Daniel 2:21-22

2:21 He changes times and seasons,

deposing some kings

and establishing others. ¹ 

He gives wisdom to the wise;

he imparts knowledge to those with understanding; ² 

2:22 he reveals deep and hidden things.

He knows what is in the darkness,

and light resides with him.

Daniel 2:27-30

2:27 Daniel replied to the king, “The mystery that the king is asking about is such that no wise men, astrologers, magicians, or diviners can possibly disclose it to the king. 2:28 However, there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries, ³  and he has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in the times to come. ⁴  The dream and the visions you had while lying on your bed ⁵  are as follows.

2:29 “As for you, O king, while you were in your bed your thoughts turned to future things. ⁶  The revealer of mysteries has made known to you what will take place. 2:30 As for me, this mystery was revealed to me not because I possess more wisdom ⁷  than any other living person, but so that the king may understand ⁸  the interpretation and comprehend the thoughts of your mind. ⁹ 

[2:21]  ¹ tn Aram “kings.”

[2:21]  ² tn Aram “the knowers of understanding.”

[2:28]  ³ tn Aram “a revealer of mysteries.” The phrase serves as a quasi-title for God in Daniel.

[2:28]  ⁴ tn Aram “in the latter days.”

[2:28]  ⁵ tn Aram “your dream and the visions of your head upon your bed.”

[2:29]  ⁶ tn Aram “your thoughts upon your bed went up to what will be after this.”

[2:30]  ⁷ tn Aram “not for any wisdom which is in me more than [in] any living man.”

[2:30]  ⁸ tn Aram “they might cause the king to know.” The impersonal plural is used here to refer to the role of God’s spirit in revealing the dream and its interpretation to the king. As J. A. Montgomery says, “it appropriately here veils the mysterious agency” (Daniel [ICC], 164-65).

[2:30]  ⁹ tn Aram “heart.”