DAN 4:34 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) “After the seven years, I, Nevukadnetstsar looked up toward heaven and my reason returned to me. Then I praised and honoured the highest one who lives forever, because his authority is everlasting and his kingdom endures through the generations.

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 At the end of the days I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven, and my reason returned to me.
⇔ “I blessed the Most High,
⇔ and I praised and glorified him who lives forever.
⇔ For his dominion is an everlasting dominion,
⇔ and his kingdom endures from generation to generation.

UST After those seven years ended, I, Nebuchadnezzar, looked up toward heaven, and I acknowledged that what God said was true. Then I could think correctly again. I praised and worshiped the Supreme God, and I honored him, the one who lives forever.
⇔ He rules forever;
⇔ his kingdom will never end.

BSB But at the end of those days I, Nebuchadnezzar, looked up to heaven, and my sanity was restored to me. Then I praised the Most High, and I honored and glorified Him who lives forever:
⇔ “For His dominion is an everlasting dominion,
⇔ and His kingdom endures from generation to generation.

OEB No OEB DAN book available

WEBBE At the end of the days I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted up my eyes to heaven, and my understanding returned to me; and I blessed the Most High, and I praised and honoured him who lives forever,
⇔ for his dominion is an everlasting dominion,
⇔ and his kingdom from generation to generation.

WMBB (Same as above)

NET But at the end of the appointed time I, Nebuchadnezzar, looked up toward heaven, and my sanity returned to me.
⇔ I extolled the Most High,
⇔ and I praised and glorified the one who lives forever.
⇔ For his authority is an everlasting authority,
⇔ and his kingdom extends from one generation to the next.

LSV “And at the end of the days I, Nebuchadnezzar, have lifted up my eyes to the heavens, and my understanding returns to me, and I have blessed the Most High, and the Perpetual Living One I have praised and honored, whose dominion [is] a continuous dominion, and His kingdom with generation and generation;

FBV Once the time had passed, I, Nebuchadnezzar, looked up to heaven and my sanity returned to me. I blessed and praised the Most High and worshiped the One who lives forever. His rule is an eternal rule, and his kingdom lasts for all generations.

T4T ¶ “After those seven years ended, I, Nebuchadnezzar, looked up toward heaven, and I acknowledged that what God said was true. Then I could think correctly again. I praised and worshiped the Supreme God, and I honored him, the one who lives forever.
⇔ He rules forever;
⇔ his kingdom will never end.

LEB ¶ “But at the end of _⌊that period_⌋,[fn] I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted up my eyes to heaven, and then my reason returned to me; and I blessed the Most High and _⌊the one who lives forever_⌋[fn] I praised and I honored.
• “For his sovereignty is an everlasting sovereignty,
  • and his kingdom continues from generation to generation.
• And all the dwellers of the earth
  • are regarded as nothing,
• and he does according to[fn] his desire
  • in the host of heaven and among the dwellers of earth,
• and there is not one who can hold back his hand,
  • or ask him ,[fn] ‘What are you doing?’
¶ “_⌊At that time_⌋[fn] my reason returned to me, and also the glory of my kingdom and my majesty and splendor returned to me, and my advisers and my lords[fn] searched me out, and I was established over my kingdom and abundant greatness was added to me. Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and honor the king of heaven, for all his works are truth,[fn] and his ways are justice and that he is able to humble those who walk in pride.”

4:34 Literally “the day”

4:34 Literally “the one living forever”

4:34 Literally “as”

4:34 Literally “or asks to him”

4:34 Literally “In it the time”

4:34 Or “nobles”

4:34 Or “true”

BBE And at the end of the days, I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifting up my eyes to heaven, got back my reason, and, blessing the Most High, I gave praise and honour to him who is living for ever, whose rule is an eternal rule and whose kingdom goes on from generation to generation.

Moff When the time was over, I Nebuchadnezzar lifted my eyes to heaven, my reason returned to me, and I blessed the Most High, praising and honouring him who lives for ever, for his dominion is an everlasting dominion and his kingdom lasts from age to age;

JPS (4-31) 'And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the Most High, and I praised and honoured Him that liveth for ever; for His dominion is an everlasting dominion, and His kingdom from generation to generation;

ASV And at the end of the days I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the Most High, and I praised and honored him that liveth for ever; for his dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom from generation to generation;

DRA Therefore I Nabuchodonosor do now praise, and magnify, and glorify the King of heaven: because all his works are true, and his ways judgments, and them that walk in pride he is able to abase.

YLT 'And at the end of the days I, Nebuchadnezzar, mine eyes to the heavens have lifted up, and mine understanding unto me returneth, and the Most High I have blessed, and the Age-during Living One I have praised and honoured, whose dominion [is] a dominion age-during, and His kingdom with generation and generation;

Drby And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto the heavens, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the Most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation.

RV And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the Most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever; for his dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom from generation to generation:
(And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the Most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth/lives forever; for his dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom from generation to generation: )

SLT And at the end of the days, I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes to the heavens, and my knowledge will turn back to me, and I praised to the Most High, and to him living forever, I praised and honored, whose dominion an eternal dominion, and his kingdom with generation and generation.

Wbstr And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up my eyes to heaven, and my understanding returned to me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honored him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation:

KJB-1769 And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation:
(And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth/lives forever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation: )

KJB-1611 And at the end of the dayes, I Nebuchad-nezzar lift vp mine eyes vnto heauen, and mine vnderstanding returned vnto me, and I blessed the most high, and I praised, and honoured him that liueth for euer, whose dominion is an euerlasting dominion, and his kingdome is from generation to generation.
(And at the end of the days, I Nebuchad-nezzar lift up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most high, and I praised, and honoured him that liveth/lives forever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation.)

Bshps When this time was past, I Nabuchodonozor lift vp myne eyes vnto heauen, and mine vnderstanding was restored vnto me: then gaue I thankes vnto the highest, I magnified & praysed hym that liueth for euermore, whose power is an euerlasting power, and his kingdome is from one generatio to another.
(When this time was past, I Nabuchodonozor lift up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding was restored unto me: then gave I thanks unto the highest, I magnified and praised him that liveth/lives forever, whose power is an everlasting power, and his kingdom is from one generatio to another.)

Gnva Now therefore I Nebuchad-nezzar prayse and extoll and magnifie the King of heauen, whose workes are all trueth, and his wayes iudgement, and those that walke in pride, he is able to abase.
(Now therefore I Nebuchad-nezzar praise and extol and magnify the King of heaven, whose works are all truth, and his ways judgement, and those that walk in pride, he is able to abase. )

Cvdl When this tyme was past, I Nabuchodonosor lift vp myne eyes vnto heauen, and myne vnderstondinge was restored vnto me agayne. Then gaue I thankes vnto the hyest. I magnified and praysed him that lyueth for euermore, whose power endureth allwaye, and his kyngdome from one generacion to another:
(When this time was past, I Nebuchadnezzar lift up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding was restored unto me again. Then gave I thanks unto the highest. I magnified and praised him that liveth/lives forever, whose power endureth always, and his kingdom from one generation to another:)

Wycl Now therfor Y Nabugodonosor herie, and magnefie, and glorifie the kyng of heuene; for alle hise werkis ben trewe, and alle his weies ben domes; and he may make meke hem that goon in pride.
(Now therefore I Nebuchadnezzar herie, and magnefie, and glorify the king of heaven; for all his works been true, and all his ways been judgements; and he may make meek hem that gone in pride.)

Luth Darum lobe ich, Nebukadnezar, und ehre und preise den König vom Himmel. Denn all sein Tun ist Wahrheit, und seine Wege sind recht; und wer stolz ist, den kann er demütigen.
(Therefore praise I, Nebukadnezar, and honour(v) and praise the king from_the heaven. Because all be Do/Doing is truth, and his ways are right; and who proud is, the can he humble/humiliate.)

ClVg Nunc igitur, ego Nabuchodonosor laudo, et magnifico, et glorifico regem cæli: quia omnia opera ejus vera, et viæ ejus judicia, et gradientes in superbia potest humiliare.
(now therefore, I Nabuchodonosor laudo, and magnifico, and glorifico the_king heavens: because everything works his true, and ways/roads his judgements, and gradientes in/into/on pride can humiliare. )

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 4:34–35

In this paragraph, the king once again described what happened in his own words. He told how he changed his attitude. He acknowledged that God was the ruler over all people.

4:34a

But at the end of those days I, Nebuchadnezzar, looked up to heaven,

¶ When the set time period had ended, I, Nebuchadnezzar, looked up to God in heaven.
¶ At the end of the seven periods of time, I, Nebuchadnezzar the king, looked up to God for help,
¶ Finally, when the seven years had passed, I humbled myself before God.

But at the end of those days: The Aramaic expression that the BSB translates as at the end of those days refers to the end of the period of time when the king lived like an animal. See the Notes at 4:16b-c, 4:25f. English versions have translated this as:

When the time was over (NJB)

At the end of the seven time periods (GW)

When the seven years had passed (GNT)GeCL97; BFCL88.

I, Nebuchadnezzar: See the Notes at 4:4a. The king mentioned his name to emphasize who he was and the importance of what he was about to say. In some languages it may be unnatural for someone to state his name like this. In those languages there may be another way to express this same emphasis. For example:

I, the king,

I…looked up to heaven: This is a figure of speech. It means to pray and seek God’s help. In this context, the expression implies that the king changed his attitude and recognized that God was the greatest ruler and king. He humbled himself and acknowledged God’s authority. It is important that people understand this implied meaning. Other ways to translate this include:

then I looked up to heaven (NLT)

I prayed to God in heaven (CEV)

I looked/turned to God for help

heaven: The Aramaic word that the BSB translates as heaven can refers to the sky, the heavens, or to the place where God lives.The GNT says: “I looked up at the sky.” However, the word has the extended sense of “the place where God lives.” In this context the two meanings are both relevant. Nebuchadnezzar prayed looking up, toward the sky, because that was where he believed God lived.

4:34b

and my sanity was restored to me.

As a result, I became able to think clearly/normally again.
and God restored my mind.
God healed me so that I could think like a human again.

and: The Aramaic connector that the BSB translates as and here introduces a result clause. Translate this in a way that is natural in your language. For example:

then

As a result

my sanity was restored to me: See the Notes at 4:16a–b. The Aramaic clause that the BSB translates as my sanity was restored is more literally “my reason returned to me,” as in the RSV. It indicates that Nebuchadnezzar began to think like a human being again, and it implies that it was God who allowed this to happen. There are at least two ways to translate this:

Using a passive verb. For example:
My reason was restored to me (NJPS)
I was restored to my right mind (REB)
Using an active verb. For example,
My sanity returned (NLT)
my mind came back to me (GW)
I was able to think clearly again

my sanity: See the Notes at 4:16a-b.HALOT, 1920 has “understanding.” The word occurs at Daniel 2:21; 4:34–37; 5:12. The Aramaic word that the BSB translates as my sanity can also be translated as “my understanding” or “my reason” (RSV). Here it refers to the ability to think clearly and rationally, like a human being. Once again the king was able to think like a person and not like an animal. In some languages it may be more natural to translate this as an action.

and I could think normally again (NCV)

God caused me to think normally again

4:34c–35

The author wrote Daniel 4:34e–35 in poetic style. In 4:34e–35 there are four pairs of clauses. The second part of each pair repeats the meaning of the first line in different way.

4:34c

Then I praised the Most High,

Therefore I praised God Most High.
So I blessed/glorified the Supreme God/One.

Then: The Aramaic connector that the BSB translates as Then here introduces the result of 4:33a–c. The king praised God because God had allowed him to think like a human again. You can also translate introduce this as:

so

therefore

I praised the Most High: The Aramaic word that the BSB translates as praised is literally “blessed.” See the Notes at 2:19b. When humans bless God, they express praise, appreciation, thanks, and honor to him. You can say:

I thanked the Most High (GW)

I blessed the Most High (REB)

I gave/offered praises to the One/God who is over all

the Most High: See the Notes on “the Most High God” at 3:26b and 4:2b and the Most High at 4:17c, 4:24b, and 4:25f. This expression is a title. It describes God as having universal authority.

4:34d

and I honored and glorified Him who lives forever:

I thanked and praised God who lives forever.
I greatly/highly praised the eternal One/God.

and I honored and glorified Him who lives forever: In this verse part, the king used two other words that mean “praise.” See the notes on 2:23a, where two similar Hebrew words are used (in reverse order). The king used a total of three different verbs in order to emphasize how much he wanted to praise God. In some languages it may be natural to show this emphasis in a different way. For example:

I highly exalted the one who lives forever

Him who lives forever: The phrase Him who lives forever is a title for God. In some languages it may be necessary to make this explicit:

God , who lives for ever

General Comment on Daniel 4:34c–d

In some languages it may not be natural to repeat the same information in two clauses. The reader may think that the king was praising two different beings. If this is true in your language, you may be able to reorder the two parts and combine information. For example:

^34c,dI praised, honored and glorified the Most High God, the one who lives forever

^34c-dThen I said, “God the Most High is the ever-living one! He is the one to whom I give praise, glory, and honor!”

4:34e–f

Daniel 4:34e–f is also in poetic form. 4:34f says the same thing as 4:34e but in a different way. Note also that Daniel 4:34e–f is almost the same as Daniel 4:3b–c.The only difference is that the word “dominion” and “kingdom” are in opposite lines.

4:34e

“For His dominion is an everlasting dominion,

For he has authority to rule forever!
He will rule forever,

For: This verse part begins with an Aramaic connector that the BSB translates as For. In this context this connector introduces the reason why the king praised God. That is, it introduces the reason why God is worthy of praise. Some English versions leave this connector untranslated and the relationship between 4:34d–c implied. Introduce 4:34e in a way that is natural in your language. For example:

because (GW)

His dominion is an everlasting dominion: The dominion or kingdom of God will last forever. There will never be a time when he will no longer rule his people. In some languages, you may not have an abstract expression like dominion. It may be more natural to translate this using an active verb. For example:

God reigns forever!

God will always rule his people!

everlasting: The Aramaic word that the BSB translates as everlasting means “for all future time.” It refers to all ages yet to come. God’s kingdom is everlasting. It has no end. In some languages it may be natural to translate this as:

will last forever

will never end

dominion: The Aramaic word that the BSB translates as dominion is a synonym of “kingdom.” See the Notes at 4:3c.In 4:3b–c the author reverses the two synonyms. In this context it means: “God will have authority” or “God will rule/reign.”

4:34f

and His kingdom endures from generation to generation.

He will reign over every generation of people!
king/sovereign over each new/future generation of people!

His kingdom endures from generation to generation: This line repeats the meaning of 4:34e using different words. This repetition emphasizes the idea that God will rule for all time. Although people die and whole generations pass away, God will continue to rule. For example:

He will rule from one generation to the next.

God will reign throughout all the lifetimes of human beings.

kingdom: See the Notes at 4:3c. The Aramaic word that the BSB translates as kingdom here refers to the act of ruling. God will rule for generation after generation.

from generation to generation: The Aramaic word that the BSB translates as generation refers to an age group—grandparents, parents, children, grandchildren and so on. Each of these groups is a generation. The king declared that God would rule over each new age group that is born. In some languages it may be natural to say:

from one human lifespan to the next

one lifetime after another

every baby that is born, and all their descendants

General Comment on 4:34d–e

In some languages it may not be natural to repeat the same information in the two clauses. If this is true in your language, you may be able to combine the two clauses into one. For example:

^34d-eand he will rule each generation of people forever

Parallel DAN 4:34