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◄ Daniel 5:14►

New International Version
I have heard that the spirit of the gods is in you and that you have insight, intelligence and outstanding wisdom.

New Living Translation
I have heard that you have the spirit of the gods within you and that you are filled with insight, understanding, and wisdom.

English Standard Version
I have heard of you that the spirit of the gods is in you, and that light and understanding and excellent wisdom are found in you.

Berean Standard Bible
I have heard that the spirit of the gods is in you, and that you have insight, intelligence, and extraordinary wisdom.

King James Bible
I have even heard of thee, that the spirit of the godsis in thee, andthat light and understanding and excellent wisdom is found in thee.

New King James Version
I have heard of you, that the Spirit of Godis in you, andthat light and understanding and excellent wisdom are found in you.

New American Standard Bible
Now I have heard about you that a spirit of the gods is in you, and that illumination, insight, and extraordinary wisdom have been found in you.

NASB 1995
“Now I have heard about you that a spirit of the gods is in you, and that illumination, insight and extraordinary wisdom have been found in you.

NASB 1977
“Now I have heard about you that a spirit of the gods is in you, and that illumination, insight, and extraordinary wisdom have been found in you.

Legacy Standard Bible
Now I have heard about you that a spirit of the gods is in you, and that illumination, insight, and extraordinary wisdom have been found in you.

Amplified Bible
I have heard of you, that a spirit of the gods is in you, and that illumination, insight, and extraordinary wisdom have been found in you.

Christian Standard Bible
I’ve heard that you have a spirit of the gods in you, and that insight, intelligence, and extraordinary wisdom are found in you.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
I’ve heard that you have the spirit of the gods in you, and that you have insight, intelligence, and extraordinary wisdom.

American Standard Version
I have heard of thee, that the spirit of the gods is in thee, and that light and understanding and excellent wisdom are found in thee.

Contemporary English Version
I was told that the gods have given you special powers and that you are intelligent and very wise.

English Revised Version
I have heard of thee, that the spirit of the gods is in thee, and that light and understanding and excellent wisdom is found in thee.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
I've heard that you have the spirit of the gods and that you have insight, good judgment, and extraordinary wisdom.

Good News Translation
I have heard that the spirit of the holy gods is in you and that you are skillful and have knowledge and wisdom.

International Standard Version
I've heard about you, that a spirit of the gods is in you and that you have insight, discernment, and extraordinary wisdom.

NET Bible
I have heard about you, how there is a spirit of the gods in you, and how you have insight, discernment, and extraordinary wisdom.

New Heart English Bible
I have heard of you, that the spirit of the gods is in you, and that light and understanding and extraordinary wisdom are found in you.

Webster's Bible Translation
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.

Majority Text Translations

Majority Standard Bible
I have heard that the spirit of the gods is in you, and that you have insight, intelligence, and extraordinary wisdom.

World English Bible
I have heard of you, that the spirit of the gods is in you and that light, understanding, and excellent wisdom are found in you.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And I have heard of you, that the spirit of the gods [is] in you, and light, and understanding, and excellent wisdom have been found in you.

Young's Literal Translation
And I have heard of thee, that the spirit of the gods is in thee, and light, and understanding, and excellent wisdom have been found in thee.

Smith's Literal Translation
I heard concerning thee that the spirit of the gods is in thee, and his light and his understanding and excellent wisdom was found in thee.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
I have heard of thee, that thou hast the spirit of the gods, and excellent knowledge, and understanding, and wisdom are found in thee.

Catholic Public Domain Version
I have heard of you, that you have the spirit of the gods, and that greater knowledge, as well as understanding and wisdom, have been found in you.

New American Bible
I have heard that the spirit of the gods is in you, that you have shown brilliant insight and extraordinary wisdom.

New Revised Standard Version
I have heard of you that a spirit of the gods is in you, and that enlightenment, understanding, and excellent wisdom are found in you.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
I have heard of you, that the spirit of the holy gods is in you and that light and understanding and excellent wisdom are found in you.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
I have heard about you that the Spirit of the holy gods is in you, and light and understanding and abundant wisdom is found in you

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
I have heard of thee, that the spirit of the gods is in thee, and that light and understanding and surpassing wisdom is found in thee.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
I have heard concerning thee, that the Spirit of God is in thee, andthat watchfulness and understanding and excellent wisdom have been found in thee.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Daniel Interprets the Handwriting
13So Daniel was brought before the king, who asked him, “Are you Daniel, one of the exiles my father the king brought from Judah?14I have heard that the spirit of the gods is in you,and that you have insight,intelligence,and extraordinary wisdom.15Now the wise men and enchanters were brought before me to read this inscription and interpret it for me, but they could not give its interpretation.…

Berean Standard Bible ·Download

Cross References

Genesis 41:38-39
So Pharaoh asked them, “Can we find anyone like this man, in whom the Spirit of God abides?” / Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one as discerning and wise as you.

1 Kings 3:12
behold, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been another like you, nor will there ever be.

1 Kings 4:29-30
And God gave Solomon wisdom, exceedingly deep insight, and understanding beyond measure, like the sand on the seashore. / Solomon’s wisdom was greater than that of all the men of the East, greater than all the wisdom of Egypt.

Exodus 31:3
And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability, and knowledge in all kinds of craftsmanship,

Numbers 27:18
And the LORD replied to Moses, “Take Joshua son of Nun, a man with the Spirit in him, and lay your hands on him.

Isaiah 11:2
The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him—the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and strength, the Spirit of knowledge and fear of the LORD.

Isaiah 28:26
For his God instructs and teaches him properly.

Ezekiel 28:3
Behold, you are wiser than Daniel; no secret is hidden from you!

Job 32:8
But there is a spirit in a man, the breath of the Almighty, that gives him understanding.

Proverbs 2:6
For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.

Acts 6:3
Therefore, brothers, select from among you seven men confirmed to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will assign this responsibility to them

Acts 6:10
but they could not stand up to his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke.

Acts 10:38
how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, because God was with Him.

1 Corinthians 12:8
To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by the same Spirit,

Ephesians 1:17
that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in your knowledge of Him.

Treasury of Scripture

I have even heard of you, that the spirit of the gods is in you, and that light and understanding and excellent wisdom is found in you.

Daniel 5:11,12
There is a man in thy kingdom, in whomis the spirit of the holy gods; and in the days of thy father light and understanding and wisdom, like the wisdom of the gods, was found in him; whom the king Nebuchadnezzar thy father, the king,I say, thy father, made master of the magicians, astrologers, Chaldeans,and soothsayers; …

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Daniel 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 Medes

Study Bible

Book ◦ Chapter

I have heard that the spirit of the gods is in you
This phrase reflects the pagan perspective of King Belshazzar, who attributes Daniel's abilities to the "spirit of the gods." In the Babylonian context, multiple deities were worshiped, and divine attributes were often ascribed to individuals with exceptional abilities. However, from a biblical standpoint, Daniel's wisdom and insight are attributed to the Spirit of the one true God (Daniel 4:8-9). This misunderstanding by Belshazzar highlights the cultural and religious differences between the Babylonians and the Israelites. The phrase also echoes earlier acknowledgments of Daniel's abilities by Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 4:18), showing a consistent recognition of Daniel's divine gifting throughout his time in Babylon.

and that you have insight
Insight here refers to Daniel's ability to understand and interpret dreams and visions, a gift from God (Daniel 1:17). This ability sets Daniel apart in the Babylonian court, where such skills were highly valued. Insight is a recurring theme in the book of Daniel, as it is essential for interpreting the dreams and visions that reveal God's plans for the future. This gift of insight can be seen as a type of Christ, who possesses perfect understanding and wisdom (Colossians 2:3).

intelligence
Intelligence in this context refers to Daniel's exceptional mental acuity and understanding. This is not merely human intelligence but is enhanced by divine revelation. Daniel's intelligence is demonstrated in his ability to navigate the complex political and cultural environment of the Babylonian and Persian empires. His intelligence is also evident in his ability to interpret the writing on the wall in this chapter, which none of the king's wise men could do (Daniel 5:8). This intelligence is a reflection of the wisdom that comes from God, as seen inProverbs 2:6.

and extraordinary wisdom
Extraordinary wisdom is a hallmark of Daniel's character and is repeatedly emphasized throughout the book. This wisdom is not only practical but also spiritual, allowing Daniel to discern God's will and communicate it effectively to others. The wisdom given to Daniel is reminiscent of the wisdom given to Solomon (1 Kings 3:12), and it foreshadows the perfect wisdom of Christ (1 Corinthians 1:24). Daniel's wisdom is a testament to the power of God working through His faithful servants, and it serves as an example for believers to seek divine wisdom in their own lives (James 1:5).

Persons / Places / Events

1.Belshazzar
The king of Babylon during the time of this event. He is the one speaking in this verse, acknowledging Daniel's reputation.

2.Daniel
A Jewish exile in Babylon known for his wisdom and ability to interpret dreams and signs. He is recognized by Belshazzar for having "the spirit of the gods."

3.Babylon
The setting of this event, a powerful empire known for its wealth and influence, but also for its idolatry and pride.

4.The Writing on the Wall
The mysterious event that prompted Belshazzar to seek Daniel's interpretation, as none of his wise men could explain it.

5.The Spirit of the Gods
A phrase used by Belshazzar to describe Daniel's divine insight, reflecting the pagan understanding of divine influence.

Teaching Points

Divine Wisdom vs. Human Wisdom
Daniel's wisdom is attributed to the "spirit of the gods," indicating a divine source. Believers should seek wisdom from God, who grants insight beyond human understanding.

Reputation and Witness
Daniel's reputation precedes him, even among pagan rulers. Christians are called to live in such a way that their character and wisdom reflect God's presence in their lives.

God's Sovereignty in Exile
Despite being in a foreign land, Daniel's gifts are used by God to influence and witness to powerful leaders. This teaches that God can use us in any circumstance for His purposes.

The Role of Spiritual Gifts
Daniel's abilities are a testament to the spiritual gifts God bestows on His people. Believers should identify and use their gifts for God's glory and the edification of others.

Bible Study Questions and Answers

1.What is the meaning of Daniel 5:14?

2.How does Daniel 5:14 highlight the importance of spiritual discernment in leadership?

3.What can we learn from Daniel's reputation for "insight, intelligence, and wisdom"?

4.How does Daniel's wisdom in Daniel 5:14 connect to James 1:5?

5.In what ways can we seek God's wisdom in our daily decisions?

6.How can Daniel's example inspire us to develop a godly reputation today?

7.What does Daniel 5:14 reveal about the nature of divine wisdom and understanding?

8.How does Daniel 5:14 challenge the belief in human wisdom over divine insight?

9.What historical evidence supports the events described in Daniel 5?

10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Daniel 5?

11.How can we effectively pray for others' needs?

12.What defines spiritual maturity?

13.Why is Daniel unknown to Belshazzar (Daniel 5:7-13) despite his prominent role under Nebuchadnezzar described in earlier chapters?

14.What does the Bible say about praying to angels?

What Does Daniel 5:14 Mean

I have heard

- Belshazzar begins by admitting he only “heard” of Daniel’s reputation, showing he had ignored what earlier kings learned first-hand (Daniel 2:46-47; 4:8-9, 18).

- A good name travels far (Proverbs 22:1). Belshazzar’s words confirm that even when rulers change, the testimony of God’s servant endures (1 Samuel 2:30;Matthew 5:16).

- God often makes sure His faithful are spoken of in high places before pivotal moments (Genesis 41:14;Acts 10:22).

that the spirit of the gods is in you

- The pagan king uses his own vocabulary, yet he unknowingly points to the Holy Spirit empowering Daniel (compareDaniel 4:8;Genesis 41:38).

- Scripture shows the Spirit giving wisdom and boldness for specific tasks (Numbers 11:25;Micah 3:8;Acts 6:3).

- What Belshazzar calls “the spirit of the gods,” Paul later clarifies as the Spirit who “searches all things” (1 Corinthians 2:10-14). The world may mislabel, but the Source is unmistakably divine.

and that you have insight

- “Insight” speaks of discernment—the capacity to see beneath the surface (Daniel 2:22, 28; 5:12).

- God promised Solomon similar discernment (1 Kings 3:12), and Jesus grants it to His disciples through His Spirit (John 16:13).

- Genuine insight directs attention back to God, not self (Psalm 119:99-100).

intelligence

- Daniel’s mind was already noted at the exile’s beginning: “God gave them knowledge and skill in every kind of literature and wisdom” (Daniel 1:17).

- True intelligence is God-given (Exodus 35:31;Proverbs 2:6) and balanced by humility (James 3:13).

- Belshazzar’s court had scholars, but none matched Spirit-filled understanding (Daniel 5:7-8).

and extraordinary wisdom

- “Extraordinary” sets Daniel apart: his wisdom excelled the magi “ten times” (Daniel 1:20).

- Such surpassing wisdom foreshadows Christ, “in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3).

- Job reminds us that the fear of the Lord is wisdom’s foundation (Job 28:28). Daniel’s reverence made his wisdom remarkable.

summary

Belshazzar’s description—though couched in pagan terms—acknowledges the unmistakable work of the living God in Daniel. Reputation (“I have heard”), Spirit empowerment, Spirit-born insight, God-given intelligence, and surpassing wisdom converge to show that when a believer walks faithfully, even unbelievers must concede divine influence.Daniel 5:14 therefore highlights God’s faithfulness to equip His servants and to make His glory known, even in the most resistant courts of human power.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

I have heard
וְשִׁמְעֵ֣ת(wə·šim·‘êṯ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 8086:To hear intelligently

that
דִּ֛י(dî)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 1768:Who, which, that, because

the spirit
ר֥וּחַ(rū·aḥ)
Noun - common singular construct
Strong's 7308:Wind, breath, exhalation, life, anger, unsubstantiality, a region of the sky, spirit

of the gods
אֱלָהִ֖ין(’ĕ·lā·hîn)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 426:God

is in you,
בָּ֑ךְ(bāḵ)
Preposition | second person masculine singular
Strong's Hebrew

and that you have insight,
וְנַהִיר֧וּ(wə·na·hî·rū)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5094:Illumination, wisdom

intelligence,
וְשָׂכְלְתָנ֛וּ(wə·śā·ḵə·lə·ṯā·nū)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 7924:Intelligence

and extraordinary
יַתִּירָ֖ה(yat·tî·rāh)
Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 3493:Preeminent, surpassing

wisdom.
וְחָכְמָ֥ה(wə·ḥā·ḵə·māh)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2452:Wisdom

Links

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OT Prophets: Daniel 5:14 I have heard of you that (Dan. Da Dn)