Daniel 5:4
They drank wine, and praised the gods of gold, and of silver, of brass, of iron, of wood, and of stone.
Connections
וְעַל מָרֵֽא-שְׁמַיָּא׀ הִתְרוֹמַמְתָּ וּלְמָֽאנַיָּא דִֽי-בַיְתֵהּ הַיְתִיו קָֽדָמָיךְ וְאַנְתְּה וְרַבְרְבָנָיךְ שֵֽׁגְלָתָךְ וּלְחֵנָתָךְ חַמְרָא שָׁתַיִן בְּהוֹן וְלֵֽאלָהֵי כַסְפָּֽא-וְדַהֲבָא נְחָשָׁא פַרְזְלָא אָעָא וְאַבְנָא דִּי לָֽא-חָזַיִן וְלָא-שָׁמְעִין וְלָא יָדְעִין שַׁבַּחְתָּ וְלֵֽאלָהָא דִּֽי-נִשְׁמְתָךְ בִּידֵהּ וְכָל-אֹרְחָתָךְ לֵהּ לָא הַדַּֽרְתָּ׃
But hast lifted up thyself against the Lord of heaven; and they have brought the vessels of his house before thee, and thou, and thy lords, thy wives, and thy concubines, have drunk wine in them; and thou hast praised the gods of silver, and gold, of brass, iron, wood, and stone, which see not, nor hear, nor know: and the God in whose hand thy breath is, and whose are all thy ways, hast thou not glorified:
הוֹי אֹמֵר לָעֵץ הָקִיצָה עוּרִי לְאֶבֶן דּוּמָם הוּא יוֹרֶה הִנֵּה-הוּא תָּפוּשׂ זָהָב וָכֶסֶף וְכָל-רוּחַ אֵין בְּקִרְבּֽוֹ׃
Woe unto him that saith to the wood, Awake; to the dumb stone, Arise, it shall teach! Behold, it is laid over with gold and silver, and there is no breath at all in the midst of it.
עֲצַבֵּי הַגּוֹיִם כֶּסֶף וְזָהָב מַעֲשֵׂה יְדֵי אָדָֽם׃
The idols of the heathen are silver and gold, the work of men's hands.
Καὶ οἱ λοιποὶ τῶν ἀνθρώπων οἳ οὐκ ἀπεκτάνθησαν ἐν ταῖς πληγαῖς ταύταις οὔτε μετενόησαν ἐκ τῶν ἔργων τῶν χειρῶν αὐτῶν ἵνα μὴ προσκυνήσωσιν τὰ δαιμόνια καὶ εἴδωλα τὰ χρυσᾶ καὶ τὰ ἀργυρᾶ καὶ τὰ χαλκᾶ καὶ τὰ λίθινα καὶ τὰ ξύλινα ἃ οὔτε βλέπειν δύναται οὔτε ἀκούειν οὔτε περιπατεῖν
And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk:
אֲנִי יְהוָה הוּא שְׁמִי וּכְבוֹדִי לְאַחֵר לֹֽא-אֶתֵּן וּתְהִלָּתִי לַפְּסִילִֽים׃
I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.
עֲֽצַבֵּיהֶם כֶּסֶף וְזָהָב מַעֲשֵׂה יְדֵי אָדָֽם׃
Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men's hands.
בְּכֶסֶף וּבְזָהָב יְיַפֵּהוּ בְּמַסְמְרוֹת וּבְמַקָּבוֹת יְחַזְּקוּם וְלוֹא יָפִֽיק׃
They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not.
γένος οὖν ὑπάρχοντες τοῦ θεοῦ οὐκ ὀφείλομεν νομίζειν χρυσῷ ἢ ἀργύρῳ ἢ λίθῳ χαράγματι τέχνης καὶ ἐνθυμήσεως ἀνθρώπου τὸ θεῖον εἶναι ὅμοιον
Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device.
הַזָּלִים זָהָב מִכִּיס וְכֶסֶף בַּקָּנֶה יִשְׁקֹלוּ יִשְׂכְּרוּ צוֹרֵף וְיַעֲשֵׂהוּ אֵל יִסְגְּדוּ אַף-יִֽשְׁתַּחֲוּֽוּ׃
They lavish gold out of the bag, and weigh silver in the balance, and hire a goldsmith; and he maketh it a god: they fall down, yea, they worship.
הַפֶּסֶל נָסַךְ חָרָשׁ וְצֹרֵף בַּזָּהָב יְרַקְּעֶנּוּ וּרְתֻקוֹת כֶּסֶף צוֹרֵֽף׃
The workman melteth a graven image, and the goldsmith spreadeth it over with gold, and casteth silver chains.
כְּעַן אֲנָה נְבֻכַדְנֶצַּר מְשַׁבַּח וּמְרוֹמֵם וּמְהַדַּר לְמֶלֶךְ שְׁמַיָּא דִּי כָל-מַעֲבָדוֹהִי קְשֹׁט וְאֹרְחָתֵהּ דִּין וְדִי מַהְלְכִין בְּגֵוָה יָכִל לְהַשְׁפָּלָֽה׃
Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase.
נָסֹגוּ אָחוֹר יֵבֹשׁוּ בֹשֶׁת הַבֹּטְחִים בַּפָּסֶל הָאֹמְרִים לְמַסֵּכָה אַתֶּם אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ׃
They shall be turned back, they shall be greatly ashamed, that trust in graven images, that say to the molten images, Ye are our gods.
וְסַרְנֵי פְלִשְׁתִּים נֶֽאֱסְפוּ לִזְבֹּחַ זֶֽבַח-גָּדוֹל לְדָגוֹן אֱלֹֽהֵיהֶם וּלְשִׂמְחָה וַיֹּאמְרוּ נָתַן אֱלֹהֵינוּ בְּיָדֵנוּ אֵת שִׁמְשׁוֹן אֽוֹיְבֵֽנוּ׃
Then the lords of the Philistines gathered them together for to offer a great sacrifice unto Dagon their god, and to rejoice: for they said, Our god hath delivered Samson our enemy into our hand.
וְהִיא לֹא יָֽדְעָה כִּי אָֽנֹכִי נָתַתִּי לָהּ הַדָּגָן וְהַתִּירוֹשׁ וְהַיִּצְהָר וְכֶסֶף הִרְבֵּיתִי לָהּ וְזָהָב עָשׂוּ לַבָּֽעַל׃
For she did not know that I gave her corn, and wine, and oil, and multiplied her silver and gold, which they prepared for Baal.
נְבוּכַדְנֶצַּר מַלְכָּא עֲבַד צְלֵם דִּֽי-דְהַב רוּמֵהּ אַמִּין שִׁתִּין פְּתָיֵהּ אַמִּין שִׁת אֲקִימֵהּ בְּבִקְעַת דּוּרָא בִּמְדִינַת בָּבֶֽל׃
Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold, whose height was threescore cubits, and the breadth thereof six cubits: he set it up in the plain of Dura, in the province of Babylon.
Δημήτριος γάρ τις ὀνόματι ἀργυροκόπος ποιῶν ναοὺς ἀργυροῦς Ἀρτέμιδος παρείχετο τοῖς τεχνίταις ἐργασίαν οὐκ ὀλίγην
For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen;
Copy verses
Daniel 5:4
Masoretic Phrasing
The cantillation accents are the Masoretes' punctuation: each group below ends at a pausing accent. Translate a group as one unit.
אִשְׁתִּ֖יו
Tipeha — a lesser break
חַמְרָ֑א
Etnahta — the verse's main pause — take a breath here
וְ֠שַׁבַּחוּ לֵֽאלָהֵ֞י דַּהֲבָ֧א וְכַסְפָּ֛א
Tevir — a lesser break
נְחָשָׁ֥א פַרְזְלָ֖א
Tipeha — a lesser break
אָעָ֥א וְאַבְנָֽא
Silluq — end of the verse
Word Parts
אִשְׁתִּ֖יו
אִשְׁתִּ֖יו
Dictionary form:
שְׁתָה
· sheh-TAW
Root word
drank, drink, drunk
Grammar
Vqp3mp
Verb — Peal, Perfect (Qatal), third person masculine plural
simple action (Aramaic) — like Hebrew Qal
completed action — try "he ___ed" or "he has ___ed"
the built-in subject is "they"
| אִשְׁתִּיו | Speech Verb Stem Peal Type Perfect (Qatal) Person Third Person Gender Masculine Number Plural |
In English
In the KJV here: they drank
and drank ×1
drank in them ×1
have drunk ×1
might drink therein ×1
they drank ×1
More options
drink — Most versatile; suits commands, habits, and narrative.
drank — Simple past; best for straightforward narrative events.
consume — Emphasizes deliberate intake; formal or ceremonial contexts.
imbibe — Slightly elevated register; useful for solemn or ritual scenes.
sip — Implies small or careful intake; use only when quantity matters.
gulp — Conveys urgency or excess; rare, for vivid narrative emphasis.
Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB)
[
Strong's Definition
H8355
drank, drink, drunk
šĕtâ
to imbibe (literally or figuratively)
- (P'al) to drink
Variations
5 forms of this word
Translations
5 English renderings
Word Parts
חַמְרָ
֑א
חַמְרָ
Root word
wine
֑א
Dictionary form:
חֲמַר
· huh-MAHR
Prefix — article
the
Grammar
Ncmsd/Td
Noun — Common, masculine singular, determined state
determined — includes "the" (Aramaic)
| חַמְרָ | Speech Noun Type Common Gender Masculine Number Singular State Determined |
| א | Speech Particle Type Definite Article |
In English
In the KJV here: wine
wine ×4
of wine ×1
the wine ×1
More options
wine — Standard modern rendering; broadly appropriate in most contexts.
fermented wine — Clarifies alcoholic nature when ambiguity exists.
red wine — Reflects Aramaic root implying deep red color.
strong drink — Emphasizes potency; useful in cautionary or ritual contexts.
Strong's Definition
H2562
wine
ḥămar
wine
- wine
Variations
2 forms of this word
Translations
3 English renderings
Word Parts
וְ
֠שַׁבַּחוּ
וְ
Prefix — connector
and (sometimes: but, so, then)
֠שַׁבַּחוּ
Dictionary form:
שְׁבַח
· sheh-BA
Root word
praised, praise
Grammar
C/Vpp3mp
Verb — Pael, Perfect (Qatal), third person masculine plural
intensive (Aramaic) — like Hebrew Piel
completed action — try "he ___ed" or "he has ___ed"
the built-in subject is "they"
| וְ | Speech Conjunction |
| שַׁבַּחוּ | Speech Verb Stem Pael Type Perfect (Qatal) Person Third Person Gender Masculine Number Plural |
In English
In the KJV here: and praised
and i praised ×1
and praised ×1
in them and thou hast praised ×1
praise ×1
thee and praise ×1
More options
praise — Most versatile; fits both noun and verb contexts.
glorify — Emphasizes elevating God's majesty and honor.
extol — Formal register; strong sense of lifting someone up.
laud — Slightly elevated tone; suits solemn or liturgical passages.
celebrate — Warm, expressive; good for communal or joyful contexts.
acclaim — Public, declarative praise; highlights an audience or witnesses.
Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB)
[שָׂחִיף] adjective ? doubtful (
[
Strong's Definition
H7624
praised, praise
šĕbaḥ
to adulate, i.e., adore
- (Pael) to laud, praise, adulate, adore
Variations
5 forms of this word
Translations
5 English renderings
Word Parts
לֵֽ
אלָהֵ֞י
לֵֽ
Particle
points to the object of the verb — leave untranslated
אלָהֵ֞י
Dictionary form:
אֱלָהּ
· eh-LAW
Noun
Grammar
To/Ncmpc
Particle — Direct Object Marker
| לֵֽ | Speech Particle Type Direct Object Marker |
| אלָהֵי | Speech Noun Type Common Gender Masculine Number Plural State Construct |
In English
In the KJV here: the gods
of god ×20
god ×16
the god ×11
of thy god ×5
of the god ×4
gods ×3
the gods ×3
and the god ×2
More options
God — Preferred when referring to the God of Israel specifically.
god — Use for pagan or foreign deities in context.
deity — Neutral, formal; useful in academic or theological prose.
divine being — Emphasizes nature over identity; good for ambiguous contexts.
gods — Plural contexts; foreign or polytheistic references.
Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB)
1. 2.73
Strong's Definition
H426
god, gods
ʾĕlāh
God
- god, God
- god, heathen deity "God (of Israel)
Variations
27 forms of this word
Translations
32 English renderings
God
Elah
Word Parts
דַּהֲבָ
֧א
דַּהֲבָ
Root word
gold, golden
֧א
Dictionary form:
דְּהַב
· deh-HAHB
Prefix — article
the
Grammar
Ncmsd/Td
Noun — Common, masculine singular, determined state
determined — includes "the" (Aramaic)
| דַּהֲבָ | Speech Noun Type Common Gender Masculine Number Singular State Determined |
| א | Speech Particle Type Definite Article |
In English
In the KJV here: of gold
the golden ×8
gold ×7
and gold ×3
and the gold ×3
let the golden ×1
of gold ×1
More options
gold — Standard noun; works in nearly all contexts.
golden — Adjectival use; prefer when modifying a noun.
pure gold — Emphasizes quality or preciousness of the metal.
fine gold — Suggests refined, high-grade gold; slightly literary.
gold object — Use when referencing a specific gold artifact.
Strong's Definition
H1722
gold, golden
dĕhab
gold
- gold
Variations
9 forms of this word
Translations
6 English renderings
Word Parts
וְ
כַסְפָּ
֛א
וְ
Prefix — connector
and (sometimes: but, so, then)
כַסְפָּ
Root word
silver, money
֛א
Dictionary form:
כְּסַף
· keh-SAHP
Prefix — article
the
Grammar
C/Ncmsd/Td
Noun — Common, masculine singular, determined state
determined — includes "the" (Aramaic)
| וְ | Speech Conjunction |
| כַסְפָּ | Speech Noun Type Common Gender Masculine Number Singular State Determined |
| א | Speech Particle Type Definite Article |
In English
In the KJV here: and of silver
the silver ×4
and silver ×3
of silver ×2
and of silver ×1
money ×1
of the silver ×1
silver ×1
More options
silver — Best for literal metal or ornamental contexts.
money — Best when silver functions as currency or payment.
coin — Use when individual monetary units are implied.
price — Suits commercial transactions or purchase contexts.
funds — Good for abstract financial resources or treasury use.
Strong's Definition
H3702
silver, money
kĕsap
silver money
- silver
- as metal "as money
Variations
6 forms of this word
Translations
7 English renderings
Word Parts
נְחָשָׁ
֥א
נְחָשָׁ
Root word
brass
֥א
Dictionary form:
נְחָשׁ
· neh-HOHSH
Prefix — article
the
Grammar
Ncmsd/Td
Noun — Common, masculine singular, determined state
determined — includes "the" (Aramaic)
| נְחָשָׁ | Speech Noun Type Common Gender Masculine Number Singular State Determined |
| א | Speech Particle Type Definite Article |
In English
In the KJV here: of brass
of brass ×3
and brass ×2
brass ×2
the brass ×2
More options
bronze — Most accurate modern term for ancient copper-tin alloy.
copper — Prefer when context suggests unalloyed or raw metal.
brass — Modernized KJV standard; familiar but technically imprecise.
metal — Use when alloy composition is uncertain or unimportant.
Strong's Definition
H5174
brass
nĕḥoš
copper
- copper, bronze
Variations
4 forms of this word
Translations
4 English renderings
Word Parts
פַרְזְלָ
֖א
פַרְזְלָ
Root word
iron
֖א
Dictionary form:
פַּרְזֶל
· pahr-DZEL
Prefix — article
the
Grammar
Ncmsd/Td
Noun — Common, masculine singular, determined state
determined — includes "the" (Aramaic)
| פַרְזְלָ | Speech Noun Type Common Gender Masculine Number Singular State Determined |
| א | Speech Particle Type Definite Article |
In English
In the KJV here: of iron
iron ×11
of iron ×3
the iron ×3
as iron ×1
was the iron ×1
were of iron ×1
More options
iron — Default rendering; fits nearly every context.
iron implement — Use when the referent is a tool or weapon.
iron shackles — Idiomatic for restraint or oppression contexts.
wrought iron — Emphasizes worked or forged metal in craft contexts.
iron-hard — Adjectival use when conveying unyielding strength.
Strong's Definition
H6523
iron
parzel
iron
- iron
Variations
6 forms of this word
Translations
6 English renderings
Word Parts
אָעָ
֥א
אָעָ
Root word
timber, wood
֥א
Dictionary form:
אָע
· aw
Prefix — article
the
Grammar
Ncmsd/Td
Noun — Common, masculine singular, determined state
determined — includes "the" (Aramaic)
| אָעָ | Speech Noun Type Common Gender Masculine Number Singular State Determined |
| א | Speech Particle Type Definite Article |
In English
In the KJV here: of wood
and timber ×1
let timber ×1
of wood ×1
timber ×1
wood ×1
More options
wood — Most versatile; suits material or substance contexts.
timber — Prefer for construction or structural beam contexts.
lumber — Good for processed, cut wood ready for building.
plank — Use when individual boards or beams are in view.
log — Suits raw, unprocessed wooden pieces.
Strong's Definition
H636
timber, wood
ʾāʿ
a tree or wood
- wood, beam, timber
Variations
3 forms of this word
Translations
5 English renderings
Word Parts
וְ
אַבְנָֽ
א
וְ
Prefix — connector
and (sometimes: but, so, then)
אַבְנָֽ
Root word
stone, stones
א
Dictionary form:
אֶבֶן
· eh-BEN
Prefix — article
the
Grammar
C/Ncfsd/Td
Noun — Common, feminine singular, determined state
determined — includes "the" (Aramaic)
| וְ | Speech Conjunction |
| אַבְנָֽ | Speech Noun Type Common Gender Feminine Number Singular State Determined |
| א | Speech Particle Type Definite Article |
In English
In the KJV here: and of stone
stones ×2
a stone ×1
and of stone ×1
and stone ×1
for them and the stone ×1
stone ×1
the stone ×1
More options
stone — General default; works for most contexts.
rock — Prefer for large, immovable or natural formations.
boulder — Use for notably large, heavy stones.
pebble — Use for small, loose stones or gravel contexts.
gemstone — Suitable when precious or decorative stones are meant.
tablet — Use specifically for inscribed or written stone slabs.
Strong's Definition
H69
stone, stones
ʾeben
a stone
- stone
- a (the) stone "stone, material of idols and buildings
Variations
4 forms of this word
Translations
7 English renderings