“Now I have heard that you are able to give interpretations and to solve difficult problems. If you can read this writing and tell me what it means, you will be clothed in purple and have a gold chain placed around your neck, and you will be made the third highest ruler in the kingdom?”
The full verse · Daniel 5:16 · KJV
And have of , thou , and : thou the , and make to me the thereof, thou shalt be with , and have a of thy , and shalt be the in the .
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Why It Was Asked
The purpose behind the questionBelshazzar asked Daniel to interpret the writing to test Daniel’s reputed wisdom and solve the perplexing problem threatening his reign. The offer of high honors aimed to motivate Daniel and perhaps manipulate him. It also reveals Belshazzar’s desperation and recognition of Daniel’s God-given abilities (Daniel 5:6-12).
The Response
What Scripture recordsDaniel responded to Belshazzar’s offer by respectfully declining the gifts but agreeing to read and interpret the mysterious writing (Daniel 5:17-28). He emphasized that the divine wisdom to interpret comes from God alone, not from bribes or human merit, demonstrating humility and reliance on God.
The Bigger Picture
Where this fits in God's storyWiersbe highlights Daniel’s humility and reliance on God when faced with Belshazzar’s tempting offer. The king’s question was both a challenge and a test of divine wisdom. Matthew Henry notes that Daniel’s refusal of gifts underscores that spiritual service is not for personal gain but for God’s glory. The passage teaches the believer to trust God’s guidance rather than human rewards. Daniel exemplifies faithfulness and courage in hostile environments, reminding us that God’s wisdom surpasses human understanding and that true authority belongs to Him alone (Daniel 5:16-17; James 1:5). Christians are encouraged to seek God’s interpretation of life’s mysteries with integrity and dependence on Him.
Believers today learn to rely on God’s wisdom rather than worldly honors or inducements (James 1:5). Like Daniel, Christians are called to discern God’s truth amid challenges and remain humble, refusing to be swayed by material rewards (Matthew 6:24). Trusting God’s sovereignty gives courage in uncertain times (Proverbs 3:5-6). We must seek divine insight to interpret life’s ‘writings’ and respond faithfully.
Built from the biblical text and checked against trusted commentaries and lexicons. References & Sources
Keep questioning
“Art thou that Daniel, which art of the children of the captivity of Judah, whom the king my father brought out of Jewry?”
“May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you!?”
“I know that the spirit of the holy gods is in you, and no mystery is too difficult for you. Here is my dream; interpret it for me?”
“O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions?”