobles. This introduces a pattern Scripture frequently shows: God's provision often comes through unexpected sources. The elder generation's wisdom (queen mother) corrects the younger generation's ignorance. Her entrance shifts the narrative toward resolution, introducing Daniel who will interpret and pronounce judgment.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The queen's likely identity as Nebuchadnezzar's widow or Belshazzar's mother (rather than Belshazzar's wife) explains her authoritative entrance and comprehensive knowledge of Nebuchadnezzar's reign, including Daniel's earlier service. Royal women in ancient Near Eastern courts, particularly queen mothers, held significant influence—advising kings, managing palace affairs, and preserving institutional memory. Her knowledge of Daniel, who had apparently been out of favor or retired during Belshazzar's co-regency, proves crucial. This demonstrates God's providence: though Daniel was marginalized politically, he remained available when needed. The queen mother's intervention shows how God preserves His servants for strategic moments.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the queen mother's calm wisdom contrast with the king's panicked fear?
  2. What does her knowledge of Daniel teach about the importance of institutional memory and learning from previous generations?
  3. Why does God sometimes sideline His servants temporarily before bringing them forward at crucial moments?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
מַלְכְּתָ֜א1 of 20

“Now the queen”

H4433

a queen

לָקֳבֵ֨ל2 of 20

“by reason”

H6903

(adverbially) in front of; usually (with other particles) on account of, so as, since, hence

מִלֵּ֤י3 of 20

“of the words”

H4406

a word, command, discourse, or subject

מַלְכָּא֙4 of 20

“O king”

H4430

a king

וְרַבְרְבָנ֔וֹהִי5 of 20

“and his lords”

H7261

a magnate

לְבֵ֥ית6 of 20

“house”

H1005

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

מִשְׁתְּיָ֖א7 of 20

“into the banquet”

H4961

a banquet

עַלַּ֑לת8 of 20

“came”

H5954

to enter; causatively, to introduce

עֲנָ֨ת9 of 20

“spake”

H6032

properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,

מַלְכְּתָ֜א10 of 20

“Now the queen”

H4433

a queen

וַאֲמֶ֗רֶת11 of 20

“and said”

H560

to speak, to command

מַלְכָּא֙12 of 20

“O king”

H4430

a king

לְעָלְמִ֣ין13 of 20

“for ever”

H5957

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

חֱיִ֔י14 of 20

“live”

H2418

to live

אַל15 of 20

“let not”

H409

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

יְבַהֲלוּךְ֙16 of 20

“trouble”

H927

to terrify, hasten

רַעְיוֹנָ֔ךְ17 of 20

“thy thoughts”

H7476

a grasp. i.e., (figuratively) mental conception

וְזִיוָ֖יךְ18 of 20

“thee nor let thy countenance”

H2122

(figuratively) cheerfulness

אַל19 of 20

“let not”

H409

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

יִשְׁתַּנּֽוֹ׃20 of 20

“be changed”

H8133

to alter

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 5:10 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 5:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Daniel 3:9Daniel 6:6Daniel 2:41 Samuel 4:20-22Job 21:34Genesis 35:17-18

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