Nebuchadnezzar's Great Image
Daniel 2
Nebuchadnezzar demands that his wise men tell him both his forgotten dream and its meaning on pain of death, and when none can, Daniel prays and the mystery is revealed to him in a night vision. Daniel describes the king's dream of a great image of gold, silver, brass, iron, and clay struck down by a stone, and interprets it as a succession of kingdoms followed by a kingdom set up by God that will never be destroyed.
About these editions
The Septuagint (LXX) in Greek, with Charles Thomson’s 1808 and Sir Lancelot Brenton’s 1851 English translations, set beside the King James Version and the Jewish Masoretic text (JPS 1917) where they align, so you can compare the Greek and the Hebrew. All public domain; choose which to show with the controls above.
Thomson 1808Septuagint
Brenton 1851Septuagint
Greek · BrentonSeptuagint
KJV 1769Masoretic
JPS 1917Masoretic
1
ThomsonNABUCHODONOSAR, in the second year of his reign, dreamed a dream and his spirit was troubled and his sleep went from him.
BrentonIn the second year of his reign Nabuchodonosor dreamed a dream, and his spirit was amazed, and his sleep departed from him.
GreekἘν τῷ ἔτει τῷ δευτέρῳ τῆς βασιλείας, ἐνυπνιάσθη Ναβουχοδονόσορ ἐνύπνιον, καὶ ἐξέστη τὸ πνεῦμα αὐτοῦ, καὶ ὁ ὕπνος αὐτοῦ ἐγένετο ἀπʼ αὐτοῦ.
KJVAnd in the second year of the reign of Nebuchadnezzar Nebuchadnezzar dreamed dreams, wherewith his spirit was troubled, and his sleep brake from him.
JPSAnd in the second year of the reign of Nebuchadnezzar, Nebuchadnezzar dreamed dreams; and his spirit was troubled, and his sleep broke from him.
2
ThomsonAnd the king gave orders to call the magicians and the astrologers, and the chymists skilled in drugs and enchantments, and the Chaldeans, that they might tell the king his dream. And when they were come and stood before the king,
BrentonAnd the king gave orders to call the enchanters, and the magicians, and the sorcerers, and the Chaldeans, to declare to the king his dreams. And they came and stood before the king.
GreekΚαὶ εἶπεν ὁ βασιλεὺς καλέσαι τοὺς ἐπαοιδοὺς, καὶ τοὺς μάγους, καὶ τοὺς φαρμακοὺς, καὶ τοὺς Χαλδαίους, τοῦ ἀναγγεῖλαι τῷ βασιλεῖ τὰ ἐνύπνια αὐτοῦ· καὶ ἦλθαν, καὶ ἔστησαν ἐνώπιον τοῦ βασιλέως.
KJVThen the king commanded to call the magicians, and the astrologers, and the sorcerers, and the Chaldeans, for to shew the king his dreams. So they came and stood before the king.
JPSThen the king commanded to call the magicians, and the enchanters, and the sorcerers, and the Chaldeans, to tell the king his dreams. So they came and stood before the king.
3
Thomsonthe king said to them, I have dreamed and my mind is anxious to know the dream.
BrentonAnd the king said to them, I have dreamed, and my spirit was troubled to know the dream.
GreekΚαὶ εἶπεν αὐτοῖς ὁ βασιλεὺς, ἑνυπνιάσθην, καὶ ἐξέστη τὸ πνεῦμά μου, τοῦ γνῶναι τὸ ἐνύπνιον.
KJVAnd the king said unto them, I have dreamed a dream, and my spirit was troubled to know the dream.
JPSAnd the king said unto them: ‘I have dreamed a dream, and my spirit is troubled to know the dream.’
4
ThomsonWhereupon the Chaldeans said to the king in Syriac, O king, live forever. Tell thy servants the dream and we will explain the meaning.
BrentonAnd the Chaldeans spoke to the king in the Syrian language, saying, O king, live for ever: do thou tell the dream to thy servants, and we will declare the interpretation.
GreekΚαὶ ἐλάλησαν οἱ Χαλδαῖοι τῷ βασιλεῖ Συριστὶ, βασιλεῦ, εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας ζῆθι· σὺ εἰπὸν τὸ ἐνύπνιον τοῖς παισί σου, καὶ τὴν σύγκρισιν ἀναγγελοῦμεν.
KJVThen spake the Chaldeans to the king in Syriack, O king, live for ever: tell thy servants the dream, and we will shew the interpretation.
JPSThen spoke the Chaldeans to the king in Aramaic: ‘O king, live for ever! tell thy servants the dream, and we will declare the interpretation.’
5
ThomsonThe king answered the Chaldeans, The subject is gone from me. If you do not tell me the dream and the interpretation you shall be put to death and your houses shall be exposed to plunder.
BrentonThe king answered the Chaldeans, The thing has departed from me: if ye do not make known to me the dream and the interpretation, ye shall be destroyed, and your houses shall be spoiled.
GreekἈπεκρίθη ὁ βασιλεὺς τοῖς Χαλδαίοις, ὁ λόγος ἀπʼ ἐμοῦ ἀπέστη· ἐὰν μὴ γνωρίσητέ μοι τὸ ἐνύπνιον καὶ τὴν σύγκρισιν, εἰς ἀπώλειαν ἔσεσθε, καὶ οἱ οἶκοι ὑμῶν διαρπαγήσονται.
KJVThe king answered and said to the Chaldeans, The thing is gone from me: if ye will not make known unto me the dream, with the interpretation thereof, ye shall be cut in pieces, and your houses shall be made a dunghill.
JPSThe king answered and said to the Chaldeans: ‘The thing is certain with me; if ye make not known unto me the dream and the interpretation thereof, ye shall be cut in pieces, and your houses shall be made a dunghill.
6
ThomsonBut if you let me know the dream and the interpretation, you shall receive of me gifts and immunities and great honour. At all events, tell me the dream and the meaning of it.
BrentonBut if ye make known to me the dream, and the interpretation thereof, ye shall receive of me gifts and presents and much honour: only tell me the dream, and the interpretation thereof.
GreekἘὰν δὲ τὸ ἐνύπνιον καὶ τὴν σύγκρισιν αὐτοῦ γνωρίσητέ μοι, δόματα καὶ δωρεὰς καὶ τιμὴν πολλὴν λήψεσθε παρʼ ἐμοῦ· πλὴν τὸ ἐνύπνιον καὶ τὴν σύγκρισιν αὐτοῦ ἀπαγγείλατέ μοι.
KJVBut if ye shew the dream, and the interpretation thereof, ye shall receive of me gifts and rewards and great honour: therefore shew me the dream, and the interpretation thereof.
JPSBut if ye declare the dream and the interpretation thereof, ye shall receive of me gifts and rewards and great honour; only declare unto me the dream and the interpretation thereof.’
7
ThomsonThey answered again and said, Let the king tell his servants the dream and we will explain the meaning.
BrentonThey answered the second time, and said, Let the king tell the dream to his servants, and we will declare the interpretation.
GreekἈπεκρίθησαν δεύτερον, καὶ εἶπαν, ὁ βασιλεὺς εἰπάτω τὸ ἐνύπνιον τοῖς παισὶν αὐτοῦ, καὶ τὴν σύγκρισιν ἀναγγελοῦμεν.
KJVThey answered again and said, Let the king tell his servants the dream, and we will shew the interpretation of it.
JPSThey answered the second time and said: ‘Let the king tell his servants the dream, and we will declare the interpretation.’
8
ThomsonIn reply to which the king said, I know of a truth that you want to gain time, as you see the matter is gone from me.
BrentonAnd the king answered and said, I verily know that ye are trying to gain time, because ye see that the thing has gone from me.
GreekΚαὶ ἀπεκρίθη ὁ βασιλεὺς, καὶ εἶπεν, ἐπʼ ἀληθείας οἶδα ἐγὼ, ὅτι καιρὸν ὑμεῖς ἐξαγοράζετε· καθότι ἴδετε, ὅτι ἀπέστη ἀπʼ ἐμοῦ τὸ ῥῆμα.
KJVThe king answered and said, I know of certainty that ye would gain the time, because ye see the thing is gone from me.
JPSThe king answered and said: ‘I know of a truth that ye would gain time, inasmuch as ye see the thing is certain with me,
9
ThomsonIf therefore you do not tell me the dream, I take it for granted that you have agreed upon something false and fictitious to be said before me, until the time elapse. Tell me my dream, then I will know that you can tell me the meaning of it.
BrentonIf then ye do not tell me the dream, I know that ye have concerted to utter before me a false and corrupt tale, until the time shall have past: tell me my dream, and I shall know that ye will also declare to me the interpretation thereof.
GreekἘὰν οὖν τὸ ἐνύπνιον μὴ ἀναγγείλητέ μοι, οἶδα ὅτι ῥῆμα ψευδὲς καὶ διεφθαρμένον συνέθεσθε εἰπεῖν ἐνώπιόν μου, ἕως οὗ ὁ καιρὸς παρέλθῃ· τὸ ἐνύπνιόν μου εἴπατέ μοι, καὶ γνώσομαι ὅτι καὶ τὴν σύγκρισιν αὐτοῦ ἀναγγελεῖτέ μοι.
KJVBut if ye will not make known unto me the dream, there is but one decree for you: for ye have prepared lying and corrupt words to speak before me, till the time be changed: therefore tell me the dream, and I shall know that ye can shew me the interpretation thereof.
JPSthat, if ye make not known unto me the dream, there is but one law for you; and ye have agreed together to speak before me lying and corrupt words, till the time be changed; only tell me the dream, and I shall know that ye can declare unto me the interpretation thereof.’
10
ThomsonThe Chaldeans answered in the presence of the king and said, There is not a man on the earth who can make known what the king requireth; nor doth any king or ruler, however great, ask such a thing of any magician, astrologer or Chaldean.
BrentonThe Chaldeans answered before the king, and said, There is no man upon the earth, who shall be able to make known the king's matter: forasmuch as no great king or ruler asks such a question of an enchanter, magician, or Chaldean.
GreekἈπεκρίθησαν οἱ Χαλδαῖοι ἐνώπιον τοῦ βασιλέως, καὶ λέγουσιν, οὐκ ἔστιν ἄνθρωπος ἐπὶ τῆς ξηρᾶς, ὅστις τὸ ῥῆμα τοῦ βασιλέως δυνήσεται γνωρίσαι, καθότι πᾶς βασιλεὺς μέγας καὶ ἄρχων ῥῆμα τοιοῦτον οὐκ ἐπερωτᾷ ἐπαοιδὸν μάγον καὶ Χαλδαῖον·
KJVThe Chaldeans answered before the king, and said, There is not a man upon the earth that can shew the king’s matter: therefore there is no king, lord, nor ruler, that asked such things at any magician, or astrologer, or Chaldean.
JPSThe Chaldeans answered before the king, and said: ‘There is not a man upon the earth that can declare the king’s matter; forasmuch as no great and powerful king hath asked such a thing of any magician, or enchanter, or Chaldean.
11
ThomsonFor the thing which the king requireth is so difficult, that there is none who can lay it before the king, but the gods only, whose dwelling is not with flesh.
BrentonFor the question which the king asks is difficult, and there is no one else who shall answer it before the king, but the gods, whose dwelling is not with any flesh.
GreekὍτι ὁ λόγος ὃν ὁ βασιλεὺς ἐπερωτᾷ, βαρύς, καὶ ἕτερος οὐκ ἔστιν ὃς ἀναγγελεῖ αὐτὸν ἐνώπιον τοῦ βασιλέως, ἀλλʼ οἱ θεοὶ, ὧν οὐκ ἔστιν ἡ κατοικία μετὰ πάσης σαρκός.
KJVAnd it is a rare thing that the king requireth, and there is none other that can shew it before the king, except the gods, whose dwelling is not with flesh.
JPSAnd it is a hard thing that the king asketh, and there is none other that can declare it before the king, except the gods, whose dwelling is not with flesh.’
12
ThomsonUpon this the king in furious wrath gave orders to destroy all the wise men of Babylon.
BrentonThen the king in rage and anger commanded to destroy all the wise men of Babylon.
GreekΤότε ὁ βασιλεὺς ἐν θυμῷ καὶ ὀργῇ εἶπεν ἀπολέσαι πάντας τοὺς σοφοὺς Βαβυλῶνος.
KJVFor this cause the king was angry and very furious, and commanded to destroy all the wise men of Babylon.
JPSFor this cause the king was angry and very furious, and commanded to destroy all the wise men of Babylon.
13
ThomsonSo the decree went forth. And the wise men began to be slain.
BrentonSo the decree went forth, and they began to slay the wise men; and they sought Daniel and his fellows to slay them.
GreekΚαὶ τὸ δόγμα ἐξῆλθε, καὶ οἱ σοφοὶ ἀπεκτέννοντο· καὶ ἐζήτησαν Δανιὴλ καὶ τοὺς φίλους αὐτοῦ ἀνελεῖν.
KJVAnd the decree went forth that the wise men should be slain; and they sought Daniel and his fellows to be slain.
JPSSo the decree went forth, and the wise men were to be slain; and they sought Daniel and his companions to be slain.
14
ThomsonNow search had been made for Daniel and his friends to slay them, and Daniel had then addressed Arioch, the king’s marshal who was going out to slay the wise men of Babylon, regarding the counsel and decree:
BrentonThen Daniel answered with counsel and prudence to Arioch the captain of the royal guard, who was gone forth to kill the wise men of Babylon; saying,
GreekΤότε Δανιὴλ ἀπεκρίθη βουλὴν καὶ γνώμην τῷ Ἀριὼχ τῷ ἀρχιμαγείρῳ τοῦ βασιλέως, ὃς ἐξῆλθεν ἀναιρεῖν τοὺς σοφοὺς Βαβυλῶνος,
KJVThen Daniel answered with counsel and wisdom to Arioch the captain of the king’s guard, which was gone forth to slay the wise men of Babylon:
JPSThen Daniel returned answer with counsel and discretion to Arioch the captain of the king’s guard, who was gone forth to slay the wise men of Babylon;
15
ThomsonWhy, O chief of the king, hath this horrid sentence gone forth from the king’s presence? And when Arioch informed Daniel of the matter,
BrentonChief magistrate of the king, wherefore has the peremptory command proceeded from the king? So Arioch made known the matter to Daniel.
Greekἄρχων τοῦ βασιλέως, περὶ τίνος ἐξῆλθεν ἡ γνώμη ἡ ἀναιδὴς ἐκ προσώπου τοῦ βασιλέως; ἐγνώρισε δὲ ὁ Ἀριὼχ τὸ ῥῆμα τῷ Δανιήλ.
KJVHe answered and said to Arioch the king’s captain, Why is the decree so hasty from the king? Then Arioch made the thing known to Daniel.
JPShe answered and said to Arioch the king’s captain: ‘Wherefore is the decree so peremptory from the king?’ Then Arioch made the thing known to Daniel.
16
ThomsonDaniel had entreated the king to grant him time and he would tell the king the meaning of it [the dream];
BrentonAnd Daniel intreated the king to give him time, and that he might thus declare to the king the interpretation of it.
GreekΚαὶ Δανιὴλ ἠξίωσε τὸν βασιλέα ὅπως χρόνον δῷ αὐτῷ, καὶ τὴν σύγκρισιν αὐτοῦ ἀναγγελῇ τῷ βασιλεῖ.
KJVThen Daniel went in, and desired of the king that he would give him time, and that he would shew the king the interpretation.
JPSThen Daniel went in, and desired of the king that he would give him time, that he might declare unto the king the interpretation.
17
Thomsonand Daniel had gone to his house and acquainted his friends Ananias, Misael and Azarias with the affair;
BrentonSo Daniel went into his house, and made known the matter to Ananias, and Misael, and Azarias, his friends.
GreekΚαὶ εἰσῆλθε Δανιὴλ εἰς τὸν οἶκον αὐτοῦ καὶ τῷ Ἀνανίᾳ καὶ τῷ Μισαὴλ καὶ τῷ Ἀζαρίᾳ τοῖς φίλοις αὐτοῦ τὸ ῥῆμα ἐγνώρισε.
KJVThen Daniel went to his house, and made the thing known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions:
JPSThen Daniel went to his house, and made the thing known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions;
18
Thomsonand they had sought mercy of the God of heaven touching this secret, that Daniel and his friends might not perish with the rest of the wise men of Babylon.
BrentonAnd they sought mercies from the God of heaven concerning this mystery; that Daniel and his friends might not perish with the rest of the wise men of Babylon.
GreekΚαὶ οἰκτιρμοὺς ἐζήτουν παρὰ τοῦ Θεοῦ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ ὑπὲρ τοῦ μυστηρίου τούτου, ὅπως ἂν μὴ ἀπόλωνται Δανιὴλ καὶ οἱ φίλοι αὐτοῦ μετὰ τῶν ἐπιλοίπων σοφῶν Βαβυλῶνος.
KJVThat they would desire mercies of the God of heaven concerning this secret; that Daniel and his fellows should not perish with the rest of the wise men of Babylon.
JPSthat they might ask mercy of the God of heaven concerning this secret; that Daniel and his companions should not perish with the rest of the wise men of Babylon.
19
ThomsonAnd the secret was revealed to Daniel in a vision of the night; whereupon he blessed the God of heaven,
BrentonThen the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision of the night: and Daniel blessed the God of heaven, and said,
GreekΤότε τῷ Δανιὴλ ἐν ὁράματι τῆς νυκτὸς τὸ μυστήριον ἀπεκαλύφθη· καὶ εὐλόγησε τὸν Θεὸν τοῦ οὐρανοῦ Δανιὴλ, καὶ εἶπεν,
KJVThen was the secret revealed unto Daniel in a night vision. Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven.
JPSThen was the secret revealed unto Daniel in a vision of the night. Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven.
20
Thomsonand said, Blessed be the name of God from everlasting to everlasting; for wisdom and knowledge are His,
BrentonMay the name of God be blessed from everlasting and to everlasting: for wisdom and understanding are his.
GreekΕἴη τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ Θεοῦ εὐλογημένον ἀπὸ τοῦ αἰῶνος καὶ ἕως τοῦ αἰῶνος, ὅτι ἡ σοφία καὶ ἡ σύνεσις αὐτοῦ ἐστι.
KJVDaniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his:
JPSDaniel spoke and said: Blessed be the name of God From everlasting even unto everlasting; For wisdom and might are His;
21
Thomsonand He changeth times and seasons. He setteth up kings and removeth them. He giveth wisdom to the wise and understanding to them who have knowledge.
BrentonAnd he changes times and seasons: he appoints kings, and removes them, giving wisdom to the wise, and prudence to them that have understanding:
GreekΚαὶ αὐτὸς ἀλλοιοῖ καιροὺς καὶ χρόνους, καθιστᾷ βασιλεῖς, καὶ μεθιστᾷ, διδοὺς σοφίαν τοῖς σοφοῖς, καὶ φρόνησιν τοῖς εἰδόσι σύνεσιν,
KJVAnd he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:
JPSAnd He changeth the times and the seasons; He removeth kings, and setteth up kings; He giveth wisdom unto the wise, And knowledge to them that know understanding;
22
ThomsonHe it is Who revealeth deep and hidden things. He knoweth the things which are in darkness. And with Him is the light.
Brentonhe reveals deep and secret matters; knowing what is in darkness, and the light is with him.
Greekαὐτὸς ἀποκαλύπτει βαθέα καὶ ἀπόκρυφα, γινώσκων τὰ ἐν τῷ σκότει, καὶ τὸ φῶς μετʼ αὐτοῦ ἐστι·
KJVHe revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him.
JPSHe revealeth the deep and secret things; He knoweth what is in the darkness, And the light dwelleth with Him.
23
ThomsonTo thee, O God of my fathers, I give thanks and praise; because Thou hast given me wisdom and power and hast made known to me what we asked of Thee, and hast revealed to me the vision of the king.
BrentonI give thanks to thee, and praise thee, O God of my fathers, for thou hast given me wisdom and power, and hast made known to me the things which we asked of thee; and thou hast made known to me the king's vision.
GreekΣοὶ ὁ Θεὸς τῶν πατέρων μου ἐξομολογοῦμαι καὶ αἰνῶ, ὅτι σοφίαν καὶ δύναμιν δέδωκάς μοι, καὶ ἐγνώρισάς μοι ἃ ἠξιώσαμεν παρὰ σοῦ, καὶ τὸ ὅραμα τοῦ βασιλέως ἐγνώρισάς μοι.
KJVI thank thee, and praise thee, O thou God of my fathers, who hast given me wisdom and might, and hast made known unto me now what we desired of thee: for thou hast now made known unto us the king’s matter.
JPSI thank Thee, and praise Thee, O Thou God of my fathers, w Who hast given me wisdom and might, And hast now made known unto me what we desired of Thee; For Thou hast made known unto us the king’s matter.
24
ThomsonThen Daniel went to Arioch whom the king had appointed to slay the wise men of Babylon, and said to him, Destroy not the wise men of Babylon; but introduce me to the king, and I will tell him the meaning.
BrentonAnd Daniel came to Arioch, whom the king had appointed to destroy the wise men of Babylon, and said to him; Destroy not the wise men of Babylon, but bring me in before the king, and I will declare the interpretation to the king.
GreekΚαὶ ἦλθε Δανιὴλ πρὸς Ἀριὼχ, ὃν κατέστησεν ὁ βασιλεὺς ἀπολέσαι τοὺς σοφοὺς Βαβυλῶνος, καὶ εἶπεν αὐτῷ, τοὺς σοφοὺς Βαβυλῶνος μὴ ἀπολέσῃς, εἰσάγαγε δέ με ἐνώπιον τοῦ βασιλέως, καὶ τὴν σύγκρισιν τῷ βασιλεῖ ἀναγγελῶ.
KJVTherefore Daniel went in unto Arioch, whom the king had ordained to destroy the wise men of Babylon: he went and said thus unto him; Destroy not the wise men of Babylon: bring me in before the king, and I will shew unto the king the interpretation.
JPSTherefore Daniel went in unto Arioch, whom the king had appointed to destroy the wise men of Babylon; he went and said thus unto him: ‘Destroy not the wise men of Babylon; bring me in before the king, and I will declare unto the king the interpretation.’
25
ThomsonThereupon Arioch with haste introduced Daniel to the presence of the king and said to him, I have found among the captives of Israel, a man who can tell the king the interpretation.
BrentonThen Arioch in haste brought in Daniel before the king, and said to him, I have found a man of the children of the captivity of Judea, who will declare the interpretation to the king.
GreekΤότε Ἀριὼχ ἐν σπουδῇ εἰσήγαγε τὸν Δανιὴλ ἐνώπιον τοῦ βασιλέως, καὶ εἶπεν αὐτῷ, εὕρηκα ἄνδρα ἐκ τῶν υἱῶν τῆς αἰχμαλωσίας τῆς Ἰουδαίας, ὅστις τὸ σύγκριμα τῷ βασιλεῖ ἀναγγελεῖ.
KJVThen Arioch brought in Daniel before the king in haste, and said thus unto him, I have found a man of the captives of Judah, that will make known unto the king the interpretation.
JPSThen Arioch brought in Daniel before the king in haste, and said thus unto him: ‘I have found a man of the children of the captivity of Judah, that will make known unto the king the interpretation.’
26
ThomsonAnd the king addressing Daniel, whose name was Baltasar, said, Canst thou tell me the dream which I saw, and the meaning of it?
BrentonAnd the king answered and said to Daniel, whose name was Baltasar, Canst thou declare to me the dream which I saw, and the interpretation thereof?
GreekΚαὶ ἀπεκρίθη ὁ βασιλεὺς, καὶ εἶπε τῷ Δανιὴλ, οὗ τὸ ὄνομα Βαλτάσαρ, εἰ δύνασαί μοι ἀναγγεῖλαι τὸ ἐνύπνιον ὃ ἴδον, καὶ τὴν σύγκρισιν αὐτοῦ;
KJVThe 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?
JPSThe king spoke 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?’
27
ThomsonAnd Daniel answered in the presence of the king and said, The secret which the king demandeth, it is not in the power of wise men, astrologers, magicians, [or] soothsayers, to tell the king.
BrentonAnd Daniel answered before the king, and said, The mystery which the king asks the explanation of is not in the power of the wise men, magicians, enchanters, or soothsayers to declare to the king.
GreekΚαὶ ἀπεκρίθη Δανιὴλ ἐνώπιον τοῦ βασιλέως, καὶ εἶπε, τὸ μυστήριον ὃ ὁ βασιλεὺς ἐπερωτᾷ, οὐκ ἔστι σοφῶν, μάγων, ἐπαοιδῶν, γαζαρηνῶν ἀναγγεῖλαι τῷ βασιλεῖ·
KJVDaniel answered in the presence of the king, and said, The secret which the king hath demanded cannot the wise men, the astrologers, the magicians, the soothsayers, shew unto the king;
JPSDaniel answered before the king, and said: ‘The secret which the king hath asked can neither wise men, enchanters, magicians, nor astrologers, declare unto the king;
28
ThomsonThere is none but God in heaven who revealeth secrets. He indeed hath made known to the king Nabuchodonosor what must come to pass in latter days. With regard to thy dream, and the visions of thy head, on thy bed, this is it.
BrentonBut there is a God in heaven revealing mysteries, and he has made known to king Nabuchodonosor what things must come to pass in the last days. Thy dream, and the visions of thy head upon thy bed, are as follows,
GreekἈλλʼ ἤ ἐστι Θεὸς ἐν οὐρανῷ ἀποκαλύπτων μυστήρια, καὶ ἐγνώρισε τῷ βασιλεῖ Ναβουχοδονόσορ, ἃ δεῖ γενέσθαι ἐπʼ ἐσχάτων τῶν ἡμερῶν· τὸ ἐνύπνιόν σου καὶ αἱ ὁράσεις τῆς κεφαλῆς σου ἐπὶ τῆς κοίτης σου, τοῦτό ἐστι,
KJVBut there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets, and maketh known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days. Thy dream, and the visions of thy head upon thy bed, are these;
JPSbut there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets, and He hath made known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the end of days. Thy dream, and the visions of thy head upon thy bed, are these:
29
ThomsonThy thoughts, O king, on thy bed ascended to what might come to pass hereafter. And he who revealeth secrets made known to thee the things which must come to pass.
BrentonO king: thy thoughts upon thy bed arose as to what must come to pass hereafter: and he that reveals mysteries has made known to thee what must come to pass.
Greekβασιλεῦ· οἱ διαλογισμοί σου ἐπὶ τῆς κοίτης σου ἀνέβησαν τί δεῖ γενέσθαι μετὰ ταῦτα· καὶ ὁ ἀποκαλύπτων μυστήρια ἐγνώρισέ σοι ἃ δεῖ γενέσθαι.
KJVAs for thee, O king, thy thoughts came into thy mind upon thy bed, what should come to pass hereafter: and he that revealeth secrets maketh known to thee what shall come to pass.
JPSas for thee, O king, thy thoughts came [into thy mind] upon thy bed, what should come to pass hereafter; and He that revealeth secrets hath made known to thee what shall come to pass.
30
ThomsonAnd to me this secret was revealed, not indeed for any wisdom in me above all the living: but for the purpose of making the interpretation known to the king, that thou mayst know the thoughts of thy heart.
BrentonMoreover, this mystery has not been revealed to me by reason of wisdom which is in me beyond all others living, but for the sake of making known the interpretation to the king, that thou mightest know the thoughts of thine heart.
GreekΚαὶ ἐμοὶ δὲ οὐκ ἐν σοφίᾳ τῇ οὔσῃ ἐν ἐμοὶ παρὰ πάντας τοὺς ζῶντας τὸ μυστήριον τοῦτο ἀπεκαλύφθη, ἀλλʼ ἕνεκεν τοῦ τὴν σύγκρισιν τῷ βασιλεῖ γνωρίσαι, ἵνα τοὺς διαλογισμοὺς τῆς καρδίας σου γνῷς.
KJVBut as for me, this secret is not revealed to me for any wisdom that I have more than any living, but for their sakes that shall make known the interpretation to the king, and that thou mightest know the thoughts of thy heart.
JPSBut as for me, this secret is not revealed to me for any wisdom that I have more than any living, but to the intent that the interpretation may be made known to the king, and that thou mayest know the thoughts of thy heart.
31
ThomsonThou, O king, didst behold, and lo! an image! Great was that image and its aspect lofty, as it stood before thee; and its appearance was awful.
BrentonThou, O king, sawest, and behold an image: that image was great, and the appearance of it excellent, standing before thy face; and the form of it was terrible.
GreekΣὺ βασιλεῦ ἐθεώρεις, καὶ ἰδοὺ εἰκὼν μία, μεγάλη ἡ εἰκὼν ἐκείνη, καὶ ἡ πρόσοψις αὐτῆς ὑπερφερὴς, ἑστῶσα πρὸ προσώπου σου, καὶ ἡ ὅρασις αὐτῆς φοβερά.
KJVThou, O king, sawest, and behold a great image. This great image, whose brightness was excellent, stood before thee; and the form thereof was terrible.
JPSThou, O king, sawest, and behold a great image. This image, which was mighty, and whose brightness was surpassing, stood before thee; and the appearance thereof was terrible.
32
ThomsonIt was an image the head of which was of pure gold; the hands and the breast and the arms of it were of silver; the belly and the thighs of brass;
BrentonIt was an image, the head of which was of fine gold, its hands and breast and arms of silver, its belly and thighs of brass,
GreekΕἰκὼν, ἧς ἡ κεφαλὴ χρυσίου χρηστοῦ, αἱ χεῖρες καὶ τὸ στῆθος καὶ οἱ βραχίονες αὐτῆς ἀργυροῖ, ἡ κοιλία καὶ οἱ μηροὶ χαλκοῖ,
KJVThis image’s head was of fine gold, his breast and his arms of silver, his belly and his thighs of brass,
JPSAs for that image, its head was of fine gold, its breast and its arms of silver, its belly and its thighs of brass,
33
Thomsonthe legs of iron; the feet partly of iron, and partly of potter’s clay.
Brentonits legs of iron, its feet, part of iron and part of earthenware.
Greekαἱ κνῆμαι σιδηραῖ, οἱ πόδες μέρος μέν τι σιδηροῦν, καὶ μέρος δέ τι ὀστράκινον.
KJVHis legs of iron, his feet part of iron and part of clay.
JPSits legs of iron, its feet part of iron and part of clay.
34
ThomsonWith wonder thou didst view it, till from a mountain there was rent without hands a stone, which smote the image on the feet, which were of iron and potter’s clay, and at last broke them to pieces.
BrentonThou sawest until a stone was cut out of a mountain without hands, and it smote the image upon its feet of iron and earthenware, and utterly reduced them to powder.
GreekἘθεώρεις ἕως ἀπεσχίσθη λίθος ἐξ ὄρους ἄνευ χειρῶν, καὶ ἐπάταξε τὴν εἰκόνα ἐπὶ τοὺς πόδας τοὺς σιδηροῦς καὶ ὀστρακίνους, καὶ ἐλέπτυνεν αὐτοὺς εἰς τέλος.
KJVThou sawest till that a stone was cut out without hands, which smote the image upon his feet that were of iron and clay, and brake them to pieces.
JPSThou sawest till that a stone was cut out without hands, which smote the image upon its feet that were of iron and clay, and broke them to pieces.
35
ThomsonThen were broken to pieces at once the clay, the iron, the brass, the silver, the gold. And they became like the dust of a threshing-floor in summer; and a great wind swept them away, and there was no place found for them. And the stone which smote the image became a great mountain and filled all the earth.
BrentonThen once for all the earthenware, the iron, the brass, the silver, the gold, were ground to powder, and became as chaff from the summer threshingfloor; and the violence of the wind carried them away, and no place was found for them: and the stone which had smitten the image became a great mountain, and filled all the earth.
GreekΤότε ἐλεπτύνθησαν εἰσάπαξ τὸ ὄστρακον, ὁ σίδηρος, ὁ χαλκὸς, ὁ ἄργυρος, ὁ χρυσός· καὶ ἐγένετο ὡσεὶ κονιορτὸς ἀπὸ ἅλωνος θερινῆς· καὶ ἐξῇρεν αὐτὰ τὸ πλῆθος τοῦ πνεύματος, καὶ τόπος οὐχ εὑρέθη αὐτοῖς· καὶ ὁ λίθος ὁ πατάξας τὴν εἰκόνα, ἐγενήθη ὄρος μέγα, καὶ ἐπλήρωσε πᾶσαν τὴν γῆν.
KJVThen was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshingfloors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them: and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth.
JPSThen was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken in pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshing-floors; and the wind carried them away, so that no place was found for them; and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth.
36
ThomsonThis is the dream. The meaning of it we will now explain to the king.
BrentonThis is the dream; and we will tell the interpretation thereof before the king.
GreekΤοῦτό ἐστι τὸ ἐνύπνιον, καὶ τὴν σύγκρισιν αὐτοῦ ἐροῦμεν ἐνώπιον τοῦ βασιλέως.
KJVThis is the dream; and we will tell the interpretation thereof before the king.
JPSThis is the dream; and we will tell the interpretation thereof before the king.
37
ThomsonThou, O king, art a king of kings, to whom the God of heaven hath given a kingdom, strong and mighty and glorious,
BrentonThou, O king, art a king of kings, to whom the God of heaven has given a powerful and strong and honourable kingdom,
GreekΣὺ βασιλεῦ βασιλεὺς βασιλέων, ᾧ ὁ Θεὸς τοῦ οὐρανοῦ βασιλείαν ἰσχυρὰν καὶ κραταιὰν καὶ ἔντιμον ἔδωκεν
KJVThou, O king, art a king of kings: for the God of heaven hath given thee a kingdom, power, and strength, and glory.
JPSThou, O king, king of kings, unto whom the God of heaven hath given the kingdom, the power, and the strength, and the glory;
38
Thomsonin every place where the sons of men dwell. Into thy hand He hath delivered the beasts of the field, and the birds of the air, and the fishes of the sea, and appointed thee lord over all. Thou art the head of gold.
Brentonin every place where the children of men dwell: and he has given into thine hand the wild beasts of the field, and the birds of the sky and the fish of the sea, and he has made thee lord of all.
Greekἐν παντὶ τόπῳ, ὅπου κατοικοῦσιν οἱ υἱοὶ τῶν ἀνθρώπων· θηρία τε ἀγροῦ, καὶ πετεινὰ οὐρανοῦ, καὶ ἰχθύας τῆς θαλάσσης ἔδωκεν ἐν τῇ χειρί σου, καὶ κατέστησέ σε κύριον πάντων· σὺ εἶ ἡ κεφαλὴ ἡ χρυσῆ.
KJVAnd wheresoever the children of men dwell, the beasts of the field and the fowls of the heaven hath he given into thine hand, and hath made thee ruler over them all. Thou art this head of gold.
JPSand wheresoever the children of men, the beasts of the field, and the fowls of the heaven dwell, hath He given them into thy hand, and hath made thee to rule over them all; thou art the head of gold.
39
ThomsonAnd after thee there shall be raised up another kingdom inferior to thee; then a third kingdom which is the brass, which shall rule over the whole earth;
BrentonThou art the head of gold. And after thee shall arise another kingdom inferior to thee, and a third kingdom which is the brass, which shall have dominion over all the earth;
GreekΚαὶ ὀπίσω σου ἀναστήσεται βασιλεία ἑτέρα ἥττων σου, καὶ βασιλεία τρίτη, ἥτις ἐστὶν ὁ χαλκὸς, ἣ κυριεύσει πάσης τῆς γῆς,
KJVAnd after thee shall arise another kingdom inferior to thee, and another third kingdom of brass, which shall bear rule over all the earth.
JPSAnd after thee shall arise another kingdom inferior to thee; and another third kingdom of brass, which shall bear rule over all the earth.
40
Thomsonthen a fourth kingdom which shall be strong as iron. As iron breaketh to pieces and subdueth all things, so shall it break and subdue all.
Brentonand a fourth kingdom, which shall be strong as iron: as iron beats to powder and subdues all things, so shall it beat to powder and subdue.
Greekκαὶ βασιλεία τετάρτη, ἥτις ἔσται ἰσχυρὰ ὡς σίδηρος· ὃν τρόπον ὁ σίδηρος λεπτύνει καὶ δαμάζει πάντα, οὕτως πάντα λεπτυνεῖ καὶ δαμάσει.
KJVAnd the fourth kingdom shall be strong as iron: forasmuch as iron breaketh in pieces and subdueth all things: and as iron that breaketh all these, shall it break in pieces and bruise.
JPSAnd the fourth kingdom shall be strong as iron; forasmuch as iron breaketh in pieces and beateth down all things; and as iron that crusheth all these, shall it break in pieces and crush.
41
ThomsonAnd inasmuch as thou sawest the feet and toes, partly of clay and partly of iron, it shall be a disjointed kingdom, though there shall be in it some of its iron root.
BrentonAnd whereas thou sawest the feet and the toes, part of earthenware and part of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; yet there shall be in it of the strength of iron, as thou sawest the iron mixed with earthenware.
GreekΚαὶ ὅτι εἶδες τοὺς πόδας, καὶ τοὺς δακτύλους, μέρος μέν τι ὀστράκινον, μέρος δέ τι σιδηροῦν, βασιλεία διῃρημένη ἔσται, καὶ ἀπὸ τῆς ῥίζης τῆς σιδηρᾶς ἔσται ἐν αὐτῇ, ὃν τρόπον εἶδες τὸν σίδηρον ἀναμεμιγμένον τῷ ὀστράκῳ.
KJVAnd whereas thou sawest the feet and toes, part of potters’ clay, and part of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; but there shall be in it of the strength of the iron, forasmuch as thou sawest the iron mixed with miry clay.
JPSAnd whereas thou sawest the feet and toes, part of potters’clay, and part of iron, it shall be a divided kingdom; but there shall be in it of the firmness of the iron, forasmuch as thou sawest the iron mixed with miry clay.
42
ThomsonAs thou sawest the iron mixed with the clay, and the toes of the feet were part iron and part clay, some part of that kingdom will be strong and some part of it will be broken.
BrentonAnd whereas the toes of the feet were part of iron and part of earthenware, part of the kingdom shall be strong, and part of it shall be broken.
GreekΚαὶ οἱ δάκτυλοι τῶν ποδῶν μέρος μέν τι σιδηροῦν, μέρος δέ τι ὀστράκινον, μέρος τι τῆς βασιλείας ἔσται ἰσχυρὸν, καὶ ἀπʼ αὐτῆς ἔσται συντριβόμενον.
KJVAnd as the toes of the feet were part of iron, and part of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong, and partly broken.
JPSAnd as the toes of the feet were part of iron, and part of clay, so part of the kingdom shall be strong, and part thereof broken.
43
ThomsonInasmuch as thou sawest the iron mingled with the clay, there will be mixtures in it of the seed of men, and they will not cement one with another, as iron doth not cement with clay.
BrentonWhereas thou sawest the iron mixed with earthenware, they shall be mingled with the seed of men: but they shall not cleave together, as the iron does not mix itself with earthenware.
GreekὍτι εἶδες τὸν σίδηρον ἀναμεμιγμένον τῷ ὀστράκῳ, συμμιγεῖς ἔσονται ἐν σπέρματι ἀνθρώπων, καὶ οὐκ ἔσονται προσκολλώμενοι οὗτος μετὰ τούτου, καθὼς ὁ σίδηρος οὐκ ἀναμίγνυται μετὰ τοῦ ὀστράκου.
KJVAnd whereas thou sawest iron mixed with miry clay, they shall mingle themselves with the seed of men: but they shall not cleave one to another, even as iron is not mixed with clay.
JPSAnd whereas thou sawest the iron mixed with miry clay, they shall mingle themselves by the seed of men; but they shall not cleave one to another, even as iron doth not mingle with clay.
44
ThomsonAnd in the days of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed; and this kingdom of His shall not be left to another people. It shall break in pieces and blow away all those kingdoms, and shall itself stand forever.
BrentonAnd in the days of those kings the God of heaven shall set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed: and his kingdom shall not be left to another people, but it shall beat to pieces and grind to powder all other kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.
GreekΚαὶ ἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις τῶν βασιλέων ἐκείνων, ἀναστήσει ὁ Θεὸς τοῦ οὐρανοῦ βασιλείαν, ἥτις εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας οὐ διαφθαρήσεται, καὶ ἡ βασιλεία αὐτοῦ λαῷ ἑτέρῳ οὐχ ὑπολειφθήσεται, λεπτυνεῖ καὶ λικμήσει πάσας τὰς βασιλείας, καὶ αὕτη ἀναστήσεται εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας·
KJVAnd in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.
JPSAnd in the days of those kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed; nor shall the kingdom be left to another people; it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, but it shall stand for ever.
45
ThomsonAs thou sawest that without hands there was cut from a mountain a stone which broke in pieces the clay, the iron, the brass, the silver, the gold; the God who is great, hath made known to the king what must come to pass hereafter. The dream indeed is true and the interpretation thereof is faithful.
BrentonWhereas thou sawest that a stone was cut out of a mountain without hands, and it beat to pieces the earthenware, the iron, the brass, the silver, the gold; the great God has made known to the king what must happen hereafter: and the dream is true, and the interpretation thereof sure.
GreekὋν τρόπον εἶδες, ὅτι ἀπὸ ὄρους ἐτμήθη λίθος ἄνευ χειρῶν, καὶ ἐλέπτυνε τὸ ὄστρακον, τὸν σίδηρον, τὸν χαλκόν, τὸν ἄργυρον, τὸν χρυσόν· ὁ Θεὸς ὁ μέγας ἐγνώρισε τῷ βασιλεῖ ἃ δεῖ γενέσθαι μετὰ ταῦτα· καὶ ἀληθινὸν τὸ ἐνύπνιον, καὶ πιστὴ ἡ σύγκρισις αὐτοῦ.
KJVForasmuch as thou sawest that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it brake in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold; the great God hath made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter: and the dream is certain, and the interpretation thereof sure.
JPSForasmuch as thou sawest that a stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it broke in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold; the great God hath made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter; and the dream is certain, and the interpretation thereof sure.’
46
ThomsonThen king Nabuchodonosar fell on his face, and made obeisance to Daniel and ordered holy gifts, and sweet odours to be offered to him.
BrentonThen king Nabuchodonosor fell upon his face, and worshipped Daniel, and gave orders to offer to him gifts and incense.
GreekΤότε ὁ βασιλεὺς Ναβουχοδονόσορ ἔπεσεν ἐπὶ πρόσωπον, καὶ τῷ Δανιὴλ προσεκύνησε, καὶ μαναὰ καὶ εὐωδίας εἶπε σπεῖσαι αὐτῷ.
KJVThen the king Nebuchadnezzar fell upon his face, and worshipped Daniel, and commanded that they should offer an oblation and sweet odours unto him.
JPSThen the king Nebuchadnezzar fell upon his face, and worshipped Daniel, and commanded that they should offer an offering and sweet odours unto him.
47
ThomsonAnd the king answered and said to Daniel, Of a truth, your God is the God of gods, and the Lord of kings, the revealer of secrets; since thou hast been enabled to reveal this secret.
BrentonAnd the king answered and said to Daniel, Of a truth your God is a God of gods, and Lord of kings, who reveals mysteries; for thou hast been able to reveal this mystery.
GreekΚαὶ ἀποκριθεὶς ὁ βασιλεὺς, εἶπε τῷ Δανιήλ, ἐπʼ ἀληθείας ὁ Θεὸς ὑμῶν, αὐτός ἐστι Θεὸς θεῶν, καὶ Κύριος τῶν βασιλέων, ὁ ἀποκαλύπτων μυστήρια, ὅτι ἠδυνάσθης ἀποκαλύψαι τὸ μυστήριον τοῦτο.
KJVThe king answered unto Daniel, and said, Of a truth it is, that your God is a God of gods, and a Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets, seeing thou couldest reveal this secret.
JPSThe king spoke unto Daniel, and said: ‘Of a truth it is, that your God is the God of gods, and the Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets, seeing thou hast been able to reveal this secret.’
48
ThomsonThen the king raised Daniel to high rank and gave him many great gifts, and set him over the whole region of Babylon, and [made him] a chief satrap over all the wise men of Babylon.
BrentonAnd the king promoted Daniel, and gave him great and abundant gifts, and set him over the whole province of Babylon, and made him chief satrap over all the wise men of Babylon.
GreekΚαὶ ἐμεγάλυνεν ὁ βασιλεὺς τὸν Δανιὴλ, καὶ δόματα μεγάλα καὶ πολλὰ ἔδωκεν αὐτῷ, καὶ κατέστησεν αὐτὸν ἐπὶ πάσης χώρας Βαβυλῶνος, καὶ ἄρχοντα σατραπῶν ἐπὶ πάντας τοὺς σοφοὺς Βαβυλῶνος.
KJVThen the king made Daniel a great man, and gave him many great gifts, and made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon, and chief of the governors over all the wise men of Babylon.
JPSThen the king made Daniel great, and gave him many great gifts, and made him to rule over the whole province of Babylon, and to be chief prefect over all the wise men of Babylon.
49
ThomsonAnd Daniel requested of the king, and he set Sedrach, Misach and Abdenago, over the works of the region of Babylon. And Daniel was in the court of the king.
BrentonAnd Daniel asked of the king, and he appointed Sedrach, Misach, and Abdenago, over the affairs of the province of Babylon: but Daniel was in the king's palace.
GreekΚαὶ Δανιὴλ ᾐτήσατο παρὰ τοῦ βασιλέως, καὶ κατέστησεν ἐπὶ τὰ ἔργα τῆς χώρας Βαβυλῶνος τὸν Σεδρὰχ, Μισὰχ, καὶ Ἀβδεναγώ· καὶ Δανιὴλ ἦν ἐν τῇ αὐλῇ τοῦ βασιλέως.
KJVThen Daniel requested of the king, and he set Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, over the affairs of the province of Babylon: but Daniel sat in the gate of the king.
JPSAnd Daniel requested of the king, and he appointed Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, over the affairs of the province of Babylon; but Daniel was in the gate of the king.