New International VersionSo Daniel was brought before the king, and the king said to him, “Are you Daniel, one of the exiles my father the king brought from Judah?
New Living TranslationSo Daniel was brought in before the king. The king asked him, “Are you Daniel, one of the exiles brought from Judah by my predecessor, King Nebuchadnezzar?
English Standard VersionThen Daniel was brought in before the king. The king answered and said to Daniel, “You are that Daniel, one of the exiles of Judah, whom the king my father brought from Judah.
Berean Standard BibleSo Daniel was brought before the king, who asked him, “Are you Daniel, one of the exiles my father the king brought from Judah?
King James BibleThen was Daniel brought in before the king. And the king spake and said unto Daniel, Art thou that Daniel, which art of the children of the captivity of Judah, whom the king my father brought out of Jewry?
New King James VersionThen Daniel was brought in before the king. The king spoke, and said to Daniel, “ Are you that Daniel who is one of the captives from Judah, whom my father the king brought from Judah?
New American Standard BibleThen Daniel was brought in before the king. The king began speaking and said to Daniel, “Are you that Daniel who is one of the exiles from Judah, whom my father the king brought from Judah?
NASB 1995Then Daniel was brought in before the king. The king spoke and said to Daniel, “Are you that Daniel who is one of the exiles from Judah, whom my father the king brought from Judah?
NASB 1977Then Daniel was brought in before the king. The king spoke and said to Daniel, “Are you that Daniel who is one of the exiles from Judah, whom my father the king brought from Judah?
Legacy Standard BibleThen Daniel was brought in before the king. The king answered and said to Daniel, “Are you that Daniel who is one of the exiles from Judah, whom my father the king brought from Judah?
Amplified BibleThen Daniel was brought in before the king. And the king said to Daniel, “Are you that Daniel who is one of the sons of the exiles of Judah, whom my father the king brought from Judah?
Christian Standard BibleThen Daniel was brought before the king. The king said to him, “Are you Daniel, one of the Judean exiles that my predecessor the king brought from Judah?
Holman Christian Standard BibleThen Daniel was brought before the king. The king said to him, “Are you Daniel, one of the Judean exiles that my predecessor the king brought from Judah?
American Standard VersionThen was Daniel brought in before the king. The king spake and said unto Daniel, Art thou that Daniel, who art of the children of the captivity of Judah, whom the king my father brought out of Judah?
Contemporary English VersionWhen Daniel was brought in, the king said: So you are Daniel, one of the captives my father brought back from Judah!
English Revised VersionThen was Daniel brought in before the king. The king spake and said unto Daniel, Art thou that Daniel, which art of the children of the captivity of Judah, whom the king my father brought out of Judah?
GOD'S WORD® TranslationSo Daniel was taken to the king. The king asked him, "Are you Daniel, one of the captives that my grandfather brought from Judah?
Good News TranslationDaniel was brought at once into the king's presence, and the king said to him, "Are you Daniel, that Jewish exile whom my father the king brought here from Judah?
International Standard VersionThen Daniel was brought before the king. The king spoke up and told Daniel, "So you are Daniel, one of the Judean exiles whom my grandfather the king brought from Judah!
NET BibleSo Daniel was brought in before the king. The king said to Daniel, "Are you that Daniel who is one of the captives of Judah, whom my father the king brought from Judah?
New Heart English BibleThen was Daniel brought in before the king. The king spoke and said to Daniel, "Are you that Daniel, who are of the children of the captivity of Judah, whom the king my father brought out of Judah?
Webster's Bible TranslationThen was Daniel brought in before the king. And the king spoke and said to Daniel, Art thou that Daniel, who art of the children of the captivity of Judah, whom the king my father brought out of Judea? Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleSo Daniel was brought before the king, who asked him, “Are you Daniel, one of the exiles my father the king brought from Judah?
World English BibleThen Daniel was brought in before the king. The king spoke and said to Daniel, “Are you that Daniel of the children of the captivity of Judah, whom the king my father brought out of Judah? Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionThen Daniel has been caused to come up before the king; the king has answered and said to Daniel, “You are that Daniel who [is] of the sons of the expulsion of Judah, whom my father the king brought in out of Judah?
Young's Literal Translation Then Daniel hath been caused to come up before the king; answered hath the king, and said to Daniel, 'Thou art that Daniel who art of the sons of the Removed of Judah, whom the king my father brought in out of Judah?
Smith's Literal TranslationAt that time Daniel came in before the king. The king answered and said to Daniel, Is it thou, Daniel, which is from the sons of the captivity of Judah, whom the king my father brought from Judah? Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThen Daniel was brought in before the king. And the king spoke, and said to him: Art thou Daniel of the children of the captivity of Juda, whom my father the king brought out of Judea?
Catholic Public Domain VersionThen Daniel was brought in before the king. And the king spoke to him, saying, “Are you Daniel, of the sons of the captivity of Judah, whom my father the king led out of Judea?
New American BibleThen Daniel was brought into the presence of the king. The king asked him, “Are you the Daniel, one of the Jewish exiles, whom my father, the king, brought from Judah?
New Revised Standard VersionThen Daniel was brought in before the king. The king said to Daniel, “So you are Daniel, one of the exiles of Judah, whom my father the king brought from Judah? Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThen Daniel came in before the king. And the king spoke and said to Daniel, Are you the Daniel of the exiles of Judah whom the king my father brought from Judea?
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedThen Daniel came in before the King. The King answered and he said to Daniel, ‘Are you Daniel from the children of the captivity of Judea whom my Father the King brought from Judea? OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Then was Daniel brought in before the king. The king spoke and said unto Daniel: 'Art thou Daniel, who is of the children of the captivity of Judah, whom the king my father brought out of Judah?
Brenton Septuagint TranslationThen Daniel was brought in before the king: and the king said to Daniel, Art thou Daniel, of the children of the captivity of Judea, which the king my father brought?
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Daniel Interprets the Handwriting13SoDanielwas broughtbeforethe king,whoaskedhim,“Are youDaniel,oneofthe exilesmy fatherthe kingbroughtfromJudah?14I have heard that the spirit of the gods is in you, and that you have insight, intelligence, and extraordinary wisdom.…
Cross References Daniel 2:25Arioch hastily brought Daniel before the king and said to him, “I have found a man among the exiles from Judah who will tell the king the interpretation.”
Daniel 1:6-7Among these young men were some from Judah: Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. / The chief official gave them new names: To Daniel he gave the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abednego.
Daniel 6:3Soon, by his extraordinary spirit, Daniel distinguished himself among the administrators and satraps. So the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom.
Daniel 2:48Then the king promoted Daniel and gave him many generous gifts. He made him ruler over the entire province of Babylon and chief administrator over all the wise men of Babylon.
Daniel 1:17To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding in every kind of literature and wisdom. And Daniel had insight into all kinds of visions and dreams.
Daniel 9:23At the beginning of your petitions, an answer went out, and I have come to tell you, for you are highly precious. So consider the message and understand the vision:
Daniel 10:11He said to me, “Daniel, you are a man who is highly precious. Consider carefully the words that I am about to say to you. Stand up, for I have now been sent to you.” And when he had said this to me, I stood up trembling.
Daniel 1:19-20And the king spoke with them, and among all the young men he found no one equal to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. So they entered the king’s service. / In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king consulted them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his entire kingdom.
Daniel 2:26-28The king responded to Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, “Are you able to tell me what I saw in the dream, as well as its interpretation?” / Daniel answered the king, “No wise man, enchanter, medium, or magician can explain to the king the mystery of which he inquires. / But there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries, and He has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in the latter days. Your dream and the visions that came into your mind as you lay on your bed were these:
Daniel 4:8-9But at last, into my presence came Daniel (whose name is Belteshazzar after the name of my god, and in whom is the spirit of the holy gods). And I told him the dream: / “O Belteshazzar, chief of the magicians, I know that the spirit of the holy gods is in you and that no mystery baffles you. So explain to me the visions I saw in my dream, and their interpretation.
Daniel 2:47The king said to Daniel, “Your God is truly the God of gods and Lord of kings, the Revealer of Mysteries, since you were able to reveal this mystery.”
Daniel 6:28So Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus the Persian.
Daniel 1:3-4Then the king ordered Ashpenaz, the chief of his court officials, to bring in some Israelites from the royal family and the nobility— / young men without blemish, handsome, gifted in all wisdom, knowledgeable, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the king’s palace—and to teach them the language and literature of the Chaldeans.
Daniel 2:19During the night, the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision, and he blessed the God of heaven
Daniel 4:18This is the dream that I, King Nebuchadnezzar, saw. Now, Belteshazzar, tell me the interpretation, because none of the wise men of my kingdom can interpret it for me. But you are able, because the spirit of the holy gods is in you.”
Treasury of Scripture Then was Daniel brought in before the king. And the king spoke and said to Daniel, Are you that Daniel, which are of the children of the captivity of Judah, whom the king my father brought out of Jewry? Art thou. Daniel 8:27 And I Daniel fainted, and was sickcertain days; afterward I rose up, and did the king's business; and I was astonished at the vision, but none understoodit. Daniel 8:11 Yea, he magnifiedhimself even to the prince of the host, and by him the dailysacrifice was taken away, and the place of his sanctuary was cast down. Daniel 1:21 And Daniel continuedeven unto the first year of king Cyrus. Daniel 2:48 Then the king made Daniel a great man, and gave him many great gifts, and made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon, and chief of the governors over all the wisemen of Babylon. the children. Daniel 2:25 Then Arioch brought in Daniel before the king in haste, and said thus unto him, I have found a man of the captives of Judah, that will make known unto the king the interpretation. Daniel 6:13 Then answered they and said before the king, That Daniel, whichis of the children of the captivity of Judah, regardeth not thee, O king, nor the decree that thou hast signed, but maketh his petition three times a day. Ezra 4:1 Now when the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that the children of the captivity builded the temple unto the LORD God of Israel; father. Daniel 5:1,11,18 Belshazzar the king made a great feast to a thousand of his lords, and drank wine before the thousand… Jewry. John 7:1,3 After these things Jesus walked in Galilee: for he would not walk in Jewry, because the Jews sought to kill him… Judea. Jump to Previous CaptivityCausedChildrenDanielExilesJewryJudahJudeaPrisonersRemovedJump to Next CaptivityCausedChildrenDanielExilesJewryJudahJudeaPrisonersRemovedDaniel 5 1.Belshazzar's impious feast.5.A hand-writing unknown to the magicians, troubles the king.10.At the commendation of the queen Daniel is brought.17.He, reproving the king of pride and idolatry,25.reads and interprets the writing.30.The monarchy is translated to the MedesSo Daniel was brought before the kingDaniel, a Jewish exile, is summoned to appear before King Belshazzar during a time of crisis. This event occurs in the Babylonian Empire, which had conquered Judah and taken many of its people captive. Daniel's reputation as a wise man and interpreter of dreams precedes him, as he had previously served under King Nebuchadnezzar. The summoning of Daniel highlights the desperation of the king, who seeks understanding of the mysterious writing on the wall. This moment underscores the theme of God's sovereignty and the elevation of His faithful servants in foreign lands. who asked him,
The king's inquiry indicates a recognition of Daniel's unique abilities. In the ancient Near Eastern context, kings often relied on wise men and magicians for counsel, especially in matters of divine or supernatural significance. The king's direct questioning of Daniel shows a level of respect and urgency, as he seeks answers that his own advisors could not provide. “Are you Daniel,
The king's question acknowledges Daniel's identity and past service. Daniel's name, meaning "God is my judge," is significant in the narrative, as it reflects his role as a conduit of divine judgment and revelation. This moment also serves to remind the reader of Daniel's consistent faithfulness to God despite his circumstances. one of the exiles my father the king brought from Judah?
This phrase situates Daniel within the historical context of the Babylonian exile, a pivotal event in Jewish history. The reference to "my father the king" likely refers to Nebuchadnezzar, although Belshazzar was actually the son of Nabonidus. This reflects the common ancient practice of referring to predecessors as "fathers" in a dynastic sense. The mention of Judah emphasizes the fulfillment of prophetic warnings given by prophets like Jeremiah about the consequences of Israel's disobedience. Daniel's status as an exile also prefigures the ultimate redemption and restoration of God's people, a theme that resonates throughout the biblical narrative. Persons / Places / Events 1. DanielA Jewish exile in Babylon, known for his wisdom and ability to interpret dreams and visions. He is brought before King Belshazzar to interpret the mysterious writing on the wall. 2. BelshazzarThe king of Babylon at the time, who is hosting a great feast and using the sacred vessels from the Jerusalem temple, showing disrespect to God. 3. BabylonThe city and empire where the events take place, known for its wealth, power, and idolatry. 4. The Writing on the WallA mysterious message written by a divine hand during Belshazzar's feast, which Daniel is called to interpret. 5. The QueenLikely the queen mother, who remembers Daniel's past service and recommends him to Belshazzar for interpreting the writing. Teaching Points God's SovereigntyDaniel 5:13 reminds us of God's control over history and His ability to raise up and bring down leaders according to His purposes. Faithfulness in ExileDaniel's consistent faithfulness, even in a foreign land, serves as a model for believers living in a secular world. The Consequences of PrideBelshazzar's arrogance and disrespect for God lead to his downfall, illustrating the biblical principle that pride precedes destruction. The Role of Godly WisdomDaniel's wisdom, rooted in his relationship with God, is a powerful tool for navigating complex situations and providing guidance. The Importance of ReputationDaniel's reputation as a man of integrity and wisdom opens doors for him to influence even pagan kings, showing the impact of a godly character. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Daniel 5:13?
2.How does Daniel 5:13 demonstrate God's sovereignty in Daniel's life and calling?
3.What can we learn from Daniel's reputation as a man of wisdom and insight?
4.How does Daniel 5:13 connect to Daniel's earlier experiences in Babylon?
5.How can we apply Daniel's faithfulness to our own lives today?
6.What does Daniel 5:13 teach about God's timing in revealing His plans?
7.Why was Daniel summoned before King Belshazzar in Daniel 5:13?
8.How does Daniel 5:13 reflect God's sovereignty over earthly kingdoms?
9.What historical evidence supports the events described in Daniel 5:13?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Daniel 5?
11.What are the main themes in the Book of Daniel?
12.Why is Daniel unknown to Belshazzar (Daniel 5:7–13) despite his prominent role under Nebuchadnezzar described in earlier chapters?
13.Jeremiah 24:5 - If God favored those taken into exile, where is the clear evidence that they flourished in Babylon and returned as promised?
14.Does 2 Kings 24:13 match external evidence about the treasures taken from the temple and palace, and have any such artifacts been found?What Does Daniel 5:13 Mean So Daniel was brought before the king• After the mysterious handwriting terrifies Belshazzar (Daniel 5:5–9), Daniel is urgently summoned. Just as earlier in Nebuchadnezzar’s reign (Daniel 2:25), God’s servant is positioned before earthly power at precisely the right moment (Proverbs 21:1). • The text underscores God’s sovereignty: even in exile, Daniel’s steps are ordered (Psalm 37:23), echoing how Joseph stood before Pharaoh (Genesis 41:14-16). • Daniel comes willingly; his obedience models1 Peter 3:15—ready to give an answer when called.
who asked him• The king moves straight to interrogation—evidence of his desperation after his wise men failed (Daniel 5:8). • Dialogue is a hallmark of biblical revelation: God often uses questions to uncover truth (Isaiah 1:18;Matthew 16:13). Here Belshazzar’s question sets the stage for Daniel to proclaim God’s verdict. • The contrast is vivid: a trembling monarch versus a calm prophet who knows “the people who know their God will display strength” (Daniel 11:32b).
"Are you Daniel"• Belshazzar verifies identity, highlighting Daniel’s enduring reputation despite decades out of royal spotlight (cf.Daniel 4:8). • Name matters: “Daniel” means “God is my Judge,” a hint that judgment is about to fall on Babylon (Daniel 5:24-28). • Like believers today (Philippians 2:15), Daniel’s consistent witness makes him recognizable even in a hostile culture.
"one of the exiles my father the king brought from Judah?"• Belshazzar stresses Daniel’s outsider status, perhaps to remind him of perceived inferiority (2 Kings 24:14-16). Yet this “exile” now holds the divine answer the empire lacks—a reversal reminiscent ofEsther 4:14. • “My father” (likely “ancestor,” referring to Nebuchadnezzar) recalls past conquests, but also past revelations Nebuchadnezzar received (Daniel 4:37). The king has historical evidence of God’s work yet has ignored it (Psalm 78:10-11). • Daniel’s exile fulfills prophetic warning (Jeremiah 25:11) while showing God’s faithfulness: even in judgment He preserves a remnant to testify (Isaiah 10:20-21).
summaryDaniel 5:13 presents a dramatic courtroom scene: the faithful prophet, once carried away as a captive, now stands before a trembling king who desperately needs the wisdom of God. Every phrase reminds us that: • God directs events so His servants speak at critical moments. • Earthly power must bow to divine revelation. • A believer’s consistent testimony remains compelling across decades. Ultimately, Daniel’s presence exposes Babylon’s pride and prepares the way for God’s written verdict on the wall—proof that the Most High rules over the kingdoms of men, then and now. (13) And the king spake.--The words of the queen-mother, especially her mention of the circumstance that Daniel's name had been changed to Beltehazzar, at once recalls the whole of the circumstances to the king's mind. That Belshazzar knew him by reputation is plain from the description given of him at the end of the verse: "which art of the children of the captivity of Judah." Art thou that Daniel?--He calls him by his Hebrew name, so as to avoid one which sounded so much like his own. Daniel was now nearly ninety years of age. Verses 13-16. - Then was Daniel brought in before the king. And the king spake and said unto Daniel, Art thou that Daniel, which art of the children of the captivity of Judah, whom the king my father brought out of Jewry? I have even heard of thee, that the spirit of the gods is in thee, and that light and understanding and excellent wisdom is found in thee. And now the wise men, the astrologers, have been brought in before me, that they should read this writing, and make known unto me the interpretation thereof: but they could not show the interpretation of the thing; 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. There is a great deal of rhetoric in this, and the attempt to restore the stately etiquette of the Babylonian court. The king is represented as repeating very much what his mother had told him. It is to be observed that, although the queen-mother - as the Massoretic text records her words - has not spoken a word of Daniel's origin, and implies that Belshazzar knew noticing of him, yet when he comes, Belshazzar addresses him as knowing who and whence he is. The suspicion that is engendered by the mere reading of the text as we have it is confirmed by a study of the Septuagint text, where these four verses shrink into very modest dimensions, "Then Daniel was brought to the king, and the king answered and said, O Daniel, art thou able to show me the interpretation of the writing? and I will clothe thee with purple, and put a gold chain about thy neck, and thou shalt have authority over a third part of my kingdom." The brevity of this, the utter want of rhetoric, not to speak of its dramatic verisimilitude to the speech of a man beside himself with terror, make it the more probable text. Condensation was rarely the work of a falsarius; he might omit statements that were antagonistic to some preconceived notion, or, if only a leaf or so remained of a parchment otherwise filled up, he might endeavour to utilize the space left him by putting down as much as he could of some work he valued. Then, in such a case, a copyist might really condense. But neither of these causes can explain the omission of the rhetorical passages here. We are compelled, then, to regard the text behind the Septuagint in this place as the true Daniel. Theodotion, while on the whole agreeing with the text of the Massoretes, is briefer in some respects. There is one addition, the insertion of "magicians" between "wise men and "astrologers. This shows the process of the evolution of the Massoretic text. The Peshitta, though but little, if at all, later than Theodotion, is in yet closer agreement with the text of the Massoretes. Yet the Massoretic text shows certain peculiarities. The presence of נ, in the second personal pronoun, which was disappearing from Targumic, but is regularly found in Daniel, is to be observed. Further, there is אב with the suffix of the first person, which is not Targumic, but is found in the Sindschirli inscription. In the Targums it is אבא, not אבי, as in Genesis 9:34, Onkelos. Eastern Aramaic retained it, as may be seen in the Peshitta Version of the passage before us, and of that to which we have referred. This is another of the many slight indications which all point to the Eastern origin of the Book or' Daniel. It may be observed that we have not here תַּלְתִּי ( tal'ti), but תַּלְתָּא ( tal'ta). This is regarded by Behrmann as status empbaticus. The king in his terror makes appeal to one who, perhaps, had been dismissed the court on suspicion of being opposed to the new dynasty. That dynasty had displaced and murdered Evil-Merodach, the son of Daniel's old master, and one who had shown himself specially favourable to the Jews. As the text of the Septuagint gives the narrative, we have the king eager to have his terrors laid, and, to lead this opponent, whom his father, if not also Neriglissatr, had displaced, and put in opposition to his rule, to look favourably on him, he mentions the reward he offers.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew Soבֵּאדַ֙יִן֙(bê·ḏa·yin)Preposition-b | Adverb
Strong's 116:Then, thereuponDanielדָּֽנִיֵּ֔אל(dā·nî·yêl)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1841:Daniel -- 'God is my judge', an Israelite leader in Babylonwas broughtהֻעַ֖ל(hu·‘al)Verb - Hofal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5954:To enter, to introducebeforeקֳדָ֣ם(qo·ḏām)Preposition
Strong's 6925:Beforethe king,מַלְכָּ֑א(mal·kā)Noun - masculine singular determinate
Strong's 4430:A king[who]מַלְכָּ֜א(mal·kā)Noun - masculine singular determinate
Strong's 4430:A kingaskedוְאָמַ֣ר(wə·’ā·mar)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 560:To say, tell, commandhim,לְדָנִיֵּ֗אל(lə·ḏā·nî·yêl)Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1841:Daniel -- 'God is my judge', an Israelite leader in Babylon“Are youאַנְתְּ־(’ant-)Pronoun - second person masculine singular
Strong's 607:YouDaniel,דָנִיֵּאל֙(ḏā·nî·yêl)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1841:Daniel -- 'God is my judge', an Israelite leader in Babylononeדִּֽי־(dî-)Pronoun - relative
Strong's 1768:Who, which, that, becauseofמִן־(min-)Preposition
Strong's 4481:From, out of, by, by reason of, at, more thanthe exilesבְּנֵ֤י(bə·nê)Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1123:A sonmy fatherאַ֖בִי(’a·ḇî)Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 2:Fatherthe kingמַלְכָּ֥א(mal·kā)Noun - masculine singular determinate
Strong's 4430:A kingbroughtהַיְתִ֛י(hay·ṯî)Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 858:To arrivefromמִן־(min-)Preposition
Strong's 4481:From, out of, by, by reason of, at, more thanJudah?יְהֽוּד׃(yə·hūḏ)Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3061:Judah -- the southern kingdom, named for one of the twelve tribes
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OT Prophets: Daniel 5:13 Then was Daniel brought in before (Dan. Da Dn) |
