Daniel 2:22
He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him.
Original Language Analysis
ה֛וּא
H1932
ה֛וּא
Strong's:
H1932
Word #:
1 of 10
he (she or it); self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demonstrative) this or that; occasionally (instead of copula) as or are
וּמְסַתְּרָתָ֑א
and secret things
H5642
וּמְסַתְּרָתָ֑א
and secret things
Strong's:
H5642
Word #:
4 of 10
to conceal; figuratively, to demolish
Cross References
Job 12:22He discovereth deep things out of darkness, and bringeth out to light the shadow of death.1 John 1:5This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.James 1:17Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.Hebrews 4:13Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.Psalms 25:14The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.Jeremiah 23:24Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the LORD. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LORD.Daniel 5:11There 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;Psalms 36:9For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light.1 Timothy 6:16Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.Isaiah 45:7I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things.
Historical Context
Mesopotamian religion emphasized hidden knowledge accessible through proper rituals, omens, and divination. Mystery religions promised initiates access to secret wisdom. Daniel's declaration that God alone reveals mysteries challenged these systems. The light/darkness metaphor was universal—light represented knowledge, truth, and divine presence; darkness signified ignorance, evil, and chaos. God's dwelling with light meant perfect knowledge without obscurity.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's knowledge of 'deep and secret things' provide assurance that nothing in our lives is hidden from His awareness and care?
- What is the difference between God revealing mysteries and human attempts to uncover hidden knowledge through divination or speculation?
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Analysis & Commentary
God 'revealeth the deep and secret things' directly addresses the present crisis—Nebuchadnezzar's dream. The Hebrew 'amiqata (deep things) refers to mysteries hidden from human discovery. 'He knoweth what is in the darkness' means nothing is concealed from Him; divine omniscience penetrates all hiddenness. 'Light dwelleth with him' uses metaphor: as light reveals what darkness hides, God's knowledge illuminates all mysteries. This verse establishes the theological foundation for Daniel's interpretation—only God truly knows the future because He ordains it. Unlike pagan divination claiming to discern fate, biblical prophecy reveals God's sovereign purposes.