The King's Humbling

Daniel 4

Nebuchadnezzar recounts a dream of a great tree cut down at the command of a watcher from heaven, which Daniel interprets as a warning that the king will be driven from men to live like a beast until he acknowledges that the Most High rules the kingdoms of men. The warning is fulfilled when Nebuchadnezzar is driven out to eat grass like an ox, and he is restored to his kingdom once he lifts his eyes to heaven and praises the Most High.

About these editions

The Septuagint (LXX) in Greek, with Charles Thomson’s 1808 and Sir Lancelot Brenton’s 1851 English translations, set beside the King James Version and the Jewish Masoretic text (JPS 1917) where they align, so you can compare the Greek and the Hebrew. All public domain; choose which to show with the controls above.

Thomson 1808Septuagint

Brenton 1851Septuagint

Greek · BrentonSeptuagint

KJV 1769Masoretic

JPS 1917Masoretic

ThomsonNABUCHODONOSAR the king, to all the peoples, tribes and languages who dwell in all the earth: Peace be multiplied to you.

BrentonKing Nabuchodonosor to all nations, tribes, and tongues, who dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied to you.

GreekΝαβουχοδονόσορ ὁ βασιλεὺς πᾶσι τοῖς λαοῖς, φυλαῖς, καὶ γλώσσαις, τοῖς οἰκοῦσιν ἐν πάσῃ τῇ γῇ, ἐρήνη ὑμῖν πληθυνθείη.

KJVNebuchadnezzar the king, unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you.

JPS‘Nebuchadnezzar the king, unto all peoples, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; peace be multiplied unto you.

ThomsonIt hath seemed good in my sight to declare to you the signs and the wonders which the God Who is Most High hath performed with me.

BrentonIt seemed good to me to declare to you the signs and wonders which the most high God has wrought with me,

GreekΤὰ σημεῖα καὶ τὰ τέρατα ἃ ἐποίησε μετʼ ἐμοῦ ὁ Θεὸς ὁ ὕψιστος,

KJVI thought it good to shew the signs and wonders that the high God hath wrought toward me.

JPSIt hath seemed good unto me to declare the signs and wonders that God Most High hath wrought toward me.

ThomsonHow great and mighty is His kingdom. His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom; and His dominion is to endless ages.

Brentonhow great and mighty they are: his kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his power to all generations.

Greekἤρεσεν ἐναντίον ἐμοῦ ἀναγγεῖλαι ὑμῖν, ὡς μεγάλα καὶ ἰσχυρὰ, ἡ βασιλεία αὐτοῦ βασιλεία αἰώνιος, καὶ ἡ ἐξουσία αὐτοῦ εἰς γενεὰν καὶ γενεάν.

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

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

Thomson—

BrentonI Nabuchodonosor was thriving in my house, and prospering.

GreekἘγὼ Ναβουχοδονόσορ εὐθηνῶν ἤμην ἐν τῷ οἴκῳ μου, καὶ εὐθαλῶν.

KJV—

JPS—

ThomsonI had a dream which terrified me and I was troubled on my bed, and the visions of my head disquieted me.

BrentonI saw a vision, and it terrified me, and I was troubled on my bed, and the visions of my head troubled me.

GreekἘνύπνιον ἴδον, καὶ ἐφοβέρισέ με, καὶ ἐταράχθην ἐπὶ τῆς κοίτης μου, καὶ αἱ ὁράσεις τῆς κεφαλῆς μου ἐτάραξάν με.

KJVI saw a dream which made me afraid, and the thoughts upon my bed and the visions of my head troubled me.

JPSI saw a dream which made me afraid; and imaginings upon my bed and the visions of my head affrighted me.

ThomsonTherefore I issued a decree to bring before me all the wise men of Babylon, that they might explain to me the meaning of this dream.

BrentonAnd I made a decree to bring in before me all the wise men of Babylon, that they might make known to me the interpretation of the dream.

GreekΚαὶ διʼ ἐμοῦ ἐτέθη δόγμα τοῦ εἰσαγαγεῖν ἐνώπιόν μου πάντας τοὺς σοφοὺς Βαβυλῶνος, ὅπως τὴν σύγκρισιν τοῦ ἐνυπνίου γνωρίσωσί μοι.

KJVTherefore made I a decree to bring in all the wise men of Babylon before me, that they might make known unto me the interpretation of the dream.

JPSTherefore made I a decree to bring in all the wise men of Babylon before me, that they might make known unto me the interpretation of the dream.

ThomsonAnd when the magicians, the astrologers, the soothsayers, [and] the Chaldeans came in, I told my dream before them; but they did not explain to me the meaning of it until

BrentonSo the enchanters, magicians, soothsayers, and Chaldeans came in: and I told the dream before them; but they did not make known to me the interpretation thereof;

GreekΚαὶ εἰσπορεύοντο οἱ ἐπαοιδοὶ, μάγοι, γαζαρηνοὶ, Χαλδαῖοι· καὶ τὸ ἐνύπνιον ἐγὼ εἶπα ἐνώπιον αὐτῶν· καὶ τὴν σύγκρισιν αὐτοῦ οὐκ ἐγνώρισάν μοι,

KJVThen came in the magicians, the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers: and I told the dream before them; but they did not make known unto me the interpretation thereof.

JPSThen came in the magicians, the enchanters, the Chaldeans, and the astrologers; and I told the dream before them; but they did not make known unto me the interpretation thereof.

ThomsonDaniel came, whose name is Baltasar, after the name of my god, and who hath in him a holy spirit of a god.

Brentonuntil Daniel came, whose name is Baltasar, according to the name of my God, who has within him the Holy Spirit of God; to whom I said,

Greekἕως ἦλθε Δανιὴλ, οὗ τὸ ὄνομα Βαλτάσαρ κατὰ τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ θεοῦ μου, ὃς πνεῦμα Θεοῦ ἅγιον ἐν ἑαυτῷ ἔχει. ᾧ εἶπα,

KJVBut at the last Daniel came in before me, whose name was Belteshazzar, according to the name of my God, and in whom is the spirit of the holy gods: and before him I told the dream, saying,

JPSBut at the last Daniel came in before me, whose name was Belteshazzar, according to the name of my god, and in whom is the spirit of the holy gods; and I told the dream before him:

ThomsonTo him I said, Baltasar, chief of the soothsayers, who, I know, hast a holy spirit of a god in thee, so that no secret can escape thee, hear the vision of the dream which I have seen; and tell me the meaning of it.

BrentonO Baltasar, chief of the enchanters, of whom I know that the Holy Spirit of God is in thee, and no mystery is too hard for thee, hear the vision of my dream which I had, and tell me the interpretation of it.

GreekΒαλτάσαρ ὁ ἄρχων τῶν ἐπαοιδῶν, ὃν ἐγὼ ἔγνων ὅτι πνεῦμα Θεοῦ ἅγιον ἐν σοὶ, καὶ πᾶν μυστήριον οὐκ ἀδυνατεῖ σε, ἄκουσον τὴν ὅρασιν τοῦ ἐνυπνίου μου, οὗ ἴδον, καὶ τὴν σύγκρισιν αὐτοῦ εἰπόν μοι.

KJVO Belteshazzar, master of the magicians, because I know that the spirit of the holy gods is in thee, and no secret troubleth thee, tell me the visions of my dream that I have seen, and the interpretation thereof.

JPSO Belteshazzar, master of the magicians, because I know that the spirit of the holy gods is in thee, and no secret causeth thee trouble, tell me the visions of my dream that I have seen, and the interpretation thereof.

ThomsonI beheld with astonishment on my bed, and lo! a tree in the midst of the earth. Though its height was great,

BrentonI had a vision upon my bed; and behold a tree in the midst of the earth, and its height was great.

GreekἘπὶ τῆς κοίτης μου ἐθεώρουν, καὶ ἰδοὺ δένδρον ἐν μέσῳ τῆς γῆς, καὶ τὸ ὕψος αὐτοῦ πολύ.

KJVThus were the visions of mine head in my bed; I saw, and behold a tree in the midst of the earth, and the height thereof was great.

JPSThus were the visions of my head upon my bed: I saw, And behold a tree in the midst of the earth, And the height thereof was great.

Thomsonthe tree increased in magnitude and strength and its top reached up to heaven; and its bulk to the extent of the whole earth.

BrentonThe tree grew large and strong, and its height reached to the sky, and its extent to the extremity of the whole earth:

GreekἘμεγαλύνθη τὸ δένδρον καὶ ἴσχυσε, καὶ τὸ ὕψος αὐτοῦ ἔφθασεν ἕως τοῦ οὐρανοῦ, καὶ τὸ κῦτος αὐτοῦ εἰς τὸ πέρας ἁπάσης τῆς γῆς,

KJVThe tree grew, and was strong, and the height thereof reached unto heaven, and the sight thereof to the end of all the earth:

JPSThe tree grew, and was strong, And the height thereof reached unto heaven, And the sight thereof to the end of all the earth.

ThomsonIts leaves were beautiful and its fruit abundant. And on it there was food for all: and the wild beasts of the field dwelt beneath it; and the birds of the air lodged among its branches; and from it all flesh was fed.

Brentonits leaves were fair, and its fruit abundant, and in it was meat for all; and under it the wild beasts of the field took shelter, and the birds of the sky lodged in the branches of it, and all flesh was fed of it.

Greekτὰ φύλλα αὐτοῦ ὡραῖα, καὶ ὁ καρπὸς αὐτοῦ πολὺς, καὶ τροφὴ πάντων ἐν αὐτῷ, καὶ ὑποκάτω αὐτοῦ κατεσκήνουν τὰ θηρία τὰ ἄγρια, καὶ ἐν τοῖς κλάδοις αὐτοῦ κατῴκουν τὰ ὄρνεα τοῦ οὐρανοῦ, καὶ ἐξ αὐτοῦ ἐτρέφετο πᾶσα σάρξ.

KJVThe leaves thereof were fair, and the fruit thereof much, and in it was meat for all: the beasts of the field had shadow under it, and the fowls of the heaven dwelt in the boughs thereof, and all flesh was fed of it.

JPSThe leaves thereof were fair, and the fruit thereof much, And in it was food for all; The beasts of the field had shadow under it, And the fowls of the heaven dwelt in the branches thereof, And all flesh was fed of it.

ThomsonI beheld in a vision of the night on my bed; and lo! a [divine] watcher, even a holy one, came down from heaven

BrentonI beheld in the night vision upon my bed, and, behold, a watcher and an holy one came down from heaven, and cried aloud, and thus he said,

GreekἘθεώρουν ἐν ὁράματι τῆς νυκτὸς ἐπὶ τῆς κοίτης μου, καὶ ἰδοὺ εἲρ, καὶ ἅγιος ἀπʼ οὐρανοῦ κατέβη,

KJVI saw in the visions of my head upon my bed, and, behold, a watcher and an holy one came down from heaven;

JPSI saw in the visions of my head upon my bed, and, behold, a watcher and a holy one came down from heaven.

Thomsonand cried with a loud voice, and thus he said: Cut down that tree and lop off its branches and shake off its leaves and scatter its fruit. Let the beasts be driven from underneath it and the birds from its branches.

BrentonCut down the tree, and pluck off its branches, and shake off its leaves, and scatter its fruit: let the wild beasts be removed from under it, and the birds from its branches.

Greekκαὶ ἐφώνησεν ἐν ἰσχύϊ, καὶ οὕτως εἶπεν, ἐκκόψατε τὸ δένδρον, καὶ ἐκτίλατε τοὺς κλάδους αὐτοῦ, καὶ ἐκτινάξατε τὰ φύλλα αὐτοῦ, καὶ διασκορπίσατε τὸν καρπὸν αὐτοῦ· σαλευθήτωσαν τὰ θηρία ὑποκάτωθεν αὐτοῦ, καὶ τὰ ὄρνεα ἀπὸ τῶν κλάδων αὐτοῦ.

KJVHe cried aloud, and said thus, Hew down the tree, and cut off his branches, shake off his leaves, and scatter his fruit: let the beasts get away from under it, and the fowls from his branches:

JPSHe cried aloud, and said thus: Hew down the tree, and cut off its branches, Shake off its leaves, and scatter its fruit; Let the beasts get away from under it, And the fowls from its branches.

ThomsonBut leave the stump of its roots in the earth; and in a band of iron and brass and in the green grass abroad and in the dew of heaven let it abide: and let its portion be with the wild beasts in the grass of the earth.

BrentonOnly leave the stump of its roots in the earth, and bind it with an iron and brass band; and it shall lie in the grass that is without and in the dew of heaven, and its portion shall be with the wild beasts in the grass of the field.

GreekΠλὴν τὴν φυὴν τῶν ῥιζῶν αὐτοῦ ἐν τῇ γῇ ἐάσατε, καὶ ἐν δεσμῷ σιδηρῷ καὶ χαλκῷ, καὶ ἐν τῇ χλόῃ τῇ ἔξω, καὶ ἐν τῇ δρόσῳ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ κοιτασθήσεται, καὶ μετὰ τῶν θηρίων ἡ μερὶς αὐτοῦ ἐν τῷ χόρτῳ τῆς γῆς.

KJVNevertheless leave the stump of his roots in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let his portion be with the beasts in the grass of the earth:

JPSNevertheless leave the stump of its roots in the earth, Even in a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field; And let it be wet with the dew of heaven, And let his portion be with the beasts in the grass of the earth;

ThomsonHis heart shall be changed from men and the heart of a wild beast shall be given him and seven seasons shall revolve over him.

BrentonHis heart shall be changed from that of man, and the heart of a wild beast shall be given to him; and seven times shall pass over him.

GreekἩ καρδία αὐτοῦ ἀπὸ τῶν ἀνθρώπων ἀλλοιωθήσεται, καὶ καρδία θηρίου δοθήσεται αὐτῷ, καὶ ἑπτὰ καιροὶ ἀλλαγήσονται ἐπʼ αὐτόν.

KJVLet his heart be changed from man’s, and let a beast’s heart be given unto him; and let seven times pass over him.

JPSLet his heart be changed from man’s, And let a beast’s heart be given unto him; And let seven times pass over him.

ThomsonThe sentence is by the decree of a watcher; and the decree is a request of holy ones, that the living may know that there is a sovereign Lord of the kingdom of men and that He can give it to whom He will, and set over it that which is disesteemed by men.

BrentonThe matter is by the decree of the watcher, and the demand is a word of the holy ones; that the living may know that the Lord is most high over the kingdom of men, and he will give it to whomsoever he shall please, and will set up over it that which is set at nought of men.

GreekΔιὰ συνκρίματος εἲρ ὁ λόγος, καὶ ῥῆμα ἁγίων τὸ ἐπερώτημα, ἵνα γνῶσιν οἱ ζῶντες, ὅτι Κύριός ἐστιν ὁ ὕψιστος τῆς βασιλείας τῶν ἀνθρώπων, καὶ ᾧ ἐὰν δόξῃ δώσει αὐτὴν, καὶ ἐξουδένωμα ἀνθρώπων ἀναστήσει ἐπʼ αὐτήν.

KJVThis matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men.

JPSThe matter is by the decree of the watchers, And the sentence by the word of the holy ones; To the intent that the living may know That the Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, And giveth it to whomsoever He will, And setteth up over it the lowest of men.

ThomsonThis is the dream, which I Nabuchodonosar the king have seen. Thou, therefore, Baltasar, tell me the meaning; for all the wise men of my kingdom are unable to explain to me the meaning of it: but thou Daniel art able, because there is in thee the holy spirit of a god.

BrentonThis is the vision which I king Nabuchodonosor saw: and do thou, Baltasar, declare the interpretation, for none of the wise men of my kingdom are able to shew me the interpretation of it: but thou, Daniel, art able; for the Holy Spirit of God is in thee.

GreekΤοῦτο τὸ ἐνύπνιον ὃ ἴδον ἐγὼ Ναβουχοδονόσορ ὁ βασιλεὺς, καὶ σύ Βαλτάσαρ τὸ σύγκριμα εἰπὸν, ὅτι πάντες οἱ σοφοὶ τῆς βασιλείας μου οὐ δύνανται τὸ σύγκριμα αὐτοῦ δηλῶσαί μοι· σὺ δὲ Δανιὴλ δύνασαι, ὅτι πνεῦμα Θεοῦ ἅγιον ἐν σοί.

KJVThis dream I king Nebuchadnezzar have seen. Now thou, O Belteshazzar, declare the interpretation thereof, forasmuch as all the wise men of my kingdom are not able to make known unto me the interpretation: but thou art able; for the spirit of the holy gods is in thee.

JPSThis dream I king Nebuchadnezzar have seen; and thou, O Belteshazzar, declare the interpretation, forasmuch as all the wise men of my kingdom are not able to make known unto me the interpretation; but thou art able, for the spirit of the holy gods is in thee.’

ThomsonUpon this Daniel, whose name is Baltasar, was absorbed in astonishment for about an hour and his thoughts agitated him and Baltasar answered and said, Let this dream, my lord, be for them who hate thee, and the interpretation thereof for thine enemies.

BrentonThen Daniel, whose name is Baltasar, was amazed about one hour, and his thoughts troubled him. And Baltasar answered and said, My lord, let the dream be to them that hate thee, and the interpretation of it to thine enemies.

GreekΤότε Δανιὴλ, οὗ τὸ ὄνομα Βαλτάσαρ, ἀπηνεώθη ὡσεὶ ὥραν μίαν, καὶ οἱ διαλογισμοὶ αὐτοῦ συνετάρασσον αὐτόν· καὶ ἀπεκρίθη Βαλτάσαρ, καὶ εἶπε, κύριε, τὸ ἐνύπνιον ἔστω τοῖς μισοῦσί σε, καὶ ἡ σύγκρισις αὐτοῦ τοῖς ἐχθροῖς σου.

KJVThen Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was astonied for one hour, and his thoughts troubled him. The king spake, and said, Belteshazzar, let not the dream, or the interpretation thereof, trouble thee. Belteshazzar answered and said, My lord, the dream be to them that hate thee, and the interpretation thereof to thine enemies.

JPSThen Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was appalled for a while, and his thoughts affrighted him. The king spoke and said: ‘Belteshazzar, let not the dream, or the interpretation, affright thee.’ Belteshazzar answered and said: ‘My lord, the dream be to them that hate thee, and the interpretation thereof to thine adversaries.

ThomsonThe tree which thou sawest, which was increased in magnitude and strength, the top of which reached up to heaven and its bulk to the extent of the whole earth,

BrentonThe tree which thou sawest, that grew large and strong, whose height reached to the sky and its extent to all the earth;

GreekΤὸ δένδρον ὃ εἶδες τὸ μεγαλυνθὲν καὶ τὸ ἰσχυκὸς, οὗ τὸ ὓψος ἔφθανεν εἰς τὸν οὐρανὸν, καὶ τὸ κῦτος αὐτοῦ εἰς πᾶσαν τὴν γῆν,

KJVThe tree that thou sawest, which grew, and was strong, whose height reached unto the heaven, and the sight thereof to all the earth;

JPSThe tree that thou sawest, which grew, and was strong, whose height reached unto the heaven, and the sight thereof to all the earth;

Thomsonthe leaves of which were beautiful and its fruit abundant, and on which there was food for all; beneath which the beasts of the field dwelt, and on the branches of which the birds of the air roosted:

Brentonand whose leaves were flourishing, and its fruit abundant, (and it was meat for all; under it the wild beasts lodged, and the birds of the sky took shelter in its branches:)

Greekκαὶ τὰ φύλλα αὐτοῦ εὐθαλῆ, καὶ ὁ καρπὸς αὐτοῦ πολύς, καὶ τροφὴ πᾶσιν ἐν αὐτῷ, ὑποκάτω αὐτοῦ κατῴκουν τὰ θηρία τὰ ἄγρια, καὶ ἐν τοῖς κλάδοις αὐτοῦ κατεσκήνουν τὰ ὄρνεα τοῦ οὐρανοῦ,

KJVWhose 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:

JPSwhose leaves were fair, and the fruit thereof much, and in it was food for all; under which the beasts of the field dwelt, and upon whose branches the fowls of the heaven had their habitation;

Thomsonthou, O king, art it.

Brentonis thyself, O king; for thou art grown great and powerful, and thy greatness has increased and reached to heaven, and thy dominion to the ends of the earth.

Greekσὺ εἶ, βασιλεῦ, ὅτι ἐμεγαλύνθης καὶ ἴσχυσας, καὶ ἡ μεγαλωσύνη σου ἐμεγαλύνθη, καὶ ἔφθασεν εἰς τὸν οὐρανὸν, καὶ ἡ κυρεία σου εἰς τὰ πέρατα τῆς γῆς.

KJVIt is thou, O king, that art grown and become strong: for thy greatness is grown, and reacheth unto heaven, and thy dominion to the end of the earth.

JPSit is thou, O king, that art grown and become strong; for thy greatness is grown, and reacheth unto heaven, and thy dominion to the end of the earth.

ThomsonFor thou art become great and strong and thy greatness hath increased and reached up to heaven and thy dominion to the limits of the earth. And inasmuch as the king saw a watcher, even a holy one descending from heaven who said, Cut down that tree and destroy it, but leave the stump of its roots in the earth; and in a band of iron and brass and in the green grass abroad and in the dew of heaven let it abide; and let its portion be with the wild beasts of the field until seven seasons revolve over it—

BrentonAnd whereas the king saw a watcher and a holy one coming down from heaven, and he said, Strip the tree, and destroy it; only leave the stump of its roots in the ground, and bind it with a band of iron and brass; and it shall lie in the grass that is without, and in the dew of heaven, and its portion shall be with wild beasts, until seven times have passed over it;

GreekΚαὶ ὅτι εἶδεν ὁ βασιλεὺς εἲρ, καὶ ἅγιον καταβαίνοντα ἀπὸ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ, καὶ εἶπεν, ἐκτίλατε τὸ δένδρον, καὶ διαφθείρατε αὐτὸ, πλὴν τὴν φυὴν τῶν ῥιζῶν αὐτοῦ ἐν τῇ γῇ ἐάσατε, καὶ ἐν δεσμῷ σιδηρῷ καὶ ἐν χαλκῷ, καὶ ἐν τῇ χλόῃ τῇ ἔξω, καὶ ἐν τῇ δρόσῳ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ αὐλισθήσεται, καὶ μετὰ θηρίων ἀγρίων ἡ μερὶς αὐτοῦ, ἕως οὗ ἑπτὰ καιροὶ ἀλλοιωθῶσιν ἐπʼ αὐτόν·

KJVAnd whereas the king saw a watcher and an holy one coming down from heaven, and saying, Hew the tree down, and destroy it; yet leave the stump of the roots thereof in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let his portion be with the beasts of the field, till seven times pass over him;

JPSAnd whereas the king saw a watcher and a holy one coming down from heaven, and saying: Hew down the tree, and destroy it; nevertheless leave the stump of the roots thereof in the earth, even in a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let his portion be with the beasts of the field, till seven times pass over him—

ThomsonThis, O king, is the interpretation thereof and the decree of the Most High which is about to come upon my lord the king.

Brentonthis is the interpretation of it, O king, and it is a decree of the Most High, which has come upon my lord the king.

GreekΤοῦτο ἡ σύγκρισις αὐτοῦ βασιλεῦ, καὶ σύγκριμα ὑψίστου ἐστὶν, ὃ ἔφθασεν ἐπὶ τὸν κύριόν μου τὸν βασιλέα,

KJVThis is the interpretation, O king, and this is the decree of the most High, which is come upon my lord the king:

JPSthis is the interpretation, O king, and it is the decree of the Most High, which is come upon my lord the king,

ThomsonThou wilt be driven from among men; and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field; and they will feed thee with grass like an ox; and thou shalt lodge in the dew of heaven; and seven seasons shall revolve over thee, till thou be made sensible that the Most High ruleth over the kingdom of men and can give it to whom He will.

BrentonAnd they shall drive thee forth from men, and thy dwelling shall be with wild beasts, and they shall feed thee with grass as an ox, and thou shalt have thy lodging under the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass over thee, until thou know that the Most High is Lord of the kingdom of men, and will give it to whom he shall please.

Greekκαὶ σὲ ἐκδιώξουσιν ἀπὸ τῶν ἀνθρώπων, καὶ μετὰ θηρίων ἀγρίων ἔσται ἡ κατοικία σου, καὶ χόρτον ὡς βοῦν ψωμιοῦσί σε, καὶ ἀπὸ τῆς δρόσου τοῦ οὐρανοῦ αὐλισθήσῃ, καὶ ἑπτὰ καιροὶ ἀλλαγήσονται ἐπὶ σὲ, ἕως οὗ γνῷς ὅτι κυριεύει ὁ ὕψιστος τῆς βασιλείας τῶν ἀνθρώπων, καὶ ᾧ ἂν δόξῃ δώσει αὐτήν.

KJVThat they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and they shall wet thee with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass over thee, till thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.

JPSthat thou shalt be driven from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and thou shalt be made to eat grass as oxen, and shalt be wet with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass over thee; till thou know that the Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever He will.

Thomson—

BrentonAnd whereas they said, Leave the stumps of the roots of the tree; thy kingdom abides sure to thee from the time that thou shalt know the power of the heavens.

GreekΚαὶ ὅτι εἶπαν, ἐάσατε τὴν φυὴν τῶν ῥιζῶν τοῦ δένδρου· ἡ βασιλεία σου σοὶ μένει, ἀφʼ ἧς ἂν γνῷς τὴν ἐξουσίαν τὴν οὐράνιον.

KJVAnd whereas they commanded to leave the stump of the tree roots; thy kingdom shall be sure unto thee, after that thou shalt have known that the heavens do rule.

JPSAnd whereas it was commanded to leave the stump of the roots of the tree, thy kingdom shall be sure unto thee, after that thou shalt have known that the heavens do rule.

ThomsonFor this cause, O king, let my counsel be acceptable to thee. And make atonement for thy sins by acts of kindness; and for thy transgressions, by tender mercies for the distressed. Perhaps God may forgive thine offences.

BrentonTherefore, O king, let my counsel please thee, and atone for thy sins by alms, and thine iniquities by compassion on the poor: it may be God will be long-suffering to thy trespasses.

GreekΔιατοῦτο, βασιλεῦ, ἡ βουλή μου ἀρεσάτω σοι, καὶ τὰς ἁμαρτίας σου ἐν ἐλεημοσύναις λύτρωσαι, καὶ τὰς ἀδικίας, ἐν οἰκτιρμοῖς πενήτων· ἴσως ἔσται μακρόθυμος τοῖς παραπτώμασί σου ὁ Θεός.

KJVWherefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable unto thee, and break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by shewing mercy to the poor; if it may be a lengthening of thy tranquillity.

JPSWherefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable unto thee, and break off thy sins by almsgiving, and thine iniquities by showing mercy to the poor; if there may be a lengthening of thy prosperity.’

ThomsonAll these things came upon Nabuchodonosar the king.

BrentonAll these things came upon king Nabuchodonosor.

GreekΤαῦτα πάντα ἔφθασεν ἐπὶ Ναβουχοδονόσορ τὸν βασιλέα.

KJVAll this came upon the king Nebuchadnezzar.

JPSAll this came upon the king Nebuchadnezzar.

Thomson—

BrentonAfter a twelvemonth, as he walked in his palace in Babylon,

GreekΜετὰ δωδεκάμηνον, ἐπὶ τῷ ναῷ τῆς βασιλείας αὐτοῦ ἐν Βαβυλῶνι περιπατῶν,

KJVAt the end of twelve months he walked in the palace of the kingdom of Babylon.

JPSAt the end of twelve months he was walking upon the royal palace of Babylon.

Thomsonhe spake, saying, Is not this the great Babylon which I have built for the house of a kingdom, by the might of my power, for the display of my glory?

Brentonthe king answered and said, Is not this great Babylon, which I have built for a royal residence, by the might of my power, for the honour of my glory?

Greekἀπεκρίθη ὁ βασιλεὺς, καὶ εἶπεν, οὐχ αὕτη ἐστὶ Βαβυλὼν ἡ μεγάλη, ἣν ἐγὼ ᾠκοδόμησα εἰς οἶκον βασιλείας, ἐν τῷ κράτει τῆς ἰσχύος μου, εἰς τιμὴν τῆς δόξης μου;

KJVThe king spake, and said, Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty?

JPSThe king spoke, and said: ‘Is not this great Babylon, which I have built for a royal dwelling-place, by the might of my power and for the glory of my majesty?’

ThomsonWhile the word was yet in the king’s mouth, there came a voice from heaven: To thee Nabuchodonosar it is said, the regal power is gone from thee

BrentonWhile the word was yet in the king's mouth, there came a voice from heaven, saying, To thee, king Nabuchodonosor, they say, The kingdom has departed from thee.

GreekἜτι τοῦ λόγου ἐν τῷ στόματι τοῦ βασιλέως ὄντος, φωνὴ ἀπʼ οὐρανοῦ ἐγένετο, σοὶ λέγουσι Ναβουχοδονόσορ βασιλεῦ, ἡ βασιλεία παρῆλθεν ἀπὸ σοῦ,

KJVWhile the word was in the king’s mouth, there fell a voice from heaven, saying, O king Nebuchadnezzar, to thee it is spoken; The kingdom is departed from thee.

JPSWhile the word was in the king’s mouth, there fell a voice from heaven: ‘O king Nebuchadnezzar, to thee it is spoken: the kingdom is departed from thee.

Thomsonand thou shalt be driven from among men and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field; and they shall feed thee with grass like an ox; and seven seasons shall revolve over thee, that thou mayst know that the Most High ruleth over the kingdom of men and can give it to whom He will.

BrentonAnd they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the wild beasts of the field, and they shall feed thee with grass as an ox: and seven times shall pass over thee, until thou know that the Most High is Lord of the kingdom of men, and he will give it to whomsoever he shall please.

Greekκαὶ ἀπὸ τῶν ἀνθρώπων σε ἐκδιώκουσι, καὶ μετὰ θηρίων ἀγρίων ἡ κατοικία σου, καὶ χόρτον ὡς βοῦν ψωμιοῦσί σε, καὶ ἑπτὰ καιροὶ ἀλλαγήσονται ἐπὶ σὲ, ἕως γνῷς ὅτι κυριεύει ὁ ὕψιστος τῆς βασιλείας τῶν ἀνθρώπων, καὶ ᾧ ἂν δόξῃ δώσει αὐτήν.

KJVAnd they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field: they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and seven times shall pass over thee, until thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.

JPSAnd thou shalt be driven from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field; thou shalt be made to eat grass as oxen, and seven times shall pass over thee; until thou know that the Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever He will.’

ThomsonIn that very hour the word was fulfilled on Nabuchodonosar; and he was driven from among men and ate grass like an ox and his body was bathed with the dew of heaven, until his hair grew strong like the shag of lions and his nails like the claws of birds.

BrentonIn the same hour the word was fulfilled upon Nabuchodonosor: and he was driven forth from men, and he ate grass as an ox, and his body was bathed with the dew of heaven, until his hairs were grown like lions' hairs, and his nails as birds' claws.

GreekΑὐτῇ τῇ ὥρᾳ ὁ λόγος συνετελέσθη ἐπὶ Ναβουχοδονόσορ, καὶ ἀπὸ τῶν ἀνθρώπων ἐξεδιώχθη, καὶ χόρτον ὡς βοῦς ἤσθιε, καὶ ἀπὸ τῆς δρόσου τοῦ οὐρανοῦ τὸ σῶμα αὐτοῦ ἐβάφη, ἕως αἱ τρίχες αὐτοῦ ὡς λεόντων ἐμεγαλύνθησαν, καὶ οἱ ὄνυχες αὐτοῦ ὡς ὁρνέων.

KJVThe same hour was the thing fulfilled upon Nebuchadnezzar: and he was driven from men, and did eat grass as oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven, till his hairs were grown like eagles’ feathers, and his nails like birds’ claws.

JPSThe same hour was the thing fulfilled upon Nebuchadnezzar; and he was driven from men, and did eat grass as oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven, till his hair was grown like eagles’feathers, and his nails like birds’claws.

ThomsonAnd at the end of the days, I, Nabuchodonosar, lifted up mine eyes to heaven, and mine understanding was restored to me, and I blessed the Most High and praised and glorified Him who liveth forever; for His dominion is an everlasting dominion and His kingdom is to endless generations,

BrentonAnd at the end of the time I Nabuchodonosor lifted up mine eyes to heaven, and my reason returned to me, and I blessed the Most High, and praised him that lives for ever, and gave him glory; for his dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom lasts to all generations:

GreekΚαὶ μετὰ τὸ τέλος τῶν ἡμερῶν ἐγὼ Ναβουχοδονόσορ τοὺς ὀφθαλμούς μου εἰς τὸν οὐρανὸν ἀνέλαβον, καὶ αἱ φρένες μου ἐπʼ ἐμὲ ἐπεστράφησαν, καὶ τῷ ὑψίστῳ ηὐλόγησα, καὶ τῷ ζῶντι εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα ᾔνεσα, καὶ ἐδόξασα, ὅτι ἡ ἐξουσία αὐτοῦ ἐξουσία αἰώνιος, καὶ ἡ βασιλεία αὐτοῦ εἰς γενεὰν καὶ γενεὰν,

KJVAnd at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation:

JPS‘And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the Most High, and I praised and honoured Him that liveth for ever; For His dominion is an everlasting dominion, And His kingdom from generation to generation;

Thomsonand all the inhabitants of the earth are reckoned as nothing; and He doth according to His pleasure in the army of heaven and in the habitations of the earth; and there is none who can stay His hand, or say to Him, What hast Thou done?

Brentonand all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he does according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and there is none who shall withstand his power, and say to him, What hast thou done?

Greekκαὶ πάντες οἱ κατοικοῦντες τὴν γῆν ὡς οὐδὲν ἐλογίσθησαν· καὶ κατὰ τὸ θέλημα αὐτοῦ ποιεῖ ἐν τῇ δυνάμει τοῦ οὐρανοῦ, καὶ ἐν τῇ κατοικίᾳ τῆς γῆς· καὶ οὐκ ἔστιν ὃς ἀντιποιήσεται τῇ χειρὶ αὐτοῦ, καὶ ἐρεῖ αὐτῷ, τί ἐποίησας;

KJVAnd all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?

JPSAnd all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing; And He doeth according to His will in the host of heaven, And among the inhabitants of the earth; And none can stay His hand, Or say unto Him: What doest Thou?

ThomsonAt this very hour my senses were restored to me and I reassumed the honour of my kingdom; and my form returned to me; and my princes and my grandees sought me; and I was re-established in my kingdom and greater majesty was added to me.

BrentonAt the same time my reason returned to me, and I came to the honour of my kingdom; and my natural form returned to me, and my princes, and my nobles, sought me, and I was established in my kingdom, and more abundant majesty was added to me.

GreekΑὐτῷ τῷ καιρῷ αἱ φρένες μου ἐπεστράφησαν ἐπʼ ἐμέ, καὶ εἰς τὴν τιμὴν τῆς βασιλείας μου ἦλθον· καὶ ἡ μορφή μου ἐπέστρεψεν ἐπʼ ἐμέ, καὶ οἱ τύραννοί μου, καὶ οἱ μεγιστᾶνές μου ἐζήτουν με, καὶ ἐπὶ τὴν βασιλείαν μου ἐκραταιώθην, καὶ μεγαλωσύνη περισσοτέρα προσετέθη μοι.

KJVAt the same time my reason returned unto me; and for the glory of my kingdom, mine honour and brightness returned unto me; and my counsellors and my lords sought unto me; and I was established in my kingdom, and excellent majesty was added unto me.

JPSAt the same time mine understanding returned unto me; and for the glory of my kingdom, my majesty and my splendour returned unto me; and my ministers and my lords sought unto me; and I was established in my kingdom, and surpassing greatness was added unto me.

ThomsonNow, therefore, I, Nabuchodonosar, praise and extol and glorify the King of heaven; for all His works are true and His ways are judgments and all them who walk in pride He can abase.

BrentonNow therefore I Nabuchodonosor praise and greatly exalt and glorify the King of heaven; for all his works are true, and his paths are judgment: and all that walk in pride he is able to abase.

GreekΝῦν οὖν ἐγὼ Ναβουχοδονόσορ αἰνῶ καὶ ὑπερυψῶ καὶ δοξάζω τὸν βασιλέα τοῦ οὐρανοῦ, ὅτι πάντα τὰ ἔργα αὐτοῦ ἀληθινὰ, καὶ αἱ τρίβοι αὐτοῦ κρίσεις, καὶ πάντας τοὺς πορευομένους ἐν ὑπερηφανίᾳ δύναται ταπεινῶσαι.

KJVNow I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase.

JPSNow I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven; for all His works are truth, and His ways justice; and those that walk in pride He is able to abase.’