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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Daniel 2:8 The king replied, "I know for sure that you are stalling for time, because you see that my word is final.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/daniel/2-8.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/6/27_Dan_02_08.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Daniel 2:8 - Nebuchadnezzar's Dream" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="The king replied, I know for sure that you are stalling for time, because you see that my word is final." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/daniel/2-8.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/daniel/2-8.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/daniel/">Daniel</a> > <a href="/daniel/2.htm">Chapter 2</a> > Verse 8</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad8.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/daniel/2-7.htm" title="Daniel 2:7">◄</a> Daniel 2:8 <a href="/daniel/2-9.htm" title="Daniel 2:9">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/daniel/2.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/daniel/2.htm">New International Version</a> Then the king answered, &#8220I am certain that you are trying to gain time, because you realize that this is what I have firmly decided: <a href="/nlt/daniel/2.htm">New Living Translation</a> The king replied, “I know what you are doing! You’re stalling for time because you know I am serious when I say, <a href="/esv/daniel/2.htm">English Standard Version</a> The king answered and said, “I know with certainty that you are trying to gain time, because you see that the word from me is firm— <a href="/bsb/daniel/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> The king replied, “I know for sure that you are stalling for time because you see that my word is final. <a href="/kjv/daniel/2.htm">King James Bible</a> The king answered and said, I know of certainty that ye would gain the time, because ye see the thing is gone from me. <a href="/nkjv/daniel/2.htm">New King James Version</a> The king answered and said, “I know for certain that you would gain time, because you see that my decision is firm: <a href="/nasb_/daniel/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> The king replied, “I know for certain that you are trying to buy time, because you have perceived that the command from me is firm, <a href="/nasb/daniel/2.htm">NASB 1995</a> The king replied, &#8220I know for certain that you are bargaining for time, inasmuch as you have seen that the command from me is firm, <a href="/nasb77/daniel/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a> The king answered and said, “I know for certain that you are bargaining for time, inasmuch as you have seen that the command from me is firm, <a href="/lsb/daniel/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> The king answered and said, “I know for certain that you are buying time, inasmuch as you have seen that the word from me is firm, <a href="/amp/daniel/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a> The king replied, “I know for certain that you are bargaining for time, because you have seen that my command [to you] is firm and irrevocable. <a href="/csb/daniel/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> The king replied, “I know for certain you are trying to gain some time, because you see that my word is final. <a href="/hcsb/daniel/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> The king replied, &#8220I know for certain you are trying to gain some time, because you see that my word is final. <a href="/asv/daniel/2.htm">American Standard Version</a> The king answered and said, I know of a certainty that ye would gain time, because ye see the thing is gone from me. <a href="/cev/daniel/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> The king replied, "You're just stalling for time, <a href="/erv/daniel/2.htm">English Revised Version</a> The king answered and said, I know of a certain that ye would gain time, because ye see the thing is gone from me. <a href="/gwt/daniel/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> The king replied, "I'm sure you're trying to buy some time because you know that I meant what I said. <a href="/gnt/daniel/2.htm">Good News Translation</a> At that, the king exclaimed, "Just as I thought! You are trying to gain time, because you see that I have made up my mind <a href="/isv/daniel/2.htm">International Standard Version</a> The king responded, "I'm convinced that you're stalling for time because you're aware of what I've commanded. <a href="/msb/daniel/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> The king replied, ?I know for sure that you are stalling for time because you see that my word is final. <a href="/net/daniel/2.htm">NET Bible</a> The king replied, "I know for sure that you are attempting to gain time, because you see that my decision is firm. <a href="/nheb/daniel/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> The king answered, "I know of a certainty that you would gain time, because you see the thing is gone from me. <a href="/wbt/daniel/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> The king answered and said, I know of certainty that ye would gain the time, because ye see the thing is gone from me. <a href="/web/daniel/2.htm">World English Bible</a> The king answered, “I know of a certainty that you are trying to gain time, because you see the thing has gone from me. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/daniel/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> The king has answered and said, “Of a truth I know that you are gaining time, because that you have seen that the thing is gone from me, <a href="/ylt/daniel/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> The king hath answered and said, 'Of a truth I know that time ye are gaining, because that ye have seen that the thing is gone from me, <a href="/slt/daniel/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And the king answered and said, Certainly I know that ye buy the time, for which cause that ye saw that the word went out from me.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/daniel/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> The king answered, and said: I know for certain that you seek to gain time, since you know that the thing is gone from me. <a href="/cpdv/daniel/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> The king answered and said, “I am certain that you are stalling for time because you know that the memory of it has slipped away from me. <a href="/nabre/daniel/2.htm">New American Bible</a> But the king replied: “I know for certain that you are bargaining for time, since you know what I have decided. <a href="/nrsvce/daniel/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> The king answered, “I know with certainty that you are trying to gain time, because you see I have firmly decreed:<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/daniel/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> The king answered and said, Truly I know that what you want is time, because you see that my word is true. <a href="/hpbt/daniel/2.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> The King answered and said: “Truly I know that it is time you seek, because you see that my word is firm<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/daniel/2.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> The king answered and said: 'I know of a truth that ye would gain time, inasmuch as ye see the thing is certain with me, <a href="/sep/daniel/2.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And the king answered and said, I verily know that ye are trying to gain time, because ye see that the thing has gone from me. <a href="/parallel/daniel/2-8.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/shUZJK-vYxI?start=296" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/daniel/2.htm">Nebuchadnezzar's Dream</a> …7They answered a second time, “Let the king tell the dream to his servants, and we will give the interpretation.” 8<a href="/hebrew/4430.htm" title="4430: mal·kā (N-msd) -- King. (Aramaic) corresponding to melek; a king.">The king</a> <a href="/hebrew/560.htm" title="560: wə·’ā·mar (Conj-w:: V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To say, tell, command. (Aramaic) corresponding to 'amar."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6032.htm" title="6032: ‘ā·nêh (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To answer. (Aramaic) corresponding to anah.">replied,</a> <a href="/hebrew/576.htm" title="576: ’ă·nāh (Pro-1cs) -- I. (Aramaic) or.anah (Aramaic); corresponding to 'aniy; I.">“I</a> <a href="/hebrew/3046.htm" title="3046: yā·ḏa‘ (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To know. (Aramaic) corresponding to yada'.">know</a> <a href="/hebrew/4481.htm" title="4481: min- (Prep) -- From, out of, by, by reason of, at, more than. (Aramaic) corresponding to min.">for</a> <a href="/hebrew/3330.htm" title="3330: yaṣ·ṣîḇ (Adj-ms) -- Fixed, sure, certainty. (Aramaic) from ytseb; fixed, sure; concretely, certainty.">sure</a> <a href="/hebrew/1768.htm" title="1768: dî (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that, because. ">that</a> <a href="/hebrew/608.htm" title="608: ’an·tūn (Pro-2mp) -- You (pl.). (Aramaic) plural of 'antah; ye.">you</a> <a href="/hebrew/2084.htm" title="2084: zā·ḇə·nîn (V-Qal-Prtcpl-mp) -- To buy, gain. (Aramaic) corresponding to the root of Zbiyna'; to acquire by purchase.">are stalling</a> <a href="/hebrew/5732.htm" title="5732: ‘id·dā·nā (N-msd) -- Time. (Aramaic) from a root corresponding to that of ed; a set time; technically, a year.">for time,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3606.htm" title="3606: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. (Aramaic) corresponding to kol."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6903.htm" title="6903: qo·ḇêl (Prep) -- (Aramaic) or qobel (Aramaic); (corresponding to qabal; in front of; usually on account of, so as, since, hence."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1768.htm" title="1768: dî (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that, because. ">because</a> <a href="/hebrew/2370.htm" title="2370: ḥă·zê·ṯō·wn (V-Qal-Perf-2mp) -- See, behold. (Aramaic) or chazah (Aramaic); corresponding to chazah; to gaze upon; mentally to dream, be usual (i.e. Seem).">you see</a> <a href="/hebrew/1768.htm" title="1768: dî (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that, because. ">that</a> <a href="/hebrew/4481.htm" title="4481: min·nî (Prep:: 1cs) -- From, out of, by, by reason of, at, more than. (Aramaic) corresponding to min.">my</a> <a href="/hebrew/4406.htm" title="4406: mil·lə·ṯā (N-fsd) -- A word, thing. (Aramaic) corresponding to millah; a word, command, discourse, or subject.">word</a> <a href="/hebrew/230.htm" title="230: ’az·dā (Adj-fs) -- Sure, assured. (Aramaic) of uncertain derivation; firm.">is final.</a> 9If you do not tell me the dream, there is only one decree for you. You have conspired to speak before me false and fraudulent words, hoping the situation will change. Therefore tell me the dream, and I will know that you can give me its interpretation.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/genesis/41-15.htm">Genesis 41:15-16</a> Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I had a dream, and no one can interpret it. But I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it.” / “I myself cannot do it,” Joseph replied, “but God will give Pharaoh a sound answer.” <a href="/exodus/7-11.htm">Exodus 7:11-12</a> But Pharaoh called the wise men and sorcerers and magicians of Egypt, and they also did the same things by their magic arts. / Each one threw down his staff, and it became a serpent. But Aaron’s staff swallowed up the other staffs. <a href="/1_kings/3-28.htm">1 Kings 3:28</a> When all Israel heard of the judgment the king had given, they stood in awe of him, for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him to administer justice. <a href="/2_kings/6-11.htm">2 Kings 6:11-12</a> For this reason the king of Aram became enraged and called his servants to demand of them, “Tell me, which one of us is on the side of the king of Israel?” / But one of his servants replied, “No one, my lord the king. For Elisha, the prophet in Israel, tells the king of Israel the very words you speak in your bedroom.” <a href="/isaiah/47-12.htm">Isaiah 47:12-13</a> So take your stand with your spells and with your many sorceries, with which you have wearied yourself from your youth. Perhaps you will succeed; perhaps you will inspire terror! / You are wearied by your many counselors; let them come forward now and save you—your astrologers who observe the stars, who monthly predict your fate. <a href="/jeremiah/27-9.htm">Jeremiah 27:9-10</a> But as for you, do not listen to your prophets, your diviners, your interpreters of dreams, your mediums, or your sorcerers who declare, ‘You will not serve the king of Babylon.’ / For they prophesy to you a lie that will serve to remove you from your land; I will banish you and you will perish. <a href="/ezekiel/21-21.htm">Ezekiel 21:21-22</a> For the king of Babylon stands at the fork in the road, at the junction of the two roads, to seek an omen: He shakes the arrows, he consults the idols, he examines the liver. / In his right hand appears the portent for Jerusalem, where he is to set up battering rams, to call for the slaughter, to lift a battle cry, to direct the battering rams against the gates, to build a ramp, and to erect a siege wall. <a href="/amos/3-7.htm">Amos 3:7</a> Surely the Lord GOD does nothing without revealing His plan to His servants the prophets. <a href="/matthew/2-7.htm">Matthew 2:7-8</a> Then Herod called the Magi secretly and learned from them the exact time the star had appeared. / And sending them to Bethlehem, he said: “Go and search carefully for the Child, and when you find Him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship Him.” <a href="/matthew/12-38.htm">Matthew 12:38-39</a> Then some of the scribes and Pharisees said to Him, “Teacher, we want to see a sign from You.” / Jesus replied, “A wicked and adulterous generation demands a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. <a href="/matthew/16-1.htm">Matthew 16:1-4</a> Then the Pharisees and Sadducees came and tested Jesus by asking Him to show them a sign from heaven. / But He replied, “When evening comes, you say, ‘The weather will be fair, for the sky is red,’ / and in the morning, ‘Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but not the signs of the times. ... <a href="/mark/8-11.htm">Mark 8:11-12</a> Then the Pharisees came and began to argue with Jesus, testing Him by demanding from Him a sign from heaven. / Jesus sighed deeply in His spirit and said, “Why does this generation demand a sign? Truly I tell you, no sign will be given to this generation.” <a href="/luke/11-29.htm">Luke 11:29-30</a> As the crowds were increasing, Jesus said, “This is a wicked generation. It demands a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah. / For as Jonah was a sign to the Ninevites, so the Son of Man will be a sign to this generation. <a href="/john/4-48.htm">John 4:48</a> Jesus said to him, “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will never believe.” <a href="/acts/8-9.htm">Acts 8:9-11</a> Prior to that time, a man named Simon had practiced sorcery in the city and astounded the people of Samaria. He claimed to be someone great, / and all the people, from the least to the greatest, heeded his words and said, “This man is the divine power called the Great Power.” / They paid close attention to him because he had astounded them for a long time with his sorcery.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>The king answered and said, I know of certainty that you would gain the time, because you see the thing is gone from me.gain.<a href="/ephesians/5-16.htm">Ephesians 5:16</a> Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.<a href="/colossians/4-5.htm">Colossians 4:5</a> Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ezekiel/24-13.htm">Attempting</a> <a href="/jeremiah/42-22.htm">Certainty</a> <a href="/daniel/2-5.htm">Command</a> <a href="/daniel/2-5.htm">Decision</a> <a href="/daniel/2-5.htm">Firm</a> <a href="/daniel/2-5.htm">Firmly</a> <a href="/daniel/1-18.htm">Fixed</a> <a href="/daniel/2-5.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/ezekiel/33-31.htm">Gain</a> <a href="/ezekiel/22-27.htm">Gaining</a> <a href="/jeremiah/50-7.htm">Inasmuch</a> <a href="/jeremiah/2-19.htm">Realize</a> <a href="/daniel/2-5.htm">Sure</a> <a href="/daniel/2-7.htm">Time</a> <a href="/jeremiah/33-6.htm">Truth</a> <a href="/jeremiah/11-20.htm">Trying</a> <a href="/daniel/2-5.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/2-20.htm">Attempting</a> <a href="/daniel/7-16.htm">Certainty</a> <a href="/daniel/3-4.htm">Command</a> <a href="/daniel/4-17.htm">Decision</a> <a href="/daniel/6-7.htm">Firm</a> <a href="/daniel/3-23.htm">Firmly</a> <a href="/daniel/6-14.htm">Fixed</a> <a href="/daniel/2-13.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/daniel/9-23.htm">Gain</a> <a href="/habakkuk/2-9.htm">Gaining</a> <a href="/daniel/2-40.htm">Inasmuch</a> <a href="/hosea/7-2.htm">Realize</a> <a href="/daniel/2-45.htm">Sure</a> <a href="/daniel/2-9.htm">Time</a> <a href="/daniel/2-47.htm">Truth</a> <a href="/daniel/6-4.htm">Trying</a> <a href="/daniel/3-2.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Daniel 2</div>1. <a href="/daniel/2-1.htm">Nebuchadnezzar, forgetting his dream, </a> 5. <a href="/daniel/2-5.htm">requires it of the Chaldeans, by promises and threats.</a> 10. <a href="/daniel/2-10.htm">They acknowledging their inability are judged to die.</a> 14. <a href="/daniel/2-14.htm">Daniel obtaining some respite finds the dream.</a> 19. <a href="/daniel/2-19.htm">He blesses God.</a> 24. <a href="/daniel/2-24.htm">He staying the decree is brought to the king.</a> 31. <a href="/daniel/2-31.htm">The dream.</a> 36. <a href="/daniel/2-36.htm">The interpretation.</a> 46. <a href="/daniel/2-46.htm">Daniel's advancement.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/daniel/2.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/daniel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/daniel/2.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>The king replied This phrase introduces King Nebuchadnezzar, the ruler of Babylon, who is central to the narrative. His authority and power are significant, as Babylon was a dominant empire during this period. The king's response is crucial in understanding the tension between him and his advisors. This interaction sets the stage for the unfolding events in the chapter, highlighting the king's impatience and the pressure on his wise men.I know for sure Nebuchadnezzar's certainty reflects his suspicion and distrust of his advisors. This phrase indicates his awareness of their tactics and his determination to uncover the truth. The king's confidence in his judgment underscores his role as a decisive and authoritative leader, which is a recurring theme in the book of Daniel.that you are stalling for time The accusation of stalling suggests that the wise men are unable to fulfill the king's demands. This reflects the cultural and historical context where advisors were expected to interpret dreams and provide counsel. The inability to do so would have been seen as a failure of their wisdom and skills. This situation sets the stage for Daniel's later intervention, showcasing the limitations of human wisdom compared to divine revelation.because you see that my word is final Nebuchadnezzar's assertion of his word being final emphasizes the absolute power he wielded as king. In the ancient Near Eastern context, a king's decree was binding and unchangeable. This phrase highlights the seriousness of the situation and the urgency for the wise men to provide an answer. It also foreshadows the divine intervention that will come through Daniel, contrasting human authority with God's ultimate sovereignty.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/k/king_nebuchadnezzar.htm">King Nebuchadnezzar</a> The ruler of Babylon who had a troubling dream that he demanded to be interpreted without revealing its content. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_chaldeans.htm">The Chaldeans</a> A group of wise men, astrologers, and magicians in Babylon tasked with interpreting dreams and advising the king. 3. <a href="/topical/d/daniel.htm">Daniel</a> A young Hebrew captive in Babylon, known for his wisdom and ability to interpret dreams through God's revelation. 4. <a href="/topical/b/babylon.htm">Babylon</a> The empire where these events take place, known for its grandeur and as a center of power and culture during this period. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_dream.htm">The Dream</a> A mysterious vision given to Nebuchadnezzar, which none of the king's wise men could interpret without knowing the dream itself.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_revelation.htm">God's Sovereignty in Revelation</a> God alone reveals mysteries and holds the ultimate knowledge of all things. We must seek His wisdom in our lives. <a href="/topical/h/human_limitations.htm">Human Limitations</a> The inability of the Chaldeans to interpret the dream without divine revelation highlights human limitations and the need for reliance on God. <a href="/topical/f/faithfulness_in_adversity.htm">Faithfulness in Adversity</a> Daniel's faithfulness and reliance on God in a foreign land serve as a model for believers to remain steadfast in their faith regardless of circumstances. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_prayer.htm">The Role of Prayer</a> Daniel's response to seek God in prayer for the interpretation emphasizes the importance of prayer in seeking divine guidance and wisdom. <a href="/topical/g/god's_purpose_in_trials.htm">God's Purpose in Trials</a> The situation with Nebuchadnezzar's dream shows that God can use trials and challenges to reveal His power and purpose, both to believers and non-believers.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_daniel_2.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Daniel 2</a> <a href="/q/who_was_king_zechariah_in_the_bible.htm">Who was King Zechariah in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_the_massacre_of_the_innocents.htm">What is the Divine Right of Kings?</a> <a href="/q/why_does_daniel_11_3-4_differ_from_history.htm">Why does Daniel 11:3-4 describe the rapid rise and division of a Greek empire that historical sources suggest lasted longer and split differently?</a> <a href="/q/iran's_role_in_biblical_prophecy.htm">What role does Iran play in biblical prophecy?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/daniel/2.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(8) Gain time.--They hoped that by continual postponement they would induce the king to let the matter pass over; or, if not, that they might be able to wheedle the dream out of him,<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/daniel/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 8. - The king answered and said, I know of certainty that ye would gain the time, because ye see the thing is gone from me. The versions here do not differ in any essential point. The king now becomes certain of the treasonable purpose of the soothsayers. The word zeban means not so much "gain" as "purchase," "barter." To the king the meaning of their obstinate refusal to submit to his requirements is that they know that some great advantage may be gained by the king, or some great disaster forefended, if he only knows the meaning of this dream, and that if the king does not submit to them and yield up his decree, and, putting his pride under his feet, tell them the dream, the time when its revelation may be taken advantage of may be passed. In these matters everything was supposed to depend on the thing to be done being done precisely at the right conjunction of the planets. His last utterance seems almost to rise to agony, "Because ye see the thing is fixed away from me!" We have the same word (azda) translated here, as in the fifth verse, "gone." As we saw above, its real meaning is rather "fixed," "settled," "determined." His decree had gone out, and he would not - nay, so strongly had he willed at that it was as it' he could not - alter his decision. It has been regarded as bearing on this passage that St. Paul (<a href="/ephesians/5-16.htm">Ephesians 5:16</a>) uses the same word as that by which the Greek versions translate zeban, "redeeming the time, because the days are evil." The meaning of the apostle is to some extent in contrast to that here. Believers are, as it were, to purchase the time from the evil days. Nebuchadnezzar thought the astrologers were, as it were, meaning by their delays to buy the auspicious moment for the kingdom from under his feet. It is a mistaken idea that he thought they merely wished to gain time. It would I seem, from what we read further of his treatment of Daniel's request lot time, that, had they merely asked for time, Nebuchadnezzar would have granted their request. He had staked his faith in their ability to unfold any mystery on this one test, and they seemed to him obstinately to refuse to submit to it. To believe them unable to reveal the truth that he wished, would be to overturn all the fabric of his faith in the religion of his fathers; therefore, with all the strength of a strong man. and all the blind faith of a fanatic, he will not acknowledge the inability of the soothsayers to tell him his dream; it must be obstinacy, he thinks, that prevents the soothsayers telling him, and that obstinacy must have a sinister purpose. There is a clause in the Septuagint completing this verse, but it is not parallel with any clause in the Massoretic text: "Then just as I have ordered, thus shall it be." This probably is an alternative rendering. Azda is taken in what is now regarded as its meaning - "that which is fixed," or "decreed," in which case this final clause might be rendered, "What is fixed from me is a decree;" and of this the above-mentioned clause is a somewhat free rendering. This interpretation of the clause confirms our view of the situation. <a href="/commentaries/daniel/2-8.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>The king מַלְכָּא֙ (mal·kā) Noun - masculine singular determinate <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4430.htm">Strong's 4430: </a> A king replied, עָנֵ֤ה (‘ā·nêh) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6032.htm">Strong's 6032: </a> To answer “I אֲנָ֔ה (’ă·nāh) Pronoun - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_576.htm">Strong's 576: </a> I know יָדַ֣ע (yā·ḏa‘) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3046.htm">Strong's 3046: </a> To know for מִן־ (min-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4481.htm">Strong's 4481: </a> From, out of, by, by reason of, at, more than sure יַצִּיב֙ (yaṣ·ṣîḇ) Adjective - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3330.htm">Strong's 3330: </a> Fixed, sure, certainty you אַנְתּ֣וּן (’an·tūn) Pronoun - second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_608.htm">Strong's 608: </a> You are stalling זָבְנִ֑ין (zā·ḇə·nîn) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2084.htm">Strong's 2084: </a> To acquire by purchase for time, עִדָּנָ֖א (‘id·dā·nā) Noun - masculine singular determinate <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5732.htm">Strong's 5732: </a> A set time, technically, a year because קֳבֵל֙ (qo·ḇêl) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6903.htm">Strong's 6903: </a> In front of, before, because of, because that you see חֲזֵית֔וֹן (ḥă·zê·ṯō·wn) Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2370.htm">Strong's 2370: </a> To gaze upon, mentally to dream, be usual that דִּ֣י (dî) Pronoun - relative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1768.htm">Strong's 1768: </a> Who, which, that, because my מִנִּ֥י (min·nî) Preposition | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4481.htm">Strong's 4481: </a> From, out of, by, by reason of, at, more than word מִלְּתָֽא׃ (mil·lə·ṯā) Noun - feminine singular determinate <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4406.htm">Strong's 4406: </a> A word, command, discourse, subject is final. אַזְדָּ֖א (’az·dā) Adjective - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_230.htm">Strong's 230: </a> Sure, assured <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/daniel/2-8.htm">Daniel 2:8 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/daniel/2-8.htm">Daniel 2:8 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/daniel/2-8.htm">Daniel 2:8 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/daniel/2-8.htm">Daniel 2:8 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/daniel/2-8.htm">Daniel 2:8 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/daniel/2-8.htm">Daniel 2:8 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/daniel/2-8.htm">Daniel 2:8 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/daniel/2-8.htm">Daniel 2:8 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/daniel/2-8.htm">Daniel 2:8 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/daniel/2-8.htm">Daniel 2:8 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/daniel/2-8.htm">OT Prophets: Daniel 2:8 The king answered I know (Dan. 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