Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version So King Belshazzar became even more terrified and his face grew more pale. His nobles were baffled. New Living Translation So the king grew even more alarmed, and his face turned pale. His nobles, too, were shaken. English Standard Version Then King Belshazzar was greatly alarmed, and his color changed, and his lords were perplexed. Berean Standard Bible Then King Belshazzar became even more terrified, his face grew even more pale, and his nobles were bewildered. King James Bible Then was king Belshazzar greatly troubled, and his countenance was changed in him, and his lords were astonied. New King James Version Then King Belshazzar was greatly troubled, his countenance was changed, and his lords were astonished. New American Standard Bible Then King Belshazzar was greatly alarmed, his face grew even more pale, and his nobles were perplexed. NASB 1995 Then King Belshazzar was greatly alarmed, his face grew even paler, and his nobles were perplexed. NASB 1977 Then King Belshazzar was greatly alarmed, his face grew even paler, and his nobles were perplexed. Legacy Standard Bible Then King Belshazzar was greatly alarmed, and the splendor of his face changed further, and his nobles were perplexed. Amplified Bible Then King Belshazzar was greatly perplexed, his face became even paler, and his nobles were bewildered and alarmed. Christian Standard Bible Then King Belshazzar became even more terrified, his face turned pale, and his nobles were bewildered. Holman Christian Standard Bible Then King Belshazzar became even more terrified, his face turned pale, and his nobles were bewildered. American Standard Version Then was king Belshazzar greatly troubled, and his countenance was changed in him, and his lords were perplexed. Contemporary English Version and they were completely puzzled. Now the king was more afraid than ever before, and his face turned white as a ghost. English Revised Version Then was king Belshazzar greatly troubled, and his countenance was changed in him, and his lords were perplexed. GOD'S WORD® Translation King Belshazzar was terrified, and his face turned pale. His nobles didn't know what to do. Good News Translation In his distress King Belshazzar grew even paler, and his noblemen had no idea what to do. International Standard Version So King Belshazzar became even more frightened, and his facial expression showed it. His officials also were thrown into confusion. Majority Standard Bible Then King Belshazzar became even more terrified, his face grew even more pale, and his nobles were bewildered. NET Bible Then King Belshazzar was very terrified, and he was visibly shaken. His nobles were completely dumbfounded. New Heart English Bible Then was king Belshazzar greatly troubled, and his face turned pale, and his lords were perplexed. Webster's Bible Translation Then was the king Belshazzar greatly troubled, and his countenance was changed in him, and his lords were astonished. World English Bible Then King Belshazzar was greatly troubled, and his face was changed in him, and his lords were perplexed. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionthen King Belshazzar is greatly troubled, and his countenance is changing in him, and his great men are perplexed. Young's Literal Translation then the king Belshazzar is greatly troubled, and his countenance is changing in him, and his great men are perplexed. Smith's Literal Translation Then king Belshazzar being greatly terrified, and his brightnesses being changed upon him, and his nobles being perplexed. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleWherewith king Baltasar was much troubled, and his countenance was changed: and his nobles also were troubled. Catholic Public Domain Version Therefore, king Belshazzar was quite confused, and his face was altered, and even his nobles were disturbed. New American Bible Then King Belshazzar was greatly terrified; his face became pale, and his nobles were thrown into confusion. New Revised Standard Version Then King Belshazzar became greatly terrified and his face turned pale, and his lords were perplexed. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThen King Belshazzar was greatly troubled and his countenance changed and his princes were bewildered. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Then King Beltshatsar was greatly troubled and his brightness of face was changed and his Princes were confounded OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Then was king Belshazzar greatly affrighted, and his countenance was changed in him, and his lords were perplexed. Brenton Septuagint Translation And king Baltasar was troubled, and his countenance changed upon him, and his nobles were troubled with him. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Handwriting on the Wall…8So all the king’s wise men came in, but they could not read the inscription or interpret it for him. 9Then King Belshazzar became even more terrified, his face grew even more pale, and his nobles were bewildered. 10Hearing the outcry of the king and his nobles, the queen entered the banquet hall. “O king, may you live forever!” she said. “Do not let your thoughts terrify you, or your face grow pale.… Cross References Daniel 2:1-3 In the second year of his reign, Nebuchadnezzar had dreams that troubled his spirit, and sleep escaped him. / So the king gave orders to summon the magicians, enchanters, sorcerers, and astrologers to explain his dreams. When they came and stood before the king, / he said to them, “I have had a dream, and my spirit is anxious to understand it.” Daniel 4:5-7 I had a dream, and it frightened me; while I was in my bed, the images and visions in my mind alarmed me. / So I issued a decree that all the wise men of Babylon be brought before me to interpret the dream for me. / When the magicians, enchanters, astrologers, and diviners came in, I told them the dream, but they could not interpret it for me. Daniel 2:10-11 The astrologers answered the king, “No one on earth can do what the king requests! No king, however great and powerful, has ever asked anything like this of any magician, enchanter, or astrologer. / What the king requests is so difficult that no one can tell it to him except the gods, whose dwelling is not with mortals.” Daniel 4:18-19 This is the dream that I, King Nebuchadnezzar, saw. Now, Belteshazzar, tell me the interpretation, because none of the wise men of my kingdom can interpret it for me. But you are able, because the spirit of the holy gods is in you.” / For a time, Daniel, who was also known as Belteshazzar, was perplexed, and his thoughts alarmed him. So the king said, “Belteshazzar, do not let the dream or its interpretation alarm you.” “My lord,” replied Belteshazzar, “may the dream apply to those who hate you, and its interpretation to your enemies! Daniel 2:27-28 Daniel answered the king, “No wise man, enchanter, medium, or magician can explain to the king the mystery of which he inquires. / But there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries, and He has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in the latter days. Your dream and the visions that came into your mind as you lay on your bed were these: Daniel 4:8-9 But at last, into my presence came Daniel (whose name is Belteshazzar after the name of my god, and in whom is the spirit of the holy gods). And I told him the dream: / “O Belteshazzar, chief of the magicians, I know that the spirit of the holy gods is in you and that no mystery baffles you. So explain to me the visions I saw in my dream, and their interpretation. Daniel 2:46-47 At this, King Nebuchadnezzar fell on his face, paid homage to Daniel, and ordered that an offering and incense be presented to him. / The king said to Daniel, “Your God is truly the God of gods and Lord of kings, the Revealer of Mysteries, since you were able to reveal this mystery.” Daniel 4:6-7 So I issued a decree that all the wise men of Babylon be brought before me to interpret the dream for me. / When the magicians, enchanters, astrologers, and diviners came in, I told them the dream, but they could not interpret it for me. Daniel 2:12-13 This response made the king so angry and furious that he gave orders to destroy all the wise men of Babylon. / So the decree went out that the wise men were to be executed, and men went to look for Daniel and his friends to execute them. Daniel 4:24-27 This is the interpretation, O king, and this is the decree that the Most High has issued against my lord the king: / 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. / As for the command to leave the stump of the tree with its roots, your kingdom will be restored to you as soon as you acknowledge that Heaven rules. ... Matthew 2:1-3 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, / asking, “Where is the One who has been born King of the Jews? We saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.” / When King Herod heard this, he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. Acts 12:18-19 At daybreak there was no small commotion among the soldiers as to what had become of Peter. / After Herod had searched for him unsuccessfully, he examined the guards and ordered that they be executed. Then he went down from Judea to Caesarea and spent some time there. Acts 16:27-29 When the jailer woke up and saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, presuming that the prisoners had escaped. / But Paul called out in a loud voice, “Do not harm yourself! We are all here!” / Calling for lights, the jailer rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. Luke 21:25-26 There will be signs in the sun and moon and stars, and on the earth dismay among the nations, bewildered by the roaring of the sea and the surging of the waves. / Men will faint from fear and anxiety over what is coming upon the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Revelation 18:9-10 Then the kings of the earth who committed sexual immorality and lived in luxury with her will weep and wail at the sight of the smoke rising from the fire that consumes her. / In fear of her torment, they will stand at a distance and cry out: “Woe, woe to the great city, the mighty city of Babylon! For in a single hour your judgment has come.” Treasury of Scripture Then was king Belshazzar greatly troubled, and his countenance was changed in him, and his lords were astonished. greatly. Daniel 5:6 Then the king's countenance was changed, and his thoughts troubled him, so that the joints of his loins were loosed, and his knees smote one against another. Daniel 2:1 And in the second year of the reign of Nebuchadnezzar Nebuchadnezzar dreamed dreams, wherewith his spirit was troubled, and his sleep brake from him. Job 18:11-14 Terrors shall make him afraid on every side, and shall drive him to his feet… countenance. Daniel 5:6 Then the king's countenance was changed, and his thoughts troubled him, so that the joints of his loins were loosed, and his knees smote one against another. Daniel 10:8 Therefore I was left alone, and saw this great vision, and there remained no strength in me: for my comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength. changed. Psalm 48:6 Fear took hold upon them there, and pain, as of a woman in travail. Isaiah 13:6-8 Howl ye; for the day of the LORD is at hand; it shall come as a destruction from the Almighty… Isaiah 21:2-4 A grievous vision is declared unto me; the treacherous dealer dealeth treacherously, and the spoiler spoileth. Go up, O Elam: besiege, O Media; all the sighing thereof have I made to cease… Jump to Previous Affrighted Alarmed Astonied Astonished Baffled Belshazzar Belshaz'zar Changed Changing Color Colour Confounded Countenance Face Great Greatly Grew Lords Nobles Pale Perplexed Terrified TroubledJump to Next Affrighted Alarmed Astonied Astonished Baffled Belshazzar Belshaz'zar Changed Changing Color Colour Confounded Countenance Face Great Greatly Grew Lords Nobles Pale Perplexed Terrified TroubledDaniel 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 Then King Belshazzar became even more terrified King Belshazzar's fear is heightened by the mysterious writing on the wall, which he cannot understand. This reflects the biblical theme of divine messages causing fear in those who are not aligned with God's will. Historically, Belshazzar was the co-regent of Babylon, ruling alongside his father Nabonidus. His fear contrasts with the confidence he displayed earlier in the chapter during the feast, highlighting the sudden shift from arrogance to dread when confronted with divine intervention. his face grew even more pale and his nobles were bewildered Persons / Places / Events 1. King BelshazzarThe ruler of Babylon during the time of this event. He is known for his arrogance and disregard for the God of Israel, which ultimately leads to his downfall. 2. Babylon The capital city of the Babylonian Empire, known for its grandeur and as a center of power and idolatry. 3. The Writing on the Wall A mysterious event where a hand appears and writes on the wall during Belshazzar's feast, causing fear and confusion among the king and his nobles. 4. Nobles The high-ranking officials and advisors in Belshazzar's court, who are unable to interpret the writing and are left bewildered. 5. Daniel Although not mentioned in this specific verse, Daniel is a key figure in this chapter as he is later called upon to interpret the writing. Teaching Points The Consequences of PrideBelshazzar's fear and confusion are direct results of his pride and disregard for God. Pride can lead to a false sense of security and ultimately to downfall. The Importance of Godly Wisdom The inability of the nobles to interpret the writing shows the limitations of human wisdom. True understanding comes from God, as demonstrated by Daniel's later interpretation. The Fear of the Lord vs. the Fear of Man Belshazzar's terror contrasts with the peace that comes from fearing the Lord. Trusting in God provides stability even in uncertain times. God's Sovereignty Over Nations This event underscores God's control over the rise and fall of kingdoms. Belshazzar's fear is a reminder that earthly power is temporary and subject to God's will.(9) The terror of Belshazzar and his lords is caused by the impression that the inability of the wise men to read the inscription is the portent of some terrible calamity.Verse 9. - Then was King Belshazzar greatly troubled, and his countenance was changed in him, and his lords were astonied. This verse presents signs also of being a repetition. The last clause appears to be the original form of the mysterious clause at the end of the sixth verse according to the Septuagint; the word mishtabsheen, which occurs here, seems to have been read mishtabhareen, from שַׁבְהַר (shab'har), "to be glorious," in the ittaphel; this becomes "to boast one's self," as in the Targum of Proverbs 25:14, also the Peshitta of the same passage; also 2 Corinthians 12:1. And this is the word used by Paulus Tellensis to translate καυχῶνται. The Septuagint has a verse here that has no equivalent in the Massoretic text, "Then the king called the queen about the sign, and showed her how great it was, and that no one had been able to declare to the king the interpretation of the writing." This verse avoids the repetition we find in the Massoretic text, and explains the presence of the queen in a much more plausible way than the received text does. In the Massoretic text it is the noise and tumult that pierces the women's apartments, and brings out the queen-mother; though not impossible, this is unlikely. The action of the king, as given in the Septuagint, is very probable. The wise men are baffled by this mysteriously appearing inscription. What is to be done? Belshazzar calls his mother, the daughter of Nebuchadnezzar, as she at least possibly was, to see if she knows anything in the past that might be a guide in such a matter. He not only shows her the sign, the inscription, but shows how great it was, by telling of the hand that had come out of the darkness, and had written it. Theodotion and the Peshitta agree with the Massoretic text. While the repetition is obvious, it is also true that the failure of all the wise men in Babylon to read the writing, as the Massoretic text has it, would increase the trouble of the king, and this trouble would naturally spread to the courtiers. Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Thenאֱ֠דַיִן (’ĕ·ḏa·yin) Adverb Strong's 116: Then, thereupon King מַלְכָּ֤א (mal·kā) Noun - masculine singular determinate Strong's 4430: A king Belshazzar בֵלְשַׁאצַּר֙ (ḇê·lə·šaṣ·ṣar) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1113: Belshazzar -- a Babylonian king became even more שַׂגִּ֣יא (śag·gî) Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 7690: Great, much terrified, מִתְבָּהַ֔ל (miṯ·bā·hal) Verb - Hitpael - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 927: To terrify, hasten his face וְזִיוֺ֖הִי (wə·zi·yō·hî) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 2122: Brightness, splendor grew even more pale, שָׁנַ֣יִן (šā·na·yin) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural Strong's 8133: To change and his nobles וְרַבְרְבָנ֖וֹהִי (wə·raḇ·rə·ḇā·nō·w·hî) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 7261: Lord, noble were bewildered. מִֽשְׁתַּבְּשִֽׁין׃ (miš·tab·bə·šîn) Verb - Hitpael - Participle - masculine plural Strong's 7672: To entangle, perplex Links Daniel 5:9 NIVDaniel 5:9 NLT Daniel 5:9 ESV Daniel 5:9 NASB Daniel 5:9 KJV Daniel 5:9 BibleApps.com Daniel 5:9 Biblia Paralela Daniel 5:9 Chinese Bible Daniel 5:9 French Bible Daniel 5:9 Catholic Bible OT Prophets: Daniel 5:9 Then was king Belshazzar greatly troubled (Dan. 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