Daniel 4:3 - Printer Friendly

ESV: How great are his signs, how mighty his wonders! His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion endures from generation to generation.

NIV: How great are his signs, how mighty his wonders! His kingdom is an eternal kingdom; his dominion endures from generation to generation.

NASB: How great are His signs And how mighty are His miracles! His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, And His dominion is from generation to generation.

CSB: How great are his miracles, and how mighty his wonders! His kingdom is an eternal kingdom, and his dominion is from generation to generation.

NLT: How great are his signs, how powerful his wonders! His kingdom will last forever, his rule through all generations.

KJV: How great are his signs! and how mighty are his wonders! his kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion is from generation to generation.

NKJV: How great are His signs, And how mighty His wonders! His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, And His dominion is from generation to generation.

This declaration of praise is part of Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar's official statement (Daniel 4:1–2) about his humbling experience (Daniel 4:37). Earlier, in the case of the burning fiery furnace, the king observed God's miraculous power (Daniel 3:24–25). Before that, God's power was demonstrated in Daniel's interpretation of a troubling dream (Daniel 2:36). Many Bible interpreters believe Daniel assisted in writing Nebuchadnezzar's proclamation or recorded it on the king's behalf.

In the incident of the first dream, Nebuchadnezzar was presented as the ruler of a massive, powerful kingdom (Daniel 2:37–38), which would eventually be overtaken by other, lesser nations (Daniel 2:39–40). Here, however, the king speaks of God ruling a kingdom without end. This description resembles Psalm 145:13. The realm mentioned here does not seem to be the future messianic kingdom which Jesus will rule on earth. Rather, this verse speaks of God's universal kingdom which includes heaven and earth. As sovereign over the universal kingdom, God rules over the affairs of human beings and nations. Romans 13:1 exhorts: "Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instated by God."

Daniel 4:1–18 introduces another of Nebuchadnezzar's mysterious dreams (Daniel 2:2–3). As before, the king summoned his wise men to interpret the experience. They failed, but Nebuchadnezzar also spoke with Daniel (Daniel 2:46–47). This time the king told his wise men and Daniel what he had dreamed. This sets the stage for Daniel's interpretation and the fulfillment of another prophecy.

Daniel 4 opens with a proclamation in which Babylon's king, Nebuchadnezzar, declares what God has done for him. He recalls yet another frightening dream (Daniel 2:1). He sees a tree cut down to the stump, and a man made like an animal. Once again, only Daniel could interpret the dream's meaning. The news is terrible: the king will be driven insane for "seven periods of time" until he learns humility. A year later, this happens. Also as promised, Nebuchadnezzar humbles himself and regains his senses and his throne. He praises God for this miraculous work.

Daniel chapter 1 depicted Babylon's King Nebuchadnezzar as powerful. Chapter 2 showed his vindictive nature. His extreme vanity was on display in chapter 3. Daniel chapter 4 records his submission, repentance, and return to prominence as the King of Babylon, all under God's humiliating judgment. Chapters 5, 6, and 7 continue to speak about Gentile rulers and related prophecies.

The book of Daniel contains famous Old Testament stories and prophecies. Daniel was taken from the Israelite people and made an advisor for a conquering empire. He demonstrates faithfulness and wisdom during many years serving in this role. Though Daniel does not deliver a public message, Jesus refers to him as a "prophet" (Matthew 24:15). The first portion of the book mostly describes Daniel's interpretations of dreams and other events. The second portion looks ahead to the end times. Daniel is classified in English Bibles as a "major" prophet, meaning the book is relatively long and the content has broad implications. The book of Revelation echoes and expands on many of the same themes.