The Church Fathers on this verse

Daniel 2:19Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Then was the mystery revealed to Daniel by a vision in the night: and Daniel blessed the God of heaven,

Douay-Rheims

אֱדַ֗יִן לְדָנִיֵּ֛אל בְּחֶזְוָ֥א דִֽי־לֵילְיָ֖א רָזָ֣ה גֲלִ֑י אֱדַ֙יִן֙ דָּֽנִיֵּ֔אל בָּרִ֖ךְ לֶאֱלָ֥הּ שְׁמַיָּֽא׃

Hebrew (Masoretic text)

The Church Fathers on this verse

3 Church Fathers comment on this verse

John Chrysostom

4th centuryChurch Father

Yet, was Daniel glorified solely to unveil the dream? I cannot assert that. Even if this were the only reason, it would still be a profound demonstration of God's might; however, there is more to it. What, then, is the additional purpose? It was also to awaken the king to the reality that his lineage would not always dominate; for if he did not forsake his arrogance after being told this, it is unlikely he would have given it up had he received no warning at all—and to lead him to recognize God as the Sovereign over all. The significance placed on dreams prompted these events. Thus, God discloses the future to them, particularly because they revered the deities for their prophecies. Their sorcery was predominantly aimed at this very thing.

Read more (91 words)

Though not completely unveiled to him, the prophet is prepared in the vision. Why, then, was it disclosed to Daniel? The saints hold a certain favor; hence, he is chosen. How did he perceive it? The Scripture states, through a vision, not through human insight. What was concealed from everyone else is rightly termed a mystery. He praised the God of heaven, that is, the Almighty, who is powerful even in the land of strangers. There was no offering, temple, or altar present, only a willing heart, and all was achieved.

Jerome of Stridon

4th centuryChurch Father

The enigma of the nocturnal vision was unveiled to Daniel. He discerned the king's dream by means of his own dream, specifically grasping both the dream and its significance through divine revelation; insights beyond the comprehension of demons and unattainable through human understanding. Consequently, the apostles, enlightened by the Lord's revelation, grasped the mystery that had been hidden from all prior generations.

Theodoret of Cyrus

5th centuryChurch Father

The revelation of the mystery came to Daniel in a night vision, prompting him to praise the God of heaven.

Cross references

Passages read together with this verse.