DailyBible

Daniel 5:17 · KJV

"Then Daniel answered and said before the king, Let thy gifts be to thyself, and give thy rewards to another; yet I will read the writing unto the king, and make known to him the interpretation."

King James Version

What does Daniel 5:17 mean? →

Passage Context

15And now the wise men, the astrologers, have been brought in before me, that they should read this writing, and make known unto me the interpretation thereof: but they could not shew the interpretation of the thing:
16And I have heard of thee, that thou canst make interpretations, and dissolve doubts: now if thou canst read the writing, and make known to me the interpretation thereof, thou shalt be clothed with scarlet, and have a chain of gold about thy neck, and shalt be the third ruler in the kingdom.
17Then Daniel answered and said before the king, Let thy gifts be to thyself, and give thy rewards to another; yet I will read the writing unto the king, and make known to him the interpretation.
18O thou king, the most high God gave Nebuchadnezzar thy father a kingdom, and majesty, and glory, and honour:
19And for the majesty that he gave him, all people, nations, and languages, trembled and feared before him: whom he would he slew; and whom he would he kept alive; and whom he would he set up; and whom he would he put down.

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Reflection Questions

1

How do you prioritize your values when faced with temptation?

2

What does it mean to serve others without seeking personal gain?

3

When have you chosen principle over profit?

Life Application

service

Seek to help others without expecting anything in return.

humility

Recognize the importance of serving with a humble heart.

People in This Verse

DanielOT

A young Hebrew captive known for his wisdom and faithfulness to God. He became a key advisor in the Babylonian court.

First appearance: Daniel 1:6

Connection to Jesus

character of jesus

Daniel's refusal of gifts reflects the humility and integrity seen in Jesus, who did not seek earthly rewards.

See also: Matthew 20:28

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