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Daniel 5:16

14 I have heard that the spirit of the gods is in you, and that you have insight, intelligence, and extraordinary wisdom.

15 Now the wise men and enchanters were brought before me to read this inscription and interpret it for me, but they could not give its interpretation.

But I have heard about you, that you are able to give interpretations and solve difficult problems. Therefore, if you can read this inscription and give me its interpretation, you will be clothed in purple and have a gold chain placed around your neck, and you will be made the third highest ruler in the kingdom.”

17 In response, Daniel said to the king, “You may keep your gifts for yourself and give your rewards to someone else. Nevertheless, I will read the inscription for the king and interpret it for him.

18 As for you, O king, the Most High God gave your father Nebuchadnezzar sovereignty and greatness, glory and honor.

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Here the Bible tells a story about someone else. Ask yourself what it can say to us today. Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.

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BSB
But I have heard about you, that you are able to give interpretations and solve difficult problems. Therefore, if you can read this inscription and give me its interpretation, you will be clothed in purple and have a gold chain placed around your neck, and you will be made the third highest ruler in the kingdom.”
KJV
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.
WEB
But I have heard of you, that you can give interpretations and dissolve doubts. Now if you can read the writing and make known to me its interpretation, you shall be clothed with purple, and have a chain of gold around your neck, and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom.”
ASV
But I have heard of thee, that thou canst give interpretations, and dissolve doubts; now if thou canst read the writing, and make known to me the interpretation thereof, thou shalt be clothed with purple, and have a chain of gold about thy neck, and shalt be the third ruler in the kingdom.
DARBY
But I have heard of thee, that thou canst give interpretations, and solve problems. Now if thou canst read the writing, and make known to me the interpretation thereof, thou shalt be clothed with purple, and have a chain of gold about thy neck, and shalt be the third ruler in the kingdom.
BLB
And I have heard about you, that you are able to give interpretations and to loosen knots; now, if you are able to read this writing and to make known to me its interpretation, you will be clothed in purple, and a chain of gold [shall be] around your neck, and [as] the third in the kingdom you shall rule!”
ÅB
Men jeg har hørt om deg at du kan gi uttydninger og utrede vanskelige spørsmål; kan du nå lese denne skrift og kunngjøre meg dens uttydning, så skal du klæs i purpur og få en gullkjede om din hals, og i makt skal du være den tredje i riket.
OTB
Men jeg har hørt at du kan gi tolkninger og løse vanskelige problemer. Hvis du kan lese denne skriften og fortelle meg dens mening, skal du bli kledd i purpur, få en gullkjede om halsen og bli den tredje høyeste herskeren i riket."
B1930
Men jeg har hørt om dig at du kan gi uttydninger og utrede vanskelige spørsmål; kan du nu lese denne skrift og kunngjøre mig dens uttydning, så skal du klæs i purpur og få en gullkjede om din hals, og i makt skal du være den tredje i riket.

Study notes (Tyndale)

Original text and word study

Cross references

  • Daniel 5:7

    The king called out for the enchanters, astrologers, and diviners to be brought in, and he said to these wise men of Babylon, “Whoever reads this inscription and tells me its interpretation will be clothed in purple and have a gold chain placed around his neck, and he will be made the third highest ruler in the kingdom.”

    Read in context

  • Daniel 5:29

    Then Belshazzar gave the command, and they clothed Daniel in purple, placed a gold chain around his neck, and proclaimed him the third highest ruler in the kingdom.

    Read in context

  • Genesis 40:8

    “We both had dreams,” they replied, “but there is no one to interpret them.” Then Joseph said to them, “Don’t interpretations belong to God? Tell me your dreams.”

    Read in context

  • Acts 8:18

    When Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money.

    Read in context