Definition: And 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.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse together! It's a really fascinating passage from Daniel and it deals with a clever trick and a display of wisdom. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Daniel was being interrogated by King Nebuchadnezzar about a strange incident he’d overheard. He tried to cover up his actions, but the king wasn't fooled. He asked Daniel to tell him the story again, and Daniel cleverly used his knowledge of Hebrew words to create a complex, elaborate story. What it says: “And I have heard of thee…” – This is a polite way of saying “I’ve heard about you.” “…that thou canst make interpretations, and dissolve doubts: now if thou canst read the writing, and make known to me the interpretation thereof…” - Daniel is impressed by Nebuchadnezzar's ability to understand and explain things. He’s asking him to read a particular passage – a written explanation – and then explain it to him . “Thou shalt be clothed with scarlet, and [have] a chain of gold about thy neck…” - This is the really significant part. Daniel is offering Nebuchadnezzar a reward – he's giving him a special honor. He’s saying: "If you can understand this passage and explain it to me clearly, then you will be given a very impressive gift." "...and shalt be the third ruler in the kingdom.” - This is the ultimate reward. Daniel gets to be recognized as the most important person in the kingdom – a powerful position! In simpler terms: Daniel is saying: “You are incredibly clever and insightful. You can understand complex things, and you can explain them clearly. Because of your wisdom, I want to recognize you with this special honor – I’m giving you a very prestigious position.” The Overall Meaning: This verse highlights the importance of wisdom, intelligence, and understanding . It shows that true leadership isn't just about power; it’s about being able to interpret things clearly and effectively. Daniel was rewarded for his ability to analyze and explain – essentially showing his intelligence above all else. Important Note: The exact meaning of the verse is debated among scholars. Some believe it's a symbolic representation of Daniel's wisdom, while others see it as a very specific and detailed account of a political maneuver. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part in more detail? Relate this passage to a broader theme (like the value of wisdom)?