The Meaning of Daniel 4:4 Explained

Daniel 4:4

KJV: I Nebuchadnezzar was at rest in mine house, and flourishing in my palace:

YLT: 'I, Nebuchadnezzar, have been at rest in my house, and flourishing in my palace:

Darby: I Nebuchadnezzar was at rest in my house, and flourishing in my palace.

ASV: I, Nebuchadnezzar, was at rest in my house, and flourishing in my palace.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

I  Nebuchadnezzar  was  at rest  in mine house,  and flourishing  in my palace: 

What does Daniel 4:4 Mean?

Verse Meaning

As mentioned above, the time of this dream was apparently later in Nebuchadnezzar"s reign. Historians have identified a seven-year period during his reign when he engaged in no military activity (ca582-575 B.C.). [1] This may be the seven years during which he was temporarily insane. If Song of Solomon , he may have had this dream in583or582 B.C. If this is the true date, Nebuchadnezzar would have defeated the Egyptians under Pharaoh Hophra (in588-587 B.C.), and would have destroyed Jerusalem (in586 B.C.) before he had this dream. In any case, he was at ease and resting in his palace when God gave him this revelation. Nebuchadnezzar described himself as "flourishing" in his palace, in terms that in the original language picture him flourishing as a green plant. This king built the famous Hanging Gardens of Babylon, which enriched his naturally arid capital with luxuriant foliage. His description of himself here anticipates the figure of the tree in his dream that represented him.

Context Summary

Daniel 4:1-18 - "the Decree Of The Watchers"
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

What do the individual words in Daniel 4:4 mean?

I Nebuchadnezzar at rest was in my house and flourishing in my palace
אֲנָ֣ה נְבוּכַדְנֶצַּ֗ר שְׁלֵ֤ה הֲוֵית֙ בְּבֵיתִ֔י וְרַעְנַ֖ן בְּהֵיכְלִֽי

נְבוּכַדְנֶצַּ֗ר  Nebuchadnezzar 
Parse: Proper Noun, masculine singular
Root: נְבוּכַדְנֶצַּר  
Sense: the great king of Babylon who captured Jerusalem and carried Judah captive.
שְׁלֵ֤ה  at  rest 
Parse: Adjective, masculine singular
Root: שְׁלֵה  
Sense: (P’al) at ease.
בְּבֵיתִ֔י  in  my  house 
Parse: Preposition-b, Noun, masculine singular construct, first person common singular
Root: בַּיִת  
Sense: house (of men).
וְרַעְנַ֖ן  and  flourishing 
Parse: Conjunctive waw, Adjective, masculine singular
Root: רַעֲנַן  
Sense: flourishing.
בְּהֵיכְלִֽי  in  my  palace 
Parse: Preposition-b, Noun, masculine singular construct, first person common singular
Root: הֵיכַל  
Sense: palace, temple.