DAN 4:19 Parallel Verse View

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Text critical issues=none Clarity of original=clear Importance to us=normal (All still tentative.)

OET (OET-RV) Daniel (also known as Belteshatstsar) was appalled for a while at the meaning of the dream, and worried how to present it. The king saw this and said, Belteshatstsar, don’t hold back on being honest about the dream its interpretation.”
¶ “My master,” he answered, “If only the dream was for those who hate you, and its interpretation was for your enemies.

4:19 Note: KJB: Dān.4.22

4:19 OSHB variant note: אנתה: (x-qere) ’אַנְתְּ’: lemma_607 morph_APp2ms id_27kDi אַנְתְּ

Key: khaki:verbs.
Note: Automatic aligning of the OET-RV to the LV is done by some temporary software, hence the OET-RV alignments are incomplete (and may occasionally be wrong).

ULT Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was appalled for a while, and his thoughts alarmed him. The king answered and said, “Belteshazzar, do not let the dream or the interpretation alarm you.” Belteshazzar asnwered and said, “My lord, may the dream be for those who hate you and its interpretation for your enemies.

UST I, whose new name was Belteshazzar, did not say anything for some time, because I was very worried about the meaning of the dream. Finally, the king said to me, “Belteshazzar, do not be afraid about the dream and about what it means.” I replied, “Sir, I wish that the events that were predicted in your dream would happen to your enemies, and not to you.

BSB For a time, Daniel, who was also known as Belteshazzar, was perplexed, and his thoughts alarmed him.
§ So the king said, “Belteshazzar, do not let the dream or its interpretation alarm you.”
§ “My lord,” replied Belteshazzar, “may the dream apply to those who hate you, and its interpretation to your enemies!

OEB No OEB DAN book available

WEBBE Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was stricken mute for a while, and his thoughts troubled him. The king answered, “Belteshazzar, don’t let the dream or the interpretation, trouble you.”
¶ Belteshazzar answered, “My lord, may the dream be for those who hate you, and its interpretation to your adversaries.

WMBB (Same as above)

NET Then Daniel (whose name is also Belteshazzar) was upset for a brief time; his thoughts were alarming him. The king said, “Belteshazzar, don’t let the dream and its interpretation alarm you.” But Belteshazzar replied, “Sir, if only the dream were for your enemies and its interpretation applied to your adversaries!

LSV Then Daniel, whose name [is] Belteshazzar, has been astonished about one hour, and his thoughts trouble him; the king has answered and said, “O Belteshazzar, do not let the dream and its interpretation trouble you.” Belteshazzar has answered and said, “My lord, the dream—to those hating you, and its interpretation—to your enemies!

FBV When Daniel (also called Belteshazzar) heard this, he was upset for a while, disturbed as he thought about it. The king told him, “Belteshazzar, don't be worried about the dream and what it means.”
¶ “My lord, I only wish this dream was for those who hate you and the explanation for your enemies,” Daniel replied.

T4T I, whose new name was Belteshazzar, did not say anything for some time, because I was very worried/disturbed about the meaning of the dream. Finally, the king said to me, “Belteshazzar, do not be afraid about the dream and about what it means.” I replied, “Sir, I wish that the events that were predicted in your dream would happen to your enemies, and not to you.

LEB ¶ “Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was distressed _⌊for some time_⌋,[fn] and his thoughts disturbed him. The king answered and he said, ‘Belteshazzar, let the dream and its explanation not disturb you.’ Belteshazzar answered and said, ‘My lord, may the dream and its explanation be for those who hate you and for your enemies.

4:19 Literally “for one hour”

BBE Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was at a loss for a time, his thoughts troubling him. The king made answer and said, Belteshazzar, do not be troubled by the dream or by the sense of it. Belteshazzar, answering, said, My lord, may the dream be about your haters, and its sense about those who are against you.

Moff For a moment Daniel (whose name is Belteshazzar) was staggered; he was alarmed by what he foresaw. But the king said, ‘Belteshazzar, let not the dream or its meaning alarm you.’ Belteshazzar replied, ‘My lord, may the dream be for those who hate you, and the meaning of it for your foes!

JPS (4-16) Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was appalled for a while, and his thoughts affrighted him. The king spoke and said: 'Belteshazzar, let not the dream, or the interpretation, affright thee.' Belteshazzar answered and said: 'My lord, the dream be to them that hate thee, and the interpretation thereof to thine adversaries.

ASV Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was stricken dumb for a while, and his thoughts troubled him. The king answered and said, Belteshazzar, let not the dream, or the interpretation, trouble thee. Belteshazzar answered and said, My lord, the dream be to them that hate thee, and the interpretation thereof to thine adversaries.

DRA It is thou, O king, who art grown great and become mighty: for thy greatness hath grown, and hath reached to heaven, and thy power unto the ends of the earth.

YLT 'Then Daniel, whose name [is] Belteshazzar, hath been astonished about one hour, and his thoughts do trouble him; the king hath answered and said, O Belteshazzar, let not the dream and its interpretation trouble thee. Belteshazzar hath answered and said, My lord, the dream — to those hating thee, and its interpretation — to thine enemies!

Drby Then Daniel, whose name is Belteshazzar, was astonied for one hour, and his thoughts troubled him. The king spoke and said, Belteshazzar, let not the dream, nor its interpretation, trouble thee. Belteshazzar answered and said, My lord, the dream be to them that hate thee, and its interpretation to thine enemies!

RV Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was astonied for a while, and his thoughts troubled him. The king answered and said, Belteshazzar, let not the dream or the interpretation, trouble thee. Belteshazzar answered and said, My lord, the dream be to them that hate thee, and the interpretation thereof to thine adversaries.
(Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was astonished for a while, and his thoughts troubled him. The king answered and said, Belteshazzar, let not the dream or the interpretation, trouble thee/you. Belteshazzar answered and said, My lord, the dream be to them that hate thee/you, and the interpretation thereof to thine/your adversaries. )

SLT Then Daniel, his name Belteshazzar, was astonished for one moment, and his thoughts terrified him. The king answered and said, Belteshazzar, the dream and its interpretation shall not terrify thee. Belteshazzar answered and said, My lord, the dream to those hating thee, and its interpretation to thine enemies.

Wbstr Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was astonished for one hour, and his thoughts troubled him. The king spoke, and said, Belteshazzar, let not the dream, or the interpretation of it, trouble thee. Belteshazzar answered, and said, My lord, the dream be to them that hate thee, and the interpretation of it to thy enemies.

KJB-1769 ¶ 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.
(¶ 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/you. Belteshazzar answered and said, My lord, the dream be to them that hate thee/you, and the interpretation thereof to thine/your enemies. )

KJB-1611 ¶ Then Daniel (whose name was Belteshazzar) was astonied for one houre, and his thoughts troubled him: The King spake, and said, Belteshazzar, let not the dreame, or the interpretation thereof trouble thee. Belteshazzar answered; and said; My lord, the dreame be to them that hate thee, and the interpretation thereof to thine enemies.
(Modernised spelling is same as from KJB-1769 above, apart from capitalisation and punctuation)

Bshps Then Daniel, whose name was Baltassar, held his peace by the space of one houre, and his thoughtes troubled him. So the king spake, and sayde, O Baltassar, let neither the dreame nor the interpretation thereof trouble thee. Baltassar aunswered, saying: O my Lord, this dreame be to them that hate thee, & the interpretation therof to thyne aduersaries.
(Then Daniel, whose name was Baltassar, held his peace by the space of one hour, and his thoughts troubled him. So the king spake, and said, Oh Baltassar, let neither the dream nor the interpretation thereof trouble thee/you. Baltassar answered, saying: Oh my Lord, this dream be to them that hate thee/you, and the interpretation thereof to thine/your adversaries.)

Gnva It is thou, O King, that art great and mightie: for thy greatnesse is growen, and reacheth vnto heauen, and thy dominion to the endes of the earth.
(It is thou/you, Oh King, that art great and mighty: for thy/your greatness is grown, and reacheth unto heaven, and thy/your dominion to the ends of the earth. )

Cvdl Then Daniel (whose name was Balthasar) helde his peace by the space of an houre ad his thoughtes troubled him. So the kynge spake, and sayde: O Balthasar, let nether the dreame ner the interpretacion theroff feare the. Balthasar answered, sayenge: O my LORDE, this dreame happen to thyne enemies, and the interpretacion to thyne aduersaries.
(Then Daniel (whose name was Balthasar) held his peace by the space of an hour and his thoughts troubled him. So the king spake, and said: Oh Balthasar, let neither the dream nor the interpretation thereoff fear them. Balthasar answered, saying: Oh my LORD, this dream happen to thine/your enemies, and the interpretation to thine/your adversaries.)

Wycl thou art, kyng, that art magnefied, and wexidist strong, and thi greetnesse encreesside, and cam `til to heuene, and thi power in to the endis of al erthe.
(thou/you art, king, that art magnified, and wexed strong, and thy/your greatness increased, and came till to heaven, and thy/your power in to the ends of all earth.)

Luth das bist du, König der du so groß und mächtig bist; denn deine Macht ist groß und reichet an den Himmel, und deine Gewalt langet bis an der Welt Ende.
(the are you(sg), king the/of_the you(sg) so large and powerful are; because/than your power(n) is large and sufficient at/to the heaven, and your violence long until at/to the/of_the world end(n).)

ClVg tu es rex, qui magnificatus es, et invaluisti: et magnitudo tua crevit, et pervenit usque ad cælum, et potestas tua in terminos universæ terræ.
(you(sg) you_are king, who/which magnificatus you_are, and invaluisti: and magnitudo your grew, and arrived until to the_sky, and power your in/into/on boundaries of_the_universe of_the_earth/land. )

SOTN SIL Open Translator’s Notes:

Section 4:1–37: God judged King Nebuchadnezzar

The author of Daniel 4 wrote in the Aramaic language. These Notes are based on the BSB, which is based on the Aramaic text called the MT (Masoretic Text). However, the early Greek translation known as the Septuagint is different from the Aramaic text in many places in Daniel 4. Scholars are uncertain why the two are so different. It may be that the Greek translators worked from an Aramaic text that was different from that of the MT. The Notes will discuss the differences between the two texts for certain important passages.

The verse numbers of the BSB and most English versions are different from the verse numbers in the Aramaic text. The NJPS and NJB are two exceptions. They follow the verse numbers in the Aramaic text.Baldwin (p. 107) notes that the chapter divisions in the present Aramaic text were not necessarily those of the original text. The difference in numbering can cause confusion when citing verses in different translations. For example, Daniel 4:1 in the BSB is 3:31 in the NJPS and NJB. Daniel 4:4 is 4:1 in the NJB and NJPS, and so on. When these Notes cite verses in the NJPS and the NJB, they will give both the verse numbers in those versions and the corresponding BSB verse numbers.

Versions give different headings to Daniel 4. For example:

Nebuchadnezzar’s second dream (NRSV)

Nebuchadnezzar’s dream about a tree (NLT)

A letter from Nebuchadnezzar about his insanity (GW)

In some languages it may be more natural that the heading be a full sentence. For example:

Nebuchadnezzar dreamed a second dream

Nebuchadnezzar dreamed about a tree

Nebuchadnezzar wrote a letter about how he became insane

Special Problems:

1. Change of Speaker: In Daniel 4, the person who tells the story varies between the king and the narrator. For example:

A. In 4:1–18 the king told what happened to him in the first person.

B. In 4:19–27 the narrator told the story of how Daniel interpreted the king’s dream.

C. In 4:28–33 the narrator told what happened to Nebuchadnezzar.

D. In 4:34–37 the king again spoke directly in the first person.

The Notes will inform you when there is a change of speaker and suggest how to translate these passages.

2. Repetition: When Daniel interpreted the king’s dream (4:19–27), he repeated parts of what the king had previously told him (in 4:10–16). Later, when the narrator told what happened to the king (4:28–33), he repeated what Daniel had said would happen (in 4:25). This kind of repetition creates suspense in the story. Repetition also helps to emphasize the main theme of the account. For example, at the end of the account, the king repeated information from the beginning (4:3, 34). This information is the theme of the chapter: God is sovereign over human rulers.

3. Synonyms: The author liked to use synonyms, different words with the same or similar meaning. In some cases, he used synonyms to emphasize an idea. For example, in 4:37 the king used three synonyms in the same sentence to emphasize the idea of praise. In some languages this may not be natural. The Notes will suggest other ways you can translate synonyms.

4. Commands: In the dream, the angel made a number of commands. The text does not usually say to whom the angel was giving these commands. Sometimes the angel commanded non-living objects to do something. In all these cases, the angel was speaking a message from God. And when God commands that something happen, it will certainly happen. In some languages it may not be natural to use commands in this way. If that is true in your language, you may be able to translate these commands as authoritative declarations. The Notes will give examples of how you may do this.

5. Poetic Parallelism: The author of Daniel 4 liked to use poetic form to communicate ideas. In Aramaic poetry, authors often used pairs of clauses to say the same thing in two different ways. This type of poetry has many different functions. Sometimes the author used poetry to emphasize themes. Other times he used poetry to mark the climax of a section. This kind of poetry may not be natural in your language. The Notes will describe the function of the poetic speech in Daniel. They will also suggest some options on how you might translate this type of poetry in your own language.

6. Form: The author wrote Daniel 4 in the form of a royal proclamation. This proclamation form gives authority to the account. The style of the proclamation is similar to that of a letter, and the beginning of the chapter is similar to other Aramaic letters. The king first identifies himself. Second, he indicates to whom he is writing, that is, those he intends to read his letter. Third, he greets his readers. In your language, people may have a different way of identifying the author or addressee of a letter. The Notes will suggest some options on how to translate this letter style.

7. Key Terms: Two key terms in Daniel 4 are “earth” and “heaven.” Both words have more than one meaning. The Aramaic word that the BSB generally translates as “earth” can mean either “ground,” “land,” or “world.” The Aramaic word that the BSB generally translates as “heaven” can mean either “sky” or “where God lives.” In 4:26 the author used the word “Heaven” to refer to God himself. The author plays on these two words and their meanings to highlight the main theme of the chapter: “God in heaven rules over the affairs of men on earth.” The Notes will explain the meaning of these two key terms in each context.

Paragraph 4:19–23

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

4:19a

For a time, Daniel, who was also known as Belteshazzar, was perplexed,

¶ For a short while/time Daniel, that is, Belteshazzar, stood there horrified/appalled.
¶ For a few minutes, Daniel, whom I had named Belteshazzar, was too shocked by the dream to answer.

For a time, Daniel, who was also known as Belteshazzar, was perplexed: Daniel did not immediately obey the king’s command. He was deeply disturbed.

For a time: The Aramaic expression that the BSB translates as a time refers to a brief time.HALOT, 2000–2001. Here is another way to translate this:

for a while (NRSV)

For: The Aramaic connector that the BSB translates as For here introduces Daniel’s response and a new phase in the account. Here is another way to translate this:

Then (NIV)

Daniel, who was also known as Belteshazzar: This is background information. The author had previously mentioned Daniel’s Babylonian name in 4:8b and 4:18b. Translate this repeated background information in a way that is natural in your language.

was perplexed: The Aramaic word that the BSB translates as perplexed has been interpreted in two main ways in this context:

It means “disturbed, appalled.”Another possibility is “was momentarily stunned” (GW). For example:
was severely distressed (NRSV) (RSV/NRSV, GNT, NASB, ESV, NET, GW)
It means “confused, puzzled.” For example:
was terribly confused (CEV) (BSB, NIV, NJB, NJPS, CEV, REB)

Interpretation (1) is recommended. Daniel was very unhappy at what he heard. He was dismayed, shocked, or horrified. This interpretation fits the context of 4:20 better and is followed by the majority of English versions.

In some languages it may be natural to indicate what disturbed or distressed Daniel. You make wish to supply “the dream” as the subject of the clause. For example:

The dream troubled Daniel

The king’s dream shocked Daniel.

4:19b

and his thoughts alarmed him.

He thought about the dream and felt terrified.
As he thought about it, he was very frightened.

and his thoughts alarmed him: This expression has a similar meaning to 4:19a. Daniel was deeply disturbed when he thought about the dream. Other ways to translate this include:

his thoughts terrified him (NIV)

what he was thinking frightened him (GW)

worried by what he was thinking (CEV)

his thoughts: This Aramaic expression that the BSB translates as his thoughts refers to what Daniel thought about the meaning of the dream. The NLT says explicitly:

frightened by the meaning of the dream (NLT)

alarmed: See the Notes at 4:5b. The Aramaic verb that the BSB translates as alarmed is an approximate synonym to the verb in 4:19a. Daniel was horrified and alarmed by the meaning of the dream.

4:19c

So the king said, “Belteshazzar, do not let the dream or its interpretation alarm you.”

But the king said, “Belteshazzar, do not let the dream and its message alarm you.”
But I the king told him, “Do not be shocked by my dream, Belteshazzar. Do not be afraid of what it means. Tell me.”

So: The BSB has supplied the connector So. The Aramaic does not indicate the connection between 4:19b and 4:19c. Most English versions have no explicit connection. You should introduce the king’s response to Daniel in a way that is natural in your language. For example

but (REB)

the king said: Here the king’s proclamation begins to refer to the king in the third person. Some English versions continue to use the first person, as in 4:2, 4. For example:

I told him (GW)

In some languages it may be natural to make the reference clear by saying:

I the king

said: The Aramaic expression that the BSB translates as said is literally “answers and tells.”Some English translations change from third person to first person. For example, the GW has: “I told him.” The CEV has: “But I said.” The two verbs of speech emphasize that the king was about to say something important. If this is unnatural in your language, you may use one verb like the BSB does. However, try to keep the same emphasis.

Belteshazzar: The king addressed Daniel by his Babylonian name. See the Notes at 4:8b, 4:18b, 4:19a.

do not let the dream or its interpretation alarm you: The king ordered Daniel not to be frightened because of the dream or because of the meaning of the dream. Translate this negative command in a way that is natural in your language. For example:

do not let the dream or its meaning make you afraid (NCV)

don’t be alarmed by the dream and what it means (CEV)

alarm: This is the same verb as in 4:19b.

General Comment on 4:19c

The king wanted Daniel to tell him what his dream meant. He did not state this explicitly in this verse part, but it is implied. The king was trying to reassure Daniel. He was implying that he would not be angry at Daniel if the meaning was not a good one. In some languages it may be natural to make some of this implicit meaning explicit. For example:

Do not be alarmed by the dream, Belteshazzar, whatever it means. Tell it to me.

4:19d

“My lord,” replied Belteshazzar, “may the dream apply to those who hate you,

¶ Belteshazzar answered, “My king, I wish that the dream referred/applied to those who hate you.
¶ Belteshazzar replied, “Master, it would be good/preferable if the dream was about your enemies,
¶ Belteshazzar replied to the king, “Sir, I am sorry that the dream is for you, not for your enemies!

“My lord,”: Daniel addressed the king by the title My lord. This is a title of respect. Daniel addressed the king as someone important who had authority over him. If you have a title like this in your language, you can use it here. Other ways English versions translate this include:

Your Majesty (GNT)

My master (NCV)

My king

replied Belteshazzar: Daniel responded to the king. Here he is called by his Babylonian name.

may the dream apply to those who hate you: Daniel was implying that he knew that the dream applied to the king, and that the meaning was not a good one. The dream symbolized something bad that was going to happen to the king. Daniel wished that this bad thing would happen to the king’s enemies, rather than to the king himself. However, the context implies that Daniel was certain that it would happen to the king.

Consider how it is natural in your language to talk about something that the speaker desires but knows is not true. For example:

I wish the dream were about your enemies. (NCV)

How good it would be if the dream applied to your enemies.

It would be a good thing if this dream was about your enemies! But it is not.

4:19e

and its interpretation to your enemies!

I wish that its meaning/interpretation referred/applied to your enemies.
if its meaning/message was for your opponents, not for you.
I regret that it means that something bad will happen to you rather than to your foes!

and its interpretation to your enemies!: The common Aramaic conjunction that the BSB translates as and here introduces another way of saying the same thing as the previous clause.

its interpretation to your enemies!: This is a short way of saying “if only the meaning of the dream applied to your adversaries!” Daniel wished the meaning/message of the dream concerned or referred to Nebuchadnezzar’s enemies. Other ways English versions translate this are:

I wish its meaning were for those who are against you! (NCV)

I wish that the dream meant that your enemies would experience these things!

to your enemies: The context implies “rather than to you” or “and not to you.” Daniel wished the dream referred or applied to the king’s enemies instead of to the king. He knew it applied to the king but did not wish to state this clearly. In your translation, it is good to leave this implied. However it is important to check that your readers will understand the implication. In some languages it may be natural or necessary to make this implied information explicit. For example:

I wish the dream was about those who hate you and not about you

I wish the events foreshadowed in this dream would happen to your enemies, my lord, and not to you! (NLT)

General Comment on 4:19e–f

4:19e and 4:19f basically mean the same thing. If it is unnatural in your language to repeat information like this, you may be able to combine the two clauses. For example:

I wish the dream had been against your enemies. (CEV)

Parallel DAN 4:19