Daniel 4:16 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Let his mind be changed from a man’s, and let a beast’s mind be given to him; and let seven periods of time pass over him.

NIV: Let his mind be changed from that of a man and let him be given the mind of an animal, till seven times pass by for him.

NASB: Let his mind change from that of a human And let an animal’s mind be given to him, And let seven periods of time pass over him.

CSB: Let his mind be changed from that of a human, and let him be given the mind of an animal for seven periods of time.

NLT: For seven periods of time, let him have the mind of a wild animal instead of the mind of a human.

KJV: Let his heart be changed from man's, and let a beast's heart be given unto him; and let seven times pass over him.

NKJV: Let his heart be changed from that of a man, Let him be given the heart of a beast, And let seven times pass over him.

The dream which bothered King Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 4:4–5) began by depicting a massive tree (Daniel 4:10–12). An angelic messenger appeared and commanded this tree be cut down to a stump (Daniel 4:13–14). Then, suddenly, this messenger began to speak about a person, rather than a plant (Daniel 4:15). Here, the symbolism is made clearer by indicating that the person in question would be driven insane. This person—the same one symbolized by the formerly impressive tree—would be confined to that state for seven periods of time.

This part of the dream must have been extremely terrifying for Nebuchadnezzar as he presumably suspected the meaning was very personal, and not simply about the kingdom of Babylon. As Daniel will confirm, soon, this predicts that King Nebuchadnezzar will suffer a humiliating period of severe mental illness (Daniel 4:24–25).

Scholars and interpreters differ on the exact meaning of the "seven periods of time." In other prophetic passages, this might imply seven years. For example, in Daniel 7:25, the reference to "a time, times, and half a time" is generally interpreted to mean three-and-a-half years (Revelation 12:6, 14). For Nebuchadnezzar to grow his hair and nails long (Daniel 4:33) would take more than seven days or weeks. Scholars also question whether the ruler of such a kingdom could be incapacitated for seven years without such a thing being noted in other records. A shorter term of insanity, however, might not have been recorded by historians.

In this instance, the meaning may not be tied to the exact duration of the king's suffering. The message is about God humbling an arrogant ruler (Daniel 4:37). The use of seven implies completeness. That there are "periods of time" implies it would be a temporary concern, not a lifelong malady.

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.