What is the meaning of 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.

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Daniel 4:19 Bible Verse Meaning

Bible Verse Meaning: Daniel 4:19

Verse: Daniel 4:19 - "Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was astonished 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."

Overview

This verse captures the moment where Daniel reacts to King Nebuchadnezzar's troubling dream. It illustrates Daniel's emotional state and highlights the tension between his concern for the king and the harsh reality of the dream's interpretation.

Bible Verse Interpretations

In analyzing Daniel 4:19, we delve into several key ideas drawn from various public domain commentaries:

  • Matthew Henry's Commentary:

    Henry emphasizes Daniel's astonishment and distress. He interprets this as a sign of Daniel's integrity and compassion. Daniel's delay in responding reflects his reluctance to reveal the harsh fate intended for the king, demonstrating his sensitivity towards the ruler's position.

  • Albert Barnes' Notes:

    Barnes outlines the significance of the name 'Belteshazzar,' which was given to Daniel, reinforcing his identity within the Babylonian culture. He highlights Daniel's respect for the king, despite the ominous interpretation he must convey. This reflects the balance of prophetic duty and personal empathy.

  • Adam Clarke’s Commentary:

    Clarke points out the symbolism in the dream and emphasizes that it alludes to King Nebuchadnezzar's pride and eventual downfall. Daniel’s reaction serves as a moment of human connection, reminding us that prophets often bear heavy truths, impacting their emotional state.

Understanding Scripture

This verse is pivotal as it captures not only the prophetic declaration but also the emotional complexity of the prophet. The juxtaposition of the dream’s ominous message against Daniel's personal feelings provides a depth of understanding of the challenges faced by biblical figures.

Bible Study Insights

This passage can serve as a profound lesson for Bible study groups seeking biblical exegesis and scripture analysis. It encourages discussions about:

  • The nature of prophecy and the responsibilities it entails.
  • The emotional burdens carried by those who deliver difficult messages.
  • The interplay between divine revelation and human response.

Application of Biblical Teachings

When exploring the applications of Daniel 4:19 to daily life, consider the following:

  • The importance of compassion in delivering difficult truths.
  • Understanding the weight of leadership and the implications of one’s actions.
  • Processing emotional responses when faced with challenging situations or news.

Cross References

Several Bible verses share thematic elements with Daniel 4:19:

  • Jeremiah 1:17 - God's instruction to Jeremiah to not be afraid.
  • Isaiah 6:5 - Isaiah's reaction upon seeing God's glory and understanding his own sinfulness.
  • Ezekiel 3:14 - Ezekiel’s distress after receiving God's message.

Conclusion

The exploration of Daniel 4:19 across different commentaries and interpretations reveals a multifaceted understanding of this verse. It challenges readers to explore how biblical truths can be difficult to convey while still holding human emotions at the forefront. Through in-depth Bible verse analysis, we can better appreciate the complexity of scripture and its relevance to our lives today.