You, O king, the king of kings, to whom the God of heaven has given the kingdom, the power, and the might, and the glory,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Daniel doesn't just flatter Nebuchadnezzar by calling him "king of kings"; he uses a title that was actually a known descriptor of his immense power, acknowledging his rule over many tributary rulers. But immediately after, Daniel pivots, reminding the king that this vast power wasn't earned by him, but was a direct gift from the God of heaven.
You, O king, the king of kings, to whom the God of heaven has given the kingdom, the power, and the might, and the glory,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Daniel is interpreting King Nebuchadnezzar's dream about a giant statue, revealing that it symbolizes successive world empires. Having just established that Nebuchadnezzar's vast Babylonian kingdom is the "head of gold," Daniel now directly addresses the king, acknowledging his supreme authority. This declaration sets the stage for explaining how this earthly power, despite its grandeur, ultimately comes from and is subject to the God of heaven.
Nebuchadnezzar is called 'king of kings.' What does this grand title truly mean, and how does it hold both immense power and a hidden warning?
This title, 'king of kings,' wasn't just flattery; it was a factual description of Nebuchadnezzar's vast empire, which encompassed many tributary rulers. It’s a Hebrew idiom signifying supreme authority.
However, Daniel immediately anchors this title to its ultimate source. Even this 'king of kings' rules only because the 'God of heaven' has granted him his dominion. This is a crucial reminder: great power comes with great responsibility and is always accountable to a higher authority. It’s a title that, while exalting, also contains the seed of humility, pointing to the true King of all.
Nebuchadnezzar had immense power, wealth, and glory. Where did it all truly come from?
Daniel is crystal clear: Nebuchadnezzar's kingdom, his power, his strength, and his glory were not earned through his own might, wisdom, or lineage. They were gifts from the God of heaven.
This emphasizes God's absolute sovereignty. He is the one who establishes kingdoms and removes them. For Nebuchadnezzar, this was a critical lesson, especially in light of his pride. It’s a reminder that any success, position, or blessing we experience is ultimately a divine bestowal, meant to be stewarded wisely.
Understand the original words
Ask a follow-up
Elah shemaya · Aramaic Noun phrase
A title used for God emphasizing His sovereignty, transcendence, and authority over all creation from His dwelling place above the earth.
malku · Aramaic Noun
In a biblical context, a royal dominion or reign, symbolizing the authority of a ruler, and ultimately pointing toward the eternal sovereignty of God.
teqep · Aramaic Noun
The inherent capacity, authority, or ability to act; in scripture, all true power originates from God and is delegated to earthly rulers by His permission.
yqar · Aramaic Noun
In biblical theology, the splendor, majesty, and weight of God's presence or the honor attributed to a ruler; ultimately, all glory belongs to God.
Daniel's declaration to Nebuchadnezzar directly addresses the king's immense power and vast empire, a reality shaped by Babylon's military conquests in the decades prior. By reminding Nebuchadnezzar that this 'king of kings' status is a gift from the God of heaven, Daniel sets the stage for the dream's interpretation, which reveals the ultimate sovereignty of God over all earthly kingdoms, including Nebuchadnezzar's own.
c. 626 BC
Nebuchadnezzar II Ascends Throne
Nebuchadnezzar II becomes king of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, beginning a period of significant expansion and building.
605 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
Nebuchadnezzar conducts his first major deportation of Judeans to Babylon, including Daniel and his companions, after defeating the Egyptians at Carchemish.
586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Second Deportation
Nebuchadnezzar destroys Jerusalem and its Temple, exiling a larger portion of the Jewish population to Babylon.
c. 570s BC— this verse
Nebuchadnezzar's Dream and Daniel's Interpretation
Nebuchadnezzar has a dream of a great statue, which he cannot interpret. Daniel is later brought to interpret the dream, revealing God's sovereignty over empires.
c. 562 BC
Nebuchadnezzar's Madness
Following his pride and forgetfulness of God's gift of his kingdom, Nebuchadnezzar is driven mad and lives like an animal for seven years, as described in Daniel 4.
539 BC
Fall of Babylon to Persia
The Neo-Babylonian Empire falls to Cyrus the Great of Persia, marking the end of the empire Daniel's prophecy foretold.
This passage directly parallels Daniel's message, stating that God has given Nebuchadnezzar dominion and power, and emphasizing that all earthly rulers are in His hands.
Ezekiel 26:7Ezekiel also uses the title 'king of kings' for Nebuchadnezzar, highlighting his supreme authority and vast dominion, reinforcing the idea of his divinely granted power.
Ezra 7:12This verse uses the title 'king of kings' in reference to Artaxerxes, showing it was a recognized, albeit elevated, title for powerful rulers, and underscores the divine source of their authority.
Revelation 17:14This New Testament passage applies the ultimate title 'King of kings and Lord of lords' to Jesus Christ, contrasting earthly rulers with divine sovereignty and pointing to Christ's supreme authority over all.
Daniel 4:17This verse further reinforces the theme that God is the ultimate sovereign who gives dominion to whomever He wills, and can set aside the most powerful rulers, directly relating to Nebuchadnezzar's own experience.
clarkeDaniel 2:37: "Thou, O king, art a king of kings: for the God of heaven hath given thee a kingdom, power, and strength, and glory."
The God of heaven - Not given by thy own gods, nor acquired by thy own skill and prowess; it is a Divine gift. Power - To rule this kingdom. And strength - To defend it against all foes. And glory - Great honor and dignity.
barnesDaniel 2:37: "Thou, O king, art a king of kings: for the God of heaven hath given thee a kingdom, power, and strength, and glory."
Thou, O King, art a king of kings - The phrase "king of kings" is a Hebraism, to denote a supreme monarch, or one who has other kings under him as tributary, Ezra 7:12 ; Ezekiel 26:7 . As such it is applied by way of eminence to the Son of God, in Revelation 17:14 ; Revelation 19:16 . As here used, it means that Nebuchadnezzar ruled over tributary kings and princes,…
Daniel doesn't just flatter Nebuchadnezzar by calling him "king of kings"; he uses a title that was actually a known descriptor of his immense power, acknowledging his rule over many tributary rulers. But immediately after, Daniel pivots, reminding the king that this vast power wasn't earned by him, but was a direct gift from the God of heaven.
Daniel is interpreting King Nebuchadnezzar's dream about a giant statue, revealing that it symbolizes successive world empires. Having just established that Nebuchadnezzar's vast Babylonian kingdom is the "head of gold," Daniel now directly addresses the king, acknowledging his supreme authority. This declaration sets the stage for explaining how this earthly power, despite its grandeur, ultimately comes from and is subject to the God of heaven.
Daniel is interpreting King Nebuchadnezzar's dream about a giant statue, revealing that it symbolizes successive world empires. Having just established that Nebuchadnezzar's vast Babylonian kingdom is the "head of gold," Daniel now directly addresses the king, acknowledging his supreme authority. This declaration sets the stage for explaining how this earthly power, despite its grandeur, ultimately comes from and is subject to the God of heaven.
"You, O king, the king of kings, to whom the God of heaven has given the kingdom, the power, and the might, and the glory," — Daniel doesn't just flatter Nebuchadnezzar by calling him "king of kings"; he uses a title that was actually a known descriptor of his immense power, acknowledging his rule over many tributary rulers…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026