Daniel 4:35

Old Testament Major Prophet ASV (1901)

What does Daniel 4:35 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing; and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing; and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?
Daniel 4:35 — American Standard Version

Context — Daniel 4

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
35And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing; and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing, etc.] That is, by the most high God, in comparison of him; and that not only the common people, but magistrates, princes, and kings, and even so great a monarch as Nebuchadnezzar; they are like mere nonentities, nothing as to existence, substance, greatness, glory, and duration, when compared with him: for this is to be understood not absolutely as in themselves; for as such they are something; their bodies are something in their original, and especially in their make, form, and constitution, and even in their dissolution; and their souls are yet more valuable, are of more worth than the whole world, being immaterial and immortal;…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“all . . . as nothing-- (Isa 40:15, Isa 40:17). according to his will in . . . heaven-- (Psa 115:3; Psa 135:6; Mat 6:10; Eph 1:11). army--the heavenly hosts, angels and starry orbs (compare Isa 24:21). none . . . stay his hand--literally, "strike His hand." Image from striking the hand of another, to check him in doing anything (Isa 43:13; Isa 45:9). What doest thou-- (Job 9:12; Rom 9:20).”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing - Are regarded as nothing in comparison with him. Compare Isaiah 40:15, note 17, note. Precisely the same sentiment occurs in Isaiah which is expressed here: “All nations before him are as nothing; and they are accounted unto him less than nothing and vanity.” And he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven - In the host of heaven - בחיל bechēyol - Greek, “in the power of heaven,” ἐν τῇ, δυνάμει en tē, dunamei. The Chaldee word means properly strength, might, valor; and it is then applied to an army as possessing strength, or valor, or force. It is here applied to the inhabitants of heaven, probably considered as an…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“As nothing - A due consideration of God's infinite greatness, makes the creature appear as nothing; creatures are nothing to help, nothing to hurt, nothing in duration, nothing solid and substantial, nothing without dependence, and influence, and support from God. His will - Being the Lord of hosts, and the only absolute and universal monarch of the world. Daniel 4:36”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“4:35 He does as he pleases: God has absolute power in heaven and on earth.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“all: Job 34:14, Job 34:15, Job 34:19-24; Isa 40:15-17, Isa 40:22-24 and he: Sa1 3:18; Job 23:13; Psa 33:9-11, Psa 115:3, Psa 135:6; Isa 14:24-27; Isa 46:10, Isa 46:11; Mat 11:25, Mat 11:26; Act 4:28; Eph 1:11; Phi 2:10, Phi 2:11 the inhabitants: Psa 33:8, Psa 33:14, Psa 49:1; Isa 26:9 none: Job 9:4, Job 9:13, Job 34:29, Job 40:9-12, Job 42:2; Pro 21:30; Isa 43:13; Act 5:39, Act 9:5; Act 11:17; Co1 10:22 What: Job 9:12, Job 33:12, Job 33:13, Job 40:2; Isa 45:9-11; Rom 9:19, Rom 9:20, Rom 11:33-36; Co1 2:16 Daniel 4:36”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification