Daniel 2:26
The king answered and said to Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, Art thou able to make known unto me the dream which I have seen, and the interpretation thereof?
Daniel 2:26 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse from the Book of Daniel, King Nebuchadnezzar poses a challenging question to Daniel, whose name was changed to Belteshazzar by the Babylonians. The king seeks both the revelation of a dream he has had and its interpretation from Daniel, testing the prophet's abilities and wisdom. This interaction sets the stage for one of the most famous stories in the Bible, where Daniel not only reveals the dream to the king but also interprets its meaning accurately, showcasing his divine connection and wisdom granted by God. The verse highlights the importance of God-given gifts and the ability to rely on faith and trust in the face of difficult and seemingly impossible tasks. It ultimately serves as a demonstration of the power of God working through his chosen servant, Daniel, to bring about the revelation and interpretation the king seeks.
Theological Overview
In this verse from the book of Daniel, King Nebuchadnezzar asks Daniel, also known as Belteshazzar, if he is able to interpret a dream that the king had. The mention of Daniel's alternate name, Belteshazzar, is significant as it reflects his Babylonian identity when he was taken into captivity. However, Daniel's Hebrew name reflects his faith in God. The word "interpretation" in this verse is significant as it emphasizes Daniel's role as a prophet who is able to receive divine revelation and interpret dreams. Daniel's ability to interpret dreams was a gift from God, showcasing God's sovereignty over all realms, including the spiritual and earthly. This verse underscores the theme of God's presence and power in providing wisdom and understanding to His servants, even in the midst of challenging circumstances. It serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness to His people and His ability to reveal hidden truths for His glory.
Daniel 2:26 in other translations
American Standard Version
The king answered and said to Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, Art thou able to make known unto me the dream which I have seen, and the interpretation thereof?
World English Bible
The king answered Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, Are you able to make known to me the dream which I have seen, and its interpretation?
Douay-Rheims
The king answered, and said to Daniel, whose name was Baltassar: Thinkest thou indeed that thou canst tell me the dream that I saw, and the interpretation thereof?
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then answered the King, and sayde vnto Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, Art thou able to shew me the dreame, which I haue seene, and the interpretation thereof?