Bible Strands
Daniel 5:29
Then Belshazzar gave the command, and they clothed Daniel in purple, placed a gold chain around his neck, and proclaimed him the third highest ruler in the kingdom.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Belshazzar issues a royal decree immediately after Daniel interprets the writing on the wall. Court officials execute the command to honor Daniel with royal regalia and a provisional rank.
The words — אַרְגְּוָנָ֔/א ('ar.ge.va.Na/') denotes purple dye, and הַֽמְנִיכָ֥/א (ha.mon.kha/') refers to a gold chain or necklace. These terms specify the material regalia of royal favor.
The thread — The king’s offer of honor echoes his earlier summons to the wise men in Daniel 5:7 and Daniel 5:16. The narrative juxtaposes this earthly promotion with the immediate fulfillment of the judgment in Daniel 5:30.
Why it lands — The text records a factual sequence of royal reward followed by sudden execution. It requires the reader to observe the contrast between temporary human honor and the certainty of divine verdict.
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
Then 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.
Cross-references
- Daniel 5:7 The king called out for the enchanters, astrologers, and diviners to be brought in, and he said to these wise men of Babylon, “Whoever reads this inscription and tells me its interpretation will be clothed in purple and have a gold chain placed around his neck, and he will be made the third highest ruler in the kingdom.”
- Daniel 5:16 But I have heard about you, that you are able to give interpretations and solve difficult problems. Therefore, if you can read this inscription and give me its interpretation, you will be clothed in purple and have a gold chain placed around your neck, and you will be made the third highest ruler in the kingdom.”