Old Testament
Daniel 5:22
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
But you, Belshazzar, his son — you knew all of this, and still you refused to humble yourself.
Compare translations
And thou his son, O Belshazzar, hast not humbled thine heart, though thou knewest all this;
What Daniel 5:22 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this moment, Daniel confronts Belshazzar, the king, reminding him of the lessons learned from his predecessor, Nebuchadnezzar. Belshazzar was aware of how pride led to downfall, yet he chose to ignore this wisdom. Instead of humbling himself before God, he continued in arrogance. This refusal to acknowledge the truth ultimately led to his demise. The message is clear: knowledge without action is meaningless. Belshazzar had the opportunity to change his ways but chose not to. His story serves as a warning about the dangers of pride and the importance of humility. We are encouraged to learn from the mistakes of others and to act wisely in our own lives, recognizing the need for humility and respect for higher authority. Ignoring these lessons can lead to serious consequences, just as it did for Belshazzar. His fate reminds us that we must not only know what is right but also live it out in our daily choices and actions, embracing humility and wisdom in our lives as we navigate challenges.
How to apply Daniel 5:22 to your life
Reflect on areas in your life where pride may be holding you back. Consider how you can practice humility in your daily interactions. Remember that acknowledging your mistakes and learning from others can lead to personal growth and better relationships. Embrace the lessons from those who have gone before you to avoid repeating their errors. Choose to act wisely and humbly today, making a positive impact on your life and those around you.
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 Writing on the Wall (Daniel 5:1–31)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
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.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Beersheba
Where Abraham and Isaac dug wells and worshiped the LORD, at the southern edge of the land.
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 5:22
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 5:22
Related Bible verses
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 5:22 mean?
Daniel 5:22 highlights Belshazzar's failure to learn from the past, specifically from his predecessor Nebuchadnezzar's downfall due to pride. Despite knowing the consequences of arrogance, Belshazzar chose not to humble himself before God, leading to his eventual demise.
What is the significance of humility in Daniel 5:22?
Humility is crucial in Daniel 5:22 as it contrasts Belshazzar's arrogance. The verse emphasizes that recognizing one's mistakes and submitting to a higher authority is essential for personal growth and avoiding negative outcomes.
What lesson can we learn from Daniel 5:22?
The lesson from Daniel 5:22 is that knowledge without action is ineffective. Belshazzar's story serves as a warning about the dangers of pride and the importance of humility in our lives.
How does pride relate to Daniel 5:22?
Pride is central to Daniel 5:22, as it illustrates how Belshazzar's arrogance led him to ignore the lessons of humility from Nebuchadnezzar's experience. This pride ultimately resulted in serious consequences for him.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.