Daniel 2:8 The king replied, "I know for sure that you are stalling for time, because you see that my word is final.

◄ Daniel 2:8 ►

New International Version
Then the king answered, “I am certain that you are trying to gain time, because you realize that this is what I have firmly decided:

New Living Translation
The king replied, “I know what you are doing! You’re stalling for time because you know I am serious when I say,

English Standard Version
The king answered and said, “I know with certainty that you are trying to gain time, because you see that the word from me is firm—

Berean Standard Bible
The king replied, “I know for sure that you are stalling for time, because you see that my word is final.

King James Bible
The king answered and said, I know of certainty that ye would gain the time, because ye see the thing is gone from me.

New King James Version
The king answered and said, “I know for certain that you would gain time, because you see that my decision is firm:

New American Standard Bible
The king replied, “I know for certain that you are trying to buy time, because you have perceived that the command from me is firm,

NASB 1995
The king replied, “I know for certain that you are bargaining for time, inasmuch as you have seen that the command from me is firm,

NASB 1977
The king answered and said, “I know for certain that you are bargaining for time, inasmuch as you have seen that the command from me is firm,

Legacy Standard Bible
The king answered and said, “I know for certain that you are buying time, inasmuch as you have seen that the word from me is firm,

Amplified Bible
The king replied, “I know for certain that you are bargaining for time, because you have seen that my command [to you] is firm and irrevocable.

Christian Standard Bible
The king replied, “I know for certain you are trying to gain some time, because you see that my word is final.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The king replied, “I know for certain you are trying to gain some time, because you see that my word is final.

American Standard Version
The king answered and said, I know of a certainty that ye would gain time, because ye see the thing is gone from me.

Contemporary English Version
The king replied, "You're just stalling for time,

English Revised Version
The king answered and said, I know of a certain that ye would gain time, because ye see the thing is gone from me.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The king replied, "I'm sure you're trying to buy some time because you know that I meant what I said.

Good News Translation
At that, the king exclaimed, "Just as I thought! You are trying to gain time, because you see that I have made up my mind

International Standard Version
The king responded, "I'm convinced that you're stalling for time because you're aware of what I've commanded.

Majority Standard Bible
The king replied, “I know for sure that you are stalling for time, because you see that my word is final.

NET Bible
The king replied, "I know for sure that you are attempting to gain time, because you see that my decision is firm.

New Heart English Bible
The king answered, "I know of a certainty that you would gain time, because you see the thing is gone from me.

Webster's Bible Translation
The king answered and said, I know of certainty that ye would gain the time, because ye see the thing is gone from me.

World English Bible
The king answered, “I know of a certainty that you are trying to gain time, because you see the thing has gone from me.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
The king has answered and said, “Of a truth I know that you are gaining time, because that you have seen that the thing is gone from me,

Young's Literal Translation
The king hath answered and said, 'Of a truth I know that time ye are gaining, because that ye have seen that the thing is gone from me,

Smith's Literal Translation
And the king answered and said, Certainly I know that ye buy the time, for which cause that ye saw that the word went out from me.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
The king answered, and said: I know for certain that you seek to gain time, since you know that the thing is gone from me.

Catholic Public Domain Version
The king answered and said, “I am certain that you are stalling for time because you know that the memory of it has slipped away from me.

New American Bible
But the king replied: “I know for certain that you are bargaining for time, since you know what I have decided.

New Revised Standard Version
The king answered, “I know with certainty that you are trying to gain time, because you see I have firmly decreed:

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
The king answered and said, Truly I know that what you want is time, because you see that my word is true.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
The King answered and said: “Truly I know that it is time you seek, because you see that my word is firm

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
The king answered and said: 'I know of a truth that ye would gain time, inasmuch as ye see the thing is certain with me,

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the king answered and said, I verily know that ye are trying to gain time, because ye see that the thing has gone from me.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Nebuchadnezzar's Dream
…7They answered a second time, “Let the king tell the dream to his servants, and we will give the interpretation.” 8The king replied, “I know for sure that you are stalling for time, because you see that my word is final. 9If you do not tell me the dream, there is only one decree for you. You have conspired to speak before me false and fraudulent words, hoping the situation will change. Therefore tell me the dream, and I will know that you can give me its interpretation.”…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Genesis 41:15-16
Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I had a dream, and no one can interpret it. But I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it.” / “I myself cannot do it,” Joseph replied, “but God will give Pharaoh a sound answer.”

Exodus 7:11-12
But Pharaoh called the wise men and sorcerers and magicians of Egypt, and they also did the same things by their magic arts. / Each one threw down his staff, and it became a serpent. But Aaron’s staff swallowed up the other staffs.

1 Kings 3:28
When all Israel heard of the judgment the king had given, they stood in awe of him, for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him to administer justice.

2 Kings 6:11-12
For this reason the king of Aram became enraged and called his servants to demand of them, “Tell me, which one of us is on the side of the king of Israel?” / But one of his servants replied, “No one, my lord the king. For Elisha, the prophet in Israel, tells the king of Israel the very words you speak in your bedroom.”

Isaiah 47:12-13
So take your stand with your spells and with your many sorceries, with which you have wearied yourself from your youth. Perhaps you will succeed; perhaps you will inspire terror! / You are wearied by your many counselors; let them come forward now and save you—your astrologers who observe the stars, who monthly predict your fate.

Jeremiah 27:9-10
But as for you, do not listen to your prophets, your diviners, your interpreters of dreams, your mediums, or your sorcerers who declare, ‘You will not serve the king of Babylon.’ / For they prophesy to you a lie that will serve to remove you from your land; I will banish you and you will perish.

Ezekiel 21:21-22
For the king of Babylon stands at the fork in the road, at the junction of the two roads, to seek an omen: He shakes the arrows, he consults the idols, he examines the liver. / In his right hand appears the portent for Jerusalem, where he is to set up battering rams, to call for the slaughter, to lift a battle cry, to direct the battering rams against the gates, to build a ramp, and to erect a siege wall.

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

Matthew 2:7-8
Then Herod called the Magi secretly and learned from them the exact time the star had appeared. / And sending them to Bethlehem, he said: “Go and search carefully for the Child, and when you find Him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship Him.”

Matthew 12:38-39
Then some of the scribes and Pharisees said to Him, “Teacher, we want to see a sign from You.” / Jesus replied, “A wicked and adulterous generation demands a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.

Matthew 16:1-4
Then the Pharisees and Sadducees came and tested Jesus by asking Him to show them a sign from heaven. / But He replied, “When evening comes, you say, ‘The weather will be fair, for the sky is red,’ / and in the morning, ‘Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but not the signs of the times. ...

Mark 8:11-12
Then the Pharisees came and began to argue with Jesus, testing Him by demanding from Him a sign from heaven. / Jesus sighed deeply in His spirit and said, “Why does this generation demand a sign? Truly I tell you, no sign will be given to this generation.”

Luke 11:29-30
As the crowds were increasing, Jesus said, “This is a wicked generation. It demands a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah. / For as Jonah was a sign to the Ninevites, so the Son of Man will be a sign to this generation.

John 4:48
Jesus said to him, “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will never believe.”

Acts 8:9-11
Prior to that time, a man named Simon had practiced sorcery in the city and astounded the people of Samaria. He claimed to be someone great, / and all the people, from the least to the greatest, heeded his words and said, “This man is the divine power called the Great Power.” / They paid close attention to him because he had astounded them for a long time with his sorcery.

Treasury of Scripture

The king answered and said, I know of certainty that you would gain the time, because you see the thing is gone from me.

gain.

Ephesians 5:16
Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

Colossians 4:5
Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.

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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

The king replied
This phrase introduces us to the response of King Nebuchadnezzar, the ruler of Babylon. In the historical context, Nebuchadnezzar was a powerful monarch known for his military conquests and the grandeur of his empire. His reply here is authoritative, reflecting his position as a sovereign ruler. The Hebrew root for "replied" (עָנָה, 'anah) often implies a response to a question or situation, indicating that the king is addressing a matter of great importance and urgency.

I know for certain
The phrase underscores the king's confidence in his judgment. The Hebrew word for "know" (יָדַע, yada) conveys a deep, intimate understanding, suggesting that Nebuchadnezzar is not merely guessing but is convinced of the motives of his advisors. This certainty reflects the king's perception of his own wisdom and discernment, which is a recurring theme in the narrative of Daniel, where human wisdom is often contrasted with divine insight.

that you are stalling for time
Here, the king accuses his advisors of delaying tactics. The phrase "stalling for time" indicates a strategic attempt to avoid immediate action or decision. In the context of ancient Near Eastern courts, advisors and wise men were expected to provide counsel and solutions promptly. The king's accusation reveals his impatience and suspicion, highlighting the tension between the king and his counselors. This tension sets the stage for Daniel's later intervention, where divine wisdom will be shown to surpass human cunning.

because you see
This phrase suggests that the advisors are aware of the king's determination. The Hebrew root for "see" (רָאָה, ra'ah) implies perception and understanding. The advisors recognize the seriousness of the situation and the king's resolve. This acknowledgment of the king's authority and finality is crucial, as it demonstrates the power dynamics at play in the royal court.

that my word is final
The king's declaration of the finality of his word emphasizes his absolute authority. In the ancient world, a king's word was law, and to defy it was to risk severe consequences. The phrase reflects the irrevocable nature of royal decrees, which were often seen as binding and unchangeable. This assertion of finality also foreshadows the unfolding of God's ultimate authority, as revealed through Daniel's interpretation of the king's dream, which will demonstrate that while earthly kings may have power, it is God who holds the ultimate authority over history and kingdoms.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(8) Gain time.--They hoped that by continual postponement they would induce the king to let the matter pass over; or, if not, that they might be able to wheedle the dream out of him,

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 8. - The king answered and said, I know of certainty that ye would gain the time, because ye see the thing is gone from me. The versions here do not differ in any essential point. The king now becomes certain of the treasonable purpose of the soothsayers. The word zeban means not so much "gain" as "purchase," "barter." To the king the meaning of their obstinate refusal to submit to his requirements is that they know that some great advantage may be gained by the king, or some great disaster forefended, if he only knows the meaning of this dream, and that if the king does not submit to them and yield up his decree, and, putting his pride under his feet, tell them the dream, the time when its revelation may be taken advantage of may be passed. In these matters everything was supposed to depend on the thing to be done being done precisely at the right conjunction of the planets. His last utterance seems almost to rise to agony, "Because ye see the thing is fixed away from me!" We have the same word (azda) translated here, as in the fifth verse, "gone." As we saw above, its real meaning is rather "fixed," "settled," "determined." His decree had gone out, and he would not - nay, so strongly had he willed at that it was as it' he could not - alter his decision. It has been regarded as bearing on this passage that St. Paul (Ephesians 5:16) uses the same word as that by which the Greek versions translate zeban, "redeeming the time, because the days are evil." The meaning of the apostle is to some extent in contrast to that here. Believers are, as it were, to purchase the time from the evil days. Nebuchadnezzar thought the astrologers were, as it were, meaning by their delays to buy the auspicious moment for the kingdom from under his feet. It is a mistaken idea that he thought they merely wished to gain time. It would I seem, from what we read further of his treatment of Daniel's request lot time, that, had they merely asked for time, Nebuchadnezzar would have granted their request. He had staked his faith in their ability to unfold any mystery on this one test, and they seemed to him obstinately to refuse to submit to it. To believe them unable to reveal the truth that he wished, would be to overturn all the fabric of his faith in the religion of his fathers; therefore, with all the strength of a strong man. and all the blind faith of a fanatic, he will not acknowledge the inability of the soothsayers to tell him his dream; it must be obstinacy, he thinks, that prevents the soothsayers telling him, and that obstinacy must have a sinister purpose. There is a clause in the Septuagint completing this verse, but it is not parallel with any clause in the Massoretic text: "Then just as I have ordered, thus shall it be." This probably is an alternative rendering. Azda is taken in what is now regarded as its meaning - "that which is fixed," or "decreed," in which case this final clause might be rendered, "What is fixed from me is a decree;" and of this the above-mentioned clause is a somewhat free rendering. This interpretation of the clause confirms our view of the situation.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

The king
מַלְכָּא֙ (mal·kā)
Noun - masculine singular determinate
Strong's 4430: A king

replied,
עָנֵ֤ה (‘ā·nêh)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 6032: To answer

“I
אֲנָ֔ה (’ă·nāh)
Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 576: I

know
יָדַ֣ע (yā·ḏa‘)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 3046: To know

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

sure
יַצִּיב֙ (yaṣ·ṣîḇ)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 3330: Fixed, sure, certainty

you
אַנְתּ֣וּן (’an·tūn)
Pronoun - second person masculine plural
Strong's 608: You

are stalling
זָבְנִ֑ין (zā·ḇə·nîn)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 2084: To acquire by purchase

for time,
עִדָּנָ֖א (‘id·dā·nā)
Noun - masculine singular determinate
Strong's 5732: A set time, technically, a year

because
קֳבֵל֙ (qo·ḇêl)
Preposition
Strong's 6903: In front of, before, because of, because that

you see
חֲזֵית֔וֹן (ḥă·zê·ṯō·wn)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 2370: To gaze upon, mentally to dream, be usual

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

my
מִנִּ֥י (min·nî)
Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's 4481: From, out of, by, by reason of, at, more than

word
מִלְּתָֽא׃ (mil·lə·ṯā)
Noun - feminine singular determinate
Strong's 4406: A word, command, discourse, subject

is final.
אַזְדָּ֖א (’az·dā)
Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 230: Sure, assured

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OT Prophets: Daniel 2:8 The king answered I know (Dan. Da Dn)