Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version The tree you saw, which grew large and strong, with its top touching the sky, visible to the whole earth, New Living Translation The tree you saw was growing very tall and strong, reaching high into the heavens for all the world to see. English Standard Version The tree you saw, which grew and became strong, so that its top reached to heaven, and it was visible to the end of the whole earth, Berean Standard Bible The tree you saw that grew large and strong, whose top reached the sky and was visible to all the earth, Berean Literal Bible The tree that you saw, which grew large and became strong, and whose height reached to the heavens, and in view of all the earth, King James Bible The tree that thou sawest, which grew, and was strong, whose height reached unto the heaven, and the sight thereof to all the earth; New King James Version “The tree that you saw, which grew and became strong, whose height reached to the heavens and which could be seen by all the earth, New American Standard Bible The tree that you saw, which became large and grew strong, whose height reached to the sky and was visible to all the earth, NASB 1995 ‘The tree that you saw, which became large and grew strong, whose height reached to the sky and was visible to all the earth NASB 1977 ‘The tree that you saw, which became large and grew strong, whose height reached to the sky and was visible to all the earth, Legacy Standard Bible The tree that you saw, which became large and grew strong, whose height reached to the sky and was visible to all the earth, Amplified Bible The tree that you saw, which became great and grew strong, whose height reached to heaven and which was visible to all the earth, Berean Annotated Bible The tree you saw that grew large and strong, whose top reached the sky and was visible to all the earth, Christian Standard Bible The tree you saw, which grew large and strong, whose top reached to the sky and was visible to the whole earth, Holman Christian Standard Bible The tree you saw, which grew large and strong, whose top reached to the sky and was visible to all the earth, American Standard Version The tree that thou sawest, which grew, and was strong, whose height reached unto heaven, and the sight thereof to all the earth; Contemporary English Version You saw a tree that grew so big and strong that it reached up to heaven and could be seen from anywhere on earth. English Revised Version The tree that thou sawest, which grew, and was strong, whose height reached unto the heaven, and the sight thereof to all the earth; GOD'S WORD® Translation You saw an oak tree grow and become strong enough and tall enough to reach the sky. It could be seen everywhere on earth. Good News Translation The tree, so tall that it reached the sky, could be seen by everyone in the world. International Standard Version The tree that you saw, which grew large and strong until its top reached the sky and became visible to the whole earth NET Bible The tree that you saw that grew large and strong, whose top reached to the sky, and which could be seen in all the land, New Heart English Bible The tree that you saw, which grew, and was strong, whose height reached to the sky, and its sight to all the earth; Webster's Bible Translation The tree that thou sawest, which grew, and was strong, whose hight reached to the heaven, and the sight of it to all the earth; Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThe tree you saw that grew large and strong, whose top reached the sky and was visible to all the earth, World English Bible The tree that you saw, which grew and was strong, whose height reached to the sky and its sight to all the earth; Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionThe tree that you have seen, that has become great and strong, and its height reaches to the heavens, and its vision to all the land, Berean Literal Bible The tree that you saw, which grew large and became strong, and whose height reached to the heavens, and in view of all the earth, Young's Literal Translation The tree that thou hast seen, that hath become great and strong, and its height doth reach to the heavens, and its vision to all the land, Smith's Literal Translation The tree that thou sawest that increased and was strong, and its height will reach to the heavens, and its sight to all the earth, Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThe tree which thou sawest which was high and strong, whose height reached to the skies, and the sight thereof into all tire earth: Catholic Public Domain Version New American Bible As for the king’s vision of a holy watcher, who came down from heaven and proclaimed: ‘Cut down the tree and destroy it, but leave its stump in the earth. Bound with iron and bronze, let him be fed with the grass of the field, and bathed with the dew of heaven; let his lot be with wild beasts till seven years pass over him’— New Revised Standard Version The tree that you saw, which grew great and strong, so that its top reached to heaven and was visible to the end of the whole earth, Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThe tree which you saw, which grew and was strong, whose height reached to the heaven and the view thereof, to all the earth; Peshitta Holy Bible Translated I have seen a great and flourishing tree, and its height reached unto Heaven, and its appearance to all the ends of the Earth OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917The tree that thou sawest, which grew, and was strong, whose height reached unto the heaven, and the sight thereof to all the earth; Brenton Septuagint Translation The tree which thou sawest, that grew large and strong, whose height reached to the sky and its extent to all the earth; Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Daniel Interprets the Second Dream19For 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! 20The tree you saw that grew large and strong, whose top reached the sky and was visible to all the earth, 21whose foliage was beautiful and whose fruit was abundant, providing food for all, under which the beasts of the field lived, and in whose branches the birds of the air nested—… Cross References The tree you saw Ezekiel 17:22-24 This is what the Lord GOD says: ‘I will take a shoot from the lofty top of the cedar, and I will set it out. I will pluck a tender sprig from its topmost shoots, and I will plant it on a high and lofty mountain. / I will plant it on the mountain heights of Israel so that it will bear branches; it will yield fruit and become a majestic cedar. Birds of every kind will nest under it, taking shelter in the shade of its branches. / Then all the trees of the field will know that I am the LORD. I bring the tall tree down and make the low tree tall. I dry up the green tree and make the withered tree flourish. I, the LORD, have spoken, and I have done it.’” Judges 9:8-15 One day the trees set out to anoint a king for themselves. They said to the olive tree, ‘Reign over us.’ / But the olive tree replied, ‘Should I stop giving my oil that honors both God and man, to hold sway over the trees?’ / Then the trees said to the fig tree, ‘Come and reign over us.’ … Matthew 13:31-32 He put before them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that a man took and planted in his field. / Although it is the smallest of all seeds, yet it grows into the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches.” that grew large and strong, Ezekiel 31:5-6 Therefore it towered higher than all the trees of the field. Its branches multiplied, and its boughs grew long as it spread them out because of the abundant waters. / All the birds of the air nested in its branches, and all the beasts of the field gave birth beneath its boughs; all the great nations lived in its shade. Psalm 92:12-13 The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. / Planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God. Luke 13:18-19 Then Jesus asked, “What is the kingdom of God like? To what can I compare it? / It is like a mustard seed that a man tossed into his garden. It grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air nested in its branches.” whose top reached the sky Genesis 11:4 “Come,” they said, “let us build for ourselves a city with a tower that reaches to the heavens, that we may make a name for ourselves and not be scattered over the face of all the earth.” Deuteronomy 1:28 Where can we go? Our brothers have made our hearts melt, saying: ‘The people are larger and taller than we are; the cities are large, with walls up to the heavens. We even saw the descendants of the Anakim there.’” Isaiah 14:13 You said in your heart: “I will ascend to the heavens; I will raise my throne above the stars of God. I will sit on the mount of assembly, in the far reaches of the north. and was visible to all the earth, Daniel 2:35 Then the iron, clay, bronze, silver, and gold were shattered and became like chaff on the threshing floor in summer. The wind carried them away, and not a trace of them could be found. But the stone that had struck the statue became a great mountain and filled the whole earth. Isaiah 52:10 The LORD has bared His holy arm in the sight of all the nations; all the ends of the earth will see the salvation of our God. Psalm 72:8 May he rule from sea to sea, and from the Euphrates to the ends of the earth. Ezekiel 31:3-14 Look at Assyria, a cedar in Lebanon, with beautiful branches that shaded the forest. It towered on high; its top was among the clouds. / The waters made it grow; the deep springs made it tall, directing their streams all around its base and sending their channels to all the trees of the field. / Therefore it towered higher than all the trees of the field. Its branches multiplied, and its boughs grew long as it spread them out because of the abundant waters. … Isaiah 2:12-13 For the Day of the LORD of Hosts will come against all the proud and lofty, against all that is exalted—it will be humbled— / against all the cedars of Lebanon, lofty and lifted up, against all the oaks of Bashan, Jeremiah 12:2 You planted them, and they have taken root. They have grown and produced fruit. You are ever on their lips, but far from their hearts. Isaiah 10:33-34 Behold, the Lord GOD of Hosts will lop off the branches with terrifying power. The tall trees will be cut down, the lofty ones will be felled. / He will clear the forest thickets with an axe, and Lebanon will fall before the Mighty One. Treasury of Scripture The tree that you saw, which grew, and was strong, whose height reached to the heaven, and the sight thereof to all the earth; Daniel 4:10-12 Thus were the visions of mine head in my bed; I saw, and behold a tree in the midst of the earth, and the height thereof was great… Ezekiel 31:3,16 Behold, the Assyrian was a cedar in Lebanon with fair branches, and with a shadowing shroud, and of an high stature; and his top was among the thick boughs… Jump to Previous Earth End Great Grew Heaven Heavens Height Hight Large Reach Reached Sawest Sight Sky Stretching Strong Tall Thereof Top Touching Tree Visible Vision WholeJump to Next Earth End Great Grew Heaven Heavens Height Hight Large Reach Reached Sawest Sight Sky Stretching Strong Tall Thereof Top Touching Tree Visible Vision WholeDaniel 4 1. Nebuchadnezzar confesses God's kingdom,4. makes relation of his dreams, which the magicians could not interpret. 8. Daniel hears the dream. 19. He interprets it. 28. The dream fulfilled. The tree you saw This phrase refers to the vision King Nebuchadnezzar had, which Daniel interprets. Trees in biblical literature often symbolize strength, growth, and prosperity. In this context, the tree represents Nebuchadnezzar's kingdom. Trees are also used in other scriptures, such as Psalm 1:3, to symbolize a person or entity that flourishes under God's blessing. that grew large and strong whose top reached the sky and was visible to all the earth Persons / Places / Events 1. NebuchadnezzarThe king of Babylon who had the dream about the large tree. His reign and actions are central to the account of Daniel 4. 2. Daniel (Belteshazzar) A Jewish exile in Babylon who interprets Nebuchadnezzar's dream. He is known for his wisdom and faithfulness to God. 3. Babylon The empire over which Nebuchadnezzar ruled. It was a significant power in the ancient world and a place of exile for the Jewish people. 4. The Tree Symbolizes Nebuchadnezzar's kingdom, which had grown vast and powerful, reaching the heights of influence and visibility. 5. The Dream A divine message to Nebuchadnezzar, warning him of the consequences of his pride and the sovereignty of God over earthly kingdoms. Teaching Points The Danger of PrideNebuchadnezzar's dream serves as a warning against pride. Just as the tree grew large and visible, so can our pride, leading to a fall. God's Sovereignty The dream illustrates God's control over kingdoms and rulers. No matter how powerful, all are subject to His will. The Importance of Humility Daniel's interpretation calls for humility before God. Recognizing our limitations and God's greatness is crucial for spiritual growth. The Role of Divine Revelation God communicates through dreams and visions, as seen with Nebuchadnezzar. Being attentive to God's messages is vital for understanding His plans. Repentance and Restoration The account encourages repentance. Nebuchadnezzar's eventual acknowledgment of God's sovereignty leads to his restoration. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Daniel 4:20?2. How does Daniel 4:20 illustrate God's sovereignty over earthly kingdoms and rulers? 3. What lessons can we learn from Nebuchadnezzar's dream about pride and humility? 4. How does the "tree" in Daniel 4:20 connect to other biblical symbols? 5. How can we apply the warning in Daniel 4:20 to modern leadership? 6. In what ways does Daniel 4:20 encourage us to trust God's ultimate authority? 7. What is the significance of the tree in Daniel 4:20 within the chapter's context? 8. How does Daniel 4:20 reflect God's sovereignty over earthly kingdoms? 9. What historical evidence supports the events described in Daniel 4? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Daniel 4? 11. What did Nebuchadnezzar dream about? 12. What is Premillennialism? 13. Who are the two witnesses in Revelation? 14. How does Daniel interpret dreams and visions in Babylon? What Does Daniel 4:20 Mean The tree you sawNebuchadnezzar describes a single, magnificent tree, and in 4:22 Daniel says plainly, “it is you, O king.” The image gathers up earlier details from the dream (Daniel 4:10-12), showing Babylon’s king at the center of God’s message. Similar prophetic pictures appear in Ezekiel 31:3-5, where Assyria is likened to a cedar, and in Judges 9:8-15, where trees represent rulers. Scripture consistently uses vivid pictures to help us grasp spiritual truth, and here the Lord chooses a tree—something sturdy, life-giving, and visually dominant—to spotlight the king’s role in world events. that grew large and strong - The verbs underline rapid expansion and solidification. Babylon’s territory, wealth, and influence mushroomed under Nebuchadnezzar (cf. Jeremiah 27:5-7). - Daniel later tells the king, “your greatness has grown and reaches to heaven” (Daniel 4:22), echoing 2 Samuel 5:10 where David “became greater and greater.” - Strength can tempt rulers to think the throne rests on human ability. Psalm 33:16 reminds us, “A king is not saved by his large army.” God is about to demonstrate exactly that truth to Nebuchadnezzar. whose top reached the sky The phrase recalls the builders of Babel who boasted, “let us build a tower with its top in the heavens” (Genesis 11:4). In Deuteronomy 1:28 Moses describes fortified cities “with walls up to the heavens,” an idiom for unreachable height. Nebuchadnezzar’s power seemed limitless—yet, as Obadiah 1:4 warns, “Though you soar like the eagle… I will bring you down.” The Most High wishes the king to understand that no earthly throne, however lofty, rivals His own dominion (Isaiah 14:13-15). and was visible to all the earth Babylon functioned as the world’s superpower. Jeremiah predicted that “all nations will serve him, his son, and his grandson” (Jeremiah 27:7). Even distant peoples felt the reach of Nebuchadnezzar’s decrees (Daniel 3:4). Revelation 17:18 later pictures a city reigning “over the kings of the earth,” underscoring how empires capture global attention. Visibility brings responsibility: “From everyone who has been given much, much will be required” (Luke 12:48). The Lord holds rulers accountable for how their influence touches every corner of the earth. summary Daniel 4:20 uses the towering tree to portray Nebuchadnezzar’s immense, God-granted authority—expansive in growth, impressive in strength, reaching toward heaven, and observable by the whole world. Yet the very scale that awes human eyes also invites divine scrutiny. The verse prepares readers for the humbling that follows: the Most High alone grants greatness and can just as easily cut it down. (20) It should be noticed that both in this and in the following verse the description of the tree given in Daniel 4:11-12 is curtailed. It was observed that, on the contrary, there was an expansion of details in the interpretation of the former dream. (See Note on Daniel 4:23.)Verses 20-22. - The tree that thou sawest, which grew, and was strong, whose height reached unto the heaven, an the sight thereof to all the earth; whose leaves were fair, and the fruit thereof much, and in it was meat for all; under which the beasts of the field dwelt, and upon whose branches the fowls of the heaven had their habitation: it is thou, O king, that art grown and become strong: for thy greatness is grown, and reacheth unto heaven, and thy dominion to the end of the earth. The Septuagint Version here differs very considerably in wording from the above, but not in sense, "Thou, O king, art this tree planted in the earth, the appearance of which was great, and all the birds of the heaven made their nests in it: the strength of the earth and of the nations, and of all tongues to the ends of the earth, and all the provinces (χῶραι) serve thee. And that tree was exalted and neared the heaven, and its breadth (κῦτος) touched the clouds. Thou, O king, wast exalted above all men that are upon the face of the whole earth, and thine heart has been [literally, 'was'] lifted up with pride and strength over those things which pertain to the Holy One and his angels, and thy works are manifest, because thou hast laid waste the house of the living God on account of the sins of the consecrated people." The latter portion of this contains plain evidence of interpolation. Had there been anything of that sort in the original Daniel, it would not have disappeared from the Massoretic text. This addition reveals the mental attitude of the Jews of the Maccabean period to foreign oppressors. The fact that the whole atmosphere of the primitive Daniel differs so much from this is an indirect evidence of its genuineness. If one looks at the Septuagint rendering of these three verses, there seem evidences of an early origin. The first verse is clearly an instance in which the text behind the Septuagint is superior to that of the Massoretic; the latter is obviously filled out from ver. 11. The statement of Nebuchadnezzar's greatness in ver. 22 (14 Septuagint, 18 Massoretic) may be somewhat the result of paraphrase. The fifteenth verse, according to the LXX., which is paralleled by Tischeudorf with ver. 19 of the Massoretic, is really another version of the preceding verses, probably slightly modified to give the resulting text the appearance of being continuous. Theodotion bears a very close resemblance to the Massoretic text, only he has κύτος, "breadth," instead of ὅρασις. The Peshitta differs but little, though still a little, from the Massoretic text. Instead of rendering, "meat for all," it has, "for all flesh." According to both recensions of the text, Daniel repeats, either in substance or with verbal exactness, the description Nebuchadnezzar had himself given of the tree of his vision, but applies it to the monarch. To us the terms of the description of Nebuchadnezzar's power are exaggerated; but we must bear in mind that the manners of an Oriental court are different from those of Western nations. It is not unlike the boastful language of Nebuchadnezzar in the Standard Inscription. The monarch's dominion was vast, but it had been given him, and that he did not recognize, and hence the judgment that came upon him.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew The treeאִֽילָנָא֙ (’î·lā·nā) Noun - masculine singular determinate Strong's 363: A tree you saw, חֲזַ֔יְתָ (ḥă·zay·ṯā) Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 2370: To gaze upon, mentally to dream, be usual which דִּ֣י (dî) Pronoun - relative Strong's 1768: Who, which, that, because grew large רְבָ֖ה (rə·ḇāh) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 7236: To grow great and strong, וּתְקִ֑ף (ū·ṯə·qip̄) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 8631: To become, mighty, obstinate whose top וְרוּמֵהּ֙ (wə·rū·mêh) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 7314: Altitude reached יִמְטֵ֣א (yim·ṭê) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 4291: To arrive, extend, happen the sky לִשְׁמַיָּ֔א (liš·may·yā) Preposition-l | Noun - mdd Strong's 8065: The sky and was visible וַחֲזוֹתֵ֖הּ (wa·ḥă·zō·w·ṯêh) Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 2379: Sight, visibility to all לְכָל־ (lə·ḵāl) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3606: The whole, all, any, every the earth, אַרְעָֽא׃ (’ar·‘ā) Noun - feminine singular determinate Strong's 772: The earth, low Links Daniel 4:20 NIVDaniel 4:20 NLT Daniel 4:20 ESV Daniel 4:20 NASB Daniel 4:20 KJV Daniel 4:20 BibleApps.com Daniel 4:20 Biblia Paralela Daniel 4:20 Chinese Bible Daniel 4:20 French Bible Daniel 4:20 Catholic Bible OT Prophets: Daniel 4:20 The tree that you saw which grew (Dan. 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