Daniel 2:30 And to me this mystery has been revealed, not because I have more wisdom than any man alive, but in order that the interpretation might be made known to the king, and that you may understand the thoughts of your mind.

◄ Daniel 2:30 ►

New International Version
As for me, this mystery has been revealed to me, not because I have greater wisdom than anyone else alive, but so that Your Majesty may know the interpretation and that you may understand what went through your mind.

New Living Translation
And it is not because I am wiser than anyone else that I know the secret of your dream, but because God wants you to understand what was in your heart.

English Standard Version
But as for me, this mystery has been revealed to me, not because of any wisdom that I have more than all the living, but in order that the interpretation may be made known to the king, and that you may know the thoughts of your mind.

Berean Standard Bible
And to me this mystery has been revealed, not because I have more wisdom than any man alive, but in order that the interpretation might be made known to the king, and that you may understand the thoughts of your mind.

King James Bible
But as for me, this secret is not revealed to me for any wisdom that I have more than any living, but for their sakes that shall make known the interpretation to the king, and that thou mightest know the thoughts of thy heart.

New King James Version
But as for me, this secret has not been revealed to me because I have more wisdom than anyone living, but for our sakes who make known the interpretation to the king, and that you may know the thoughts of your heart.

New American Standard Bible
But as for me, this secret has not been revealed to me for any wisdom residing in me more than in any other living person, but for the purpose of making the interpretation known to the king, and that you may understand the thoughts of your mind.

NASB 1995
“But as for me, this mystery has not been revealed to me for any wisdom residing in me more than in any other living man, but for the purpose of making the interpretation known to the king, and that you may understand the thoughts of your mind.

NASB 1977
“But as for me, this mystery has not been revealed to me for any wisdom residing in me more than in any other living man, but for the purpose of making the interpretation known to the king, and that you may understand the thoughts of your mind.

Legacy Standard Bible
But as for me, this mystery has not been revealed to me by any wisdom which is in me more than in any other living man, but for the purpose of making the interpretation known to the king, and that you may know the thoughts of your heart.

Amplified Bible
But as for me, this secret has not been revealed to me because my wisdom is greater than that of any other living man, but in order to make the interpretation known to the king, and so that you may understand [fully] the thoughts of your mind.

Christian Standard Bible
As for me, this mystery has been revealed to me, not because I have more wisdom than anyone living, but in order that the interpretation might be made known to the king, and that you may understand the thoughts of your mind.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
As for me, this mystery has been revealed to me, not because I have more wisdom than anyone living, but in order that the interpretation might be made known to the king, and that you may understand the thoughts of your mind.”

American Standard Version
But as for me, this secret is not revealed to me for any wisdom that I have more than any living, but to the intent that the interpretation may be made known to the king, and that thou mayest know the thoughts of thy heart.

Contemporary English Version
However, you must realize that these mysteries weren't explained to me because I am smarter than everyone else. Instead, it was done so that you would understand what you have seen.

English Revised Version
But as for me, this secret is not revealed to me for any wisdom that I have more than any living, but to the intent that the interpretation may be made known to the king, and that thou mayest know the thoughts of thy heart.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
This secret wasn't revealed to me because I'm wiser than anyone else. It was revealed so that you could be told the meaning and so that you would know your innermost thoughts.

Good News Translation
Now, this mystery was revealed to me, not because I am wiser than anyone else, but so that Your Majesty may learn the meaning of your dream and understand the thoughts that have come to you.

International Standard Version
As for me, this secret was made known to me, not because my own wisdom is greater than anyone else alive, but in order that the meaning may be made known to the king, and that you might understand the thoughts of your heart.

Majority Standard Bible
And to me this mystery has been revealed, not because I have more wisdom than any man alive, but in order that the interpretation might be made known to the king, and that you may understand the thoughts of your mind.

NET Bible
As for me, this mystery was revealed to me not because I possess more wisdom than any other living person, but so that the king may understand the interpretation and comprehend the thoughts of your mind.

New Heart English Bible
But as for me, this secret is not revealed to me for any wisdom that I have more than all the living, but in order that the interpretation may be made known to the king, and that you may know the thoughts of your heart.

Webster's Bible Translation
But as for me, this secret is not revealed to me for any wisdom that I have more than any living, but for their sakes that shall make known the interpretation to the king, and that thou mayest know the thoughts of thy heart.

World English Bible
But as for me, this secret is not revealed to me for any wisdom that I have more than any living, but to the intent that the interpretation may be made known to the king, and that you may know the thoughts of your heart.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
As for me—not for [any] wisdom that is in me above any living has this secret been revealed to me; but for the intent that the interpretation to the king they make known, and the thoughts of your heart you know.

Young's Literal Translation
As to me -- not for any wisdom that is in me above any living hath this secret been revealed to me; but for the intent that the interpretation to the king they make known, and the thoughts of thy heart thou dost know.

Smith's Literal Translation
And I not for wisdom that is in me more than all living is this secret revealed to me, but for the reason that they shall make known the interpretation to the king, and thou shalt know the thoughts of thy heart.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
To me also this secret is revealed, not by any wisdom that I have more than all men alive: but that the interpretation might be made manifest to the king, and thou mightest know the thoughts of thy mind.

Catholic Public Domain Version
To me, likewise, this mystery is revealed, not according to the wisdom that is in me more than in other living things, but so that the interpretation might be made manifest to the king, and so that you may know the thoughts of your mind.

New American Bible
To me also this mystery has been revealed; not that I am wiser than any other living person, but in order that its meaning may be made known to the king, that you may understand the thoughts of your own mind.

New Revised Standard Version
But as for me, this mystery has not been revealed to me because of any wisdom that I have more than any other living being, but in order that the interpretation may be known to the king and that you may understand the thoughts of your mind.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
But as for me, this mystery is not revealed to me on account of any wisdom that I have more than any living person, but for the sake of the interpretation, that it might be known to the king and that you may know the thoughts of your heart.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And it was not because I have more wisdom in me than all living that this mystery was revealed to me, but so the interpretation would be known to the King, and you will know the thing that was considered in your heart

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
But as for me, this secret is not revealed to me for any wisdom that I have more than any living, but to the intent that the interpretation may be made known to the king, and that thou mayest know the thoughts of thy heart.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Moreover, this mystery has not been revealed to me by reason of wisdom which is in me beyond all others living, but for the sake of making known the interpretation to the king, that thou mightest know the thoughts of thine heart.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Daniel Interprets the Dream
…29As you lay on your bed, O king, your thoughts turned to the future, and the Revealer of Mysteries made known to you what will happen. 30And to me this mystery has been revealed, not because I have more wisdom than any man alive, but in order that the interpretation might be made known to the king, and that you may understand the thoughts of your mind. 31As you, O king, were watching, a great statue appeared. A great and dazzling statue stood before you, and its form was awesome.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Genesis 41:16
“I myself cannot do it,” Joseph replied, “but God will give Pharaoh a sound answer.”

Acts 3:12
And when Peter saw this, he addressed the people: “Men of Israel, why are you surprised by this? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?

1 Corinthians 2:10-11
But God has revealed it to us by the Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. / For who among men knows the thoughts of man except his own spirit within him? So too, no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.

James 1:5
Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

1 Peter 1:12
It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, when they foretold the things now announced by those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.

2 Corinthians 4:7
Now we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this surpassingly great power is from God and not from us.

Matthew 11:25
At that time Jesus declared, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.

John 15:5
I am the vine and you are the branches. The one who remains in Me, and I in him, will bear much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing.

Romans 12:3
For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but think of yourself with sober judgment, according to the measure of faith God has given you.

1 Corinthians 1:27-29
But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. / He chose the lowly and despised things of the world, and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are, / so that no one may boast in His presence.

Isaiah 48:6
You have heard these things; look at them all. Will you not acknowledge them? From now on I will tell you of new things, hidden things unknown to you.

Amos 3:7
Surely the Lord GOD does nothing without revealing His plan to His servants the prophets.

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

Proverbs 2:6
For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.

Isaiah 42:9
Behold, the former things have happened, and now I declare new things. Before they spring forth I proclaim them to you.”

Treasury of Scripture

But as for me, this secret is not revealed to me for any wisdom that I have more than any living, but for their sakes that shall make known the interpretation to the king, and that you might know the thoughts of your heart.

this secret.

Genesis 41:16
And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, It is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace.

Acts 3:12
And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk?

1 Corinthians 15:8-12
And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time…

but.

Daniel 2:17,18,49
Then Daniel went to his house, and made the thing known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions: …

Isaiah 43:3,4
For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee…

Isaiah 45:4
For Jacob my servant's sake, and Israel mine elect, I have even called thee by thy name: I have surnamed thee, though thou hast not known me.

Daniel 2:47
The king answered unto Daniel, and said, Of a truth it is, that your God is a God of gods, and a Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets, seeing thou couldest reveal this secret.

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Daniel 2

1. Nebuchadnezzar, forgetting his dream,
5. requires it of the Chaldeans, by promises and threats.
10. They acknowledging their inability are judged to die.
14. Daniel obtaining some respite finds the dream.
19. He blesses God.
24. He staying the decree is brought to the king.
31. The dream.
36. The interpretation.
46. Daniel's advancement.

Berean Study Bible

As for me
This phrase emphasizes Daniel's humility and personal acknowledgment of his role. In the Hebrew text, the phrase "as for me" (וַאֲנִי, va'ani) sets Daniel apart, not in terms of superiority, but as a vessel chosen by God. It reflects a personal relationship with God, where Daniel recognizes his own limitations and the divine source of his insight.

this mystery
The term "mystery" (רָז, raz) in Aramaic refers to something hidden or secret, often associated with divine revelation. In the context of the ancient Near East, mysteries were often linked to the divine realm, accessible only through divine intervention. Daniel's use of this term underscores the supernatural nature of the revelation, distinguishing it from human wisdom or insight.

has been revealed to me
The phrase "has been revealed" (גְּלִי, geliy) indicates an unveiling or disclosure by God. In biblical terms, revelation is an act of divine grace, where God chooses to make known His will or knowledge. This highlights the passive role of the recipient, emphasizing that the understanding comes from God, not from human effort or intellect.

not because I have greater wisdom
Daniel's statement here is a declaration of humility. The Hebrew word for "wisdom" (חָכְמָה, chokmah) is often associated with skill, insight, and understanding. By denying greater wisdom, Daniel acknowledges that his ability to interpret the dream is not due to his own intellectual prowess but is a gift from God.

than anyone else alive
This phrase places Daniel among his contemporaries, emphasizing that he is not inherently superior to others. It reflects the biblical principle that God often chooses the humble and the lowly to accomplish His purposes, as seen throughout Scripture.

but so that the interpretation might be made known
The purpose of the revelation is clearly stated here. The word "interpretation" (פְּשַׁר, peshar) refers to the explanation or understanding of the mystery. Daniel's role is to convey God's message, serving as a conduit for divine communication to the king.

to the king
The mention of "the king" (לְמַלְכָּא, lemalka) highlights the immediate audience for the revelation. In the historical context, King Nebuchadnezzar was a powerful ruler of Babylon, and the dream's interpretation had significant implications for his reign and the future of his kingdom.

and that you may understand
The phrase "that you may understand" (תֵּדַע, teda) indicates the intended outcome of the revelation. Understanding (יָדַע, yada) in Hebrew implies not just intellectual comprehension but a deeper, experiential knowledge. The goal is for the king to grasp the significance of the dream and its implications.

the thoughts of your mind
Finally, "the thoughts of your mind" (רֵעוֹנֵי לִבָּבָךְ, re'onei libabakh) refers to the inner reflections and concerns of the king. In biblical anthropology, the "mind" or "heart" (לֵב, lev) is the center of thought, emotion, and will. Daniel's interpretation aims to address the king's innermost anxieties and provide divine insight into his concerns.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(30) For any wisdom--i.e., by reason of any wisdom of his own, but "for the sake of the king."

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 30. - But as for me, this secret was not revealed to me for any wisdom that I have more than any living, but for their sakes that shall make known the interpretation to the king, and that thou mightest know the thoughts of thy heart. The Septuagint Version is simpler, "But as for me, not on account of any wisdom in me above all men is this mystery revealed, but in order that it should be shown to the king it is revealed to me what thou thoughtest in thy heart in knowledge." The translator has read the preformative ת into ב. There is no reference to "those who shall show the interpretation." The text before him may have omitted the plural termination; consequently, the huphal was supplied. Theodotion, the Peshitta, and Jerome all agree pretty closely with the Massoretic text, but all make the verb translated "shows" singular, not plural, as does the Massoretic. Of course, it may be that this was due to rendering the sense, not the words, of the original; but Theodotion especially is more prone in any difficulty to slavish adherence to his original. His rendering is, "But as for me, not for wisdom which is in me beyond all living is the mystery revealed, but that the interpretation be made known to the king in order that thou mightest know the thoughts of thy heart." The Pe-shitta renders the latter clauses thus: "But that the interpretation may be made known to the king, and that thou mayest know what thou didst meditate on in thy heart." Jerome, after rendering רזא (raza, "secret") sacra-mentum, proceeds," Sed ut interpretatio regi manifesta fieret et cogitationes mentis tuae seires." The fact that the last word takes the Mandaitic form תִּנְדַּע (tin'dae) instead of תִדַּע (tidda') indicates on the whole an Oriental origin. The use of the plural form, יְהודעוּן (yehod'un), is wrongly rendered, "for their sakes who shall make known the interpretation." The Revised Version is more accurate, "but to the intent that the interpretation may be made known;" and Luther translates, "Dass dem Konige die Deutung augezeiget warde." The use of the plural for the indefinite occurs elsewhere (Wirier, § 49). The position Daniel takes up is one which does not separate him from the other hakmeen of the court. He in effect says, "I am no wiser than the other sages who have been condemned to death, only the God of heaven can reveal what the king demands, and he has revealed it to me." The purpose of the revelation, "that thou mightest know the interpretation," is fitted to soothe his pride. The humility of Daniel has been remarked in reference to this verse. He puts himself behind the impersonal form, "in order that people may show the king the interpretation." The reason why the interpretation was shown to Nebuchadnezzar might be really to humble him, to show him that his empire, splendid as it was, was only one in a succession, and that the whole system of world-empires would be overthrown before a kingdom set up by the God of the Jews.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

And to me
וַאֲנָ֗ה (wa·’ă·nāh)
Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 576: I

this
דְנָ֖ה (ḏə·nāh)
Pronoun - masculine singular
Strong's 1836: This

mystery
רָזָ֥א (rā·zā)
Noun - masculine singular determinate
Strong's 7328: To attenuate, hide, a mystery

has been revealed,
גֱּלִ֣י (gĕ·lî)
Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1541: To denude, to exile, to reveal

not
לָ֤א (lā)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3809: Not, no

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

I have
אִיתַ֥י (’î·ṯay)
Adverb
Strong's 383: Entity, as a, particle of affirmation, there is

more wisdom
בְחָכְמָה֙ (ḇə·ḥā·ḵə·māh)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2452: Wisdom

than
מִן־ (min-)
Preposition
Strong's 4481: From, out of, by, by reason of, at, more than

any man
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3606: The whole, all, any, every

alive,
חַיַּיָּ֔א (ḥay·yay·yā)
Adjective - masculine plural determinate
Strong's 2417: Alive, life

but
לָהֵ֗ן (lā·hên)
Conjunction
Strong's 3861: Therefore, except

in order that
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5922: Above, over, upon, against

the interpretation
פִשְׁרָא֙ (p̄iš·rā)
Noun - masculine singular determinate
Strong's 6591: An interpretation

might be made known
יְהוֹדְע֔וּן (yə·hō·wḏ·‘ūn)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 3046: To know

to the king,
לְמַלְכָּ֣א (lə·mal·kā)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular determinate
Strong's 4430: A king

and that you may understand
תִּנְדַּֽע׃ (tin·da‘)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 3046: To know

the thoughts
וְרַעְיוֹנֵ֥י (wə·ra‘·yō·w·nê)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 7476: A grasp, mental conception

of your mind.
לִבְבָ֖ךְ (liḇ·ḇāḵ)
Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 3825: The heart

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OT Prophets: Daniel 2:30 But as for me this secret (Dan. Da Dn)