OET interlinear DAN 2:38

Section 2:1–49: Daniel explained the king’s dream

These Notes interpret Daniel 2:1–49 as a complete narrative unit. However, in some languages it may be helpful to divide this chapter into more than one section and to give each section a separate heading. For example:

1. The BSB has four sections.

   1. Nebuchadnezzar’s Troubling Dream (2:1–13)

   2. The Dream Revealed to Daniel (2:14–23)

   3. Daniel Interprets the Dream (2:24–45)

   4. Nebuchadnezzar Promotes Daniel (2:46–49)

2. The GNT has three sections:

(a) Nebuchadnezzar’s dream (2:1–13)

(b) God shows Daniel what the dream means (2:14–23)

(c) Daniel tells the king the dream and explains it (2:24–49)

This section tells how Nebuchadnezzar had a disturbing dream. He asked his advisers to tell him what he had dreamed and its meaning. They were unable to do so, and the king threatened them with death. But God revealed the meaning of the dream to Daniel. Daniel then told the king what he had dreamed and what it meant. The king honored Daniel and Daniel’s God.

The climax of this narrative occurs in 2:47. There the king declared that the God whom Daniel worshiped was the greatest of all gods.

Special Translation Problems:

1. Lists: The author of the book of Daniel liked to use lists (2:2, 10). However, the author did not intend for these lists to be complete or exact. The lists usually provide examples of the types of people or things that belong in a certain group or category. The Notes will suggest options on how to translate these lists.

2. Synonyms: The text often uses different terms for similar ideas. For example, there are several verbs that mean “to reveal” or “to make known.” There are three different Aramaic verbs in 2:40 that mean “crush, break to pieces.” In some languages it may be difficult or confusing to use several different words for similar ideas. The Notes will suggest how you might translate these similar words and terms.

3. Poetry: You will need to think carefully about how you will translate the poetic section in this chapter (2:20–23). Authors of Hebrew poetry usually wrote using matching pairs of lines. The relationship between these parallel lines differs. Sometimes the second line repeats the information in the first line using different words. Sometimes the second line contrasts with the first line. Hebrew poetry also has word plays, figurative speech, and alliteration. It may not always be easy to translate these literary features into your language. The Notes will suggest ways of translating the different features of Hebrew poetry. For more information about how to translate Hebrew poetry, see the Bible Translation Handbook of the Psalms. The poetry in 2:20–23 is a song of praise or thanksgiving. If your language has a special poetic form that fits this song, you can use it here.

4. Ambiguity: In the section where Daniel interpreted the last part of the king’s dream, there are a number of ambiguous references. For example, in 2:44a Daniel referred to “those kings” without identifying who those kings were. In 2:44b Daniel spoke of “all these kingdoms.” The ambiguity may be deliberate, since the dream itself is a mystery. It will be important not to over-interpret these passages by assuming a particular historical context. The Notes will suggest several options for how to translate these verses.

5. Repetition: Daniel interpreted the meaning of the first three kingdoms in a very brief way. He used many more words to describe the fourth kingdom (2:36–45). In this section he also repeated much of what was described before. In this way, Daniel emphasized the fourth kingdom as the most important. Some of the repetition in this section emphasizes specific ideas. Sometimes the repetition has another function. You will need to evaluate if this kind of repetition is natural in your language. If not, you will need to find another way to emphasize these ideas.

Paragraph 2:36–2:38

In this paragraph Daniel began to interpret the king’s dream.

Wherever the sons of men or beasts of the field or birds of the air dwell, He has given them into your hand

• God has made you^(sing) the ruler over all people, all the animals and all the birds, wherever they live.

• God/He has given you^(sing) power over people, animals, and birds, everywhere on earth.

General Comment on 2:38a

The BSB follows the phrase order of the Aramaic in 2:38a. Use the order that is most natural in your language. For example:

^38ahuman beings, wild animals, birds of the air, wherever they live, he has entrusted to your rule (NJB)

^38aand into whose hand he has given, wherever they dwell, the children of man, the beasts of the field, and the birds of the heavens (ESV)

^38ain your hands he has placed all mankind and the beasts of the field and the birds in the sky. Wherever they live, (NIV)

Note that the NIV connects the phrase “Wherever they live” with 2:38b. These Notes recommend that you connect it with 2:38a, as in all the other examples shown.

and has made you ruler over them all.

• God has appointed you^(sing) the ruler over all of them.

• He has caused you^(sing) to rule over all living creatures.

General Comment on 2:38a–b

Daniel 2:38b repeats information from 2:38a. In some languages it may be more natural to combine these two parts. For example:

^38a-bWherever people, wild animals, and birds live, God made you ruler over them. (NCV)

^38a-bGod has allowed you to rule over all people, animals, and birds, wherever they live.

You are that head of gold.

• You^(sing) are the head of gold on the statue.

• And so the golden head of the statue represents you^(sing) and your kingdom.