Daniel 2:20
Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his:
Original Language Analysis
עָנֵ֤ה
answered
H6032
עָנֵ֤ה
answered
Strong's:
H6032
Word #:
1 of 18
properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,
לֶהֱוֵ֨א
be
H1934
לֶהֱוֵ֨א
be
Strong's:
H1934
Word #:
4 of 18
to exist; used in a great variety of applications (especially in connection with other words)
שְׁמֵ֤הּ
the name
H8036
שְׁמֵ֤הּ
the name
Strong's:
H8036
Word #:
5 of 18
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
דִּֽי
H1768
דִּֽי
Strong's:
H1768
Word #:
6 of 18
that, used as relative conjunction, and especially (with a preposition) in adverbial phrases; also as preposition of
מִן
for
H4481
מִן
for
Strong's:
H4481
Word #:
9 of 18
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of
עָלְמָ֑א
ever
H5957
עָלְמָ֑א
ever
Strong's:
H5957
Word #:
10 of 18
remote time, i.e., the future or past indefinitely; often adverb, forever
עָלְמָ֑א
ever
H5957
עָלְמָ֑א
ever
Strong's:
H5957
Word #:
12 of 18
remote time, i.e., the future or past indefinitely; often adverb, forever
דִּ֧י
H1768
דִּ֧י
Strong's:
H1768
Word #:
13 of 18
that, used as relative conjunction, and especially (with a preposition) in adverbial phrases; also as preposition of
Cross References
Psalms 113:2Blessed be the name of the LORD from this time forth and for evermore.Revelation 5:12Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.Psalms 147:5Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite.Job 12:13With him is wisdom and strength, he hath counsel and understanding.Jeremiah 32:19Great in counsel, and mighty in work: for thine eyes are open upon all the ways of the sons of men: to give every one according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings:Jude 1:24Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,Psalms 115:18But we will bless the LORD from this time forth and for evermore. Praise the LORD.Proverbs 8:14Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength.1 Kings 8:56Blessed be the LORD, that hath given rest unto his people Israel, according to all that he promised: there hath not failed one word of all his good promise, which he promised by the hand of Moses his servant.
Historical Context
Jewish doxological prayers typically blessed God's name, acknowledging His attributes and deeds. This form appears throughout Scripture (cf. Psalm 41:13; 106:48; 1 Chronicles 29:10-13). The dual attribution of wisdom and might reflects ancient Near Eastern royal ideology—kings claimed wisdom to govern and might to conquer. Daniel ascribes these supremely to God, implicitly subordinating all earthly kings including Nebuchadnezzar.
Questions for Reflection
- How does focusing worship on God's eternal character rather than His temporal blessings demonstrate mature faith?
- What does combining wisdom and might in God's character teach about His perfect knowledge and sovereign power working together?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Daniel's doxology 'Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever' begins his worship response to answered prayer. The phrase 'for ever and ever' (Hebrew: min olam v'ad olam, from eternity to eternity) proclaims God's eternal nature. Attributing 'wisdom and might' to God emphasizes His comprehensive sovereignty—He knows all things (wisdom) and controls all things (might). This combination means God both understands and accomplishes His purposes without limitation. Daniel's worship focuses entirely on God's character rather than the personal benefit of receiving revelation.