Daniel 4:1
Nebuchadnezzar the king, unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you.
Original Language Analysis
נְבוּכַדְנֶצַּ֣ר
Nebuchadnezzar
H5020
נְבוּכַדְנֶצַּ֣ר
Nebuchadnezzar
Strong's:
H5020
Word #:
1 of 12
nebukadnetstsar (or nebukadretsts(-ar, or)), king of babylon
בְּכָל
in all
H3606
בְּכָל
in all
Strong's:
H3606
Word #:
3 of 12
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
עַֽמְמַיָּ֞א
people
H5972
עַֽמְמַיָּ֞א
people
Strong's:
H5972
Word #:
4 of 12
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
דִּֽי
H1768
דִּֽי
Strong's:
H1768
Word #:
7 of 12
that, used as relative conjunction, and especially (with a preposition) in adverbial phrases; also as preposition of
בְּכָל
in all
H3606
בְּכָל
in all
Strong's:
H3606
Word #:
9 of 12
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Cross References
Daniel 6:25Then king Darius wrote unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you.Daniel 3:4Then an herald cried aloud, To you it is commanded, O people, nations, and languages,Ephesians 1:2Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.1 Chronicles 12:18Then the spirit came upon Amasai, who was chief of the captains, and he said, Thine are we, David, and on thy side, thou son of Jesse: peace, peace be unto thee, and peace be to thine helpers; for thy God helpeth thee. Then David received them, and made them captains of the band.1 Peter 1:2Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.Ezra 4:17Then sent the king an answer unto Rehum the chancellor, and to Shimshai the scribe, and to the rest of their companions that dwell in Samaria, and unto the rest beyond the river, Peace, and at such a time.
Historical Context
Babylonian royal inscriptions typically began with king's name, titles, and greeting to subjects. Nebuchadnezzar's historical inscriptions (found in archaeological discoveries) celebrate military conquests and building projects, attributing success to Marduk. This biblical text subverts that pattern—the king now attributes events to Yahweh and testifies to personal humiliation rather than triumph. The proclamation's form follows ancient conventions while revolutionizing the content with monotheistic theology.
Questions for Reflection
- How does a pagan king's testimony to God's sovereignty carry unique evangelistic power with unbelievers?
- What does Nebuchadnezzar's transformation from pride to humility teach about genuine conversion involving broken self-sufficiency?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Chapter 4 uniquely presents Nebuchadnezzar's first-person testimony: 'Nebuchadnezzar the king, unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth.' This royal proclamation format was common in ancient Near Eastern inscriptions. The universal address ('all people, nations, languages') emphasizes the message's global significance. The greeting 'Peace be multiplied unto you' expresses genuine goodwill from one who experienced God's humbling power. This chapter represents the pagan king's conversion testimony—arrogance brought low, then restoration through acknowledging God's sovereignty.