Old Testament
Daniel 5:17
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Daniel answered the king, "Keep your gifts and give your rewards to someone else. But I will read the writing for you and tell you what it means.
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Then Daniel answered and said before the king, Let thy gifts be to thyself, and give thy rewards to another; yet I will read the writing unto the king, and make known to him the interpretation.
What Daniel 5:17 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this moment, Daniel stands before King Belshazzar, who is troubled by mysterious writing on the wall. The king offers Daniel gifts and rewards for interpreting the message. However, Daniel humbly declines the rewards, emphasizing that his purpose is to convey the truth rather than seek personal gain. He recognizes the importance of the message and the responsibility that comes with it. Daniel's integrity shines through as he prioritizes honesty over material rewards. This interaction highlights the value of staying true to one's principles, even in the face of power and temptation. Daniel's willingness to serve the king by interpreting the writing shows his commitment to helping others, regardless of personal benefit. His actions remind us that true wisdom often comes with a sense of duty to share knowledge and insight, especially when it can guide others away from danger. Daniel's response sets the stage for a significant revelation about the king's fate, emphasizing the importance of understanding and heeding warnings.
How to apply Daniel 5:17 to your life
When faced with opportunities for personal gain, consider the impact of your choices on others. Like Daniel, prioritize honesty and integrity over rewards. Remember that sharing knowledge and helping others can lead to greater fulfillment than material possessions. Stay true to your values in challenging situations, and you will inspire those around you to do the same.
Curated for this public verse page. Daniel Summary
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Illustrated scene from Daniel's story: The Writing on the Wall (Daniel 5:1–31)
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Daniel
Photo: Zeev Stein / PikiWiki Israel, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.5. Source. Location: Tel Beer Sheva National Park, Israel. Resized for the web.
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Beersheba
Where Abraham and Isaac dug wells and worshiped the LORD, at the southern edge of the land.
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Keep studying Daniel 5:17
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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 5:17 teach about integrity?
Daniel 5:17 illustrates the importance of integrity by showing how Daniel prioritizes truth over personal gain. Despite being offered gifts and rewards by King Belshazzar, Daniel humbly declines them, emphasizing that his role is to convey the message rather than seek material benefits. This teaches us that true integrity involves staying true to our principles, even when faced with temptation or power.
Why did Daniel refuse the king's gifts in Daniel 5:17?
In Daniel 5:17, Daniel refuses the king's gifts because he wants to emphasize that his purpose is to deliver the interpretation of the writing on the wall, not to profit from it. By declining the rewards, he demonstrates his commitment to honesty and his responsibility to convey the truth, highlighting that his service is motivated by duty rather than personal ambition.
What can we learn from Daniel's response to King Belshazzar?
Daniel's response to King Belshazzar teaches us the value of humility and selflessness. By prioritizing the interpretation of the writing over potential rewards, Daniel exemplifies a commitment to helping others and fulfilling one's responsibilities. This encourages us to focus on serving others and sharing knowledge, rather than seeking personal gain, especially in challenging situations.
How does Daniel 5:17 relate to the theme of wisdom?
Daniel 5:17 relates to the theme of wisdom by showcasing Daniel's understanding of his role and the significance of the message he is about to deliver. His refusal of gifts highlights that true wisdom is not about material rewards but about the responsibility to share insights that can guide others. This reflects the idea that wisdom often comes with a duty to help others, especially when they are in peril.
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