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Therefore tell me the dream, and I will know that you can give me its interpretation."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/daniel/2-9.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/7/27_Dan_02_09.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Daniel 2:9 - Nebuchadnezzar's Dream" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="If 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. 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You have conspired to tell me misleading and wicked things, hoping the situation will change. So then, tell me the dream, and I will know that you can interpret it for me.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/daniel/2.htm">New Living Translation</a> ‘If you don’t tell me the dream, you are doomed.’ So you have conspired to tell me lies, hoping I will change my mind. But tell me the dream, and then I’ll know that you can tell me what it means.” <a href="/esv/daniel/2.htm">English Standard Version</a> if you do not make the dream known to me, there is but one sentence for you. You have agreed to speak lying and corrupt words before me till the times change. Therefore tell me the dream, and I shall know that you can show me its interpretation.” <a href="/bsb/daniel/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> If 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.” <a href="/kjv/daniel/2.htm">King James Bible</a> But if ye will not make known unto me the dream, there is but one decree for you: for ye have prepared lying and corrupt words to speak before me, till the time be changed: therefore tell me the dream, and I shall know that ye can shew me the interpretation thereof. <a href="/nkjv/daniel/2.htm">New King James Version</a> if you do not make known the dream to me, there is only one decree for you! For you have agreed to speak lying and corrupt words before me till the time has changed. Therefore tell me the dream, and I shall know that you can give me its interpretation.” <a href="/nasb_/daniel/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> that if you do not make the dream known to me, there is only one decree for you. For you have agreed together to speak lying and corrupt words before me until the situation is changed; therefore tell me the dream, so that I may know that you can declare to me its interpretation.” <a href="/nasb/daniel/2.htm">NASB 1995</a> that if you do not make the dream known to me, there is only one decree for you. For you have agreed together to speak lying and corrupt words before me until the situation is changed; therefore tell me the dream, that I may know that you can declare to me its interpretation.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/daniel/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a> that if you do not make the dream known to me, there is only one decree for you. For you have agreed together to speak lying and corrupt words before me until the situation is changed; therefore tell me the dream, that I may know that you can declare to me its interpretation.” <a href="/lsb/daniel/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> that if you do not make the dream known to me, there is only one law for you. Indeed, you have agreed together to speak lying and corrupt words before me until the time is changed; therefore say the dream to me, that I may know that you can declare to me its interpretation.” <a href="/amp/daniel/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a> If you will not reveal to me the [content of the] dream, there is but one sentence for you; for you have [already] prepared lying and corrupt words [and you have agreed together] to speak [them] before me [hoping to delay your execution] until the situation is changed. Therefore, tell me the dream [first], and then I will know [with confidence] that you can give me its interpretation.” <a href="/csb/daniel/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> If you don’t tell me the dream, there is one decree for you. You have conspired to tell me something false or fraudulent until the situation changes. So tell me the dream and I will know you can give me its interpretation.” <a href="/hcsb/daniel/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> If you don&#8217t tell me the dream, there is one decree for you. You have conspired to tell me something false or fraudulent until the situation changes. So tell me the dream and I will know you can give me its interpretation.&#8221 <a href="/asv/daniel/2.htm">American Standard Version</a> But if ye make not known unto me the dream, there is but one law for you; for ye have prepared lying and corrupt words to speak before me, till the time be changed: therefore tell me the dream, and I shall know that ye can show me the interpretation thereof. <a href="/cev/daniel/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> because you know what's going to happen if you don't come up with the answer. You've decided to make up a bunch of lies, hoping I might change my mind. Now tell me the dream, and that will prove that you can interpret it." <a href="/erv/daniel/2.htm">English Revised Version</a> But if ye make not known unto me the dream, there is but one law for you: for ye have prepared lying and corrupt words to speak before me, till the time be changed: therefore tell me the dream, and I shall know that ye can shew me the interpretation thereof. <a href="/gwt/daniel/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> If you don't tell me the dream, you'll all receive the same punishment. You have agreed among yourselves to make up a phony explanation to give me, hoping that things will change. So tell me the dream. Then I'll know that you can explain its meaning to me." <a href="/gnt/daniel/2.htm">Good News Translation</a> to give all of you the same punishment if you don't tell me the dream. You have agreed among yourselves to go on telling me lies because you hope that in time things will change. Tell me what the dream was, and then I will know that you can also tell me what it means." <a href="/isv/daniel/2.htm">International Standard Version</a> So if you don't disclose the dream to me, there will be only one sentence for all of you. You have conspired together to present lies and corrupt interpretations until the situation changes. Now tell me the dream and I'll know that you can reveal its true meaning." <a href="/msb/daniel/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> If 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.? <a href="/net/daniel/2.htm">NET Bible</a> If you don't inform me of the dream, there is only one thing that is going to happen to you. For you have agreed among yourselves to report to me something false and deceitful until such time as things might change. So tell me the dream, and I will have confidence that you can disclose its interpretation." <a href="/nheb/daniel/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> But if you do not make known to me the dream, there is but one law for you; for you have prepared lying and corrupt words to speak before me, until such time that things might change. Therefore tell me the dream, and I shall know that you can show me its interpretation." <a href="/wbt/daniel/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> But if ye will not make known to me the dream, there is but one decree for you: for ye have prepared lying and corrupt words to speak before me, till the time be changed: therefore tell me the dream, and I shall know that ye can show me the interpretation of it. <a href="/web/daniel/2.htm">World English Bible</a> But if you don’t make known to me the dream, there is but one law for you; for you have prepared lying and corrupt words to speak before me, until the situation changes. Therefore tell me the dream, and I will know that you can show me its interpretation.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/daniel/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> [so] that, if you do not cause me to know the dream—one is your sentence, seeing a lying and corrupt word you have prepared to speak before me, until the time is changed, therefore tell the dream to me, then I know that you show me its interpretation.” <a href="/ylt/daniel/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> so that, if the dream ye do not cause me to know -- one is your sentence, seeing a word lying and corrupt ye have prepared to speak before me, till that the time is changed, therefore the dream tell ye to me, then do I know that its interpretation ye do shew me.' <a href="/slt/daniel/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Enough if ye will not make known to me the dream, this one edict for you; and ye divided out the word of falsehood and this corruption to say before me, till that the time shall change: therefore say to me the dream and I shall know that ye will show me its interpretation.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/daniel/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> If therefore you tell me not the dream, there is one sentence concerning you, that you have also framed a lying interpretation, and full of deceit, to speak before me till the time pass away. Tell me therefore the dream, that I may know that you also give a true interpretation thereof. <a href="/cpdv/daniel/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Therefore, if you do not reveal to me the dream, there is only one conclusion to be reached about you, that the interpretation is likewise false, and packed full of deception, so as to speak before me until the time passes away. And so, tell me the dream, so that I will also know that the interpretation that you tell me is likewise true.” <a href="/nabre/daniel/2.htm">New American Bible</a> If you do not tell me the dream, there can be but one decree for you. You have conspired to present a false and deceitful interpretation to me until the crisis is past. Tell me the dream, therefore, that I may be sure that you can also give its correct interpretation.” <a href="/nrsvce/daniel/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> if you do not tell me the dream, there is but one verdict for you. You have agreed to speak lying and misleading words to me until things take a turn. Therefore, tell me the dream, and I shall know that you can give me its interpretation.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/daniel/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> But if you will not make known to me the dream, there is but one sentence for you; for you have prepared lying words and falsehoods to speak before me, to gain time; therefore tell me the dream, so that I shall know that you can show me its interpretation. <a href="/hpbt/daniel/2.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> Because if you shall not show me the dream, your judgment is one. You have contemplated to speak a lying and worthless word before me until time will pass, but tell me the dream that I may know that you will also show me the interpretation”<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/daniel/2.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> that, if ye make not known unto me the dream, there is but one law for you; and ye have agreed together to speak before me lying and corrupt words, till the time be changed; only tell me the dream, and I shall know that ye can declare unto me the interpretation thereof.' <a href="/sep/daniel/2.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> If then ye do not tell me the dream, I know that ye have concerted to utter before me a false and corrupt tale, until the time shall have past: tell me my dream, and I shall know that ye will also declare to me the interpretation thereof. <a href="/parallel/daniel/2-9.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=305" 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> …8The king replied, “I know for sure that you are stalling for time, because you see that my word is final. 9<a href="/hebrew/1768.htm" title="1768: dî (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that, because. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/2006.htm" title="2006: hên- (Conj) -- If, whether. (Aramaic) corresponding to hen: lo! Also there(-fore), less, whether, but, if.">If</a> <a href="/hebrew/3809.htm" title="3809: lā (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. (Aramaic) or lah (Aramaic) (Dan. 4:32); corresponding to lo'.">you do not</a> <a href="/hebrew/3046.htm" title="3046: ṯə·hō·wḏ·‘un·na·nî (V-Hifil-Imperf-2mp:: 1cse) -- To know. (Aramaic) corresponding to yada'.">tell me</a> <a href="/hebrew/2493.htm" title="2493: ḥel·mā (N-msd) -- A dream. (Aramaic) from a root corresponding to chalam; a dream.">the dream,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1932.htm" title="1932: hî (Pro-3fs) -- He, she, it. (Aramaic) or (feminine) hiyo (Aramaic); corresponding to huw'.">there is</a> <a href="/hebrew/2298.htm" title="2298: ḥă·ḏāh- (Number-fs) -- One. (Aramaic) corresponding to chad; as card. One; as article single; as an ordinal, first; adverbially, at once.">only one</a> <a href="/hebrew/1882.htm" title="1882: ḏā·ṯə·ḵō·wn (N-fsc:: 2mp) -- Decree, law. (Aramaic) corresponding to dath; decree, law.">decree for you.</a> <a href="/hebrew/2164.htm" title="2164: haz·min·tūn (V-Hitpael-Perf-2mp) -- To agree together. (Aramaic) corresponding to zaman; to agree (on a time and place).">You have conspired</a> <a href="/hebrew/560.htm" title="560: lə·mê·mar (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To say, tell, command. (Aramaic) corresponding to 'amar.">to speak</a> <a href="/hebrew/6925.htm" title="6925: qā·ḏā·may (Prep:: 1cs) -- Before. (Aramaic) or qdam (Aramaic) (Daniel 7:13); corresponding to qedem; before.">before me</a> <a href="/hebrew/3538.htm" title="3538: ḵiḏ·ḇāh (N-fs) -- FALSE. (Aramaic) from a root corresponding to kazab; false.">FALSE</a> <a href="/hebrew/7844.htm" title="7844: ū·šə·ḥî·ṯāh (Conj-w:: V-Qal-QalPassPrtcpl-fs) -- To corrupt. (Aramaic) corresponding to shachath.">and fraudulent</a> <a href="/hebrew/4406.htm" title="4406: ū·mil·lāh (Conj-w:: N-fs) -- A word, thing. (Aramaic) corresponding to millah; a word, command, discourse, or subject.">words,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5705.htm" title="5705: ‘aḏ (Prep) -- Even to, until. (Aramaic) corresponding to ad; X and, at, for, (hither-)to, on till, (un-)to, until, within.">hoping</a> <a href="/hebrew/1768.htm" title="1768: dî (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that, because. "></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.">the situation</a> <a href="/hebrew/8133.htm" title="8133: yiš·tan·nê (V-Hitpael-Imperf-3ms) -- To change. (Aramaic) corresponding to shana.">will change.</a> <a href="/hebrew/2006.htm" title="2006: lā·hên (Conj) -- If, whether. (Aramaic) corresponding to hen: lo! Also there(-fore), less, whether, but, if.">Therefore</a> <a href="/hebrew/560.htm" title="560: ’ĕ·ma·rū (V-Qal-Imp-mp) -- To say, tell, command. (Aramaic) corresponding to 'amar.">tell</a> <a href="/hebrew/lî (Prep:: 1cs) -- ">me</a> <a href="/hebrew/2493.htm" title="2493: ḥel·mā (N-msd) -- A dream. (Aramaic) from a root corresponding to chalam; a dream.">the dream,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3046.htm" title="3046: wə·’in·da‘ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjImperf-1cs) -- To know. (Aramaic) corresponding to yada'.">and I will know</a> <a href="/hebrew/1768.htm" title="1768: dî (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that, because. ">that</a> <a href="/hebrew/2324.htm" title="2324: tə·ha·ḥă·wun·na·nî (V-Hifil-Imperf-2mp:: 1cse) -- To show. (Aramaic) corresponding to chavah; to show.">you can give me</a> <a href="/hebrew/6591.htm" title="6591: p̄iš·rêh (N-msc:: 3ms) -- Interpretation. (Aramaic) from pshar; an interpretation.">its interpretation.”</a> 10The 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.…<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="/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="/isaiah/41-21.htm">Isaiah 41:21-23</a> “Present your case,” says the LORD. “Submit your arguments,” says the King of Jacob. / “Let them come and tell us what will happen. Tell the former things, so that we may reflect on them and know the outcome. Or announce to us what is coming. / Tell us the things that are to come, so that we may know that you are gods. Yes, do something good or evil, that we may look on together in dismay. <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/23-28.htm">Jeremiah 23:28-29</a> Let the prophet who has a dream retell it, but let him who has My word speak it truthfully. For what is straw compared to grain?” declares the LORD. / “Is not My word like fire,” declares the LORD, “and like a hammer that smashes a rock?” <a href="/ezekiel/28-3.htm">Ezekiel 28:3</a> Behold, you are wiser than Daniel; no secret is hidden from you! <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/2-1.htm">Matthew 2:1-12</a> 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. ... <a href="/matthew/12-25.htm">Matthew 12:25</a> Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand. <a href="/matthew/16-2.htm">Matthew 16:2-3</a> 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/2-8.htm">Mark 2:8</a> At once Jesus knew in His spirit that they were thinking this way within themselves. “Why are you thinking these things in your hearts?” He asked. <a href="/luke/5-22.htm">Luke 5:22</a> Knowing what they were thinking, Jesus replied, “Why are you thinking these things in your hearts? <a href="/luke/11-17.htm">Luke 11:17</a> Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste, and a house divided against a house will fall. <a href="/john/2-24.htm">John 2:24-25</a> But Jesus did not entrust Himself to them, for He knew them all. / He did not need any testimony about man, for He knew what was in a man. <a href="/john/4-17.htm">John 4:17-19</a> “I have no husband,” the woman replied. Jesus said to her, “You are correct to say that you have no husband. / In fact, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. You have spoken truthfully.” / “Sir,” the woman said, “I see that You are a prophet.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>But if you will not make known to me the dream, there is but one decree for you: for you have prepared lying and corrupt words to speak before me, till the time be changed: therefore tell me the dream, and I shall know that you can show me the interpretation thereof.there is.<a href="/daniel/3-15.htm">Daniel 3:15</a> Now if ye be ready that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the image which I have made; well: but if ye worship not, ye shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace; and who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands?<a href="/esther/4-11.htm">Esther 4:11</a> All the king's servants, and the people of the king's provinces, do know, that whosoever, whether man or woman, shall come unto the king into the inner court, who is not called, there is one law of his to put him to death, except such to whom the king shall hold out the golden sceptre, that he may live: but I have not been called to come in unto the king these thirty days.for.<a href="/1_kings/22-6.htm">1 Kings 22:6,22</a> Then the king of Israel gathered the prophets together, about four hundred men, and said unto them, Shall I go against Ramothgilead to battle, or shall I forbear? And they said, Go up; for the Lord shall deliver it into the hand of the king… <a href="/proverbs/12-19.htm">Proverbs 12:19</a> The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment.<a href="/isaiah/44-25.htm">Isaiah 44:25</a> That frustrateth the tokens of the liars, and maketh diviners mad; that turneth wise men backward, and maketh their knowledge foolish;the time.<a href="/daniel/2-21.htm">Daniel 2:21</a> And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:<a href="/daniel/5-28.htm">Daniel 5:28,31</a> PERES; Thy kingdom is divided, and given to the Medes and Persians… <a href="/daniel/7-25.htm">Daniel 7:25</a> And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.I shall.<a href="/isaiah/41-23.htm">Isaiah 41:23</a> Shew the things that are to come hereafter, that we may know that ye are gods: yea, do good, or do evil, that we may be dismayed, and behold it together.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/daniel/1-14.htm">Agreed</a> <a href="/ezekiel/39-25.htm">Changed</a> <a href="/ezekiel/23-11.htm">Corrupt</a> <a href="/daniel/2-7.htm">Declare</a> <a href="/jeremiah/19-5.htm">Decree</a> <a href="/daniel/2-7.htm">Dream</a> <a href="/daniel/2-7.htm">Interpretation</a> <a href="/ezekiel/43-12.htm">Law</a> <a href="/ezekiel/45-22.htm">Prepared</a> <a href="/daniel/2-7.htm">Shew</a> <a href="/daniel/2-7.htm">Show</a> <a href="/daniel/2-4.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/daniel/2-6.htm">Thereof</a> <a href="/daniel/2-8.htm">Time</a> <a href="/ezekiel/48-20.htm">Together</a> <a href="/ezekiel/39-1.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/amos/3-3.htm">Agreed</a> <a href="/daniel/2-21.htm">Changed</a> <a href="/daniel/11-17.htm">Corrupt</a> <a href="/daniel/2-10.htm">Declare</a> <a href="/daniel/2-13.htm">Decree</a> <a href="/daniel/2-16.htm">Dream</a> <a href="/daniel/2-16.htm">Interpretation</a> <a href="/daniel/6-5.htm">Law</a> <a href="/hosea/2-8.htm">Prepared</a> <a href="/daniel/2-10.htm">Shew</a> <a href="/daniel/2-10.htm">Show</a> <a href="/daniel/3-29.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/daniel/2-26.htm">Thereof</a> <a href="/daniel/2-16.htm">Time</a> <a href="/daniel/2-35.htm">Together</a> <a href="/daniel/4-31.htm">Words</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>If you do not tell me the dream, there is only one decree for you. In this passage, King Nebuchadnezzar demands that his wise men not only interpret his dream but also reveal the dream itself. This reflects the king's suspicion and distrust of his advisors, highlighting the absolute power and authority he wielded. The "one decree" refers to the severe punishment awaiting the wise men if they fail, emphasizing the high stakes and the king's impatience. Historically, Babylonian kings were known for their harsh decrees, and this aligns with the autocratic rule typical of ancient Near Eastern monarchies.You have conspired to speak before me false and fraudulent words, Nebuchadnezzar accuses his advisors of conspiracy, suggesting they might fabricate an interpretation to appease him. This accusation underscores the tension between the king and his court, reflecting a broader theme of human wisdom versus divine revelation. The king's distrust may also indicate his awareness of the limitations of human wisdom, setting the stage for God's superior knowledge to be revealed through Daniel.hoping the situation will change. The phrase suggests that the wise men were stalling for time, perhaps hoping the king would forget the dream or that circumstances would shift in their favor. This reflects a common human tendency to delay facing difficult truths or decisions. In a broader biblical context, it highlights the futility of relying on human schemes instead of seeking divine guidance.Therefore tell me the dream, and I will know that you can give me its interpretation.” Nebuchadnezzar's demand for both the dream and its interpretation serves as a test of authenticity. This insistence on proof reflects a desire for certainty and truth, which can only be provided by divine intervention. Theologically, this sets the stage for Daniel's role as a prophet who reveals God's wisdom. It also prefigures Christ, who embodies truth and reveals the mysteries of God. This moment foreshadows the ultimate revelation of God's kingdom, as Daniel's interpretation will later unveil the future of earthly kingdoms and the coming of God's eternal reign.<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 his wise men interpret without revealing the dream itself. 2. <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. 3. <a href="/topical/c/chaldeans.htm">Chaldeans</a> A group of wise men, astrologers, and magicians in Babylon who were unable to fulfill the king's demand. 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 his 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, as demonstrated in Daniel's ability to interpret the king's dream. <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 facing trials and challenges. <a href="/topical/t/the_limitations_of_human_wisdom.htm">The Limitations of Human Wisdom</a> The failure of the Chaldeans underscores the limitations of human wisdom and the necessity of divine insight. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_prayer_and_dependence_on_god.htm">The Importance of Prayer and Dependence on God</a> Daniel's response to seek God in prayer for revelation emphasizes the importance of prayer in seeking divine guidance. <a href="/topical/c/courage_to_stand_for_truth.htm">Courage to Stand for Truth</a> Daniel's boldness in approaching the king with God's revelation encourages believers to stand firm in truth, even in intimidating circumstances.<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/what_do_daniel's_70_weeks_mean.htm">What do the seventy weeks of Daniel signify?</a> <a href="/q/what_do_the_70_sevens_in_daniel_9_mean.htm">What do the seventy sevens in Daniel 9 mean?</a> <a href="/q/why_no_clear_evidence_for_daniel_9_25.htm">Why is there no clear historical or archaeological evidence supporting the exact timing of the decree mentioned in Daniel 9:25?</a> <a href="/q/why_doesn't_jeremiah's_70_years_align.htm">Why does Jeremiah's 70-year prophecy about the Babylonian exile not match historical timelines?</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>(9) There is but one decree.--He refers to the decree mentioned <a href="/daniel/2-5.htm" title="The king answered and said to the Chaldeans, The thing is gone from me: if you will not make known to me the dream, with the interpretation thereof, you shall be cut in pieces, and your houses shall be made a dunghill.">Daniel 2:5</a>, that both the dream and the interpretation must be told. These two things must go together, for they form the subject of one decree.Ye have prepared . . . be changed--i.e., "you have made au agreement among yourselves to postpone the matter till a more lucky time for explaining the dream shall come." On Eastern notions about fortunate days, comp. <a href="/esther/3-7.htm" title="In the first month, that is, the month Nisan, in the twelfth year of king Ahasuerus, they cast Pur, that is, the lot, before Haman from day to day, and from month to month, to the twelfth month, that is, the month Adar.">Esther 3:7</a> and the standard inscription or Nebuchadnezzar towards the end.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/daniel/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 9. - But if ye will not make known unto me the dream, there is but one decree for you. The words translated (di hen) "but it'" liar, caused some difference, most translating as if the first word were not present. This is the rendering of the Septuagint. Theodotion and Jerome render the first word, which is really the relative, as "therefore," ergo, "then," οϋν. The Peshitta has den, the corresponding Syriac phrase, which has a similar sense to that assumed here. The rendering of the next clause, both in the Septuagint and in the version of Theodotion, differs considerably from the Massoretic text. The rendering of the Septuagint is as follows: "If ye do not truly tell me the dream, an,l show me the interpretation, ye shall die." The version of Theodotion is shorter, "It, then, ye will not tell me the dream." Theodotion thus omits the clause translated, "there is but one decree for you;" the only word that may be the remains of it is οϊδα, ידעת, or simply the participle, The Syriac is, "If ye will not declare the dream to me, one is your plan and your word." The text of the Septuagint in this case indicates that we have here additions from previous verses. The phrase, "and declare to me the interpretation," is evidently supplied from ver. 5, whereas "ye shall die." literally, "ye shall chance to (fall into) death," has a different origin. This phrase has all the appearance of a translation. It would seem applicable on the idea that in the text before the Septuagint translator, instead of דתכון (datheon), "your decree," there stood מתכון (motheon), "your death," the ו (vav) being omitted, and possibly the preposition בְ (be), and milch being read into some part of nephal, "to fall," probably תִּפּלוּן (tippelun). The omission of this clause, as above mentioned, from Theodotion renders it a little doubtful, as it indicates that in the text used by the Jews of Asia Minor this phrase was awanting. Most commentators take dath in the sense more common in Eastern than in Western Aramaic, of "pica" rather than "decree" Ewald and Professor Bevan oppose this view, as also Keil, the last with great positiveness. The facts that so many commentators give this meaning, and that certain Rabbinic authorities reterred to but not named by Jephet-ibn-Ali prove it to be no impossible translation. Hitzig, Von Lengerke, Maurer, Michaelis, and Moses Stuart are not quite despicable. The main reason against this view is that in Western Aramaic dath means "decree," in Eastern Aramaic it means, according to Castell, scopus, meta, finis, voluntas. The only difficulty is that he gives no reference, and Brockel-mann gives only lex, which in this case it cannot be, though this is the only reference beside Hoffmann's 'Glossary.' It might be an individual "decree," but a "law" it cannot be. On the received renderings the succession is somewhat violent. "If ye will not tell me the dream, one is your decree," can only be made consecutive by a violent jerk away back to the fifth verse. It seems more natural to take it as meaning, "Ye have agreed together to say one thing to me." The accusation of conspiracy naturally followed from the king's firm conviction that the soothsayers could tell, if they only would, what he required of them. If there began to dawn upon him any idea that their silence was due to inability to answer, it might well move him to redoubled anger that they had been guilty of imposture in claiming such lofty powers and being so highly paid and honoured for their exercise. The king's mind had not yet abandoned the faith of his fathers in magic and divination. For ye have prepared lying and corrupt words to speak before me. It' the Septuagint is to be taken as our guide, the word shheethah is a doubtful addition to the Massoretic text It is, however, in the other later versions. According to the rendering of both the Greek versions, the meaning here is stronger than that which is expressed in the Authorized Version; hizdaminton really means "to conspire." He will not admit the plea of inability to satisfy his demands - the vague suspicion may be floating before his mind - as, if he were to admit their inability to satisfy what he wished to learn, then, according to his logic, all their claims were false. Hence the accusation of "lying and corrupt words" would still stand, and have all the greater emphasis. Waiving the question of the authenticity of "corrupt," the distinction between the two words "lying" and "corrupt" seems to be in this: the first refers to the person addressed - to Nebuchadnezzar, - the words are untrue, they are lies - as coming from the soothsayers they are "corrupt," because they are symptomatic of a corrupt disposition, probably traitor, us. Till the time be changed. Theodotion renders here. "till the time be passed." The Septuagint follows a similar reading to that in the Massoretic text. The Peshitta rendering is akin to that of Theodotion. While in all forms of magic and soothsaying, time was an element not to be neglected, it was doubly important in regard to astrology, and an hour or two changed the position of the moon in relation to the constellations. If something required to be clone in consequence of this dream, then most likely it would require to be done in a certain relation of the heavenly bodies to each other. Therefore tell me the dream, and I shall know that ye can show me the interpretation thereof. The Septuagint rendering is paraphrastic, "Now then, if ye tell me the thing which I saw in the night, I shall know that ye can also show the interpretation." While we have called it a paraphrase as regards the Massoretic text, the rendering in the Septuagint may represent the Egyptian recension of the text of Daniel. The use of ῤῆμα or "thing" suggests translation, and assumes millah or mill'tha, which has the same double suggestion of "word spoken" and "thing spoken about." If the Septuagint text were assumed here, we should have confirmation of our view that Nebuchadnezzar remembered his vision, but was determined to experiment on the soothsayers of his court. This view is certainly implied in the following clause. The first word of this clause is peculiar grammatically: אִנְדַּע ('in'd'a) instead of אידע ('iyda) or אִדַּע ('idda). This form of compensating for a dropped consonant by inserting נ (nun) instead of doubling occurs elsewhere in Biblical Aramaic (see ver. 30). This is rare in Syriac, and in the Targums found only in those later, especially those of the Megilloth, which have affinities with the form of Aramaic seen in the Babylonian Talmud. This peculiarity is common in the Maudaitic dialect. It is thus a distinctively Eastern form of Aramaic that is indicated here. When we pass beyond the grammatical elements, we find that Nebuchadnezzar would take correct information as to what he had dreamed a guarantee of the correctness of the interpretation of the dream which the soothsayers might afterwards give him. His attitude was purely and truly scientific, as it is stated. In his own mind he was warped and confused by his overmastering belief in omens and auguries, in gods and demons, in magicians and astrologers. With this faith in his heart, his only explanation of the silence of these soothsayers was treason. <a href="/commentaries/daniel/2-9.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>If הֵן־ (hên-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2006.htm">Strong's 2006: </a> Lo!, there, less, whether, but, if you do not לָ֨א (lā) Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3809.htm">Strong's 3809: </a> Not, no tell תְהֽוֹדְעֻנַּ֜נִי (ṯə·hō·wḏ·‘un·na·nî) Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - second person masculine plural | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3046.htm">Strong's 3046: </a> To know me the dream, חֶלְמָא֩ (ḥel·mā) Noun - masculine singular determinate <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2493.htm">Strong's 2493: </a> A dream [there] is הִ֣יא (hî) Pronoun - third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1932.htm">Strong's 1932: </a> He, self, the same, this, that, as, are [only] one חֲדָה־ (ḥă·ḏāh-) Number - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2298.htm">Strong's 2298: </a> As card, one, single, first, at once decree for you. דָֽתְכ֗וֹן (ḏā·ṯə·ḵō·wn) Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1882.htm">Strong's 1882: </a> A royal edict, statute You have conspired הִזְדְּמִנְתּוּן֙‪‬ (hiz·də·min·tūn) Verb - Hitpael - Perfect - second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2164.htm">Strong's 2164: </a> To agree together to speak לְמֵאמַ֣ר (lə·mê·mar) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_560.htm">Strong's 560: </a> To say, tell, command before me קָֽדָמַ֔י (qā·ḏā·may) Preposition | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6925.htm">Strong's 6925: </a> Before FALSE כִדְבָ֤ה (ḵiḏ·ḇāh) Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3538.htm">Strong's 3538: </a> FALSE and fraudulent וּשְׁחִיתָה֙ (ū·šə·ḥî·ṯāh) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7844.htm">Strong's 7844: </a> To decay, ruin words, וּמִלָּ֨ה (ū·mil·lāh) Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4406.htm">Strong's 4406: </a> A word, command, discourse, subject hoping עַ֛ד (‘aḏ) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5705.htm">Strong's 5705: </a> Even to, until the situation עִדָּנָ֖א (‘id·dā·nā) Noun - masculine singular determinate <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5732.htm">Strong's 5732: </a> A set time, technically, a year will change. יִשְׁתַּנֵּ֑א (yiš·tan·nê) Verb - Hitpael - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8133.htm">Strong's 8133: </a> To change Therefore לָהֵ֗ן (lā·hên) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2006.htm">Strong's 2006: </a> Lo!, there, less, whether, but, if tell אֱמַ֣רוּ (’ĕ·ma·rū) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_560.htm">Strong's 560: </a> To say, tell, command me לִ֔י (lî) Preposition | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> the dream, חֶלְמָא֙ (ḥel·mā) Noun - masculine singular determinate <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2493.htm">Strong's 2493: </a> A dream and I will know וְֽאִנְדַּ֕ע (wə·’in·da‘) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3046.htm">Strong's 3046: </a> To know that דִּ֥י (dî) Pronoun - relative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1768.htm">Strong's 1768: </a> Who, which, that, because you can give me תְּהַחֲוֻנַּֽנִי׃ (tə·ha·ḥă·wun·na·nî) Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - second person masculine plural | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2324.htm">Strong's 2324: </a> To show its interpretation.? פִשְׁרֵ֖הּ (p̄iš·rêh) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6591.htm">Strong's 6591: </a> An interpretation <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/daniel/2-9.htm">Daniel 2:9 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/daniel/2-9.htm">Daniel 2:9 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/daniel/2-9.htm">Daniel 2:9 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/daniel/2-9.htm">Daniel 2:9 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/daniel/2-9.htm">Daniel 2:9 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/daniel/2-9.htm">Daniel 2:9 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/daniel/2-9.htm">Daniel 2:9 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/daniel/2-9.htm">Daniel 2:9 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/daniel/2-9.htm">Daniel 2:9 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/daniel/2-9.htm">Daniel 2:9 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/daniel/2-9.htm">OT Prophets: Daniel 2:9 But if you don't make known (Dan. Da Dn) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/daniel/2-8.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Daniel 2:8"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Daniel 2:8" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/daniel/2-10.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Daniel 2:10"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Daniel 2:10" /></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>