King James Version

What Does Daniel 5:14 Mean?

Daniel 5:14 in the King James Version says “I have even heard of thee, that the spirit of the gods is in thee, and that light and understanding and excellent wisdom... — study this verse from Daniel chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

I have even heard of thee, that the spirit of the gods is in thee, and that light and understanding and excellent wisdom is found in thee.

Daniel 5:14 · KJV


Context

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

13

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

14

I have even heard of thee, that the spirit of the gods is in thee, and that light and understanding and excellent wisdom is found in thee.

15

And now the wise men, the astrologers, have been brought in before me, that they should read this writing, and make known unto me the interpretation thereof: but they could not shew the interpretation of the thing:

16

And I have heard of thee, that thou canst make interpretations, and dissolve doubts: now if thou canst read the writing, and make known to me the interpretation thereof, thou shalt be clothed with scarlet, and have a chain of gold about thy neck, and shalt be the third ruler in the kingdom. make interpretations: Cald. interpret, etc


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Belshazzar recounts what he's heard about Daniel: 'I have even heard of thee, that the spirit of the gods is in thee, and that light and understanding and excellent wisdom is found in thee.' This secondhand knowledge ('I have heard') explains why he didn't summon Daniel initially—the current king knew of Daniel's reputation but had no personal relationship or recent experience with him. The description ('spirit of the gods,' 'light,' 'understanding,' 'excellent wisdom') echoes the queen mother's words (v.11-12), emphasizing supernatural enablement. The king attributes Daniel's abilities to polytheistic categories ('spirit of the gods') rather than recognizing the one true God—typical of pagan perspective recognizing supernatural power while misconstruing its source. This sets up Daniel's eventual interpretation, which will clearly identify Yahweh as the sovereign God who judges Babylon.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Belshazzar's use of secondhand information ('I have heard') reflects Daniel's apparent retirement or reduced role during Nabonidus and Belshazzar's co-regency. Political transitions often sideline previous administrations' advisors. The king's polytheistic interpretation ('spirit of the gods') shows the persistent pagan worldview despite decades of Daniel's witness under Nebuchadnezzar. This demonstrates how even repeated demonstrations of Yahweh's power don't automatically produce genuine conversion—Nebuchadnezzar came to acknowledge God's sovereignty (4:34-37), but subsequent rulers reverted to polytheism. This pattern repeats throughout history: revival doesn't guarantee the next generation's faithfulness; each generation must encounter God personally.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Belshazzar's secondhand knowledge of Daniel teach about the danger of not personally seeking God's wisdom?
  2. How can societies benefit from godly people's wisdom while still misunderstanding or rejecting its true source?
  3. Why doesn't one generation's spiritual breakthrough guarantee the next generation's faithfulness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וְשִׁמְעֵ֣ת1 of 12

I have even heard

H8086

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

עֲלָ֔יךְ2 of 12

is in thee

H5922

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

דִּ֛י3 of 12
H1768

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

ר֥וּחַ4 of 12

of thee that the spirit

H7308

mind, spirit

אֱלָהִ֖ין5 of 12

of the gods

H426

god

בָּ֑ךְ6 of 12
H0
וְנַהִיר֧וּ7 of 12

and that light

H5094

illumination, i.e., (figuratively) wisdom

וְשָׂכְלְתָנ֛וּ8 of 12

and understanding

H7924

intelligence

וְחָכְמָ֥ה9 of 12

wisdom

H2452

wisdom

יַתִּירָ֖ה10 of 12

and excellent

H3493

preeminent; as an adverb, very

הִשְׁתְּכַ֥חַת11 of 12

is found

H7912

to discover (literally or figuratively)

בָּֽךְ׃12 of 12
H0

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 5:14 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 5:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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