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. Berean Literal Bible And I have heard about you, that the spirit of the gods is in you, and light and understanding and excellent wisdom are found in you. King James Bible 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. New King James Version I have heard of you, that the Spirit of God is in you, and that 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. Berean Annotated Bible I have heard that the spirit {ruach} of the gods is in you, and that you have insight, intelligence, and extraordinary wisdom. 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 BibleI 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 VersionAnd 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. Berean Literal Bible And I have heard about you, that the spirit of the gods is in you, and light and understanding and excellent wisdom are 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 BibleI 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 BibleI 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 1917I 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, and that watchfulness and understanding and excellent wisdom have been found in thee. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context Daniel Interprets the Handwriting13So 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.… Cross References I have heard that the spirit of the gods is in you, Daniel 4:9 “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. Genesis 41:38 So Pharaoh asked them, “Can we find anyone like this man, in whom the Spirit of God abides?” and that you have insight, Daniel 1:17 To 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. 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. intelligence, Exodus 31:3 And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability, and knowledge in all kinds of craftsmanship, Daniel 1:20 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. and extraordinary wisdom. 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. 2 Chronicles 9:22-23 So King Solomon surpassed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom. / All the kings of the earth sought an audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom that God had put in his heart. 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. 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 whom is 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; … Jump to Previous Excellent Extraordinary Found Gods Heard Holy Insight Intelligence Light News Outstanding Reason Special Spirit Surpassing Understanding WisdomJump to Next Excellent Extraordinary Found Gods Heard Holy Insight Intelligence Light News Outstanding Reason Special Spirit Surpassing Understanding WisdomDaniel 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 I have heard that the spirit of the gods is in you, Belshazzar spoke from the polytheistic worldview of Babylon, attributing Daniel’s abilities to the gods he worshiped. Though he misunderstood their source, he recognized that Daniel possessed a divine wisdom absent from the court’s magicians and enchanters. Dan 4:9 “O Belteshazzar, chief of the magicians,…”… and that you have insight, Daniel had repeatedly demonstrated the ability to understand matters hidden from others, especially dreams, visions, and divine judgments. His insight enabled him to see beyond outward events to their meaning before God. Dan 1:17 To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding… intelligence, Daniel’s understanding included sound judgment and discernment in both royal affairs and spiritual matters. He had served through changing rulers and administrations without compromising his faithfulness to God. Exo 31:3 And I have filled him with the Spirit of God… and extraordinary wisdom. Daniel’s wisdom was evident where Babylon’s wisest men had failed: he could interpret the writing on the wall and explain its judgment against Belshazzar. The king’s words acknowledge Daniel’s proven reputation, even as they reveal his own failure to humble himself before the God Daniel served. 1Ki 4:29-30 And God gave Solomon wisdom, exceedingly deep insight… Persons / Places / Events 1. BelshazzarThe 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 WisdomDaniel'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? 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 heardוְשִׁמְעֵ֣ת (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 Additonal Resources Daniel 5:14 Blue Letter BibleDaniel 5:14 Bible Gateway Daniel 5:14 Bible.com Daniel 5:14 NIV |
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