King James Version

What Does Daniel 5:24 Mean?

Daniel 5:24 in the King James Version says “Then was the part of the hand sent from him; and this writing was written.” — study this verse from Daniel chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then was the part of the hand sent from him; and this writing was written.”

Daniel 5:24 · KJV

Context

22

And thou his son, O Belshazzar, hast not humbled thine heart, though thou knewest all this;

23

But hast lifted up thyself against the Lord of heaven; and they have brought the vessels of his house before thee, and thou, and thy lords, thy wives, and thy concubines, have drunk wine in them; and thou hast praised the gods of silver, and gold, of brass, iron, wood, and stone, which see not, nor hear, nor know: and the God in whose hand thy breath is, and whose are all thy ways, hast thou not glorified:

24

Then was the part of the hand sent from him; and this writing was written.

25

And this is the writing that was written, MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN.

26

This is the interpretation of the thing: MENE; God hath numbered thy kingdom, and finished it.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
After indicting Belshazzar for failing to humble his heart despite knowing Nebuchadnezzar's example, and for profaning temple vessels while praising idols, Daniel announces God's response: 'Then was the part of the hand sent from him; and this writing was written.' The 'then' indicates direct causation—the sacrilege triggered immediate divine intervention. The 'part of the hand'—just fingers, no arm or body—emphasizes the supernatural, disembodied nature: this was obviously divine action, not human. The passive construction ('was sent,' 'was written') highlights divine initiative. This verse connects Belshazzar's sin (v.22-23) directly to God's judgment (the handwriting). It demonstrates God's active involvement in history, responding to human actions, particularly sacrilege and pride. The timing—during the very feast where sacrilege occurred—shows divine judgment's immediacy when certain lines are crossed.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The supernatural handwriting appeared before hundreds of witnesses (the thousand nobles, wives, concubines at the feast), making it undeniable public miracle. Ancient Near Eastern literature includes numerous accounts of divine signs—omens, prodigies, celestial phenomena—but a disembodied hand writing on a palace wall was unique and terrifying. The timing—during Babylon's final night before falling to Persia—adds dramatic irony: while Belshazzar feasted believing the city impregnable, both divine judgment (handwriting) and human conquest (Persian army) were imminent. For Jewish exiles, this vindicated prophetic promises (Isaiah 13-14, 21; Jeremiah 50-51) that Babylon would fall suddenly, and demonstrated Yahweh's active sovereignty over empires.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the disembodied hand writing on the wall teach about the undeniable nature of divine intervention?
  2. How does the immediate timing of judgment following sacrilege demonstrate divine holiness and justice?
  3. Why did God choose such a dramatic, public method for announcing judgment?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
בֵּאדַ֙יִן֙1 of 10

“Then”

H116

then (of time)

מִן2 of 10

“from”

H4481

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of

קֳדָמ֔וֹהִי3 of 10

“him”

H6925

before

שְׁלִ֖יַחַ4 of 10

“sent”

H7972

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

פַּסָּ֣א5 of 10

“was the part”

H6447

the palm (of the hand, as being spread out)

דִֽי6 of 10
H1768

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

יְדָ֑א7 of 10

“of the hand”

H3028

hand (indicating power)

וּכְתָבָ֥א8 of 10

“writing”

H3792

something written, i.e., a writing, record or book

דְנָ֖ה9 of 10

“and this”

H1836

this

רְשִֽׁים׃10 of 10

“was written”

H7560

to record

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 5:24 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 5:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Daniel 5:5

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