Book of Daniel - Chapter 2 - Verse 31

In the book of Daniel, this verse is found in a story where King Nebuchadnezzar has a dream of a great image with excellent brightness that appeared before him. The image was described as terrible in form. This dream is significant because it foreshadows the rise and fall of kingdoms, as interpreted by the prophet Daniel. The various parts of the image represent different kingdoms that will come to power in the future. The brightness and excellence of the image symbolize the splendor and power of these kingdoms, while the terribleness of its form indicates the destruction and downfall that will eventually come upon them. This verse serves as a warning about the fleeting nature of earthly power and the ultimate sovereignty of God over all nations and empires, as revealed through the unfolding of history.

This verse from the Book of Daniel describes a vivid dream experienced by King Nebuchadnezzar. The image that he saw was magnificent and terrifying, with extraordinary brightness and a formidable presence. In a theological interpretation, some scholars suggest that this image represents the succession of great world empires that would rise and fall in the future, with Nebuchadnezzar's own Babylonian Empire being the first in the sequence. The brightness of the image could symbolize the power and glory of these empires, while its terrifying form could represent the destructive nature of human kingdoms. The word "terrible" in this context is often associated with awe-inspiring or fear-inducing qualities, emphasizing the grandeur and magnitude of the image that Nebuchadnezzar beheld. Overall, this verse serves as a reminder of the transient nature of earthly kingdoms and the ultimate supremacy of God's divine plan throughout history.