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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 5:9 Then King Belshazzar became even more terrified, his face grew even more pale, and his nobles were bewildered.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/daniel/5-9.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/16/27_Dan_05_09.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Daniel 5:9 - The Handwriting on the Wall" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Then King Belshazzar became even more terrified, his face grew even more pale, and his nobles were bewildered." /><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/5-9.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/5-9.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/5.htm">Chapter 5</a> > Verse 9</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="/ad9.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/5-8.htm" title="Daniel 5:8">◄</a> Daniel 5:9 <a href="/daniel/5-10.htm" title="Daniel 5:10">►</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"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/daniel/5.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/daniel/5.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />So King Belshazzar became even more terrified and his face grew more pale. His nobles were baffled.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/daniel/5.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />So the king grew even more alarmed, and his face turned pale. His nobles, too, were shaken.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/daniel/5.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Then King Belshazzar was greatly alarmed, and his color changed, and his lords were perplexed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/daniel/5.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then King Belshazzar became even more terrified, his face grew even more pale, and his nobles were bewildered.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/daniel/5.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Then was king Belshazzar greatly troubled, and his countenance was changed in him, and his lords were astonied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/daniel/5.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then King Belshazzar was greatly troubled, his countenance was changed, and his lords were astonished.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/daniel/5.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then King Belshazzar was greatly alarmed, his face grew <i>even more</i> pale, and his nobles were perplexed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/daniel/5.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Then King Belshazzar was greatly alarmed, his face grew even paler, and his nobles were perplexed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/daniel/5.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Then King Belshazzar was greatly alarmed, his face grew <i>even</i> paler, and his nobles were perplexed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/daniel/5.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then King Belshazzar was greatly alarmed, and the splendor of his <i>face</i> changed <i>further</i>, and his nobles were perplexed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/daniel/5.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Then King Belshazzar was greatly perplexed, his face became even paler, and his nobles were bewildered <i>and</i> alarmed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/daniel/5.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then King Belshazzar became even more terrified, his face turned pale, and his nobles were bewildered.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/daniel/5.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then King Belshazzar became even more terrified, his face turned pale, and his nobles were bewildered. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/daniel/5.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Then was king Belshazzar greatly troubled, and his countenance was changed in him, and his lords were perplexed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/daniel/5.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />and they were completely puzzled. Now the king was more afraid than ever before, and his face turned white as a ghost. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/daniel/5.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Then was king Belshazzar greatly troubled, and his countenance was changed in him, and his lords were perplexed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/daniel/5.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />King Belshazzar was terrified, and his face turned pale. His nobles didn't know what to do.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/daniel/5.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />In his distress King Belshazzar grew even paler, and his noblemen had no idea what to do. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/daniel/5.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />So King Belshazzar became even more frightened, and his facial expression showed it. His officials also were thrown into confusion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/daniel/5.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then King Belshazzar became even more terrified, his face grew even more pale, and his nobles were bewildered.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/daniel/5.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Then King Belshazzar was very terrified, and he was visibly shaken. His nobles were completely dumbfounded. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/daniel/5.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Then was king Belshazzar greatly troubled, and his face turned pale, and his lords were perplexed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/daniel/5.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Then was the king Belshazzar greatly troubled, and his countenance was changed in him, and his lords were astonished.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/daniel/5.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Then King Belshazzar was greatly troubled, and his face was changed in him, and his lords were perplexed. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/daniel/5.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />then King Belshazzar is greatly troubled, and his countenance is changing in him, and his great men are perplexed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/daniel/5.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> then the king Belshazzar is greatly troubled, and his countenance is changing in him, and his great men are perplexed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/daniel/5.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Then king Belshazzar being greatly terrified, and his brightnesses being changed upon him, and his nobles being perplexed.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/daniel/5.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Wherewith king Baltasar was much troubled, and his countenance was changed: and his nobles also were troubled. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/daniel/5.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Therefore, king Belshazzar was quite confused, and his face was altered, and even his nobles were disturbed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/daniel/5.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Then King Belshazzar was greatly terrified; his face became pale, and his nobles were thrown into confusion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/daniel/5.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Then King Belshazzar became greatly terrified and his face turned pale, and his lords were perplexed.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/daniel/5.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Then King Belshazzar was greatly troubled and his countenance changed and his princes were bewildered.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/daniel/5.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Then King Beltshatsar was greatly troubled and his brightness of face was changed and his Princes were confounded<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/daniel/5.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Then was king Belshazzar greatly affrighted, and his countenance was changed in him, and his lords were perplexed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/daniel/5.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And king Baltasar was troubled, and his countenance changed upon him, and his nobles were troubled with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/daniel/5-9.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=1805" 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">The Handwriting on the Wall</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">8</span>So all the king’s wise men came in, but they could not read the inscription or interpret it for him. <span class="reftext">9</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/116.htm" title="116: ’ĕ·ḏa·yin (Adv) -- Then, thereupon. (Aramaic) of uncertain derivation; then (of time).">Then</a> <a href="/hebrew/4430.htm" title="4430: mal·kā (N-msd) -- King. (Aramaic) corresponding to melek; a king.">King</a> <a href="/hebrew/1113.htm" title="1113: ḇê·lə·šaṣ·ṣar (N-proper-ms) -- A Bab. king. (Aramaic) corresponding to Belsha'tstsar.">Belshazzar</a> <a href="/hebrew/7690.htm" title="7690: śag·gî (Adj-ms) -- Great, much. (Aramaic) corresponding to saggiy'; large (in size, quantity or number, also adverbial).">became even more</a> <a href="/hebrew/927.htm" title="927: miṯ·bā·hal (V-Hitpael-Prtcpl-ms) -- To alarm, dismay. (Aramaic) corresponding to bahal; to terrify, hasten.">terrified,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2122.htm" title="2122: wə·zi·yō·hî (Conj-w:: N-mpc:: 3ms) -- Brightness, splendor. (Aramaic) corresponding to Ziv; (figuratively) cheerfulness.">his face</a> <a href="/hebrew/8133.htm" title="8133: šā·na·yin (V-Qal-Prtcpl-mp) -- To change. (Aramaic) corresponding to shana.">grew even more pale,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5922.htm" title="5922: ‘ă·lō·w·hî (Prep:: 3ms) -- Upon, over, above. (Aramaic) corresponding to al."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7261.htm" title="7261: wə·raḇ·rə·ḇā·nō·w·hî (Conj-w:: N-mpc:: 3ms) -- Lord, noble. (Aramaic) from rabrab; a magnate.">and his nobles</a> <a href="/hebrew/7672.htm" title="7672: miš·tab·bə·šîn (V-Hitpael-Prtcpl-mp) -- To be perplexed. (Aramaic) corresponding to shabats; to entangle, i.e. Perplex.">were bewildered.</a> </span><span class="reftext">10</span>Hearing the outcry of the king and his nobles, the queen entered the banquet hall. “O king, may you live forever!” she said. “Do not let your thoughts terrify you, or your face grow pale.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <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="/daniel/2-1.htm">Daniel 2:1-3</a></span><br />In the second year of his reign, Nebuchadnezzar had dreams that troubled his spirit, and sleep escaped him. / So the king gave orders to summon the magicians, enchanters, sorcerers, and astrologers to explain his dreams. When they came and stood before the king, / he said to them, “I have had a dream, and my spirit is anxious to understand it.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/4-5.htm">Daniel 4:5-7</a></span><br />I had a dream, and it frightened me; while I was in my bed, the images and visions in my mind alarmed me. / So I issued a decree that all the wise men of Babylon be brought before me to interpret the dream for me. / When the magicians, enchanters, astrologers, and diviners came in, I told them the dream, but they could not interpret it for me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/2-10.htm">Daniel 2:10-11</a></span><br />The astrologers answered the king, “No one on earth can do what the king requests! No king, however great and powerful, has ever asked anything like this of any magician, enchanter, or astrologer. / What the king requests is so difficult that no one can tell it to him except the gods, whose dwelling is not with mortals.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/4-18.htm">Daniel 4:18-19</a></span><br />This is the dream that I, King Nebuchadnezzar, saw. Now, Belteshazzar, tell me the interpretation, because none of the wise men of my kingdom can interpret it for me. But you are able, because the spirit of the holy gods is in you.” / For a time, Daniel, who was also known as Belteshazzar, was perplexed, and his thoughts alarmed him. So the king said, “Belteshazzar, do not let the dream or its interpretation alarm you.” “My lord,” replied Belteshazzar, “may the dream apply to those who hate you, and its interpretation to your enemies!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/2-27.htm">Daniel 2:27-28</a></span><br />Daniel answered the king, “No wise man, enchanter, medium, or magician can explain to the king the mystery of which he inquires. / But there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries, and He has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in the latter days. Your dream and the visions that came into your mind as you lay on your bed were these:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/4-8.htm">Daniel 4:8-9</a></span><br />But at last, into my presence came Daniel (whose name is Belteshazzar after the name of my god, and in whom is the spirit of the holy gods). And I told him the dream: / “O Belteshazzar, chief of the magicians, I know that the spirit of the holy gods is in you and that no mystery baffles you. So explain to me the visions I saw in my dream, and their interpretation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/2-46.htm">Daniel 2:46-47</a></span><br />At this, King Nebuchadnezzar fell on his face, paid homage to Daniel, and ordered that an offering and incense be presented to him. / The king said to Daniel, “Your God is truly the God of gods and Lord of kings, the Revealer of Mysteries, since you were able to reveal this mystery.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/4-6.htm">Daniel 4:6-7</a></span><br />So I issued a decree that all the wise men of Babylon be brought before me to interpret the dream for me. / When the magicians, enchanters, astrologers, and diviners came in, I told them the dream, but they could not interpret it for me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/2-12.htm">Daniel 2:12-13</a></span><br />This response made the king so angry and furious that he gave orders to destroy all the wise men of Babylon. / So the decree went out that the wise men were to be executed, and men went to look for Daniel and his friends to execute them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/4-24.htm">Daniel 4:24-27</a></span><br />This is the interpretation, O king, and this is the decree that the Most High has issued against my lord the king: / You will be driven away from mankind, and your dwelling will be with the beasts of the field. You will feed on grass like an ox and be drenched with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass you by, until you acknowledge that the Most High rules over the kingdom of mankind and gives it to whom He wishes. / As for the command to leave the stump of the tree with its roots, your kingdom will be restored to you as soon as you acknowledge that Heaven rules. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/2-1.htm">Matthew 2:1-3</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, “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.” / When King Herod heard this, he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/12-18.htm">Acts 12:18-19</a></span><br />At daybreak there was no small commotion among the soldiers as to what had become of Peter. / After Herod had searched for him unsuccessfully, he examined the guards and ordered that they be executed. Then he went down from Judea to Caesarea and spent some time there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/16-27.htm">Acts 16:27-29</a></span><br />When the jailer woke up and saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, presuming that the prisoners had escaped. / But Paul called out in a loud voice, “Do not harm yourself! We are all here!” / Calling for lights, the jailer rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/21-25.htm">Luke 21:25-26</a></span><br />There will be signs in the sun and moon and stars, and on the earth dismay among the nations, bewildered by the roaring of the sea and the surging of the waves. / Men will faint from fear and anxiety over what is coming upon the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/18-9.htm">Revelation 18:9-10</a></span><br />Then the kings of the earth who committed sexual immorality and lived in luxury with her will weep and wail at the sight of the smoke rising from the fire that consumes her. / In fear of her torment, they will stand at a distance and cry out: “Woe, woe to the great city, the mighty city of Babylon! For in a single hour your judgment has come.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Then was king Belshazzar greatly troubled, and his countenance was changed in him, and his lords were astonished.</p><p class="hdg">greatly.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/daniel/5-6.htm">Daniel 5:6</a></b></br> Then the king's countenance was changed, and his thoughts troubled him, so that the joints of his loins were loosed, and his knees smote one against another.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/daniel/2-1.htm">Daniel 2:1</a></b></br> And in the second year of the reign of Nebuchadnezzar Nebuchadnezzar dreamed dreams, wherewith his spirit was troubled, and his sleep brake from him.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/18-11.htm">Job 18:11-14</a></b></br> Terrors shall make him afraid on every side, and shall drive him to his feet… </p><p class="hdg">countenance.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/daniel/5-6.htm">Daniel 5:6</a></b></br> Then the king's countenance was changed, and his thoughts troubled him, so that the joints of his loins were loosed, and his knees smote one against another.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/daniel/10-8.htm">Daniel 10:8</a></b></br> Therefore I was left alone, and saw this great vision, and there remained no strength in me: for my comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength.</p><p class="hdg">changed.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/48-6.htm">Psalm 48:6</a></b></br> Fear took hold upon them there, <i>and</i> pain, as of a woman in travail.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/13-6.htm">Isaiah 13:6-8</a></b></br> Howl ye; for the day of the LORD <i>is</i> at hand; it shall come as a destruction from the Almighty… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/21-2.htm">Isaiah 21:2-4</a></b></br> A grievous vision is declared unto me; the treacherous dealer dealeth treacherously, and the spoiler spoileth. Go up, O Elam: besiege, O Media; all the sighing thereof have I made to cease… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/daniel/5-6.htm">Affrighted</a> <a href="/daniel/5-6.htm">Alarmed</a> <a href="/daniel/4-19.htm">Astonied</a> <a href="/daniel/4-19.htm">Astonished</a> <a href="/ezekiel/19-5.htm">Baffled</a> <a href="/daniel/5-2.htm">Belshazzar</a> <a href="/daniel/5-1.htm">Belshaz'zar</a> <a href="/daniel/5-6.htm">Changed</a> <a href="/daniel/2-21.htm">Changing</a> <a href="/ezekiel/10-9.htm">Color</a> <a href="/daniel/5-6.htm">Colour</a> <a href="/ezekiel/36-32.htm">Confounded</a> <a href="/daniel/5-6.htm">Countenance</a> <a href="/daniel/5-6.htm">Face</a> <a href="/daniel/5-3.htm">Great</a> <a href="/daniel/4-1.htm">Greatly</a> <a href="/daniel/5-6.htm">Grew</a> <a href="/daniel/5-3.htm">Lords</a> <a href="/daniel/5-3.htm">Nobles</a> <a href="/daniel/5-6.htm">Pale</a> <a href="/esther/3-15.htm">Perplexed</a> <a href="/ezekiel/28-19.htm">Terrified</a> <a href="/daniel/5-6.htm">Troubled</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/daniel/7-15.htm">Affrighted</a> <a href="/daniel/7-15.htm">Alarmed</a> <a href="/ezra/9-3.htm">Astonied</a> <a href="/daniel/8-27.htm">Astonished</a> <a href="/acts/9-22.htm">Baffled</a> <a href="/daniel/5-22.htm">Belshazzar</a> <a href="/daniel/5-22.htm">Belshaz'zar</a> <a href="/daniel/5-10.htm">Changed</a> <a href="/amos/7-3.htm">Changing</a> <a href="/daniel/5-10.htm">Color</a> <a href="/daniel/7-28.htm">Colour</a> <a href="/joel/1-11.htm">Confounded</a> <a href="/daniel/5-10.htm">Countenance</a> <a href="/daniel/5-10.htm">Face</a> <a href="/daniel/5-18.htm">Great</a> <a href="/daniel/6-14.htm">Greatly</a> <a href="/daniel/7-28.htm">Grew</a> <a href="/daniel/5-10.htm">Lords</a> <a href="/daniel/6-17.htm">Nobles</a> <a href="/daniel/5-10.htm">Pale</a> <a href="/joel/1-18.htm">Perplexed</a> <a href="/daniel/8-17.htm">Terrified</a> <a href="/daniel/6-20.htm">Troubled</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 />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <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 ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/daniel/5.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Then King Belshazzar became even more terrified</b><br>King Belshazzar's fear is heightened by the mysterious writing on the wall, which he cannot understand. This reflects the biblical theme of divine messages causing fear in those who are not aligned with God's will. Historically, Belshazzar was the co-regent of Babylon, ruling alongside his father Nabonidus. His fear contrasts with the confidence he displayed earlier in the chapter during the feast, highlighting the sudden shift from arrogance to dread when confronted with divine intervention.<p><b>his face grew even more pale</b><br>The physical reaction of Belshazzar underscores the intensity of his fear. In ancient Near Eastern culture, a pale face was often associated with fear or illness, indicating a loss of composure and control. This imagery is used elsewhere in scripture to depict fear, such as in <a href="/isaiah/29-22.htm">Isaiah 29:22</a>, where Jacob's face will no longer grow pale when he sees God's salvation. The king's pallor symbolizes the impending judgment and the realization of his vulnerability before God.<p><b>and his nobles were bewildered</b><br>The nobles, who were part of the royal court and likely shared in Belshazzar's earlier revelry, are now confused and unable to provide answers. This bewilderment highlights the limitations of human wisdom and power when faced with divine mysteries. The nobles' inability to interpret the writing contrasts with Daniel's later interpretation, emphasizing the theme of God's wisdom surpassing human understanding. This moment foreshadows the fall of Babylon, as prophesied in <a href="/isaiah/47.htm">Isaiah 47</a> and <a href="/jeremiah/51.htm">Jeremiah 51</a>, where the pride of Babylon is brought low.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/k/king_belshazzar.htm">King Belshazzar</a></b><br>The ruler of Babylon during the time of this event. He is known for his arrogance and disregard for the God of Israel, which ultimately leads to his downfall.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/b/babylon.htm">Babylon</a></b><br>The capital city of the Babylonian Empire, known for its grandeur and as a center of power and idolatry.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_writing_on_the_wall.htm">The Writing on the Wall</a></b><br>A mysterious event where a hand appears and writes on the wall during Belshazzar's feast, causing fear and confusion among the king and his nobles.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/n/nobles.htm">Nobles</a></b><br>The high-ranking officials and advisors in Belshazzar's court, who are unable to interpret the writing and are left bewildered.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/d/daniel.htm">Daniel</a></b><br>Although not mentioned in this specific verse, Daniel is a key figure in this chapter as he is later called upon to interpret the writing.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_pride.htm">The Consequences of Pride</a></b><br>Belshazzar's fear and confusion are direct results of his pride and disregard for God. Pride can lead to a false sense of security and ultimately to downfall.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_godly_wisdom.htm">The Importance of Godly Wisdom</a></b><br>The inability of the nobles to interpret the writing shows the limitations of human wisdom. True understanding comes from God, as demonstrated by Daniel's later interpretation.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_fear_of_the_lord_vs._the_fear_of_man.htm">The Fear of the Lord vs. the Fear of Man</a></b><br>Belshazzar's terror contrasts with the peace that comes from fearing the Lord. Trusting in God provides stability even in uncertain times.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_over_nations.htm">God's Sovereignty Over Nations</a></b><br>This event underscores God's control over the rise and fall of kingdoms. Belshazzar's fear is a reminder that earthly power is temporary and subject to God's will.<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/what_happened_to_belshazzar.htm">What happened to Belshazzar during the feast?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_is_angel_moroni.htm">What does the Bible say about Babylon?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_doesn't_belshazzar_know_daniel.htm">Why is Daniel unknown to Belshazzar (Daniel 5:7-13) despite his prominent role under Nebuchadnezzar described in earlier chapters?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_are_6th-century_events_in_daniel_wrong.htm">Why does the Book of Daniel describe events from the 6th century BCE inaccurately, suggesting it was written later?</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>(9) The terror of Belshazzar and his lords is caused by the impression that the inability of the wise men to read the inscription is the portent of some terrible calamity.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/daniel/5.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 9.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Then was King Belshazzar greatly troubled, and his countenance was changed in him, and his lords were astonied</span>. This verse presents signs also of being a repetition. The last clause appears to be the original form of the mysterious clause at the end of the sixth verse according to the Septuagint; the word <span class="accented">mishtabsheen</span>, which occurs here, seems to have been read <span class="accented">mishtabhareen</span>, from <span class="hebrew">שַׁבְהַר</span> (<span class="accented">shab'har</span>), "to be glorious," in the ittaphel; this becomes "to boast one's self," as in the Targum of <a href="/proverbs/25-14.htm">Proverbs 25:14</a>, also the Peshitta of the same passage; also <a href="/2_corinthians/12-1.htm">2 Corinthians 12:1</a>. And this is the word used by Paulus Tellensis to translate <span class="greek">καυχῶνται</span>. The Septuagint has a verse here that has no equivalent in the Massoretic text, "Then the king called the queen about the sign, and showed her how great it was, and that no one had been able to declare to the king the interpretation of the writing." This verse avoids the repetition we find in the Massoretic text, and explains the presence of the queen in a much more plausible way than the received text does. In the Massoretic text it is the noise and tumult that pierces the women's apartments, and brings out the queen-mother; though not impossible, this is unlikely. The action of the king, as given in the Septuagint, is very probable. The wise men are baffled by this mysteriously appearing inscription. What is to be done? Belshazzar calls his mother, the daughter of Nebuchadnezzar, as she at least possibly was, to see if she knows anything in the past that might be a guide in such a matter. He not only shows her the sign, the inscription, but shows how great it was, by telling of the hand that had come out of the darkness, and had written it. Theodotion and the Peshitta agree with the Massoretic text. While the repetition is obvious, it is also true that the failure of all the wise men in Babylon to read the writing, as the Massoretic text has it, would increase the trouble of the king, and this trouble would naturally spread to the courtiers. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/daniel/5-9.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">Then</span><br /><span class="heb">אֱ֠דַיִן</span> <span class="translit">(’ĕ·ḏa·yin)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_116.htm">Strong's 116: </a> </span><span class="str2">Then, thereupon</span><br /><br /><span class="word">King</span><br /><span class="heb">מַלְכָּ֤א</span> <span class="translit">(mal·kā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular determinate<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4430.htm">Strong's 4430: </a> </span><span class="str2">A king</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Belshazzar</span><br /><span class="heb">בֵלְשַׁאצַּר֙</span> <span class="translit">(ḇê·lə·šaṣ·ṣar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1113.htm">Strong's 1113: </a> </span><span class="str2">Belshazzar -- a Babylonian king</span><br /><br /><span class="word">became even more</span><br /><span class="heb">שַׂגִּ֣יא</span> <span class="translit">(śag·gî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7690.htm">Strong's 7690: </a> </span><span class="str2">Great, much</span><br /><br /><span class="word">terrified,</span><br /><span class="heb">מִתְבָּהַ֔ל</span> <span class="translit">(miṯ·bā·hal)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hitpael - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_927.htm">Strong's 927: </a> </span><span class="str2">To terrify, hasten</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his face</span><br /><span class="heb">וְזִיוֺ֖הִי</span> <span class="translit">(wə·zi·yō·hî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2122.htm">Strong's 2122: </a> </span><span class="str2">Brightness, splendor</span><br /><br /><span class="word">grew even more pale,</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׁנַ֣יִן</span> <span class="translit">(šā·na·yin)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8133.htm">Strong's 8133: </a> </span><span class="str2">To change</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and his nobles</span><br /><span class="heb">וְרַבְרְבָנ֖וֹהִי</span> <span class="translit">(wə·raḇ·rə·ḇā·nō·w·hî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7261.htm">Strong's 7261: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lord, noble</span><br /><br /><span class="word">were bewildered.</span><br /><span class="heb">מִֽשְׁתַּבְּשִֽׁין׃</span> <span class="translit">(miš·tab·bə·šîn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hitpael - Participle - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7672.htm">Strong's 7672: </a> </span><span class="str2">To entangle, perplex</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/daniel/5-9.htm">Daniel 5:9 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/daniel/5-9.htm">Daniel 5:9 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/daniel/5-9.htm">Daniel 5:9 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/daniel/5-9.htm">Daniel 5:9 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/daniel/5-9.htm">Daniel 5:9 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/daniel/5-9.htm">Daniel 5:9 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/daniel/5-9.htm">Daniel 5:9 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/daniel/5-9.htm">Daniel 5:9 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/daniel/5-9.htm">Daniel 5:9 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/daniel/5-9.htm">Daniel 5:9 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/daniel/5-9.htm">OT Prophets: Daniel 5:9 Then was king Belshazzar greatly troubled (Dan. Da Dn) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/daniel/5-8.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Daniel 5:8"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Daniel 5:8" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/daniel/5-10.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Daniel 5:10"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Daniel 5:10" /></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>