Daniel 4:17 - New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition 2021

¹⁷ The sentence is rendered by decree of the watchers, the decision is given by order of the holy ones, in order that all who live may know that the Most High is sovereign over the kingdom of mortals; he gives it to whom he will and sets over it the lowliest of human beings.’

More versions

King James Version (Oxford) 1769

¹⁷ This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men.

Amplified Bible - Classic Edition

¹⁷ This sentence is by the decree of the [heavenly] watchers and the decision is by the word of the holy ones, to the intent that the living may know that the Most High [God] rules the kingdom of mankind and gives it to whomever He will and sets over it the humblest and lowliest of men. [Dan. 2:21; 5:21.]

American Standard Version (1901)

¹⁷ The sentence is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones; to the intent that the living may know that the Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the lowest of men.

Common English Bible

¹⁷ This sentence is by the watchers’ decree; this decision is the holy ones’ word so that all who live might know that the Most High dominates human kingship. The Most High gives kingship to anyone he wants and sets over it the lowest of people.’

Catholic Public Domain Version

¹⁷ The tree that you saw was lofty and strong; its height reached toward heaven, and it could be seen throughout the whole world.

English Standard Version 2016

¹⁷ The sentence is by the decree of the watchers, the decision by the word of the holy ones, to the end that the living may know that the Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he will and sets over it the lowliest of men.’

Daniel 4:17 Cross References

1 Kings 21:25

(Indeed, there was no one like Ahab, who sold himself to do what was evil in the sight of the Lord, urged on by his wife Jezebel.

2 Chronicles 28:22

In the time of his distress he became yet more faithless to the Lord—this same King Ahaz.

Psalm 103:19

The Lord has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all.

Psalm 12:8

On every side the wicked prowl, as vileness is exalted among humankind.

Psalm 9:16

The Lord has made himself known; he has executed judgment; the wicked are snared in the work of their own hands. Higgaion. Selah

Exodus 9:16

But this is why I have let you live: to show you my power and to make my name resound through all the earth.

Isaiah 6:3

And one called to another and said, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory.”

Isaiah 6:8

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I; send me!”

Ezekiel 25:17

I will execute great vengeance on them with wrathful punishments. Then they shall know that I am the Lord, when I lay my vengeance on them.

Ezekiel 7:24

I will bring the worst of the nations to take possession of their houses. I will put an end to the arrogance of the strong, and their holy places shall be profaned.

Daniel 11:21

In his place shall arise a contemptible person on whom royal majesty had not been conferred; he shall come in suddenly and seize the kingdom through intrigue.

Daniel 2:21

He changes times and seasons, deposes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding.

Daniel 4:2

The signs and wonders that the Most High God has worked for me I am pleased to recount.

Daniel 4:25

You shall be driven away from human society, and your dwelling shall be with the wild animals. You shall be made to eat grass like oxen, you shall be bathed with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass over you, until you have learned that the Most High has sovereignty over the kingdom of mortals and gives it to whom he will.

Daniel 7:25

He shall speak words against the Most High, shall wear out the holy ones of the Most High, and shall attempt to change the ritual calendar and the law, and they shall be given into his power for a time, two times, and half a time.

Romans 13:1

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those authorities that exist have been instituted by God.

1 Corinthians 1:28

God chose what is low and despised in the world, things that are not, to abolish things that are,

1 Timothy 5:21

In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the elect angels, I warn you to keep these instructions without prejudice, doing nothing on the basis of partiality.

Revelation 4:8

And the four living creatures, each of them with six wings, are full of eyes all around and inside. Day and night without ceasing they sing, “Holy, holy, holy, the Lord God the Almighty, who was and is and is to come.”

1 Samuel 2:8

He raises up the poor from the dust; he lifts the needy from the ash heap to make them sit with princes and inherit a seat of honor. For the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s, and on them he has set the world.