Daniel 5:16 But I have heard about you, that you are able to give interpretations and solve difficult problems. Therefore, if you can read this inscription and give me its interpretation, you will be clothed in purple and have a gold chain placed around your neck, and you will be made the third highest ruler in the kingdom."

◄ Daniel 5:16 ►

New International Version
Now I have heard that you are able to give interpretations and to solve difficult problems. If you can read this writing and tell me what it means, you will be clothed in purple and have a gold chain placed around your neck, and you will be made the third highest ruler in the kingdom.”

New Living Translation
I am told that you can give interpretations and solve difficult problems. If you can read these words and tell me their meaning, you will be clothed in purple robes of royal honor, and you will have a gold chain placed around your neck. You will become the third highest ruler in the kingdom.”

English Standard Version
But I have heard that you can give interpretations and solve problems. Now if you can read the writing and make known to me its interpretation, you shall be clothed with purple and have a chain of gold around your neck and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom.”

Berean Standard Bible
But I have heard about you, that you are able to give interpretations and solve difficult problems. Therefore, if you can read this inscription and give me its interpretation, you will be clothed in purple and have a gold chain placed around your neck, and you will be made the third highest ruler in the kingdom.”

King James Bible
And I have heard of thee, that thou canst make interpretations, and dissolve doubts: now if thou canst read the writing, and make known to me the interpretation thereof, thou shalt be clothed with scarlet, and have a chain of gold about thy neck, and shalt be the third ruler in the kingdom.

New King James Version
And I have heard of you, that you can give interpretations and explain enigmas. Now if you can read the writing and make known to me its interpretation, you shall be clothed with purple and have a chain of gold around your neck, and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom.”

New American Standard Bible
But I personally have heard about you, that you are able to give interpretations and solve difficult problems. Now if you are able to read the inscription and make its interpretation known to me, you will be clothed with purple and wear a necklace of gold around your neck, and you will have authority as the third ruler in the kingdom.”

NASB 1995
“But I personally have heard about you, that you are able to give interpretations and solve difficult problems. Now if you are able to read the inscription and make its interpretation known to me, you will be clothed with purple and wear a necklace of gold around your neck, and you will have authority as the third ruler in the kingdom.”

NASB 1977
“But I personally have heard about you, that you are able to give interpretations and solve difficult problems. Now if you are able to read the inscription and make its interpretation known to me, you will be clothed with purple and wear a necklace of gold around your neck, and you will have authority as the third ruler in the kingdom.”

Legacy Standard Bible
But I personally have heard about you, that you are able to give interpretations and solve difficult problems. Now if you are able to read the writing and make its interpretation known to me, you will be clothed with purple and wear a necklace of gold around your neck, and you will rule with power as the third ruler in the kingdom.”

Amplified Bible
But I personally have heard about you, that you are able to make interpretations and solve complex problems. Now if you are able to read the writing and reveal its interpretation to me, you shall be clothed with purple and have a chain of gold put around your neck, and you shall have authority as the third ruler in the kingdom.”

Christian Standard Bible
However, I have heard about you that you can give interpretations and solve problems. Therefore, if you can read this inscription and give me its interpretation, you will be clothed in purple, have a gold chain around your neck, and have the third highest position in the kingdom.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
However, I have heard about you that you can give interpretations and solve problems. Therefore, if you can read this inscription and give me its interpretation, you will be clothed in purple, have a gold chain around your neck, and have the third highest position in the kingdom.”

American Standard Version
But I have heard of thee, that thou canst give interpretations, and dissolve doubts; now if thou canst read the writing, and make known to me the interpretation thereof, thou shalt be clothed with purple, and have a chain of gold about thy neck, and shalt be the third ruler in the kingdom.

Contemporary English Version
But I have been told that you understand everything and that you can solve difficult problems. Now then, if you can read this writing and tell me what it means, you will become the third most powerful man in my kingdom. You will wear royal purple robes and have a gold chain around your neck.

English Revised Version
But I have heard of thee, that thou canst give interpretations, and dissolve doubts: now if thou canst read the writing, and make known to me the interpretation thereof, thou shalt be clothed with purple, and have a chain of gold about thy neck, and shalt be the third ruler in the kingdom.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
I have heard that you can interpret such things and untangle problems. If you can read the writing and tell [me] its meaning, you will be dressed in purple, wear a gold chain on your neck, and become the third-highest ruler in the kingdom."

Good News Translation
Now I have heard that you can find hidden meanings and explain mysteries. If you can read this writing and tell me what it means, you will be dressed in robes of royal purple, wear a gold chain of honor around your neck, and be the third in power in the kingdom."

International Standard Version
However, I've heard that you can provide meaning and interpretation, and that you can solve difficult problems. If you are able to read the writing and report its meaning, you will be clothed in purple, have a gold chain placed around your neck, and you will become the third highest ruler in the kingdom."

Majority Standard Bible
But I have heard about you, that you are able to give interpretations and solve difficult problems. Therefore, if you can read this inscription and give me its interpretation, you will be clothed in purple and have a gold chain placed around your neck, and you will be made the third highest ruler in the kingdom.”

NET Bible
However, I have heard that you are able to provide interpretations and to decipher knotty problems. Now if you are able to read this writing and make known to me its interpretation, you will wear purple and have a golden collar around your neck and be third ruler in the kingdom."

New Heart English Bible
But I have heard of you, that you can give interpretations, and solve problems. Now if you can read the writing, and make known to me its interpretation, you shall be clothed with purple, and have a chain of gold about your neck, and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom."

Webster's Bible Translation
And I have heard of thee, that thou canst make interpretations, and dissolve doubts: now if thou canst read the writing, and make known to me the interpretation of it, thou shalt be clothed with scarlet, and have a chain of gold about thy neck, and shalt be the third ruler in the kingdom.

World English Bible
But I have heard of you, that you can give interpretations and dissolve doubts. Now if you can read the writing and make known to me its interpretation, you shall be clothed with purple, and have a chain of gold around your neck, and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom.”

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
and I have heard of you, that you are able to give interpretations, and to loose knots: now, behold—you are able to read the writing, and its interpretation to cause me to know—purple you put on, and a bracelet of gold [is] on your neck, and you rule third in the kingdom.”

Young's Literal Translation
and I -- I have heard of thee, that thou art able to give interpretations, and to loose knots: now, lo -- thou art able to read the writing, and its interpretation to cause me to know -- purple thou dost put on, and a bracelet of gold is on thy neck, and third in the kingdom thou dost rule.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And I heard concerning thee, that thou wilt be able to interpret interpretations, and solve knotty questions: now if thou shalt be able to read the writing, and to make known to me its interpretation, thou shalt be clothed in purple, and a necklace of gold upon thy neck, and thou shalt rule the third in the kingdom.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
But I have heard of thee, that thou canst interpret obscure things, and resolve difficult things: now if thou art able to read the writing, and to shew me the interpretation thereof, thou shalt be clothed with purple, and shalt have a chain of gold about thy neck, and shalt be the third prince in my kingdom.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Furthermore, I have heard about you that you can interpret obscure things and solve difficulties. So then, if you succeed in reading the writing, and in revealing its interpretation, you will be clothed with purple, and you will have a chain of gold around your neck, and you will be the third leader in my kingdom.”

New American Bible
But I have heard that you can give interpretations and solve problems; now, if you are able to read the writing and tell me what it means, you shall be clothed in purple, wear a chain of gold around your neck, and be third in governing the kingdom.”

New Revised Standard Version
But I have heard that you can give interpretations and solve problems. Now if you are able to read the writing and tell me its interpretation, you shall be clothed in purple, have a chain of gold around your neck, and rank third in the kingdom.”

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And I have heard of you, that you can make interpretations and solve riddles. Now if you can read this writing and make known to me the interpretation thereof, you shall be clothed with purple and have a chain of gold about your neck, and shall rule over a third of the kingdom.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And I heard about you that you surely can interpret and solve enigmas. If you are able to read this writing and to make known its interpretation to me, you shall wear the purple and a necklace of gold on your neck, and you shall rule a third in the Kingdom!”

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
But I have heard of thee, that thou canst give interpretations, and loose knots; now if thou canst read the writing, and make known to me the interpretation thereof, thou shalt be clothed with purple, and have a chain of gold about thy neck, and shalt rule as one of three in the kingdom.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And I have heard concerning thee, that thou art able to make interpretations: now then if thou shalt be able to read the writing, and to make known to me the interpretation of it, thou shalt be clothed with purple, and there shall be a golden chain upon thy neck, and thou shalt be third ruler in my kingdom.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Daniel Interprets the Handwriting
…15Now the wise men and enchanters were brought before me to read this inscription and interpret it for me, but they could not give its interpretation. 16But I have heard about you, that you are able to give interpretations and solve difficult problems. Therefore, if you can read this inscription and give me its interpretation, you will be clothed in purple and have a gold chain placed around your neck, and you will be made the third highest ruler in the kingdom.” 17In response, Daniel said to the king, “You may keep your gifts for yourself and give your rewards to someone else. Nevertheless, I will read the inscription for the king and interpret it for him.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Genesis 41:15-16
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.”

1 Samuel 17:25
Now the men of Israel had been saying, “Do you see how this man keeps coming out to defy Israel? To the man who kills him the king will give great riches. And he will give him his daughter in marriage and exempt his father’s house from taxation in Israel.”

1 Kings 10:1
Now when the queen of Sheba heard about the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the LORD, she came to test him with difficult questions.

2 Kings 5:5-6
“Go now,” said the king of Aram, “and I will send you with a letter to the king of Israel.” So Naaman departed, taking with him ten talents of silver, six thousand shekels of gold, and ten sets of clothing. / And the letter that he took to the king of Israel stated: “With this letter I am sending my servant Naaman, so that you may cure him of his leprosy.”

2 Chronicles 9:1
Now when the queen of Sheba heard about the fame of Solomon, she came to test him with difficult questions. She arrived in Jerusalem with a very large caravan—with camels bearing spices, gold in abundance, and precious stones. And she came to Solomon and spoke with him about all that was on her mind.

Esther 1:13-14
Then the king consulted the wise men who knew the times, for it was customary for him to confer with the experts in law and justice. / His closest advisors were Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media who had personal access to the king and ranked highest in the kingdom.

Job 32:8
But there is a spirit in a man, the breath of the Almighty, that gives him understanding.

Proverbs 1:6
by understanding the proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise.

Isaiah 47:13
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.

Jeremiah 27:9
But as for you, do not listen to your prophets, your diviners, your interpreters of dreams, your mediums, or your sorcerers who declare, ‘You will not serve the king of Babylon.’

Ezekiel 28:3
Behold, you are wiser than Daniel; no secret is hidden from you!

Matthew 2:1-2
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.”

Matthew 12:42
The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and now One greater than Solomon is here.

Matthew 24:24
For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive even the elect, if that were possible.

Luke 11:31
The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with the men of this generation and condemn them; for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and now One greater than Solomon is here.

Treasury of Scripture

And I have heard of you, that you can make interpretations, and dissolve doubts: now if you can read the writing, and make known to me the interpretation thereof, you shall be clothed with scarlet, and have a chain of gold about your neck, and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom.

make.

Genesis 40:8
And they said unto him, We have dreamed a dream, and there is no interpreter of it. And Joseph said unto them, Do not interpretations belong to God? tell me them, I pray you.

thou shalt.

Daniel 5:7
The king cried aloud to bring in the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers. And the king spake, and said to the wise men of Babylon, Whosoever shall read this writing, and shew me the interpretation thereof, shall be clothed with scarlet, and have a chain of gold about his neck, and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom.

Acts 8:18
And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,

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Daniel 5

1. Belshazzar's impious feast.
5. A hand-writing unknown to the magicians, troubles the king.
10. At the commendation of the queen Daniel is brought.
17. He, reproving the king of pride and idolatry,
25. reads and interprets the writing.
30. The monarchy is translated to the Medes

Berean Study Bible

But I have heard
This phrase indicates the king's reliance on reports and testimonies about Daniel's abilities. In the historical context, Daniel's reputation had spread throughout the Babylonian empire due to his previous interpretations and wisdom. The Hebrew root for "heard" (שָׁמַע, shama) implies not just hearing but understanding and acknowledging the significance of what is heard. This reflects the king's recognition of Daniel's God-given wisdom, even if he does not fully understand its divine source.

that you can give interpretations
The ability to interpret dreams and signs was highly valued in ancient Near Eastern cultures. The Hebrew word for "interpretations" (פְּשַׁר, pesher) suggests a deep understanding and the ability to unravel mysteries. Daniel's gift of interpretation is a divine endowment, setting him apart from the Babylonian magicians and wise men. This highlights the theme of God's sovereignty and the superiority of divine wisdom over human knowledge.

and solve difficult problems
The phrase "solve difficult problems" underscores Daniel's exceptional wisdom. The Aramaic word used here, "קְשָׁט" (qeshet), can be translated as "knots" or "riddles," symbolizing complex and challenging issues. Daniel's ability to solve such problems is a testament to the Spirit of God within him, enabling him to bring clarity where there is confusion. This serves as a reminder of the power of divine insight in overcoming worldly challenges.

Now if you can read this writing
The king's challenge to Daniel to read the mysterious writing on the wall is a pivotal moment. The Aramaic word for "read" (קְרָא, qara) implies not just the ability to decipher text but to proclaim and make known its meaning. This reflects the urgency and desperation of the king, who is unable to understand the divine message. It also sets the stage for God's revelation through Daniel, emphasizing the theme of divine communication.

and tell me what it means
The king's request for the meaning of the writing highlights his dependence on Daniel's unique gift. The Aramaic word for "means" (פְּשַׁר, pesher) is the same as "interpretations," reinforcing the idea of revealing hidden truths. This moment underscores the limitations of human wisdom and the necessity of divine revelation to understand God's messages.

you will be clothed in purple
Purple clothing was a symbol of royalty and high status in ancient cultures, as the dye was rare and expensive. The promise of being clothed in purple signifies the king's recognition of Daniel's value and the honor he intends to bestow upon him. This offer reflects the worldly rewards that come with divine wisdom, though Daniel's motivations are not driven by such rewards.

and have a gold chain placed around your neck
A gold chain was another symbol of authority and prestige. In the historical context, such adornments were given to those who held significant positions in the kingdom. The king's offer to Daniel signifies the high regard in which he holds Daniel's abilities, even though Daniel's true reward comes from serving God faithfully.

and you will be made the third highest ruler in the kingdom
This promise of high rank underscores the king's desperation and the value he places on understanding the divine message. Historically, being the third highest ruler would place Daniel in a position of significant influence and power. However, Daniel's acceptance of this role is secondary to his primary mission of delivering God's message, illustrating the theme of divine purpose over personal ambition.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

But
וַאֲנָה֙ (wa·’ă·nāh)
Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 576: I

I have heard
שִׁמְעֵ֣ת (šim·‘êṯ)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 8086: To hear intelligently

about you,
עַֽל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5922: Above, over, upon, against

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

you are able
תִיכּ֥וּל‪‬ (ṯî·kūl)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 3202: To be able

to give interpretations
פִּשְׁרִ֛ין (piš·rîn)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 6591: An interpretation

and solve
לְמִשְׁרֵ֑א (lə·miš·rê)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 8271: To free, separate, to unravel, commence, to reside

difficult problems.
וְקִטְרִ֣ין (wə·qiṭ·rîn)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 7001: A knot, a riddle, a vertebra

Therefore,
כְּעַ֡ן (kə·‘an)
Adverb
Strong's 3705: Now

if
הֵן֩ (hên)
Conjunction
Strong's 2006: Lo!, there, less, whether, but, if

you can
תִּכ֨וּל (ti·ḵūl)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 3202: To be able

read
לְמִקְרֵ֗א (lə·miq·rê)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 7123: To call, read out or aloud

this inscription
כְּתָבָ֜א (kə·ṯā·ḇā)
Noun - masculine singular determinate
Strong's 3792: Something written, a writing, record, book

and give
לְהוֹדָ֣עֻתַ֔נִי (lə·hō·w·ḏā·‘u·ṯa·nî)
Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct | first person common singular
Strong's 3046: To know

me its interpretation,
וּפִשְׁרֵהּ֙ (ū·p̄iš·rêh)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 6591: An interpretation

you will be clothed
תִלְבַּ֗שׁ (ṯil·baš)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 3848: Wrap around, to put on a, garment, clothe

in purple
אַרְגְּוָנָ֣א (’ar·gə·wā·nā)
Noun - masculine singular determinate
Strong's 711: Purple, red-purple

and have a gold
דַהֲבָא֙ (ḏa·hă·ḇā)
Noun - masculine singular determinate
Strong's 1722: Gold

chain
וְהַֽמְנִיכָ֤א‪‬ (wə·ham·nî·ḵā)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular determinate
Strong's 2002: A chain, necklace

placed around
דִֽי־ (ḏî-)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 1768: Who, which, that, because

your neck,
צַוְּארָ֔ךְ (ṣaw·wə·rāḵ)
Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 6676: The back of the neck

and you will be made the third
וְתַלְתָּ֥א (wə·ṯal·tā)
Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 8531: A tertiary rank

highest ruler
תִּשְׁלַֽט׃ (tiš·laṭ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 7981: To dominate, govern, to permit

in the kingdom.”
בְמַלְכוּתָ֖א (ḇə·mal·ḵū·ṯā)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular determinate
Strong's 4437: Royalty, reign, kingdom

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OT Prophets: Daniel 5:16 But I have heard of you that (Dan. Da Dn)