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Daniel 4:21
ESV whose leaves were beautiful and its fruit abundant, and in which was food for all, under which beasts of the field found shade, and in whose branches the birds of the heavens lived —
NIV with beautiful leaves and abundant fruit, providing food for all, giving shelter to the wild animals, and having nesting places in its branches for the birds—
NASB and whose foliage was beautiful and its fruit abundant, and in which was food for all, under which the animals of the field lived and in whose branches the birds of the sky settled—
CSB and whose leaves were beautiful and its fruit abundant—and on it was food for all, under it the wild animals lived, and in its branches the birds of the sky lived—
NLT It had fresh green leaves and was loaded with fruit for all to eat. Wild animals lived in its shade, and birds nested in its branches.
KJV Whose leaves were fair, and the fruit thereof much, and in it was meat for all; under which the beasts of the field dwelt, and upon whose branches the fowls of the heaven had their habitation:
NKJV whose leaves were lovely and its fruit abundant, in which was food for all, under which the beasts of the field dwelt, and in whose branches the birds of the heaven had their home—

What does Daniel 4:21 mean?

Daniel is repeating the dream which bothered King Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 4:4–5). This vision included a massive tree with wonderful leaves and valuable fruits (Daniel 4:10–12). As Daniel continues, he will confirm that this tree symbolizes Nebuchadnezzar, himself (Daniel 4:22). The dream as a whole warns that the king will suffer insanity and humiliation (Daniel 4:22–27).

King Nebuchadnezzar was known for his efforts to make Babylon glorious. He rebuilt and beautified the temple of Bel-Marduk. He also beautified the Nebo temple. Further, he devoted time and means to repair and construct sites in Ur, Larsa, Sippar, Erech, and Kutha. He built new streets in Babylon and strengthened the city's walls. Excavations uncovered the Ishtar Gate that was adorned with a series of bulls and dragons in enameled colored brick. Also adorned in enamel brick was Nebuchadnezzar's throne room, which featured geometric designs. His hanging gardens were among the seven wonders of the ancient world.

The tree's beautiful leaves and provision of food for all certainly pictured Nebuchadnezzar. And just as the animals took refuge under the tree and the birds took shelter in the tree, so Nebuchadnezzar's subjects took a measure of security from his rule. However, the dream included the tree being cut down (Daniel 4:13–15).
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