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Daniel 5:15 Now the wise men and enchanters were brought before me to read this inscription and interpret it for me, but they could not give its interpretation.

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(Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/daniel/5.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />The wise men and enchanters were brought before me to read this writing and tell me what it means, but they could not explain it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/daniel/5.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />My wise men and enchanters have tried to read the words on the wall and tell me their meaning, but they cannot do it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/daniel/5.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Now the wise men, the enchanters, have been brought in before me to read this writing and make known to me its interpretation, but they could not show the interpretation of the matter.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/daniel/5.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now the wise men and enchanters were brought before me to read this inscription and interpret it for me, but they could not give its interpretation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/daniel/5.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And now the wise <i>men</i>, the astrologers, have been brought in before me, that they should read this writing, and make known unto me the interpretation thereof: but they could not shew the interpretation of the thing:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/daniel/5.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Now the wise <i>men,</i> the astrologers, have been brought in before me, that they should read this writing and make known to me its interpretation, but they could not give the interpretation of the thing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/daniel/5.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Just now the wise men <i>and</i> the sorcerers were brought in before me to read this inscription and make its interpretation known to me, but they could not declare the interpretation of the message.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/daniel/5.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220Just now the wise men and the conjurers were brought in before me that they might read this inscription and make its interpretation known to me, but they could not declare the interpretation of the message.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/daniel/5.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />&#8220;Just now the wise men <i>and</i> the conjurers were brought in before me that they might read this inscription and make its interpretation known to me, but they could not declare the interpretation of the message.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/daniel/5.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Just now the wise men <i>and</i> the conjurers were brought in before me that they might read this writing and make its interpretation known to me, but they could not declare the interpretation of the message.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/daniel/5.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Now the wise men and the enchanters, were brought in before me so that they might read this writing and reveal its meaning to me, but they could not give the interpretation of the message.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/daniel/5.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now the wise men and mediums were brought before me to read this inscription and make its interpretation known to me, but they could not give its interpretation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/daniel/5.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now the wise men and mediums were brought before me to read this inscription and make its interpretation known to me, but they could not give its interpretation. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/daniel/5.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And now the wise men, the enchanters, have been brought in before me, that they should read this writing, and make known unto me the interpretation thereof; but they could not show the interpretation of the thing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/daniel/5.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Neither my advisors nor the men who talk with the spirits of the dead could read this writing or tell me what it means. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/daniel/5.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And now the wise men, the enchanters, have been brought in before me, that they should read this writing, and make known unto me the interpretation thereof: but they could not shew the interpretation of the thing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/daniel/5.htm">GOD'S WORD&reg; Translation</a></span><br />The wise advisers and the psychics were brought to me to read this writing and tell me its meaning. But they couldn't tell me its meaning.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/daniel/5.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The advisers and magicians were brought in to read this writing and tell me what it means, but they could not discover the meaning. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/daniel/5.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Take note that the advisors and enchanters were brought before me to read the writing and explain its meaning, but they were unable to do so.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/daniel/5.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now the wise men and enchanters were brought before me to read this inscription and interpret it for me, but they could not give its interpretation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/daniel/5.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Now the wise men and astrologers were brought before me to read this writing and make known to me its interpretation. But they were unable to disclose the interpretation of the message.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/daniel/5.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Now the wise men, the enchanters, have been brought in before me, that they should read this writing, and make known to me its interpretation; but they could not show the interpretation of the thing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/daniel/5.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And now the wise men, the astrologers, have been brought in before me, that they should read this writing, and make known to me the interpretation of it, but they could not show the interpretation of the thing:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/daniel/5.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Now the wise men, the enchanters, have been brought in before me, that they should read this writing, and make known to me its interpretation; but they could not show the interpretation of the thing. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/daniel/5.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And now, caused to come up before me have been the wise men, the enchanters, that they may read this writing, and its interpretation to cause me to know: and they are not able to show the interpretation of the thing:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/daniel/5.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> 'And now, caused to come up before me have been the wise men, the enchanters, that this writing they may read, and its interpretation to cause me to know: and they are not able to shew the interpretation of the thing:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/daniel/5.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And now the wise ones, the enchanters, were brought in before me that they shall read this writing, and to make known to me its interpretation: and they were not able to show the interpretation of the word:<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/daniel/5.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And now the wise men the magicians have come in before me, to read this writing, and shew me the interpretation thereof: and they could not declare to me the meaning of this writing. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/daniel/5.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And now the wise astrologers have entered into my presence, so as to read this writing and to reveal to me its interpretation. And they were not able to tell me the meaning of this writing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/daniel/5.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The wise men and enchanters were brought in to me to read this writing and tell me its meaning, but they could not say what the words meant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/daniel/5.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Now the wise men, the enchanters, have been brought in before me to read this writing and tell me its interpretation, but they were not able to give the interpretation of the matter.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/daniel/5.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And now the magicians and the astrologers have been brought in before me, that they might read this writing and make known to me the interpretation thereof; but they could not show me the interpretation of the thing;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/daniel/5.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And the Sorcerer Enchanters entered before me that they would read this writing and would show me its interpretation, and they were unable to make known the interpretation of the words to me<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/daniel/5.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And now the wise men, the enchanters, have been brought in before me, that they should read this writing, and make known unto me the interpretation thereof; but they could not declare the interpretation of the thing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/daniel/5.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And now, the wise men, magicians, <i>and</i> soothsayers, have come in before me, to read the writing, and make known to me the interpretation: but they could not tell it me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/daniel/5-15.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/shUZJK-vYxI?start=1893" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/daniel/5.htm">Daniel Interprets the Handwriting</a></span><br>&#8230;<span class="reftext">14</span>I have heard that the spirit of the gods is in you, and that you have insight, intelligence, and extraordinary wisdom. <span class="reftext">15</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3705.htm" title="3705: &#363;&#183;&#7733;&#601;&#183;&#8216;an (Conj-w:: Adv) -- Now. (Aramaic) probably from ken; now.">Now</a> <a href="/hebrew/2445.htm" title="2445: &#7717;ak&#183;k&#238;&#183;may&#183;y&#257; (N-mpd) -- A wise man. (Aramaic) from a root corresponding to chakam; wise, i.e. A Magian.">the wise men</a> <a href="/hebrew/826.htm" title="826: &#8217;&#257;&#183;&#353;&#601;&#183;p&#772;ay&#183;y&#257; (N-mpd) -- A conjurer, enchanter. (Aramaic) corresponding to 'ashshaph.">and enchanters</a> <a href="/hebrew/1768.htm" title="1768: d&#238;- (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that, because. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/5954.htm" title="5954: hu&#183;&#8216;al&#183;l&#363; (V-Hofal-Perf-3mp) -- (Aramaic) corresponding to alal (in the sense of thrusting oneself in), to enter; causatively, to introduce.">were brought</a> <a href="/hebrew/6925.htm" title="6925: q&#257;&#183;&#7695;&#257;&#183;may (Prep:: 1cs) -- Before. (Aramaic) or qdam (Aramaic) (Daniel 7:13); corresponding to qedem; before.">before me</a> <a href="/hebrew/7123.htm" title="7123: yiq&#183;r&#333;&#183;wn (V-Qal-Imperf-3mp) -- To call, read out or aloud. (Aramaic) corresponding to qara'.">to read</a> <a href="/hebrew/1836.htm" title="1836: &#7695;&#601;&#183;n&#257;h (Pro-ms) -- This. (Aramaic) an orthographical variation of dek; this.">this</a> <a href="/hebrew/3792.htm" title="3792: &#7733;&#601;&#183;&#7791;&#257;&#183;&#7687;&#257;h (N-msd) -- A writing. (Aramaic) corresponding to kathab.">inscription</a> <a href="/hebrew/6591.htm" title="6591: &#363;&#183;p&#772;i&#353;&#183;r&#234;h (Conj-w:: N-msc:: 3ms) -- Interpretation. (Aramaic) from pshar; an interpretation.">and interpret it</a> <a href="/hebrew/3046.htm" title="3046: l&#601;&#183;h&#333;&#183;w&#183;&#7695;&#257;&#183;&#8216;u&#183;&#7791;a&#183;n&#238; (Prep-l:: V-Hifil-Inf:: 1cs) -- To know. (Aramaic) corresponding to yada'.">for me,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3546.htm" title="3546: &#7733;&#257;&#183;ha&#774;&#183;l&#238;n (V-Qal-Prtcpl-mp) -- To be able. (Aramaic) a root corresponding to yakol and kuwl; to be able.">but they could</a> <a href="/hebrew/3809.htm" title="3809: w&#601;&#183;l&#257;- (Conj-w:: Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. (Aramaic) or lah (Aramaic) (Dan. 4:32); corresponding to lo'.">not</a> <a href="/hebrew/2324.htm" title="2324: l&#601;&#183;ha&#183;&#7717;a&#774;&#183;w&#257;&#183;y&#257;h (Prep-l:: V-Hifil-Inf) -- To show. (Aramaic) corresponding to chavah; to show.">give</a> <a href="/hebrew/4406.htm" title="4406: mil&#183;l&#601;&#183;&#7791;&#257; (N-fsd) -- A word, thing. (Aramaic) corresponding to millah; a word, command, discourse, or subject.">its</a> <a href="/hebrew/6591.htm" title="6591: p&#601;&#183;&#353;ar- (N-msc) -- Interpretation. (Aramaic) from pshar; an interpretation.">interpretation.</a> </span><span class="reftext">16</span>But I have heard about you, that you are able to give interpretations and solve difficult problems. Therefore, if you can read this inscription and give me its interpretation, you will be clothed in purple and have a gold chain placed around your neck, and you will be made the third highest ruler in the kingdom.&#8221;&#8230;<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> &middot; <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/41-8.htm">Genesis 41:8</a></span><br />In the morning his spirit was troubled, so he summoned all the magicians and wise men of Egypt. Pharaoh told them his dreams, but no one could interpret them for him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/7-11.htm">Exodus 7:11</a></span><br />But Pharaoh called the wise men and sorcerers and magicians of Egypt, and they also did the same things by their magic arts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/47-13.htm">Isaiah 47:13</a></span><br />You are wearied by your many counselors; let them come forward now and save you&#8212;your astrologers who observe the stars, who monthly predict your fate.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/27-9.htm">Jeremiah 27:9</a></span><br />But as for you, do not listen to your prophets, your diviners, your interpreters of dreams, your mediums, or your sorcerers who declare, &#8216;You will not serve the king of Babylon.&#8217;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/21-21.htm">Ezekiel 21:21</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/4-30.htm">1 Kings 4:30-31</a></span><br />Solomon&#8217;s wisdom was greater than that of all the men of the East, greater than all the wisdom of Egypt. / He was wiser than all men&#8212;wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite, and wiser than Heman, Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol. And his fame spread throughout the surrounding nations.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/33-6.htm">2 Chronicles 33:6</a></span><br />He sacrificed his sons in the fire in the Valley of Ben-hinnom. He practiced sorcery, divination, and witchcraft, and consulted mediums and spiritists. He did great evil in the sight of the LORD, provoking Him to anger.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/44-25.htm">Isaiah 44:25</a></span><br />who foils the signs of false prophets and makes fools of diviners, who confounds the wise and turns their knowledge into nonsense,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/19-3.htm">Isaiah 19:3</a></span><br />Then the spirit of the Egyptians will be emptied out from among them, and I will frustrate their plans, so that they will resort to idols and spirits of the dead, to mediums and spiritists.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/8-9.htm">Acts 8:9-11</a></span><br />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, &#8220;This man is the divine power called the Great Power.&#8221; / They paid close attention to him because he had astounded them for a long time with his sorcery.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/13-6.htm">Acts 13:6-8</a></span><br />They traveled through the whole island as far as Paphos, where they found a Jewish sorcerer and false prophet named Bar-Jesus, / an attendant of the proconsul, Sergius Paulus. The proconsul, a man of intelligence, summoned Barnabas and Saul because he wanted to hear the word of God. / But Elymas the sorcerer (for that is what his name means) opposed them and tried to turn the proconsul from the faith.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/16-16.htm">Acts 16:16-18</a></span><br />One day as we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl with a spirit of divination, who earned a large income for her masters by fortune-telling. / This girl followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, &#8220;These men are servants of the Most High God, who are proclaiming to you the way of salvation!&#8221; / She continued this for many days. Eventually Paul grew so aggravated that he turned and said to the spirit, &#8220;In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!&#8221; And the spirit left her at that very moment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/3-8.htm">2 Timothy 3:8</a></span><br />Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these men oppose the truth. They are depraved in mind and disqualified from the faith.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/2-1.htm">Matthew 2:1-2</a></span><br />After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, / asking, &#8220;Where is the One who has been born King of the Jews? We saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.&#8221;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/12-38.htm">Matthew 12:38-39</a></span><br />Then some of the scribes and Pharisees said to Him, &#8220;Teacher, we want to see a sign from You.&#8221; / Jesus replied, &#8220;A wicked and adulterous generation demands a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And now the wise men, the astrologers, have been brought in before me, that they should read this writing, and make known to me the interpretation thereof: but they could not show the interpretation of the thing:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/daniel/5-7.htm">Daniel 5:7,8</a></b></br> The king cried aloud to bring in the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers. <i>And</i> the king spake, and said to the wise <i>men</i> of Babylon, Whosoever shall read this writing, and shew me the interpretation thereof, shall be clothed with scarlet, and <i>have</i> a chain of gold about his neck, and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom&#8230; </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/daniel/2-3.htm">Daniel 2:3-11</a></b></br> And the king said unto them, I have dreamed a dream, and my spirit was troubled to know the dream&#8230; </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/29-10.htm">Isaiah 29:10-12</a></b></br> For the LORD hath poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep, and hath closed your eyes: the prophets and your rulers, the seers hath he covered&#8230; </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/daniel/5-8.htm">Able</a> <a href="/daniel/4-7.htm">Arts</a> <a href="/daniel/5-11.htm">Astrologers</a> <a href="/daniel/5-13.htm">Caused</a> <a href="/daniel/4-26.htm">Clear</a> <a href="/daniel/4-7.htm">Conjurers</a> <a href="/daniel/5-7.htm">Declare</a> <a href="/daniel/5-11.htm">Enchanters</a> <a href="/daniel/5-8.htm">Inscription</a> <a href="/daniel/5-12.htm">Interpretation</a> <a href="/daniel/5-11.htm">Magicians</a> <a href="/daniel/4-7.htm">Making</a> <a href="/daniel/4-17.htm">Matter</a> <a href="/daniel/4-26.htm">Means</a> <a href="/ezekiel/33-7.htm">Message</a> <a href="/daniel/3-14.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/daniel/5-8.htm">Read</a> <a href="/jeremiah/51-63.htm">Reading</a> <a href="/daniel/4-9.htm">Secret</a> <a href="/daniel/5-8.htm">Sense</a> <a href="/daniel/5-12.htm">Shew</a> <a href="/daniel/5-12.htm">Show</a> <a href="/daniel/5-8.htm">Thereof</a> <a href="/daniel/4-7.htm">Users</a> <a href="/daniel/5-8.htm">Wise</a> <a href="/daniel/5-8.htm">Writing</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/daniel/5-16.htm">Able</a> <a href="/micah/5-12.htm">Arts</a> <a href="/isaiah/47-13.htm">Astrologers</a> <a href="/daniel/5-20.htm">Caused</a> <a href="/daniel/7-16.htm">Clear</a> <a href="/isaiah/19-3.htm">Conjurers</a> <a href="/daniel/9-23.htm">Declare</a> <a href="/psalms/58-5.htm">Enchanters</a> <a href="/daniel/5-16.htm">Inscription</a> <a href="/daniel/5-16.htm">Interpretation</a> <a href="/genesis/41-8.htm">Magicians</a> <a href="/daniel/6-11.htm">Making</a> <a href="/daniel/5-26.htm">Matter</a> <a href="/daniel/5-17.htm">Means</a> <a href="/daniel/5-26.htm">Message</a> <a href="/daniel/6-3.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/daniel/5-16.htm">Read</a> <a href="/daniel/5-17.htm">Reading</a> <a href="/daniel/8-26.htm">Secret</a> <a href="/daniel/5-17.htm">Sense</a> <a href="/daniel/9-23.htm">Shew</a> <a href="/daniel/9-23.htm">Show</a> <a href="/daniel/5-16.htm">Thereof</a> <a href="/daniel/1-20.htm">Users</a> <a href="/daniel/11-33.htm">Wise</a> <a href="/daniel/5-16.htm">Writing</a><div class="vheading2">Daniel 5</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/daniel/5-1.htm">Belshazzar's impious feast.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/daniel/5-5.htm">A hand-writing unknown to the magicians, troubles the king.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/daniel/5-10.htm">At the commendation of the queen Daniel is brought.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/daniel/5-17.htm">He, reproving the king of pride and idolatry,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">25. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/daniel/5-25.htm">reads and interprets the writing.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">30. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/daniel/5-30.htm">The monarchy is translated to the Medes</a></span><br></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><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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> <br /><br /> </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/5.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/daniel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book&nbsp;&#9702;</a>&nbsp;<a href="/study/chapters/daniel/5.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter&nbsp;</a></tr></table></div><b>Now the wise men and enchanters were brought before me</b><br>In the Babylonian empire, wise men and enchanters were often consulted for their supposed ability to interpret dreams, signs, and omens. These individuals were part of a class of magicians, astrologers, and diviners who held significant influence in the royal court. The reliance on such figures reflects the pagan practices of the time, where supernatural insight was sought from sources other than the God of Israel. This practice contrasts with the biblical teaching that true wisdom and understanding come from God alone (<a href="/proverbs/2-6.htm">Proverbs 2:6</a>).<p><b>to read this inscription and interpret it for me</b><br>The inscription referred to here is the mysterious writing on the wall, which appeared during King Belshazzar's feast. This event is a pivotal moment in the narrative, highlighting the limitations of human wisdom and the sovereignty of God. The inability of the wise men to interpret the writing underscores the theme that divine revelation cannot be understood through human means alone. This mirrors other biblical instances where God reveals mysteries that only His chosen servants can interpret, such as Joseph interpreting Pharaoh's dreams (Genesis 41).<p><b>but they could not give its interpretation</b><br>The failure of the wise men to interpret the writing serves as a critique of the Babylonian reliance on human wisdom and occult practices. It emphasizes the futility of seeking understanding apart from God. This moment foreshadows the introduction of Daniel, a man of God who possesses the divine insight necessary to interpret the message. It also parallels the New Testament teaching that spiritual truths are discerned through the Spirit of God (<a href="/1_corinthians/2-14.htm">1 Corinthians 2:14</a>). The inability of the wise men highlights the distinction between the wisdom of the world and the wisdom that comes from God, a recurring theme throughout Scripture.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/b/belshazzar.htm">Belshazzar</a></b><br>The king of Babylon during this event, who is hosting a great feast and witnesses the mysterious writing on the wall.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/w/wise_men_and_enchanters.htm">Wise Men and Enchanters</a></b><br>The group of Babylonian magicians, astrologers, and diviners summoned by Belshazzar to interpret the writing.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/d/daniel.htm">Daniel</a></b><br>Although not mentioned directly in this verse, Daniel is the prophet who will later interpret the writing for Belshazzar.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/b/babylon.htm">Babylon</a></b><br>The setting of this event, a powerful empire known for its wealth and idolatry.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_writing_on_the_wall.htm">The Writing on the Wall</a></b><br>A mysterious inscription that appears during Belshazzar's feast, signifying divine judgment.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_limitations_of_human_wisdom.htm">The Limitations of Human Wisdom</a></b><br>The inability of the wise men to interpret the writing highlights the limitations of human wisdom and understanding when it comes to divine matters.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_revelation.htm">God's Sovereignty in Revelation</a></b><br>God chooses whom He will to reveal His mysteries, as seen in His choice of Daniel over the Babylonian wise men.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_a_godly_reputation.htm">The Importance of a Godly Reputation</a></b><br>Daniel's reputation as a man of God precedes him, reminding us of the importance of living a life that reflects God's wisdom and power.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/divine_judgment_and_accountability.htm">Divine Judgment and Accountability</a></b><br>The writing on the wall serves as a reminder of God's judgment and the accountability of leaders and nations to His standards.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/seeking_godly_counsel.htm">Seeking Godly Counsel</a></b><br>In times of confusion and uncertainty, seeking counsel from those who are grounded in God's wisdom is crucial.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_daniel_5.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Daniel 5</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_are_the_chaldeans_in_the_bible.htm">Who are the Chaldeans mentioned in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/meaning_of_'mene_mene_tekel_upharsin'.htm">What does 'Mene Mene Tekel Upharsin' mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_trust_daniel's_god_over_babylon's_deities.htm">In Daniel 4:18, why would Nebuchadnezzar trust Daniel's God-based interpretation over the Babylonian wise men if their religious context supposedly revered other deities?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_do_accommodation_and_condescension_mean.htm">What does 'Persecuted but not Forsaken' mean?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/daniel/5.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(15) <span class= "bld">The thing--</span><span class= "ital">i.e.</span>, the whole of this miraculous transaction.<p><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/daniel/5-15.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Now</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1493;&#1468;&#1499;&#1456;&#1506;&#1463;&#1438;&#1503;</span> <span class="translit">(&#363;&#183;&#7733;&#601;&#183;&#8216;an)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw &#124; Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3705.htm">Strong's 3705: </a> </span><span class="str2">Now</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the wise men</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1495;&#1463;&#1499;&#1468;&#1460;&#1469;&#1497;&#1502;&#1463;&#1497;&#1468;&#1464;&#1488;&#1433;</span> <span class="translit">(&#7717;ak&#183;k&#238;&#183;may&#183;y&#257;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural determinate<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2445.htm">Strong's 2445: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wise, a Magian</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and enchanters</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1488;&#1464;&#1469;&#1513;&#1473;&#1456;&#1508;&#1463;&#1497;&#1468;&#1464;&#1428;&#1488;</span> <span class="translit">(&#8217;&#257;&#183;&#353;&#601;&#183;p&#772;ay&#183;y&#257;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural determinate<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_826.htm">Strong's 826: </a> </span><span class="str2">A conjurer, enchanter</span><br /><br /><span class="word">were brought</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1492;&#1467;&#1506;&#1463;&#1443;&#1500;&#1468;&#1493;&#1468;</span> <span class="translit">(hu&#183;&#8216;al&#183;l&#363;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hofal - Perfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5954.htm">Strong's 5954: </a> </span><span class="str2">To enter, to introduce</span><br /><br /><span class="word">before me</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1511;&#1464;&#1469;&#1491;&#1464;&#1502;&#1463;&#1431;&#1497;</span> <span class="translit">(q&#257;&#183;&#7695;&#257;&#183;may)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition &#124; first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6925.htm">Strong's 6925: </a> </span><span class="str2">Before</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to read</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1497;&#1460;&#1511;&#1456;&#1512;&#1428;&#1493;&#1465;&#1503;</span> <span class="translit">(yiq&#183;r&#333;&#183;wn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7123.htm">Strong's 7123: </a> </span><span class="str2">To call, read out or aloud</span><br /><br /><span class="word">this</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1491;&#1456;&#1504;&#1464;&#1492;&#1433;</span> <span class="translit">(&#7695;&#601;&#183;n&#257;h)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1836.htm">Strong's 1836: </a> </span><span class="str2">This</span><br /><br /><span class="word">inscription</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1499;&#1456;&#1514;&#1464;&#1489;&#1464;&#1444;&#1492;</span> <span class="translit">(&#7733;&#601;&#183;&#7791;&#257;&#183;&#7687;&#257;h)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular determinate<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3792.htm">Strong's 3792: </a> </span><span class="str2">Something written, a writing, record, book</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and interpret it</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1493;&#1468;&#1508;&#1460;&#1513;&#1473;&#1456;&#1512;&#1461;&#1430;&#1492;&#1468;</span> <span class="translit">(&#363;&#183;p&#772;i&#353;&#183;r&#234;h)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw &#124; Noun - masculine singular construct &#124; third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6591.htm">Strong's 6591: </a> </span><span class="str2">An interpretation</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for me,</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1500;&#1456;&#1492;&#1493;&#1465;&#1491;&#1464;&#1506;&#1467;&#1514;&#1463;&#1425;&#1504;&#1460;&#1497;</span> <span class="translit">(l&#601;&#183;h&#333;&#183;w&#183;&#7695;&#257;&#183;&#8216;u&#183;&#7791;a&#183;n&#238;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l &#124; Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct &#124; first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3046.htm">Strong's 3046: </a> </span><span class="str2">To know</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but they could</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1499;&#1464;&#1492;&#1458;&#1500;&#1460;&#1445;&#1497;&#1503;</span> <span class="translit">(&#7733;&#257;&#183;ha&#774;&#183;l&#238;n)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3546.htm">Strong's 3546: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be able</span><br /><br /><span class="word">not</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1493;&#1456;&#1500;&#1464;&#1469;&#1488;&#1470;</span> <span class="translit">(w&#601;&#183;l&#257;-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw &#124; Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3809.htm">Strong's 3809: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">give</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1500;&#1456;&#1492;&#1463;&#1495;&#1458;&#1493;&#1464;&#1497;&#1464;&#1469;&#1492;&#1475;</span> <span class="translit">(l&#601;&#183;ha&#183;&#7717;a&#774;&#183;w&#257;&#183;y&#257;h)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l &#124; Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2324.htm">Strong's 2324: </a> </span><span class="str2">To show</span><br /><br /><span class="word">its</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1502;&#1460;&#1500;&#1468;&#1456;&#1514;&#1464;&#1430;&#1488;</span> <span class="translit">(mil&#183;l&#601;&#183;&#7791;&#257;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular determinate<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4406.htm">Strong's 4406: </a> </span><span class="str2">A word, command, discourse, subject</span><br /><br /><span class="word">interpretation.</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1508;&#1468;&#1456;&#1513;&#1473;&#1463;&#1469;&#1512;&#1470;</span> <span class="translit">(p&#601;&#183;&#353;ar-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6591.htm">Strong's 6591: </a> </span><span class="str2">An interpretation</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/daniel/5-15.htm">Daniel 5:15 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/daniel/5-15.htm">Daniel 5:15 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/daniel/5-15.htm">Daniel 5:15 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/daniel/5-15.htm">Daniel 5:15 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/daniel/5-15.htm">Daniel 5:15 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/daniel/5-15.htm">Daniel 5:15 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/daniel/5-15.htm">Daniel 5:15 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/daniel/5-15.htm">Daniel 5:15 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/daniel/5-15.htm">Daniel 5:15 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/daniel/5-15.htm">Daniel 5:15 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/daniel/5-15.htm">OT Prophets: Daniel 5:15 Now the wise men the enchanters have (Dan. Da Dn) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/daniel/5-14.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Daniel 5:14"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Daniel 5:14" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/daniel/5-16.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Daniel 5:16"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Daniel 5:16" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>

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