Old Testament
Daniel 5:1
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
King Belshazzar, the ruler of Babylon, decided to host a grand feast for a thousand of his nobles.
- Author
- Daniel the prophet
- Written
- Around 530 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy and apocalyptic
- Original Audience
- Exiled Jews and future generations
King Belshazzar threw a massive banquet for 1,000 of his nobles, and he drank wine right along with them.
Belshazzar the king made a great feast to a thousand of his lords, and drank wine before the thousand.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
King Belshazzar, the ruler of Babylon, decided to host a grand feast for a thousand of his nobles. This was not just any gathering; it was a lavish banquet filled with food and drink. As the night progressed, Belshazzar indulged in wine, celebrating with his guests. This scene reflects a moment of excess and revelry, showcasing the king's desire for power and pleasure. However, it also sets the stage for a significant turning point in his reign. The atmosphere was one of arrogance and disregard for the consequences of his actions. Belshazzar's feast symbolizes a false sense of security, as he was unaware of the impending doom that awaited him. This moment serves as a reminder of the dangers of pride and the fleeting nature of earthly power. In the midst of celebration, one can easily forget the importance of humility and respect for what truly matters in life. The king's actions foreshadow a dramatic shift in his fate, highlighting the contrast between human arrogance and divine authority.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Daniel 5:1 to your life
Reflect on your own celebrations and gatherings. Are they centered around meaningful connections or just indulgence? Consider how you can incorporate humility and gratitude into your social events. Remember, true joy comes from valuing relationships over excess. Stay aware of the bigger picture in your life choices and actions, just like Belshazzar should have done before his feast ended in disaster.
Curated for this public verse page. Daniel Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Daniel 5:1 mean?
Daniel 5:1 describes King Belshazzar of Babylon hosting a grand feast for a thousand nobles, where he indulges in wine. This scene illustrates the king's excess and arrogance, setting the stage for the consequences of his actions.
What is the significance of Belshazzar's feast in Daniel 5:1?
Belshazzar's feast symbolizes a moment of pride and indulgence, reflecting his disregard for the impending doom. It highlights the contrast between human arrogance and the reality of divine authority.
What themes are present in Daniel 5:1?
Key themes in Daniel 5:1 include pride, excess, consequences, humility, and divine authority. The verse serves as a reminder of the dangers of arrogance and the fleeting nature of power.
What can we learn from Daniel 5:1?
From Daniel 5:1, we learn the importance of humility and the value of meaningful connections over indulgence. It encourages reflection on our own celebrations and the choices we make.

The Book of Daniel
Daniel 1: Daniel and His Friends in Babylon
In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon comes unto Jerusalem and besieges it. The Lord gives Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with part of the vessels of the house of God, which he carries into the land of Shinar to the house of his god. The king speaks unto Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring certain of the children of Israel, and of the king's seed, and of the princes; children in whom is no blemish, but well favoured, and skilful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as have ability in them to stand in the king's palace, whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans. The king appoints them a daily provision of the king's meat, and of the wine which he drank, so nourishing them three years, that at the end thereof they might stand before the king. Among these are of the children of Judah: Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. The prince of the eunuchs gives them names: unto Daniel he gives the name of Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah, of Shadrach; and to Mishael, of Meshach; and to Azariah, of Abednego.
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