Daniel 5:12

ESV because an excellent spirit, knowledge, and understanding to interpret dreams, explain riddles, and solve problems were found in this Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar. Now let Daniel be called, and he will show the interpretation."

NIV He did this because Daniel, whom the king called Belteshazzar, was found to have a keen mind and knowledge and understanding, and also the ability to interpret dreams, explain riddles and solve difficult problems. Call for Daniel, and he will tell you what the writing means."

NASB This was because an extraordinary spirit, knowledge and insight, interpretation of dreams, explanation of riddles, and solving of difficult problems were found in this Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar. Let Daniel now be summoned and he will declare the interpretation.'

CSB did this because Daniel, the one the king named Belteshazzar, was found to have an extraordinary spirit, knowledge and intelligence, and the ability to interpret dreams, explain riddles, and solve problems. Therefore, summon Daniel, and he will give the interpretation."

NLT This man Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar, has exceptional ability and is filled with divine knowledge and understanding. He can interpret dreams, explain riddles, and solve difficult problems. Call for Daniel, and he will tell you what the writing means.'

KJV Forasmuch as an excellent spirit, and knowledge, and understanding, interpreting of dreams, and shewing of hard sentences, and dissolving of doubts, were found in the same Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar: now let Daniel be called, and he will shew the interpretation.

NKJV Inasmuch as an excellent spirit, knowledge, understanding, interpreting dreams, solving riddles, and explaining enigmas were found in this Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar, now let Daniel be called, and he will give the interpretation.”

What does Daniel 5:12 mean?

The somewhat anonymous "queen" continues to describe Daniel. She seeks to calm the horrified Belshazzar (Daniel 5:6–11) who was recently terrified by a supernatural experience (Daniel 5:5). This was prompted by his vulgar, disrespectful party which featured drinking and idolatry (Daniel 5:1–4). The queen reminds Belshazzar that even if his other advisors are stumped, Daniel is surely able to explain the mysterious writing on the wall.

Daniel is praised for his intellect, spirituality, and skill. An excellent spirit indicates a mind that excels. A person who could interpret dreams was considered inspired by the gods. The word for "problems" may be translated "knots" or "joints." The queen's description of Daniel must have impressed Belshazzar, who desperately wanted someone to read and interpret the handwriting on the wall. Daniel had a reputation for being able to untangle difficult riddles. She urged Belshazzar to bring in Daniel, promising that he would interpret the handwriting.

The first name the queen uses is "Daniel," noting that his Babylonian name was given after his capture (Daniel 1:3–7). She then repeats his original name. The name Daniye'l literally means "God is my judge," referring to the One True God of Israel. It's probably no accident that the queen repeats his Hebrew name. Belshazzar's entertainment included desecrating sacred Israelite objects (Exodus 30:22–29; Daniel 1:1–2). Not only is Daniel renowned for spiritual insight, but he also worships the God being disrespected during this party.

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Context Summary
Daniel 5:10–16 records how Belshazzar summoned Daniel to interpret his terrifying experience (Daniel 5:5). The queen suggests consulting with Daniel, as he is known both for rare ability and his status as a captive who worships the God Belshazzar has been insulting (Daniel 5:1–4). Belshazzar admits he has no idea what the text says, or means, but he will do everything in his power to find out.

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Chapter Summary
After Nebuchadnezzar's humiliation, a succeeding ruler, Belshazzar, fails to learn the proper lesson. During a drunken party, he brings out Jewish objects to use in idolatry. The celebration is interrupted by disembodied fingers leaving strange markings on the wall. Daniel is summoned when no one else can read or interpret these. After boldly rebuking Belshazzar's immorality, Daniel explains the event as a prophecy of doom. That same night, Belshazzar dies, and the kingdom eventually comes under a new leader.

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