Daniel 5:17 net — Daniel Interprets the Handwriting on the Wall But Daniel replied to the king,“Keep your gifts, and give your rewards to…

NET Bible

"Daniel Interprets the Handwriting on the Wall But Daniel replied to the king,“Keep your gifts, and give your rewards to someone else! However, I will read the writing for the king and make known its interpretation."

— Daniel 5:17, NET Bible

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Daniel 5:17 in Other Translations

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Daniel 5 — Context

14

I have heard about you, how there is a spirit of the gods in you, and how you have insight, discernment, and extraordinary wisdom.

15

Now the wise men and astrologers were brought before me to read this writing and make known to me its interpretation. But they were unable to disclose the interpretation of the message.

16

However, I have heard that you are able to provide interpretations and to solve difficult problems. Now if you are able to read this writing and make known to me its interpretation, you will wear purple and have a golden collar around your neck and be third ruler in the kingdom.”

17

Daniel Interprets the Handwriting on the Wall But Daniel replied to the king,“Keep your gifts, and give your rewards to someone else! However, I will read the writing for the king and make known its interpretation.

18

As for you, O king, the most high God bestowed on your father Nebuchadnezzar a kingdom, greatness, honor, and majesty.

19

Due to the greatness that he bestowed on him, all peoples, nations, and language groups were trembling with fear before him. He killed whom he wished, he spared whom he wished, he exalted whom he wished, and he brought low whom he wished.

20

And when his mind became arrogant and his spirit filled with pride, he was deposed from his royal throne and his honor was removed from him.

Daniel 5:17 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Daniel 5:17 say?
Daniel 5:17 in the NET Bible reads: “Daniel Interprets the Handwriting on the Wall But Daniel replied to the king,“Keep your gifts, and give your rewards to someone else! However, I will read the writing for the king and make known its interpretation.”
Where is Daniel 5:17 in the Bible?
Daniel 5:17 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Daniel, chapter 5, verse 17.
Who wrote Daniel?
Daniel is traditionally attributed to Daniel (traditional). Conservative scholarship dates Daniel to the 6th century BC; critical scholarship often proposes a 2nd-century-BC date for the apocalyptic portions. It was written c. 605–530 BC.
What is the book of Daniel about?
Daniel is a young exile in Babylon who, with his three friends, refuses to bow to the world's gods. The book combines courageous narratives — the fiery furnace, the lions' den — with sweeping prophetic visions of the kingdoms of earth giving way to the everlasting kingdom of the Son of Man.
What are the major themes of Daniel?
Daniel explores themes including Sovereignty, Faithfulness, Prophecy, Kingdoms, Son of Man. These themes shape the meaning and context of Daniel 5:17.
What translation should I read Daniel 5:17 in?
Daniel 5:17 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Daniel 5:17?
Daniel 5:17 reads (NET): “Daniel Interprets the Handwriting on the Wall But Daniel replied to the king,“Keep your gifts, and give your rewards to someone else! However, I will read the writing for the king and make known its interpretation.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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