King James Version

What Does Daniel 5:26 Mean?

Daniel 5:26 in the King James Version says “This is the interpretation of the thing: MENE; God hath numbered thy kingdom, and finished it.” — study this verse from Daniel chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Daniel 5:26 · KJV

Context

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.

27

TEKEL; Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting.

28

PERES; Thy kingdom is divided, and given to the Medes and Persians.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Daniel interprets MENE: 'God hath numbered thy kingdom, and finished it.' The verb 'numbered' (Aramaic: menah) means God has calculated, assessed, and completed Belshazzar's allotted time. The paired verbs 'numbered and finished' emphasize both divine sovereignty (God sets the limit) and completed fulfillment (time is up). God doesn't arbitrarily end the kingdom—He counts out the predetermined time and brings it to appointed conclusion. This reveals that all human kingdoms exist within divine timetables. Political structures don't collapse randomly; they reach divinely appointed ends.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Babylon fell the very night of this feast (v. 30). Belshazzar was killed and Darius the Mede took the kingdom. Historical sources describe how Persian forces diverted the Euphrates River, entered Babylon through the lowered river channel, and captured the city with minimal resistance. The writing appeared as the city fell—perfect divine timing. Archaeological evidence from the Nabonidus Chronicle describes Babylon's capture in 539 BC. God's 'numbering' of Babylon's kingdom culminated precisely as predicted.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's 'numbering' of kingdoms provide comfort that evil regimes have divinely appointed limits and will end at God's predetermined time?
  2. What does the precision of fulfillment (kingdom ends that very night) teach about God's complete control over historical timetables?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
דְּנָ֖ה1 of 8

“This”

H1836

this

פְּשַֽׁר2 of 8

“is the interpretation”

H6591

an interpretation

מִלְּתָ֑א3 of 8

“of the thing”

H4406

a word, command, discourse, or subject

מְנֵ֕א4 of 8

“MENE”

H4484

numbered

מְנָֽה5 of 8

“hath numbered”

H4483

to count, appoint

אֱלָהָ֥א6 of 8

“God”

H426

god

מַלְכוּתָ֖ךְ7 of 8

“thy kingdom”

H4437

dominion (abstractly or concretely)

וְהַשְׁלְמַֽהּ׃8 of 8

“and finished”

H8000

to complete, to restore

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 5:26 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 5:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 25:11-12Jeremiah 27:7Isaiah 47:1-15Isaiah 13:1-14Daniel 9:2Acts 15:18

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