Daniel 5:12
New International Version
He did this because Daniel, whom the king called Belteshazzar, was found to have a keen mind and knowledge and understanding, and also the ability to interpret dreams, explain riddles and solve difficult problems. Call for Daniel, and he will tell you what the writing means.”

New Living Translation
This man Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar, has exceptional ability and is filled with divine knowledge and understanding. He can interpret dreams, explain riddles, and solve difficult problems. Call for Daniel, and he will tell you what the writing means.”

English Standard Version
because an excellent spirit, knowledge, and understanding to interpret dreams, explain riddles, and solve problems were found in this Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar. Now let Daniel be called, and he will show the interpretation.”

Berean Standard Bible
did this because Daniel, the one he named Belteshazzar, was found to have an extraordinary spirit, as well as knowledge, understanding, and the ability to interpret dreams, explain riddles, and solve difficult problems. Summon Daniel, therefore, and he will give you the interpretation.”

King James Bible
Forasmuch as an excellent spirit, and knowledge, and understanding, interpreting of dreams, and shewing of hard sentences, and dissolving of doubts, were found in the same Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar: now let Daniel be called, and he will shew the interpretation.

New King James Version
Inasmuch as an excellent spirit, knowledge, understanding, interpreting dreams, solving riddles, and explaining enigmas were found in this Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar, now let Daniel be called, and he will give the interpretation.”

New American Standard Bible
This was because an extraordinary spirit, knowledge and insight, interpretation of dreams, explanation of riddles, and solving of difficult problems were found in this Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar. Let Daniel now be summoned and he will declare the interpretation.”

NASB 1995
“This was because an extraordinary spirit, knowledge and insight, interpretation of dreams, explanation of enigmas and solving of difficult problems were found in this Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar. Let Daniel now be summoned and he will declare the interpretation.”

NASB 1977
This was because an extraordinary spirit, knowledge and insight, interpretation of dreams, explanation of enigmas, and solving of difficult problems were found in this Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar. Let Daniel now be summoned, and he will declare the interpretation.”

Legacy Standard Bible
This was because an extraordinary spirit, knowledge and insight, interpretation of dreams, explanation of enigmas, and solving of difficult problems were found in this Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar. Let Daniel now be summoned, and he will declare the interpretation.”

Amplified Bible
It was because an extraordinary spirit, knowledge and insight, the ability to interpret dreams, clarify riddles, and solve complex problems were found in this Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar. Now let Daniel be called and he will give the interpretation.”

Christian Standard Bible
did this because Daniel, the one the king named Belteshazzar, was found to have an extraordinary spirit, knowledge and intelligence, and the ability to interpret dreams, explain riddles, and solve problems. Therefore, summon Daniel, and he will give the interpretation.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
did this because Daniel, the one the king named Belteshazzar, was found to have an extraordinary spirit, knowledge and perception, and the ability to interpret dreams, explain riddles, and solve problems. Therefore, summon Daniel, and he will give the interpretation.”

American Standard Version
forasmuch as an excellent spirit, and knowledge, and understanding, interpreting of dreams, and showing of dark sentences, and dissolving of doubts, were found in the same Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar. Now let Daniel be called, and he will show the interpretation.

Contemporary English Version
He also changed the man's name from Daniel to Belteshazzar. Not only is he wise and intelligent, but he can explain dreams and riddles and solve difficult problems. Send for Daniel, and he will tell you what the writing means.

English Revised Version
forasmuch as an excellent spirit, and knowledge, and understanding, interpreting of dreams, and shewing of dark sentences, and dissolving of doubts, were found in the same Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar. Now let Daniel be called, and he will shew the interpretation.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
This Daniel (who had been renamed Belteshazzar) was found to have knowledge, judgment, and an extraordinary spirit. He has the ability to interpret dreams, solve riddles, and untangle problems. Now, call Daniel, and he will tell [you] what it means."

Good News Translation
He has unusual ability and is wise and skillful in interpreting dreams, solving riddles, and explaining mysteries; so send for this man Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar, and he will tell you what all this means."

International Standard Version
because he was found to have an extraordinary spirit, knowledge, and understanding, along with an ability to interpret dreams, explain riddles, and solve difficult problems. His name is Daniel, whom the king renamed Belteshazzar. Call for Daniel, and he will reveal the meaning of the writing."

Majority Standard Bible
did this because Daniel, the one he named Belteshazzar, was found to have an extraordinary spirit, as well as knowledge, understanding, and the ability to interpret dreams, explain riddles, and solve difficult problems. Summon Daniel, therefore, and he will give you the interpretation.?

NET Bible
Thus there was found in this man Daniel, whom the king renamed Belteshazzar, an extraordinary spirit, knowledge, and skill to interpret dreams, solve riddles, and decipher knotty problems. Now summon Daniel, and he will disclose the interpretation."

New Heart English Bible
because an extraordinary spirit, and knowledge, and understanding to interpret dreams, explain riddles, and solve knotty problems were found in this Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar. Now let Daniel be called, and he will show the interpretation."

Webster's Bible Translation
Forasmuch as an excellent spirit, and knowledge, and understanding, the interpreting of dreams, and showing of hard sentences, and dissolving of doubts, were found in the same Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar: now let Daniel be called, and he will show the interpretation.

World English Bible
because an excellent spirit, knowledge, understanding, interpreting of dreams, showing of dark sentences, and dissolving of doubts were found in the same Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar. Now let Daniel be called, and he will show the interpretation.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
because that an excellent spirit, and knowledge, and understanding, interpreting of dreams, and showing of enigmas, and loosing of knots was found in him, in Daniel, whose name the king made Belteshazzar: now let Daniel be called, and the interpretation he shows.”

Young's Literal Translation
because that an excellent spirit, and knowledge, and understanding, interpreting of dreams, and showing of enigmas, and loosing of knots was found in him, in Daniel, whose name the king made Belteshazzar: now let Daniel be called, and the interpretation he doth show.'

Smith's Literal Translation
Because that an excellent spirit and knowledge, and his understanding interpreting dreams, and showing of enigmas, and solving knotty questions, was found in him, in Daniel whom the king set his name Belteshazzar: now Daniel shall be called, and he will show the interpretation.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Because a greater spirit, and knowledge, and understanding, and interpretation of dreams, and shewing of secrets, and resolving of difficult things, were found in him, that is, in Daniel: whom the king named Baltarsar. Now therefore let Daniel be called for, and he will tell the interpretation.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For a greater spirit, and foresight, and understanding, and interpretation of dreams, and the revealing of secrets, and the solution to difficulties were found in him, that is, in Daniel, to whom the king gave the name Belteshazzar. Now, therefore, let Daniel be summoned, and he will explain the interpretation.”

New American Bible
Because this Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar, has shown an extraordinary spirit, knowledge, and insight in interpreting dreams, explaining riddles and solving problems, let him now be summoned to tell you what this means.”

New Revised Standard Version
because an excellent spirit, knowledge, and understanding to interpret dreams, explain riddles, and solve problems were found in this Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar. Now let Daniel be called, and he will give the interpretation.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Because of his spiritual power, knowledge, and understanding which he possesses, to interpret the dreams, devise proverbs, and solve riddles, even Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar. Now let Daniel be called, and he will show the interpretation.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Because the Spirit and knowledge and superabundant understanding were found in him, he interpreted our dreams and he seized the empire and he solved enigmas Daniel whom the King named Beltshatsar; therefore let Daniel be called and he will show the interpretation”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
forasmuch as a surpassing spirit, and knowledge, and understanding, interpreting of dreams, and declaring of riddles, and loosing of knots, were found in the same Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar. Now let Daniel be called, and he will declare the interpretation.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
For there is an excellent spirit in him, and sense and understanding in him, interpreting dreams as he does, and answering hard questions, and solving difficulties: it is Daniel, and the king gave him the name of Baltasar: now then let him be called, and he shall tell thee the interpretation of the writing.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Handwriting on the Wall
11There is a man in your kingdom who has the spirit of the holy gods in him. In the days of your father he was found to have insight, intelligence, and wisdom like that of the gods. Your father, King Nebuchadnezzar, appointed him chief of the magicians, enchanters, astrologers, and diviners. Your own father, the king, 12did this because Daniel, the one he named Belteshazzar, was found to have an extraordinary spirit, as well as knowledge, understanding, and the ability to interpret dreams, explain riddles, and solve difficult problems. Summon Daniel, therefore, and he will give you the interpretation.”

Cross References
Genesis 41:15-16
Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I had a dream, and no one can interpret it. But I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it.” / “I myself cannot do it,” Joseph replied, “but God will give Pharaoh a sound answer.”

1 Kings 3:12
behold, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been another like you, nor will there ever be.

1 Kings 4:29-30
And God gave Solomon wisdom, exceedingly deep insight, and understanding beyond measure, like the sand on the seashore. / Solomon’s wisdom was greater than that of all the men of the East, greater than all the wisdom of Egypt.

1 Chronicles 12:32
From Issachar, men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do: 200 chiefs with all their kinsmen at their command.

Isaiah 11:2
The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him—the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and strength, the Spirit of knowledge and fear of the LORD.

Isaiah 29:14
Therefore I will again confound these people with wonder upon wonder. The wisdom of the wise will vanish, and the intelligence of the intelligent will be hidden.”

Isaiah 44:25
who foils the signs of false prophets and makes fools of diviners, who confounds the wise and turns their knowledge into nonsense,

Jeremiah 9:23-24
This is what the LORD says: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, nor the strong man in his strength, nor the wealthy man in his riches. / But let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD, who exercises loving devotion, justice and righteousness on the earth—for I delight in these things,” declares the LORD.

Ezekiel 28:3
Behold, you are wiser than Daniel; no secret is hidden from you!

Matthew 13:11
He replied, “The knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them.

Matthew 24:15
So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by the prophet Daniel (let the reader understand),

Mark 13:14
So when you see the abomination of desolation standing where it should not be (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.

Luke 21:15
For I will give you speech and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.

John 16:13
However, when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. For He will not speak on His own, but He will speak what He hears, and He will declare to you what is to come.

Acts 6:10
but they could not stand up to his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke.


Treasury of Scripture

For as much as an excellent spirit, and knowledge, and understanding, interpreting of dreams, and showing of hard sentences, and dissolving of doubts, were found in the same Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar: now let Daniel be called, and he will show the interpretation.

an excellent.

Daniel 5:14
I have even heard of thee, that the spirit of the gods is in thee, and that light and understanding and excellent wisdom is found in thee.

Daniel 6:3
Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm.

Psalm 16:3
But to the saints that are in the earth, and to the excellent, in whom is all my delight.

interpreting of.

Daniel 5:16
And I have heard of thee, that thou canst make interpretations, and dissolve doubts: now if thou canst read the writing, and make known to me the interpretation thereof, thou shalt be clothed with scarlet, and have a chain of gold about thy neck, and shalt be the third ruler in the kingdom.

1 Kings 10:1-3
And when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the LORD, she came to prove him with hard questions…

2 Chronicles 9:1,2
And when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon, she came to prove Solomon with hard questions at Jerusalem, with a very great company, and camels that bare spices, and gold in abundance, and precious stones: and when she was come to Solomon, she communed with him of all that was in her heart…

whom.

Daniel 1:7
Unto whom the prince of the eunuchs gave names: for he gave unto Daniel the name of Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah, of Shadrach; and to Mishael, of Meshach; and to Azariah, of Abednego.

Daniel 4:8,19
But at the last Daniel came in before me, whose name was Belteshazzar, according to the name of my god, and in whom is the spirit of the holy gods: and before him I told the dream, saying, …

Jump to Previous
Belteshazzar Daniel Dark Declaring Doubts Dreams Excellent Forasmuch Found Hard Interpretation Interpreting Knots Riddles Sentences Shew Shewing Show Showing Spirit Surpassing Understanding
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Belteshazzar Daniel Dark Declaring Doubts Dreams Excellent Forasmuch Found Hard Interpretation Interpreting Knots Riddles Sentences Shew Shewing Show Showing Spirit Surpassing Understanding
Daniel 5
1. Belshazzar's impious feast.
5. A hand-writing unknown to the magicians, troubles the king.
10. At the commendation of the queen Daniel is brought.
17. He, reproving the king of pride and idolatry,
25. reads and interprets the writing.
30. The monarchy is translated to the Medes














did this because Daniel, the one he named Belteshazzar
Daniel was given the Babylonian name Belteshazzar by King Nebuchadnezzar, reflecting the practice of renaming captives to assimilate them into Babylonian culture. This name is derived from the Babylonian god Bel, indicating the attempt to integrate Daniel into the pagan society. Despite this, Daniel maintained his Hebrew identity and faith, serving as a testament to his steadfastness and God's sovereignty over all nations.

was found to have an extraordinary spirit
Daniel's "extraordinary spirit" refers to his exceptional character and divine wisdom. This phrase highlights the presence of the Holy Spirit in Daniel's life, enabling him to stand out among his peers. His spirit is a type of Christ, who also possessed a spirit of wisdom and understanding, as prophesied in Isaiah 11:2.

as well as knowledge, understanding
Daniel's knowledge and understanding were gifts from God, allowing him to comprehend complex matters. This mirrors the wisdom given to Solomon (1 Kings 4:29-34) and foreshadows the wisdom of Christ, who is described as the embodiment of divine wisdom (Colossians 2:3).

and the ability to interpret dreams
Daniel's ability to interpret dreams was a significant aspect of his ministry, as seen in his interpretations for Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 2, 4). This gift parallels Joseph's ability to interpret dreams in Genesis 40-41, demonstrating God's control over future events and His communication through chosen servants.

explain riddles
The ability to explain riddles indicates Daniel's skill in solving complex and enigmatic problems. This skill is reminiscent of Solomon's wisdom in answering difficult questions posed by the Queen of Sheba (1 Kings 10:1-3). It underscores the theme of divine wisdom surpassing human understanding.

and solve difficult problems
Daniel's capacity to solve difficult problems reflects his role as a wise counselor in the Babylonian court. This ability is a testament to God's empowerment, similar to how God equipped Moses with wisdom to lead Israel (Exodus 18:13-26). It also points to Christ, who provides solutions to the deepest human dilemmas through His teachings and sacrifice.

Summon Daniel, therefore, and he will give you the interpretation.”
The call to summon Daniel underscores his reputation and reliability as a servant of God. This reflects the biblical principle that those who are faithful in small things will be entrusted with greater responsibilities (Luke 16:10). Daniel's role as an interpreter of divine messages prefigures Christ, who reveals the mysteries of God's kingdom to humanity (Matthew 13:11).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Daniel (Belteshazzar)
A Jewish exile in Babylon, known for his wisdom and ability to interpret dreams and solve mysteries. He was given the Babylonian name Belteshazzar.

2. King Belshazzar
The Babylonian king during the time of this event, who sought Daniel's help to interpret the mysterious writing on the wall.

3. Babylon
The empire where Daniel was held captive, known for its grandeur and idolatry.

4. The Writing on the Wall
A mysterious message that appeared during King Belshazzar's feast, which none of the king's wise men could interpret.

5. Queen (Mother of Belshazzar)
She remembered Daniel's abilities and recommended him to the king for interpreting the writing.
Teaching Points
God-Given Gifts
Recognize that God equips His people with unique gifts and abilities for His purposes. Like Daniel, we should use our gifts to serve others and glorify God.

Faithfulness in Exile
Daniel remained faithful to God despite being in a foreign land. We are called to maintain our faith and integrity, even in challenging environments.

Wisdom and Discernment
Seek God's wisdom and discernment in all situations. Daniel's ability to interpret dreams and solve problems was rooted in his relationship with God.

Influence and Testimony
Daniel's reputation preceded him, and his godly character opened doors for influence. Our lives should reflect Christ, drawing others to seek God's wisdom through us.

Dependence on God
Daniel's reliance on God for interpretation reminds us to depend on God for understanding and guidance in our lives.(12) Forasmuch as.--The effect of these words is to combine the two facts mentioned in Daniel 5:11, and to make the advice at the end of this verse more forcible. "Because Daniel is a wise man, and has proved his wisdom in the days of Nebuchadnezzar, therefore send for him now."

Dissolving of doubts.--See marginal alternative; and for an illustration comp. Records of the Past, vol. iii., p. 141.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
did this
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3606: The whole, all, any, every

because
קֳבֵ֡ל (qo·ḇêl)
Preposition
Strong's 6903: In front of, before, because of, because that

Daniel,
בְּדָ֣נִיֵּ֔אל (bə·ḏā·nî·yêl)
Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1841: Daniel -- 'God is my judge', an Israelite leader in Babylon

the one
דִּֽי־ (dî-)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 1768: Who, which, that, because

[he]
מַלְכָּ֥א (mal·kā)
Noun - masculine singular determinate
Strong's 4430: A king

named
שָׂם־ (śām-)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7761: To set, make

Belteshazzar,
בֵּלְטְשַׁאצַּ֑ר (bê·lə·ṭə·šaṣ·ṣar)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1096: Belteshazzar -- Babylonian name of Daniel

was found
הִשְׁתְּכַ֤חַת (hiš·tə·ḵa·ḥaṯ)
Verb - Hitpael - Perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 7912: To discover

to have an extraordinary
יַתִּירָ֡ה (yat·tî·rāh)
Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 3493: Preeminent, surpassing

spirit,
ר֣וּחַ ׀ (rū·aḥ)
Noun - common singular
Strong's 7308: Wind, breath, exhalation, life, anger, unsubstantiality, a region of the sky, spirit

as well as knowledge,
וּמַנְדַּ֡ע (ū·man·da‘)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4486: Knowledge, the power of knowing

understanding,
וְשָׂכְלְתָנ֡וּ (wə·śā·ḵə·lə·ṯā·nū)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 7924: Intelligence

and the ability to interpret
מְפַשַּׁ֣ר (mə·p̄aš·šar)
Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6590: To interpret

dreams,
חֶלְמִין֩ (ḥel·mîn)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 2493: A dream

explain
וַֽאַֽחֲוָיַ֨ת (wa·’a·ḥă·wā·yaṯ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 263: A declaring

riddles,
אֲחִידָ֜ן (’ă·ḥî·ḏān)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 280: An enigma

and solve
וּמְשָׁרֵ֣א (ū·mə·šā·rê)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8271: To free, separate, to unravel, commence, to reside

difficult problems.
קִטְרִ֗ין (qiṭ·rîn)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 7001: A knot, a riddle, a vertebra

Summon
יִתְקְרֵ֖י (yiṯ·qə·rê)
Verb - Hitpael - Imperfect Jussive - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7123: To call, read out or aloud

Daniel,
דָּנִיֵּ֥אל (dā·nî·yêl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1841: Daniel -- 'God is my judge', an Israelite leader in Babylon

therefore,
כְּעַ֛ן (kə·‘an)
Adverb
Strong's 3705: Now

and he will give you
יְהַֽחֲוֵֽה׃ (yə·ha·ḥă·wêh)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2324: To show

the interpretation.?
וּפִשְׁרָ֥ה (ū·p̄iš·rāh)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular determinate
Strong's 6591: An interpretation


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OT Prophets: Daniel 5:12 Because an excellent spirit and knowledge (Dan. Da Dn)
Daniel 5:11
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