Daniel 4:19
Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was astonied for one hour, and his thoughts troubled him. The king spake, and said, Belteshazzar, let not the dream, or the interpretation thereof, trouble thee. Belteshazzar answered and said, My lord, the dream be to them that hate thee, and the interpretation thereof to thine enemies.
Daniel 4:19 · King James Version
Meaning
When King Nebuchadnezzar asked Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, to interpret his dream, Daniel was astonished and troubled for one hour. The king reassured him not to be troubled by the dream or its interpretation. Daniel, in response, explained that the dream was not favorable, as it pertained to those who were against the king. This verse highlights Daniel's loyalty to the king and his honesty in conveying the unfavorable message. Despite the potential risks involved in delivering such news, Daniel remained committed to speaking the truth and providing an accurate interpretation of the dream. This demonstrates Daniel's integrity and his dedication to his duties as an interpreter and counselor to the king. His response also underscores the importance of staying true to one's principles and fulfilling one's responsibilities, even in challenging circumstances.
Theological Overview
One important theological interpretation of this verse is the idea of divine revelation and the consequences it can bring. In this passage, Daniel, also known as Belteshazzar, is troubled by a dream and its interpretation that he receives. This shows the weight of receiving divine messages and knowledge, as they can bring about astonishment and trouble to the one receiving them. The fact that the dream is interpreted as having negative implications for the king's enemies highlights the power and significance of prophetic dreams in biblical narratives. Additionally, the interaction between Daniel and the king demonstrates the tension between earthly power and divine wisdom. Through this verse, readers are reminded of the importance of discerning and interpreting divine messages, and the potential implications they may have on those in power.
Daniel 4:19 in other translations
American Standard Version
Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was stricken dumb for a while, and his thoughts troubled him. The king answered and said, Belteshazzar, let not the dream, or the interpretation, trouble thee. Belteshazzar answered and said, My lord, the dream be to them that hate thee, and the interpretation thereof to thine adversaries.
World English Bible
Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was stricken mute for a while, and his thoughts troubled him. The king answered, Belteshazzar, don’t let the dream, or the interpretation, trouble you. Belteshazzar answered, My lord, the dream be to those who hate you, and its interpretation to your adversaries.
Douay-Rheims
It is thou, O king, who art grown great, and become mighty: for thy greatness hath grown, and hath reached to heaven, and thy power unto the ends of the earth.
Geneva Bible (1599)
It is thou, O King, that art great and mightie: for thy greatnesse is growen, and reacheth vnto heauen, and thy dominion to the endes of the earth.