Daniel 5:12

12 1because an excellent spirit, knowledge, and 2understanding 3to interpret dreams, explain riddles, and 4solve problems were found in this Daniel, 5whom the king named Belteshazzar. Now let Daniel be called, and he will show the interpretation."

Daniel 5:12 Meaning and Commentary

Daniel 5:12

Forasmuch as an excellent spirit
A superior spirit to all the wise men in Babylon for natural knowledge and political wisdom; and he had yet a more excellent spirit which she knew nothing of, and was no judge of; a spirit of real grace, and true piety and devotion: and knowledge, and understanding, interpreting of dreams;
of which interpreting two of Nebuchadnezzar's was a proof: and showing hard sentences:
or explaining enigmas and riddles, or proverbial, parabolical, and figurative phrases and expressions: and dissolving of doubts:
or untying knots, solving problems, and answering knotty, intricate, and difficult questions: were found in the same Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar;
the prince of his eunuchs gave him that name, perhaps by the king's order; however, it was confirmed by him; he called him by it, and says it was according to the name of his god; see ( Daniel 1:7 ) ( 4:8 ) : now let Daniel be called, and he will show the interpretation;
this she was confident of, from the knowledge she had of the above facts.

Daniel 5:12 In-Context

10 The queen, because of the words of the king and his lords, came into the banqueting hall, and the queen declared, "O king, live forever! Let not your thoughts alarm you or your color change.
11 There is a man in your kingdom in whom is the spirit of the holy gods. In the days of your father, light and understanding and wisdom like the wisdom of the gods were found in him, and King Nebuchadnezzar, your father--your father the king--made him chief of the magicians, enchanters, Chaldeans, and astrologers,
12 because an excellent spirit, knowledge, and understanding to interpret dreams, explain riddles, and solve problems were found in this Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar. Now let Daniel be called, and he will show the interpretation."
13 Then Daniel was brought in before the king. The king answered and said to Daniel, "You are that Daniel, one of the exiles of Judah, whom the king my father brought from Judah.
14 I have heard of you that the spirit of the gods is in you, and that light and understanding and excellent wisdom are found in you.

Cross References 5

The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.