Bible Strands
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,
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The unnamed queen enters the banquet hall and addresses King Belshazzar directly as his face grows pale from terror. She speaks at the precise moment his thoughts terrify him and his court diviners fail to interpret the handwriting.
The words — אֱלָהִין קַדִּישִׁין ('ela.Hin ka.di.Shin) literally means "holy gods." The text uses this phrase to describe the divine spirit residing in the man the queen recommends for the king's service.
The thread — This description of a royal counselor possessing a spirit of holiness and interpretive wisdom runs parallel to Daniel 4:8, where Nebuchadnezzar acknowledges Daniel's divine spirit. It also echoes the acknowledgment of God's sovereignty over earthly rulers found in Daniel 2:47.
Why it lands — The verse requires the reader to recognize that the ability to interpret mysteries originates from divine source rather than human technique. It demands a practical shift from relying on failed court specialists to seeking the one who possesses true understanding.
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
There 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;
Cross-references
- 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:
- Daniel 2:47 The king said to Daniel, “Your God is truly the God of gods and Lord of kings, the Revealer of Mysteries, since you were able to reveal this mystery.”
- 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.
- Genesis 41:11 One night both the chief baker and I had dreams, and each dream had its own meaning.
- 2 Samuel 14:17 And now your servant says, ‘May the word of my lord the king bring me rest, for my lord the king is able to discern good and evil, just like the angel of God. May the LORD your God be with you.’”
- 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.”
- Acts 12:22 And they began to shout, “This is the voice of a god, not a man!”
- Acts 14:11 When the crowds saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices in the Lycaonian language: “The gods have come down to us in human form!”
- Revelation 3:9 As for those who belong to the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews but are liars instead, I will make them come and bow down at your feet, and they will know that I love you.