Daniel 2:3
And the king said unto them, I have dreamed a dream, and my spirit was troubled to know the dream.
Original Language Analysis
חָלָ֑מְתִּי
unto them I have dreamed
H2492
חָלָ֑מְתִּי
unto them I have dreamed
Strong's:
H2492
Word #:
5 of 10
properly, to bind firmly, i.e., (through the figurative sense of dumbness) to dream
וַתִּפָּ֣עֶם
was troubled
H6470
וַתִּפָּ֣עֶם
was troubled
Strong's:
H6470
Word #:
6 of 10
to tap, i.e., beat regularly; hence (generally) to impel or agitate
רוּחִ֔י
and my spirit
H7307
רוּחִ֔י
and my spirit
Strong's:
H7307
Word #:
7 of 10
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
לָדַ֖עַת
to know
H3045
לָדַ֖עַת
to know
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
8 of 10
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
Cross References
Genesis 40:8And they said unto him, We have dreamed a dream, and there is no interpreter of it. And Joseph said unto them, Do not interpretations belong to God? tell me them, I pray you.Genesis 41:15And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I have dreamed a dream, and there is none that can interpret it: and I have heard say of thee, that thou canst understand a dream to interpret it.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern kingship ideology held that kings received divine communication through dreams, omens, and visions. A disturbing dream threatened the king's sense of divine favor and political stability. If the gods were warning of danger, failure to interpret and respond could mean military defeat, rebellion, or natural disaster. This explains Nebuchadnezzar's urgency and harsh treatment of counselors who couldn't provide interpretation.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God use inner restlessness and anxiety to prepare hearts for receiving His truth?
- What does the king's troubled spirit teach about the human need for divine wisdom beyond what worldly expertise can provide?
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Analysis & Commentary
The king's statement 'I have dreamed a dream, and my spirit was troubled to know the dream' reveals deep existential anxiety. The Hebrew ruach (spirit/wind) was troubled (pa'am, agitated), showing inner turmoil that wouldn't let him rest. He intuitively recognizes this dream carries profound significance beyond ordinary nighttime visions. God uses this anxiety to create openness to His revelation. The king's uncertainty about the dream's meaning (and possibly its details) prefigures his later confession that only the God of heaven reveals mysteries (v. 47).