Old Testament
Daniel 2:8
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
The king replied, "I know for certain that you're stalling for time, because you see the matter has left me."
Compare translations
The king answered and said, I know of certainty that ye would gain the time, because ye see the thing is gone from me.
What Daniel 2:8 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this moment, the king is expressing his frustration and suspicion towards his advisors. He recognizes that they are trying to buy time instead of providing him with the answers he desperately needs. The king's situation is dire; he has had a troubling dream that he cannot remember, and he is seeking clarity. His advisors, however, are stalling, hoping to avoid the pressure of interpreting the dream. This highlights a common human tendency to procrastinate when faced with difficult situations. The king's words reveal his awareness of their tactics, showing that he is not easily fooled. This interaction emphasizes the importance of honesty and directness in communication, especially in high-stakes situations. It also illustrates the tension between authority and those who serve it, as the king feels betrayed by their lack of urgency. Ultimately, this moment sets the stage for a significant turning point in the story, where true wisdom will be revealed amidst the chaos.
How to apply Daniel 2:8 to your life
When faced with challenges, it's easy to delay or avoid difficult conversations. This passage reminds us of the importance of being direct and honest, especially when others depend on us. Embrace transparency in your interactions to foster trust and clarity. Don't let fear of confrontation hold you back from seeking solutions together with others. Act decisively and responsibly in your relationships and responsibilities, just like the king.
Curated for this public verse page. Daniel Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Daniel's story: The King's Dream (Daniel 2:1–49)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Daniel
Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Daniel 2:8
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Daniel 2:8
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Daniel
- Author
- Daniel the prophet
- Written
- Around 530 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy and apocalyptic
- Original Audience
- Exiled Jews and future generations
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Daniel 2:8 mean?
Daniel 2:8 shows the king's frustration with his advisors, who he believes are stalling instead of providing answers about his troubling dream. This highlights the tension between authority and those who serve it, as the king feels betrayed by their lack of urgency.
What is the significance of the king's response in Daniel 2:8?
The king's response in Daniel 2:8 signifies his awareness of the advisors' tactics to buy time. It emphasizes the importance of honesty and direct communication, especially in critical situations where clarity is needed.
What does the phrase 'stalling for time' mean in Daniel 2:8?
In Daniel 2:8, 'stalling for time' refers to the advisors' attempt to delay providing answers to the king's urgent request. It suggests they are trying to avoid the pressure of interpreting a difficult situation.
How does Daniel 2:8 relate to themes of authority and communication?
Daniel 2:8 relates to themes of authority and communication by showcasing the king's frustration with his advisors' lack of urgency. It highlights the need for directness and honesty in high-stakes situations.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.