King James Version

What Does Daniel 5:11 Mean?

“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”

Context

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

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:

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

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

Then was Daniel brought in before the king. And the king spake and said unto Daniel, Art thou that Daniel, which art of the children of the captivity of Judah, whom the king my father brought out of Jewry? father: or, grandfather

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Topics in This Verse

Holy Spirit Wisdom

Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(11) **The spirit.—**Comp. Daniel 4:8-9. **Thy father.**—No blood relationship is necessarily implied by this word. It means no more than “predecessor.” (See *Introd.,* sec. VI.)

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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 5:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.