Daniel 4:26 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.

◄ Daniel 4:26 ►

New International Version
The command to leave the stump of the tree with its roots means that your kingdom will be restored to you when you acknowledge that Heaven rules.

New Living Translation
But the stump and roots of the tree were left in the ground. This means that you will receive your kingdom back again when you have learned that heaven rules.

English Standard Version
And as it was commanded to leave the stump of the roots of the tree, your kingdom shall be confirmed for you from the time that you know that Heaven rules.

Berean Standard Bible
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.

King James Bible
And whereas they commanded to leave the stump of the tree roots; thy kingdom shall be sure unto thee, after that thou shalt have known that the heavens do rule.

New King James Version
“And inasmuch as they gave the command to leave the stump and roots of the tree, your kingdom shall be assured to you, after you come to know that Heaven rules.

New American Standard Bible
And in that it was commanded to leave the stump with the roots of the tree, your kingdom will remain as yours after you recognize that it is Heaven that rules.

NASB 1995
And in that it was commanded to leave the stump with the roots of the tree, your kingdom will be assured to you after you recognize that it is Heaven that rules.

NASB 1977
‘And in that it was commanded to leave the stump with the roots of the tree, your kingdom will be assured to you after you recognize that it is Heaven that rules.

Legacy Standard Bible
And in that they said to leave the stump with the roots of the tree, your kingdom will endure for you after you know that it is Heaven that rules with power.

Amplified Bible
And in that it was commanded to leave the stump with the roots of the tree [in the earth], your kingdom shall be restored to you after you recognize (understand fully) that Heaven rules.

Christian Standard Bible
As for the command to leave the tree’s stump with its roots, your kingdom will be restored to you as soon as you acknowledge that Heaven rules.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
As for the command to leave the tree’s stump with its roots, your kingdom will be restored to you as soon as you acknowledge that Heaven rules.

American Standard Version
And whereas they commanded to leave the stump of the roots of the tree; thy kingdom shall be sure unto thee, after that thou shalt have known that the heavens do rule.

Contemporary English Version
But he gave orders not to disturb the stump and roots. This is to show that you will be king once again, after you learn that the God who rules from heaven is in control.

English Revised Version
And whereas they commanded to leave the stump of the tree roots; thy kingdom shall be sure unto thee, after that thou shalt have known that the heavens do rule.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Since I said that the stump and the tree's roots were to be left, your kingdom will be restored to you as soon as you realize that heaven rules.

Good News Translation
The angel ordered the stump to be left in the ground. This means that you will become king again when you acknowledge that God rules all the world.

International Standard Version
Just as it was ordered to leave the stump of the tree in the ground along with its roots, so your kingdom will be restored to you when you realize that Heaven rules over everything.

Majority Standard Bible
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.

NET Bible
They said to leave the taproot of the tree, for your kingdom will be restored to you when you come to understand that heaven rules.

New Heart English Bible
Whereas they commanded to leave the stump of the roots of the tree; your kingdom shall be restored to you. After that you shall have known that the heavens do rule.

Webster's Bible Translation
And whereas they commanded to leave the stump of the tree roots; thy kingdom shall be sure to thee, after that thou shalt have known that the heavens do rule.

World English Bible
Whereas it was commanded to leave the stump of the roots of the tree, your kingdom shall be sure to you after you know that Heavens rules.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And that which they said—to leave the stump of the roots of the tree; your kingdom abides for you, after that you know that the heavens are ruling.

Young's Literal Translation
And that which they said -- to leave the stump of the roots of the tree; thy kingdom for thee abideth, after that thou knowest that the heavens are ruling.

Smith's Literal Translation
And that they said to leave the stump of the roots of the tree; thy kingdom being sure to thee, from when thou shalt know that the heavens rule.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
But whereas he commanded, that the stump of the roots thereof, that is, of the tree, should be left: thy kingdom shall remain to thee after thou shalt have known that power is from heaven.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But, since he commanded that the stump of its roots, that is, of the tree, should be left behind, your kingdom will be left for you, after you have realized that power is from divinity.

New American Bible
Twelve months later, as he was walking on the roof of the royal palace in Babylon,

New Revised Standard Version
As it was commanded to leave the stump and roots of the tree, your kingdom shall be re-established for you from the time that you learn that Heaven is sovereign.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And whereas he commanded to spare the stump and the tree roots, your kingdom shall be sure to you after you have learned that authority is from heaven.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And because he said to leave the stump of its roots of the tree, your kingdom stands for you whenever you have known that authority is from Heaven

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
And whereas it was commanded to leave the stump of the roots of the tree, thy kingdom shall be sure unto thee, after that thou shalt have known that the heavens do rule.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And whereas they said, Leave the stumps of the roots of the tree; thy kingdom abides sure to thee from the time that thou shalt know the power of the heavens.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Daniel Interprets the Second Dream
…25You 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. 26As 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. 27Therefore, may my advice be pleasing to you, O king. Break away from your sins by doing what is right, and from your iniquities by showing mercy to the oppressed. Perhaps there will be an extension of your prosperity.”…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Jeremiah 27:5-7
By My great power and outstretched arm, I made the earth and the men and beasts on the face of it, and I give it to whom I please. / So now I have placed all these lands under the authority of My servant Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon. I have even made the beasts of the field subject to him. / All nations will serve him and his son and grandson, until the time of his own land comes; then many nations and great kings will enslave him.

Psalm 115:16
The highest heavens belong to the LORD, but the earth He has given to mankind.

Isaiah 14:24-27
The LORD of Hosts has sworn: “Surely, as I have planned, so will it be; as I have purposed, so will it stand. / I will break Assyria in My land; I will trample him on My mountain. His yoke will be taken off My people, and his burden removed from their shoulders.” / This is the plan devised for the whole earth, and this is the hand stretched out over all the nations. ...

Ezekiel 17:24
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.’”

Job 12:23
He makes nations great and destroys them; He enlarges nations, then disperses them.

Acts 17:24-26
The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples made by human hands. / Nor is He served by human hands, as if He needed anything, because He Himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else. / From one man He made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and He determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their lands.

Romans 13:1
Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God.

1 Timothy 6:15
which the blessed and only Sovereign One—the King of kings and Lord of lords—will bring about in His own time.

Revelation 1:5
and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us and has released us from our sins by His blood,

Psalm 75:6-7
For exaltation comes neither from east nor west, nor out of the desert, / but it is God who judges; He brings down one and exalts another.

Isaiah 45:1-3
This is what the LORD says to Cyrus His anointed, whose right hand I have grasped to subdue nations before him, to disarm kings, to open the doors before him, so that the gates will not be shut: / “I will go before you and level the mountains; I will break down the gates of bronze and cut through the bars of iron. / I will give you the treasures of darkness and the riches hidden in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who calls you by name.

Jeremiah 27:6
So now I have placed all these lands under the authority of My servant Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon. I have even made the beasts of the field subject to him.

Ezekiel 29:18-20
“Son of man, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon caused his army to labor strenuously against Tyre. Every head was made bald and every shoulder made raw. But he and his army received no wages from Tyre for the labor they expended on it. / Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: I will give the land of Egypt to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, who will carry off its wealth, seize its spoil, and remove its plunder. This will be the wages for his army. / I have given him the land of Egypt as the reward for his labor, because it was done for Me, declares the Lord GOD.

Matthew 28:18
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.

John 19:11
Jesus answered, “You would have no authority over Me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed Me over to you is guilty of greater sin.”

Treasury of Scripture

And whereas they commanded to leave the stump of the tree roots; your kingdom shall be sure to you, after that you shall have known that the heavens do rule.

to leave.

Daniel 4:15
Nevertheless leave the stump of his roots in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let his portion be with the beasts in the grass of the earth:

the heavens.

Matthew 5:34
But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne:

Matthew 21:20
And when the disciples saw it, they marvelled, saying, How soon is the fig tree withered away!

Luke 15:18,21
I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, …

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Abideth Acknowledge Assured Broken Clear Command Commanded End Heaven Heavens Kingdom Leave Means Orders Recognize Restored Roots Rule Rules Ruling Safe Stump Sure Time Tree Whereas

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Daniel 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.

Berean Study Bible

And the command
The word "command" here refers to a divine decree. In the context of Daniel, this is not merely a suggestion but an authoritative order from God. The Hebrew root for "command" is "peṯaḥ," which implies an opening or a decree that must be followed. This highlights the sovereignty of God over earthly rulers, emphasizing that His will is ultimate and unchallengeable.

to leave the stump of the tree with its roots
The imagery of the "stump of the tree with its roots" is significant. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, trees often symbolized life, strength, and continuity. The stump and roots indicate that while the tree (representing Nebuchadnezzar's kingdom) is cut down, it is not destroyed. The Hebrew word for "stump" is "ʿiqār," suggesting a remnant or foundation that remains. This symbolizes hope and the potential for restoration, underscoring God's mercy and the possibility of renewal even after judgment.

means that your kingdom will be restored to you
The phrase "your kingdom will be restored" speaks to the promise of redemption and restoration. The Hebrew root "šûḇ" for "restored" conveys the idea of returning or bringing back to a former state. This reflects God's grace and the principle that repentance and acknowledgment of God's sovereignty can lead to restoration. It serves as a reminder of the biblical theme that God is a restorer of fortunes and a redeemer of lives.

as soon as you acknowledge
The act of acknowledgment is crucial in this context. The Hebrew word "yāḏaʿ" for "acknowledge" implies a deep, intimate understanding and recognition. It is not merely intellectual assent but a heartfelt acceptance of truth. This highlights the importance of humility and the recognition of God's authority in one's life, a recurring theme in Scripture where true wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord.

that Heaven rules
The phrase "Heaven rules" is a powerful declaration of divine sovereignty. In the book of Daniel, "Heaven" is often used as a metonym for God Himself. The Hebrew concept of "malkû" (rule or kingdom) emphasizes God's ultimate authority over all earthly powers. This serves as a reminder that no matter how powerful a human ruler may be, it is God who holds ultimate control over the affairs of the world. This truth is meant to inspire awe and reverence, encouraging believers to trust in God's perfect governance and timing.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(26) They commanded--i.e., the watchers. We observe, however, in Daniel 4:13 that the command is only ascribed to one of the watchers. This makes it appear that they form a council in which one acts in behalf of all.

Thy kingdom.--To make the sense plain we must supply before this word, "The interpretation of it is," or some sentence to that effect.

Shall be sure.--Literally, shall arise. No successor shall be appointed during his life.

Do rule--i.e., the heavens, or One in heaven ruleth the kingdoms of men.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 26. - And whereas they commanded to leave the stump of the tree roots; thy kingdom shall be. sure unto thee, after that thou shalt have known that the heavens do rule. The Septuagint Version here is different, and not so good as the received text, "And (as for) the root of the tree which was left and not rooted out, the place of thy throne shall be preserved to thee to a season and an hour; behold, for thee they are prepared, and they shall bring judgment upon thee. The Lord liveth in heaven, and his power is in all the earth." The last clause here is plainly a paraphrase of "the heavens do rule." "A season and an hour" is a doublet, and since it is to be observed that the phrase, "after that thou shalt have known," is omitted, we may deduce that thindda, "thou shalt know," is, by transposition of letters, read l'iddan. Theodotion, who is usually slavish in his following of the Aramaic construction, renders here, "And because they said, Suffer the stump (φυὴν) of the roots of the tree." This suggests that in the text before Theodotion mere is omitted from למשבק (l'mishbaq), and it was read לשבקו (leishbaqoo), meaning, according to the Mandaitic form of the verb, "they shall leave" - a form in accordance with the previous construction, then further altered to the second person plural. The end of the verse is also slightly different, "Until thou shalt know the heavenly power," reading here shooltan dee shemya instead of shaltan shemya. The Peshitta renders, "till thou shalt know that power is from the heaven (min shemya)." Mr. Bevan remarks on this usage of "heavens" for "God," which he compares with the Mishna and with the New Testament. He does not observe that the difficulty all the translators have with the phrase is a proof that, when the versions were made, it was even then not a common usage; hence that its introduction here was not due to the influence of the Mishnaic Hebrew stretching back, but was owing rather to the peculiar circumstances of Daniel. Professor Bevan's reference to the New Testament is mistaken. In no case in the New Testament is οὔρανοι used for "God." Even in the Greek Apocrypha is no usage precisely equivalent. Daniel, by using the phrase he did, put himself on the same level as the heathen king - pride against the gods (ὕβρις), and of this, by implication, is Nebuchadnezzar here accused. Certainly the words of his inscriptions do not indicate anything of this sort. In fact, many of the phrases in the prayer to Marduk in the India House Inscription indicate reverent humility almost Christian. Still, these phrases might be due, to some extent, to political custom. The relation of a polytheist to his gods is a psychological enigma to a civilized monotheist. On the one hand, he recognizes his dependence on the god; on the other, he considers the god honoured by his worship, and therefore owing him certain duties in return.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

As for the command
אֲמַ֗רוּ (’ă·ma·rū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 560: To say, tell, command

to leave
לְמִשְׁבַּ֞ק (lə·miš·baq)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 7662: To quit, allow to remain

the stump
עִקַּ֤ר (‘iq·qar)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6136: Root, stock

of the tree
אִֽילָנָ֔א (’î·lā·nā)
Noun - masculine singular determinate
Strong's 363: A tree

with its roots,
שָׁרְשׁ֙וֹהִי֙ (šā·rə·šō·w·hî)
Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 8330: A root

your kingdom
מַלְכוּתָ֖ךְ (mal·ḵū·ṯāḵ)
Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 4437: Royalty, reign, kingdom

will be restored
קַיָּמָ֑ה (qay·yā·māh)
Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 7011: Permanent

to you
מִן־ (min-)
Preposition
Strong's 4481: From, out of, by, by reason of, at, more than

as soon as
דִּ֣י (dî)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 1768: Who, which, that, because

you acknowledge
תִנְדַּ֔ע (ṯin·da‘)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 3046: To know

that
דִּ֣י (dî)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 1768: Who, which, that, because

Heaven
שְׁמַיָּֽא׃ (šə·may·yā)
Noun - mdd
Strong's 8065: The sky

rules.
שַׁלִּטִ֖ן (šal·li·ṭin)
Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 7990: Mighty, permission, a premier

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OT Prophets: Daniel 4:26 Whereas they commanded to leave the stump (Dan. Da Dn)