Daniel 5:21
New International Version
He was driven away from people and given the mind of an animal; he lived with the wild donkeys and ate grass like the ox; and his body was drenched with the dew of heaven, until he acknowledged that the Most High God is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and sets over them anyone he wishes.

New Living Translation
He was driven from human society. He was given the mind of a wild animal, and he lived among the wild donkeys. He ate grass like a cow, and he was drenched with the dew of heaven, until he learned that the Most High God rules over the kingdoms of the world and appoints anyone he desires to rule over them.

English Standard Version
He was driven from among the children of mankind, and his mind was made like that of a beast, and his dwelling was with the wild donkeys. He was fed grass like an ox, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven, until he knew that the Most High God rules the kingdom of mankind and sets over it whom he will.

Berean Standard Bible
He was driven away from mankind, and his mind was like that of a beast. He lived with the wild donkeys and ate grass like an ox, and his body was drenched with the dew of heaven until he acknowledged that the Most High God rules over the kingdom of mankind, setting over it whom He wishes.

King James Bible
And he was driven from the sons of men; and his heart was made like the beasts, and his dwelling was with the wild asses: they fed him with grass like oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven; till he knew that the most high God ruled in the kingdom of men, and that he appointeth over it whomsoever he will.

New King James Version
Then he was driven from the sons of men, his heart was made like the beasts, and his dwelling was with the wild donkeys. They fed him with grass like oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven, till he knew that the Most High God rules in the kingdom of men, and appoints over it whomever He chooses.

New American Standard Bible
He was also driven away from mankind, and his heart was made like that of animals, and his dwelling place was with the wild donkeys. He was given grass to eat like cattle, and his body was drenched with the dew of heaven, until he recognized that the Most High God is ruler over the realm of mankind, and that He sets over it whomever He wishes.

NASB 1995
“He was also driven away from mankind, and his heart was made like that of beasts, and his dwelling place was with the wild donkeys. He was given grass to eat like cattle, and his body was drenched with the dew of heaven until he recognized that the Most High God is ruler over the realm of mankind and that He sets over it whomever He wishes.

NASB 1977
“He was also driven away from mankind, and his heart was made like that of beasts, and his dwelling place was with the wild donkeys. He was given grass to eat like cattle, and his body was drenched with the dew of heaven, until he recognized that the Most High God is ruler over the realm of mankind, and that He sets over it whomever He wishes.

Legacy Standard Bible
He was also driven away from the sons of men, and his heart was made like that of beasts, and his place of habitation was with the wild donkeys. He was given grass to eat like cattle, and his body was drenched with the dew of the sky until he knew that the Most High God is the powerful ruler over the kingdom of mankind and that He sets up over it whomever He wishes.

Amplified Bible
He was also driven from mankind, and his mind was made like that of an animal, and his dwelling place was with the wild donkeys. He was given grass to eat like cattle, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven until he came to know [without any doubt] that the Most High God rules over the kingdom of mankind and He appoints it to whomever He wills.

Christian Standard Bible
He was driven away from people, his mind was like an animal’s, he lived with the wild donkeys, he was fed grass like cattle, and his body was drenched with dew from the sky until he acknowledged that the Most High God is ruler over human kingdoms and sets anyone he wants over them.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
He was driven away from people, his mind was like an animal’s, he lived with the wild donkeys, he was fed grass like cattle, and his body was drenched with dew from the sky until he acknowledged that the Most High God is ruler over the kingdom of men and sets anyone He wants over it.”

American Standard Version
and he was driven from the sons of men, and his heart was made like the beasts', and his dwelling was with the wild asses; he was fed with grass like oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven; until he knew that the Most High God ruleth in the kingdom of men, and that he setteth up over it whomsoever he will.

Contemporary English Version
His mind became like that of an animal, and he was forced to stay away from people and live with wild donkeys. Your father ate grass like an ox, and he slept outside where his body was soaked with dew. He was forced to do this until he learned that the Most High God rules all kingdoms on earth and chooses their kings.

English Revised Version
and he was driven from the sons of men; and his heart was made like the beasts, and his dwelling was with the wild asses; he was fed with grass like oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven: until he knew that the Most High God ruleth in the kingdom of men, and that he setteth up over it whomsoever he will.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
He was chased away from people, and his mind was changed into an animal's mind. He lived with wild donkeys, ate grass like cattle, and his body became wet with dew from the sky. This happened until he realized that the Most High God has power over human kingdoms. God puts whomever he wishes in charge of them.

Good News Translation
He was driven away from human society, and his mind became like that of an animal. He lived with wild donkeys, ate grass like an ox, and slept in the open air with nothing to protect him from the dew. Finally he admitted that the Supreme God controls all human kingdoms and can give them to anyone he chooses.

International Standard Version
He was driven away from human society and given the mind of an animal. He lived with wild donkeys, ate grass like cattle, and his body was soaked with dew from the sky until he realized that the Most High God is sovereign over human kingdoms and places over them whomever he desires.

Majority Standard Bible
He was driven away from mankind, and his mind was like that of a beast. He lived with the wild donkeys and ate grass like an ox, and his body was drenched with the dew of heaven until he acknowledged that the Most High God rules over the kingdom of mankind, setting over it whom He wishes.

NET Bible
He was driven from human society, his mind was changed to that of an animal, he lived with the wild donkeys, he was fed grass like oxen, and his body became damp with the dew of the sky, until he came to understand that the most high God rules over human kingdoms, and he appoints over them whomever he wishes.

New Heart English Bible
And he was driven from the sons of men, and his mind was made like the animals', and his dwelling was with the wild donkeys. He was fed with grass like oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of the sky; until he knew that the Most High God rules in the kingdom of men, and that he sets up over it whomever he wants.

Webster's Bible Translation
And he was driven from the sons of men; and his heart was made like the beasts, and his dwelling was with the wild asses: they fed him with grass like oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven; till he knew that the most high God ruleth in the kingdom of men, and that he appointeth over it whomsoever he will.

World English Bible
He was driven from the sons of men, and his heart was made like the animals’, and his dwelling was with the wild donkeys. He was fed with grass like oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of the sky, until he knew that the Most High God rules in the kingdom of men, and that he sets up over it whomever he will.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and he is driven from the sons of men, and his heart has been like with the beasts, and with the wild donkeys [is] his dwelling; they cause him to eat the herb like oxen, and by the dew of the heavens is his body wet, until he has known that God Most High is ruler in the kingdom of men, and whom He wills He raises up over it.

Young's Literal Translation
and from the sons of men he is driven, and his heart with the beasts hath been like, and with the wild asses is his dwelling; the herb like oxen they cause him to eat, and by the dew of the heavens is his body wet, till that he hath known that God Most High is ruler in the kingdom of men, and whom He willeth He raiseth up over it.

Smith's Literal Translation
And he was driven from the sons of men, and his heart was made level with the beasts, and with wild asses his dwelling: they will feed him with the green herb as oxen, and from the dew of the heavens his body will be wet; till that he knew that God the Most High ruled in the kingdom of men, and to whom he will, he will set up over it.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And he was driven out from the sons of men, and his heart was made like the beasts, and his dwelling was with the wild asses, and he did eat grass like an ox, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven: till he knew that the most High ruled in the kingdom of men, and that he will set over it whomsoever it shall please him.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And he was expelled from the sons of men, and so his heart was placed with the beasts, and his dwelling was with the wild donkeys, and he ate hay like an ox, and his body was drenched with the dew of heaven, until he realized that the Most High holds power over the kingdom of men, and that whoever he wishes, he will set over it.

New American Bible
he was cast out from human society and his heart was made like that of a beast; he lived with wild asses, and ate grass like an ox; his body was bathed with the dew of heaven, until he learned that the Most High God is sovereign over human kingship and sets over it whom he will.

New Revised Standard Version
He was driven from human society, and his mind was made like that of an animal. His dwelling was with the wild asses, he was fed grass like oxen, and his body was bathed with the dew of heaven, until he learned that the Most High God has sovereignty over the kingdom of mortals, and sets over it whomever he will.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And he was driven from among men; and his heart became like that of the beasts, and his dwelling was with the wild asses; they fed him with grass like an ox, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven, till his hair grew like eagles' feathers and his nails like birds' claws till he knew that the Most High God rules in the kingdom of men and that he gives it to whom he pleases and he appoints over it the weakest among men.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And he was chased from the children of men and his heart was equal with that of animals, and his dwelling was with wild donkeys and they fed him grass like an ox, and his body was made wet from the dew of heaven until his hair grew like that of an eagle, and his nails as those of a bird, until he knew that God Most High is authorized in the kingdom of man, and he will give it to one whom he pleases, and he will raise up the lowest of men over it
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
and he was driven from the sons of men, and his heart was made like the beasts, and his dwelling was with the wild asses; he was fed with grass like oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven; until he knew that God Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and that He setteth up over it whomsoever He will.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And he was driven forth from men; and his heart was given him after the nature of wild beasts, and his dwelling was with the wild asses; and they fed him with grass as an ox, and his body was bathed with the dew of heaven; until he knew that the most high God is Lord of the kingdom of men, and will give it to whomsoever he shall please.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Daniel Interprets the Handwriting
20But when his heart became arrogant and his spirit was hardened with pride, he was deposed from his royal throne, and his glory was taken from him. 21He was driven away from mankind, and his mind was like that of a beast. He lived with the wild donkeys and ate grass like an ox, and his body was drenched with the dew of heaven until he acknowledged that the Most High God rules over the kingdom of mankind, setting over it whom He wishes. 22But you his son, O Belshazzar, have not humbled your heart, even though you knew all this.…

Cross References
Daniel 4:25
You will be driven away from mankind, and your dwelling will be with the beasts of the field. You will feed on grass like an ox and be drenched with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass you by, until you acknowledge that the Most High rules over the kingdom of mankind and gives it to whom He wishes.

Daniel 4:32
You will be driven away from mankind to live with the beasts of the field, and you will feed on grass like an ox. And seven times will pass you by, until you acknowledge that the Most High rules over the kingdom of mankind and gives it to whom He wishes.”

Daniel 4:17
This decision is the decree of the watchers, the verdict declared by the holy ones, so that the living will know that the Most High rules over the kingdom of mankind and gives it to whom He wishes, setting over it the lowliest of men.’

Daniel 4:34-35
But at the end of those days I, Nebuchadnezzar, looked up to heaven, and my sanity was restored to me. Then I praised the Most High, and I honored and glorified Him who lives forever: “For His dominion is an everlasting dominion, and His kingdom endures from generation to generation. / All the peoples of the earth are counted as nothing, and He does as He pleases with the army of heaven and the peoples of the earth. There is no one who can restrain His hand or say to Him, ‘What have You done?’”

Job 12:18-25
He loosens the bonds placed by kings and fastens a belt around their waists. / He leads priests away barefoot and overthrows the established. / He deprives the trusted of speech and takes away the discernment of elders. ...

Psalm 115:3
Our God is in heaven; He does as He pleases.

Psalm 135:6
The LORD does all that pleases Him in the heavens and on the earth, in the seas and in all their depths.

Isaiah 14:13-15
You said in your heart: “I will ascend to the heavens; I will raise my throne above the stars of God. I will sit on the mount of assembly, in the far reaches of the north. / I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.” / But you will be brought down to Sheol, to the lowest depths of the Pit.

Isaiah 40:23-24
He brings the princes to nothing and makes the rulers of the earth meaningless. / No sooner are they planted, no sooner are they sown, no sooner have their stems taken root in the ground, than He blows on them and they wither, and a whirlwind sweeps them away like stubble.

Jeremiah 27:5
By My great power and outstretched arm, I made the earth and the men and beasts on the face of it, and I give it to whom I please.

Ezekiel 17:24
Then all the trees of the field will know that I am the LORD. I bring the tall tree down and make the low tree tall. I dry up the green tree and make the withered tree flourish. I, the LORD, have spoken, and I have done it.’”

Acts 17:24-26
The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples made by human hands. / Nor is He served by human hands, as if He needed anything, because He Himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else. / From one man He made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and He determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their lands.

Romans 13:1
Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God.

1 Timothy 6:15
which the blessed and only Sovereign One—the King of kings and Lord of lords—will bring about in His own time.

Revelation 1:5
and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us and has released us from our sins by His blood,


Treasury of Scripture

And he was driven from the sons of men; and his heart was made like the beasts, and his dwelling was with the wild asses: they fed him with grass like oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven; till he knew that the most high God ruled in the kingdom of men, and that he appoints over it whomsoever he will.

he was driven.

Daniel 4:25,32,33
That they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and they shall wet thee with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass over thee, till thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will…

Job 30:3-7
For want and famine they were solitary; fleeing into the wilderness in former time desolate and waste…

his heart was made like.

Daniel 4:17,25,32,35,37
This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men…

Exodus 9:14-16
For I will at this time send all my plagues upon thine heart, and upon thy servants, and upon thy people; that thou mayest know that there is none like me in all the earth…

Psalm 83:17,18
Let them be confounded and troubled for ever; yea, let them be put to shame, and perish: …

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Animals Appointeth Body Dew Donkeys Driven Dwelling Fed Grass Heart Heaven High Kingdom Oxen Rules Sets Sky Wet Whomsoever Wild
Daniel 5
1. Belshazzar's impious feast.
5. A hand-writing unknown to the magicians, troubles the king.
10. At the commendation of the queen Daniel is brought.
17. He, reproving the king of pride and idolatry,
25. reads and interprets the writing.
30. The monarchy is translated to the Medes














He was driven away from mankind
This phrase refers to King Nebuchadnezzar's humbling experience as described in Daniel 4. The Hebrew root for "driven away" is "nadach," which implies being banished or expelled. Historically, this reflects the Babylonian king's temporary removal from his throne and society due to his pride. This serves as a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and the consequences of human arrogance.

and his mind was like that of an animal
The transformation of Nebuchadnezzar's mind to that of an animal signifies a profound humbling. The Hebrew word for "mind" here is "levav," often translated as "heart" or "inner self." This indicates a complete change in his reasoning and understanding, emphasizing the depth of his fall from grace. It illustrates the biblical theme that God can change the heart and mind of any individual, regardless of their status.

He lived with the wild donkeys
This phrase paints a vivid picture of Nebuchadnezzar's condition. The wild donkey, or "pere" in Hebrew, symbolizes untamed and solitary existence. Archaeological findings suggest that wild donkeys were common in the Mesopotamian region, reinforcing the historical accuracy of this account. Spiritually, this imagery underscores the isolation and degradation that result from defying God.

and ate grass like an ox
Eating grass like an ox further illustrates Nebuchadnezzar's debasement. The ox, or "shor" in Hebrew, is a domesticated animal, yet here it highlights the king's loss of human dignity and reason. This serves as a metaphor for how pride can reduce a person to a state of spiritual and moral bankruptcy, reminding believers of the importance of humility before God.

and his body was drenched with the dew of heaven
The phrase "drenched with the dew of heaven" signifies Nebuchadnezzar's exposure to the elements, a stark contrast to his former life of luxury. The "dew," or "tal" in Hebrew, often symbolizes divine blessing or presence. In this context, it reflects God's continued oversight and eventual restoration of Nebuchadnezzar, illustrating that even in judgment, God's grace is present.

until he acknowledged that the Most High God is ruler over the kingdom of mankind
This is the climax of Nebuchadnezzar's story, where he recognizes God's ultimate authority. The term "acknowledged" comes from the Hebrew "yada," meaning to know or recognize deeply. This acknowledgment is not just intellectual but a heartfelt submission to God's sovereignty. It serves as a powerful testament to the transformative power of repentance and the necessity of recognizing God's rule in our lives.

and sets over it whom He wishes
This final phrase emphasizes God's control over earthly kingdoms. The Hebrew root "shith" for "sets" implies establishing or appointing. This reflects the biblical principle that all authority is ordained by God, as echoed in Romans 13:1. It reassures believers that despite human appearances, God is in control, appointing leaders according to His divine purpose and plan.

(21) His dwelling . . .--This is a fact supplementary to what is stated in Daniel 4.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
He was driven away
טְרִ֜יד (ṭə·rîḏ)
Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2957: To chase away

from
וּמִן־ (ū·min-)
Conjunctive waw | Preposition
Strong's 4481: From, out of, by, by reason of, at, more than

mankind,
בְּנֵי֩ (bə·nê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1123: A son

and his mind
וְלִבְבֵ֣הּ ׀ (wə·liḇ·ḇêh)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3825: The heart

was like
עִם־ (‘im-)
Preposition
Strong's 5974: With, equally with

[that of] a beast.
חֵיוְתָ֣א (ḥê·wə·ṯā)
Noun - feminine singular determinate
Strong's 2423: An animal

He lived
מְדוֹרֵ֔הּ (mə·ḏō·w·rêh)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 4070: A dwelling place

with
וְעִם־ (wə·‘im-)
Conjunctive waw | Preposition
Strong's 5974: With, equally with

the wild donkeys
עֲרָֽדַיָּא֙ (‘ă·rā·ḏay·yā)
Noun - masculine plural determinate
Strong's 6167: A wild donkey

and ate
יְטַ֣עֲמוּנֵּ֔הּ (yə·ṭa·‘ă·mūn·nêh)
Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine plural | third person masculine singular
Strong's 2939: To taste, to feed

grass
עִשְׂבָּ֤א (‘iś·bā)
Noun - masculine singular determinate
Strong's 6211: A moth

like cattle,
כְתוֹרִין֙ (ḵə·ṯō·w·rîn)
Preposition-k | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 8450: A bullock

and his body
גִּשְׁמֵ֣הּ (giš·mêh)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1655: The body, a hard rain)

was drenched
יִצְטַבַּ֑ע (yiṣ·ṭab·ba‘)
Verb - Hitpael - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6647: To dip, wet

with the dew
וּמִטַּ֥ל (ū·miṭ·ṭal)
Conjunctive waw | Preposition
Strong's 2920: Dew

of heaven
שְׁמַיָּ֖א (šə·may·yā)
Noun - mdd
Strong's 8065: The sky

until
עַ֣ד (‘aḏ)
Preposition
Strong's 5705: Even to, until

he acknowledged
יְדַ֗ע (yə·ḏa‘)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3046: To know

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

the Most High
עִלָּאָה֙ (‘il·lā·’āh)
Adjective - masculine singular determinate
Strong's 5943: highest', a name of God

God
אֱלָהָ֤א (’ĕ·lā·hā)
Noun - masculine singular determinate
Strong's 426: God

is ruler
שַׁלִּ֞יט (šal·lîṭ)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 7990: Mighty, permission, a premier

over the kingdom
בְּמַלְכ֣וּת (bə·mal·ḵūṯ)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 4437: Royalty, reign, kingdom

of mankind,
אֲנָשָׁ֔א (’ă·nā·šā)
Noun - masculine singular determinate
Strong's 606: Man, mankind

and He sets
יְהָקֵ֥ים (yə·hā·qêm)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6966: To arise, stand

over it
עֲלַֽהּ׃ (‘ă·lah)
Preposition | third person feminine singular
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

whom
וּלְמַן־ (ū·lə·man-)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Interrogative
Strong's 4479: Who, what

He wishes.
יִצְבֵּ֖ה (yiṣ·bêh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6634: To be inclined, desire, be pleased


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OT Prophets: Daniel 5:21 And he was driven from the sons (Dan. Da Dn)
Daniel 5:20
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