Book of Daniel - Chapter 4 - Verse 16

The verse "Let his heart be changed from man's, and let a beast's heart be given unto him: and let seven times pass over him." from the book of Daniel in the Bible signifies a divine punishment inflicted upon King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon for his arrogance and pride. The transformation of his heart from human to beastly represents a loss of reason, wisdom, and compassion, symbolizing a descent into madness and animalistic behavior. The seven times that are to pass over him are often interpreted as seven years, during which the king would live like a wild animal, humbling himself before God and recognizing His supreme authority. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of pride and the importance of humility and obedience before God. It conveys the message that even the mightiest rulers are subject to divine judgement and that true power and wisdom come from acknowledging and submitting to the will of God.

The theological interpretation of this verse suggests that it describes a period of judgment or punishment from God. The phrase "Let his heart be changed from man's, and let a beast's heart be given unto him" may symbolize a loss of human reasoning and a descent into a more primitive state. The reference to "seven times" passing over him could signify a complete cycle of time, suggesting a period of suffering or transformation. Some scholars believe that this verse is prophetic in nature, pointing to a specific event or individual who will experience a dramatic change in their circumstances as a result of divine intervention. In the context of the larger narrative, this verse could serve as a warning about the consequences of disobeying God or straying from His will. Through word studies, the nuances of the original Hebrew text can be further explored to deepen our understanding of the symbolic language used in this passage.