Daniel Chapter 5 · Verse 22
And thou his son, O Belshazzar, hast not humbled thine heart, though thou knewest all this;
Original Language Analysis
כָל
all
H3606
כָל
all
Strong's:
H3606
Word #:
7 of 12
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
קֳבֵ֕ל
though
H6903
קֳבֵ֕ל
though
Strong's:
H6903
Word #:
8 of 12
(adverbially) in front of; usually (with other particles) on account of, so as, since, hence
דִּ֥י
H1768
דִּ֥י
Strong's:
H1768
Word #:
9 of 12
that, used as relative conjunction, and especially (with a preposition) in adverbial phrases; also as preposition of
Cross References
Exodus 10:3And Moses and Aaron came in unto Pharaoh, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD God of the Hebrews, How long wilt thou refuse to humble thyself before me? let my people go, that they may serve me.2 Chronicles 33:23And humbled not himself before the LORD, as Manasseh his father had humbled himself; but Amon trespassed more and more.2 Chronicles 36:12And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD his God, and humbled not himself before Jeremiah the prophet speaking from the mouth of the LORD.James 4:17Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.James 4:6But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
Historical Context
As Nebuchadnezzar's successor, Belshazzar would have known the previous king's testimony (Daniel 4). Whether 'son' means direct descendant or successor, the relationship meant Belshazzar understood what happened to prideful rulers. Ancient Near Eastern courts preserved royal records and stories. Belshazzar's sacrilegious use of temple vessels (v. 2-4) while knowing God's power over Nebuchadnezzar demonstrates contemptuous defiance. His feast during siege shows either ignorance of danger or reckless fatalism—both stemming from failure to humble himself before God.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Belshazzar's example warn that knowing truth about God's judgment without responding in humility brings greater condemnation?
- What does the accusation 'though thou knewest' teach about the danger of familiarity with spiritual truth producing presumption rather than repentance?
Analysis & Commentary
Daniel confronts Belshazzar: 'And thou his son, O Belshazzar, hast not humbled thine heart, though thou knewest all this.' The accusation isn't ignorance but willful pride despite knowledge. The phrase 'though thou knewest all this' refers to Nebuchadnezzar's humiliation (v. 18-21). Belshazzar had example and warning but chose pride anyway. The verb 'humbled' (Aramaic: shephel) means to abase or bring low. His refusal to humble his heart despite knowing God's judgment on his predecessor constitutes willful rebellion. This principle appears throughout Scripture: greater knowledge brings greater accountability (Luke 12:47-48).