Daniel Chapter 2 · Verse 48
Then the king made Daniel a great man, and gave him many great gifts, and made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon, and chief of the governors over all the wise men of Babylon.
Original Language Analysis
וּמַתְּנָ֨ן
gifts
H4978
וּמַתְּנָ֨ן
gifts
Strong's:
H4978
Word #:
5 of 20
a present; specifically (in a good sense), a sacrificial offering, (in a bad sense) a bribe
שַׂגִּיאָן֙
him many
H7690
שַׂגִּיאָן֙
him many
Strong's:
H7690
Word #:
7 of 20
large (in size, quantity or number, also adverbial)
יְהַב
and gave
H3052
יְהַב
and gave
Strong's:
H3052
Word #:
8 of 20
to give (whether literal or figurative); generally, to put; imperatively (reflexive) come
עַ֖ל
over
H5922
עַ֖ל
over
Strong's:
H5922
Word #:
11 of 20
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כָּל
all
H3606
כָּל
all
Strong's:
H3606
Word #:
12 of 20
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
מְדִינַ֣ת
province
H4083
מְדִינַ֣ת
province
Strong's:
H4083
Word #:
13 of 20
properly, a judgeship, i.e., jurisdiction; by implication, a district (as ruled by a judge); generally, a region
בָבֶֽל׃
men of Babylon
H895
בָבֶֽל׃
men of Babylon
Strong's:
H895
Word #:
14 of 20
babel (i.e., babylon), including babylonia and the babylonian empire
עַ֖ל
over
H5922
עַ֖ל
over
Strong's:
H5922
Word #:
17 of 20
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Cross References
Daniel 2:6But if ye shew the dream, and the interpretation thereof, ye shall receive of me gifts and rewards and great honour: therefore shew me the dream, and the interpretation thereof.Daniel 4:9O Belteshazzar, master of the magicians, because I know that the spirit of the holy gods is in thee, and no secret troubleth thee, tell me the visions of my dream that I have seen, and the interpretation thereof.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;Daniel 5:29Then commanded Belshazzar, and they clothed Daniel with scarlet, and put a chain of gold about his neck, and made a proclamation concerning him, that he should be the third ruler in the kingdom.Daniel 5:16And I have heard of thee, that thou canst make interpretations, and dissolve doubts: now if thou canst read the writing, and make known to me the interpretation thereof, thou shalt be clothed with scarlet, and have a chain of gold about thy neck, and shalt be the third ruler in the kingdom.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern empires rewarded those who solved problems or provided valuable counsel. Daniel's promotion to rule Babylon province and oversee all wise men gave him significant political power. This position would prove crucial in subsequent narratives (fiery furnace, writing on wall, lions' den). Archaeological evidence shows that Nebuchadnezzar restructured his administration throughout his reign, and Daniel's appointment reflects typical ancient practice of incorporating talented foreigners into imperial bureaucracy.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Daniel's elevation demonstrate God's ability to position His servants for influence in hostile environments?
- What does Daniel's promotion over those who sought to destroy him teach about God's vindication of faithful servants?
Analysis & Commentary
Nebuchadnezzar's response demonstrates the interpretation's impact: he 'made Daniel a great man, and gave him many great gifts, and made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon.' The threefold 'great' emphasizes extraordinary elevation. Making Daniel 'chief of the governors over all the wise men of Babylon' places a Hebrew exile over the empire's intellectual elite—a stunning reversal. This fulfills Joseph's pattern of exaltation in Egypt and demonstrates that God can position His servants for influence even in pagan empires. Daniel's promotion serves God's purposes of maintaining a prophetic witness in Babylon.