Bible Strands
Daniel 4:8
But at last, into my presence came Daniel (whose name is Belteshazzar after the name of my god, and in whom is the spirit of the holy gods). And I told him the dream:
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — King Nebuchadnezzar speaks to Daniel after his court magicians and astrologers failed to interpret his dream. He summons Daniel to his presence to request the vision’s explanation.
The words — אָחֳרֵ֡ין ('o.cho.rein) translates literally as "at last," marking the end of a prolonged search. בֵּלְטְשַׁאצַּר֙ (be.le.te.sha.tzar) indicates the Babylonian name assigned to Daniel "after the name of my god," confirming it as a political designation rather than a birth name.
The thread — The assignment of a Babylonian name to Daniel appears in Daniel 1:7. Nebuchadnezzar’s repeated acknowledgment of the "spirit of the holy gods" in Daniel runs through Daniel 4:18 and Daniel 5:14.
Why it lands — The text records a pagan ruler turning to Daniel for divine insight after human wisdom fails. It requires the reader to note how appointed individuals carry recognized spiritual authority within foreign political systems.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
But at the last Daniel came in before me, whose name was Belteshazzar, according to the name of my god, and in whom is the spirit of the holy gods: and before him I told the dream, saying,
Cross-references
- Daniel 1:7 The chief official gave them new names: To Daniel he gave the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abednego.
- Daniel 4:18 This is the dream that I, King Nebuchadnezzar, saw. Now, Belteshazzar, tell me the interpretation, because none of the wise men of my kingdom can interpret it for me. But you are able, because the spirit of the holy gods is in you.”
- Daniel 5:14 I have heard that the spirit of the gods is in you, and that you have insight, intelligence, and extraordinary wisdom.
- Daniel 2:11 What the king requests is so difficult that no one can tell it to him except the gods, whose dwelling is not with mortals.”
- Daniel 4:9 “O Belteshazzar, chief of the magicians, I know that the spirit of the holy gods is in you and that no mystery baffles you. So explain to me the visions I saw in my dream, and their interpretation.
- Daniel 5:11 There is a man in your kingdom who has the spirit of the holy gods in him. In the days of your father he was found to have insight, intelligence, and wisdom like that of the gods. Your father, King Nebuchadnezzar, appointed him chief of the magicians, enchanters, astrologers, and diviners. Your own father, the king,
- Numbers 11:17 And I will come down and speak with you there, and I will take some of the Spirit that is on you and put that Spirit on them. They will help you bear the burden of the people, so that you do not have to bear it by yourself.
- Isaiah 46:1 Bel crouches; Nebo cowers. Their idols weigh down beasts and cattle. The images you carry are burdensome, a load to the weary animal.
- Isaiah 63:11 Then His people remembered the days of old, the days of Moses. Where is He who brought them through the sea with the shepherds of His flock? Where is the One who set His Holy Spirit among them,
- Jeremiah 50:2 “Announce and declare to the nations; lift up a banner and proclaim it; hold nothing back when you say, ‘Babylon is captured; Bel is put to shame; Marduk is shattered, her images are disgraced, her idols are broken in pieces.’