Old Testament
Daniel 4:30
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
He declared, "Look at this great Babylon that I have built as my royal residence by my own mighty power, for the glory of my majesty!"
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The king spake, and said, Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty?
What Daniel 4:30 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this moment, King Nebuchadnezzar stands proudly, admiring the city of Babylon, which he believes he has built through his own strength and intelligence. He sees it as a symbol of his power and greatness. His declaration reveals a deep sense of pride and self-importance. He attributes the city's magnificence solely to his efforts, overlooking the contributions of others and the role of divine influence. This moment captures the essence of human arrogance, where one can become blinded by their achievements. Nebuchadnezzar's focus on his own glory leads to a disconnect from the reality that all accomplishments are often a result of collective effort and, ultimately, a higher power. His statement serves as a reminder of the dangers of pride and the importance of humility in recognizing the contributions of others and the greater forces at play in our lives. It challenges us to reflect on our own achievements and the motivations behind them, urging us to remain grounded and grateful.
How to apply Daniel 4:30 to your life
Consider your own accomplishments and the motivations behind them. Are you recognizing the contributions of others? Reflect on how pride can cloud your perspective. Strive to remain humble and acknowledge the support and circumstances that have helped you succeed. Gratitude can lead to a more fulfilling life experience and deeper connections with others.
Curated for this public verse page. Daniel Summary
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Illustrated scene from Daniel's story: The Great Tree (Daniel 4:1–37)
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Daniel
Photo: Deror Avi, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 4.0. Source. Location: Tel Shiloh archaeological site, West Bank. Resized for the web.
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Shiloh
Where Israel set up the tabernacle, and where God called the boy Samuel.
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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 4:30 mean?
Daniel 4:30 captures King Nebuchadnezzar's pride as he admires Babylon, claiming he built it through his own power. This statement highlights his arrogance and failure to recognize the role of divine influence and the contributions of others.
What is the significance of pride in Daniel 4:30?
Pride in Daniel 4:30 serves as a warning about the dangers of self-importance. It illustrates how excessive pride can blind individuals to the reality of their achievements and the support they receive from others.
What does the phrase 'for the glory of my majesty' mean in Daniel 4:30?
The phrase 'for the glory of my majesty' reflects Nebuchadnezzar's belief that his accomplishments are solely for his own honor. It emphasizes his focus on personal glory rather than acknowledging any higher power or collective effort.
How does Daniel 4:30 relate to humility?
Daniel 4:30 contrasts pride with humility by showing how Nebuchadnezzar's arrogance leads him to overlook the contributions of others and divine influence. It serves as a reminder to remain humble and grateful for the support that leads to success.
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