What does Daniel 4:16 Mean?

Study Notes

seven
The number of completeness.

Verse Meaning

The man portrayed as a tree cut down would be out of his mind (lebab, lit. heart, including feelings, emotions, and affections) for "seven periods of time" (cf. Daniel 4:23; Daniel 4:25; Daniel 4:32; Daniel 7:25). The word "periods of time" ("iddanin) is indefinite; it does not indicate how long these periods of time are. It means years in Daniel 7:25, and that may be the meaning here too. ^[1] Seven days or seven weeks would have been too short a time for his hair to grow the length of feathers ( Daniel 4:33), though that might be possible in seven months. [source][source]

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Context Summary

Nebuchadnezzar was in the zenith of his fame and power. His wars were over; his prosperity was assured. But he attributed all to his own wisdom and prowess. There was no thought of God, who had raised him up and given him everything. He must be humbled, if his soul was to be saved; and the whole living world must know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men and gives it to whomsoever He pleases, Daniel 4:17. How gladly worldly men turn in hours of crisis to religious men, who draw upon unseen resources, and bear themselves with calm and unruffled peace, Daniel 4:9. The greatness of the King is set forth under the figure of a mighty tree, filling the earth and sheltering the nations. There was only one Being who came down, combining in Himself watchfulness and holiness. In Daniel 4:17 we learn that no destiny is decided apart from the careful sifting of the celestial council-chamber. How august is this conception of the matured judgment of heaven. Where should we stand apart from the pleading of the great High Priest? [source]

Chapter Summary: 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