Daniel's immediate dismay isn't from confusion about the dream's meaning, but from the heavy weight of the divine judgment he's about to deliver, showing his deep empathy for Nebuchadnezzar despite the king's actions. His gentle preface, "May the dream be for those who hate you," is a subtle way of expressing his hope that the king will repent and avert the coming judgment, rather than a literal wish for his enemies to suffer.
Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was dismayed for a while, and his thoughts alarmed him. The king answered and said, “Belteshazzar, let not the dream or the interpretation alarm you.” Belteshazzar answered and said, “My lord, may the dream be for those who hate you and its interpretation for your enemies!
English Standard Version (ESV)
King Nebuchadnezzar has just recounted a disturbing dream about a mighty tree being cut down, and he's seeking Daniel's interpretation. Daniel is visibly shaken, not by the dream's complexity, but by its dire implications for the king, which causes him to hesitate before speaking. The king, noticing Daniel's distress, urges him to speak freely, assuring him that the interpretation should not cause him alarm.
Daniel's reaction wasn't confusion or struggle with the dream's meaning. It was profound distress. Why would a prophet be 'dismayed' by a message he understands?
The Prophet's Burden
When Daniel heard Nebuchadnezzar's dream, his immediate reaction was shock and distress. The text says he was 'dismayed for a while, and his thoughts alarmed him.' This wasn't because he couldn't understand the dream – quite the opposite. He did understand its terrifying implications.
Daniel's response, 'My lord, may the dream be for those who hate you,' is more than just a polite evasion. What does this diplomatic phrasing reveal about his character and his role?
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The Art of Euphemism
Daniel's preface to the interpretation is a masterclass in diplomatic language, a cultural and spiritual necessity in his position.
Understand the original words
eshtomam · Aramaic (Biblical) Verb
A state of extreme distress, perplexity, or agitation of mind; frequently used in the Bible to describe the reaction of someone confronted with a divine revelation or a terrifying supernatural event.
Daniel's profound distress at interpreting Nebuchadnezzar's dream stems from his loyalty to the king, who had shown him favor, and his understanding of his prophetic duty to speak God's truth, even when it involved severe judgment for the king and his empire.
c. 605 BC
Nebuchadnezzar II Ascends Throne
Nebuchadnezzar II begins his reign as king of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, a powerful ruler known for his military campaigns and extensive building projects in Babylon.
c. 605 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
Daniel and his companions are among a group of Judean nobles taken captive to Babylon following Nebuchadnezzar's victory over Egypt. They are educated to serve in the Babylonian court.
c. 597 BC
Second Deportation (Jehoiachin's Exile)
Another wave of Judeans, including the prophet Ezekiel, are exiled to Babylon. This event further highlights Babylon's dominance over Judah and the ongoing suffering of the Jewish people.
c. 589–587 BC
Siege and Fall of Jerusalem
Nebuchadnezzar lays siege to Jerusalem, which ultimately falls. The Temple is destroyed, and a large portion of the remaining population is exiled, marking a devastating low point for Judah.
c. 562 BC— this verse
Nebuchadnezzar's Reign Ends
Nebuchadnezzar II dies after a long and significant reign. His rule saw the height of Babylonian power and influence, and the events of Daniel chapter 4 occur during his reign.
539 BC
Fall of Babylon to Persia
The Neo-Babylonian Empire falls to Cyrus the Great of Persia. This event marks the end of Babylonian rule and the beginning of the Persian period, during which the Jewish exile would eventually end.
This passage highlights the principle of praying for the welfare of the land where one is exiled, even if that land is ruled by an oppressive power, mirroring Daniel's delicate position and his desire for the king's well-being.
1 Samuel 25:22This verse shows a similar use of euphemism, where Abigail wishes divine punishment upon her enemies rather than her husband, reflecting Daniel's polite but firm way of relaying a harsh message.
Daniel 10:16-17This passage reveals Daniel's own moments of deep distress and physical weakness when faced with divine revelations, helping to explain his initial shock and troubled thoughts in Daniel 4:19.
Romans 13:5This passage underscores the biblical mandate to submit to governing authorities, providing a theological framework for Daniel's respect and concern for Nebuchadnezzar, even as he delivers a message of judgment.
barnesDaniel 4:19: "Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was astonied for one hour, and his thoughts troubled him. The king spake, and said, Belteshazzar, let not the dream, or the interpretation thereof, trouble thee. Belteshazzar answered and said, My lord, the dream be to them that hate thee, and the interpretation thereof to thine enemies."
Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar - Daniel 4:8 . It has been objected that the mention in this edict of "both" the names by which Daniel was known…
bensonDaniel 4:19: "Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was astonied for one hour, and his thoughts troubled him. The king spake, and said, Belteshazzar, let not the dream, or the interpretation thereof, trouble thee. Belteshazzar answered and said, My lord, the dream be to them that hate thee, and the interpretation thereof to thine enemies."
Daniel 4:19 . Then Daniel was astonied for one hour — “Stood in silent astonishment for nearly an hour,” both at the surprising circumstances of the judg…
Daniel's immediate dismay isn't from confusion about the dream's meaning, but from the heavy weight of the divine judgment he's about to deliver, showing his deep empathy for Nebuchadnezzar despite the king's actions. His gentle preface, "May the dream be for those who hate you," is a subtle way of expressing his hope that the king will repent and avert the coming judgment, rather than a literal wish for his enemies to suffer.
King Nebuchadnezzar has just recounted a disturbing dream about a mighty tree being cut down, and he's seeking Daniel's interpretation. Daniel is visibly shaken, not by the dream's complexity, but by its dire implications for the king, which causes him to hesitate before speaking. The king, noticing Daniel's distress, urges him to speak freely, assuring him that the interpretation should not cause him alarm.
King Nebuchadnezzar has just recounted a disturbing dream about a mighty tree being cut down, and he's seeking Daniel's interpretation. Daniel is visibly shaken, not by the dream's complexity, but by its dire implications for the king, which causes him to hesitate before speaking. The king, noticing Daniel's distress, urges him to speak freely, assuring him that the interpretation should not cause him alarm.
"Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was dismayed for a while, and his thoughts alarmed him. The king answered and said, “Belteshazzar, let not the dream or the interpretation alarm you.” Belteshazzar answered and said, “My lord, may…" — Daniel's immediate dismay isn't from confusion about the dream's meaning, but from the heavy weight of the divine judgment he's about to deliver, showing his deep empathy for Nebuchadnezzar despite t…
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Last reviewed October 2026
