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בֵּֽלְאשַׁצַּר, בֵּלְשַׁאצַּר (be.le.shats.tsar)

be.le.shats.tsar

Belshazzar

H1112 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 1 verses

N:N-M-P

Quick Reference

Language
Biblical Hebrew
Testament
Old Testament
Occurrences
1 verses
Root
—
Part of speech
N:N-M-P

Word Overview

The name Belshazzar means "Bel protect the king," referencing the Babylonian deity Bel. In the Hebrew Bible, this proper noun appears only in Daniel 5:1–31, where it identifies the ruler present during the fall of Babylon. The biblical text presents him as the son and successor of Nebuchadnezzar, establishing his royal lineage within the narrative.

Historical records outside the Bible offer a different picture. Cuneiform inscriptions identify Belshazzar not as king, but as prince and son of Nabonidus, the final Semitic king of Babylon. This suggests he may have served as co-regent or acting ruler while his father was away. Despite this discrepancy in titles, Daniel 5 focuses on his authority to interpret the mysterious writing on the wall, a moment that marks the end of Babylonian dominance.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The name Belshazzar appears only in the book of Daniel, marking a pivotal moment where human power meets divine sovereignty. His story reminds us that earthly authority is temporary and subject to God’s judgment. When the writing appeared on the wall, it was not just a political event but a spiritual warning about pride and neglect of truth.

For believers today, this account encourages humility. No matter how strong or secure we feel, our lives are held in God’s hands. It invites us to trust His guidance even when circumstances seem uncertain or overwhelming.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • Belshazzar1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • בֵּלְאשַׁצַּ֣ר1×

Key Verses

  • Daniel 8:1
    In the third year of the reign of King Belshazzar, a vision appeared to me, even to me, Daniel, after that which appeared to me at the first.

    This verse places Belshazzar as the reigning king during Daniel’s vision, linking his historical rule to prophetic revelation about future kingdoms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Belshazzar in the Bible?

Belshazzar is a Babylonian ruler mentioned only in Daniel 5 and 8. He appears as the son of Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel’s narrative, though historical records identify him as the son of King Nabonidus. In Daniel, he presides over the feast where the mysterious writing appears on the wall.

Why does Belshazzar appear only in Daniel?

His brief mention serves a specific theological purpose: to show God’s judgment on Babylonian pride. The book of Daniel uses his story to highlight how human kingdoms rise and fall under God’s authority, rather than providing a full historical biography.

Is Belshazzar the same as Nebuchadnezzar?

No. While Daniel 5 calls Belshazzar the son of Nebuchadnezzar, historical evidence suggests he was actually the son of Nabonidus. The biblical text may use 'father' in a broader dynastic sense, emphasizing lineage rather than direct parentage.

Every Occurrence (1 verses across 1 books)

Daniel 1 verse
Daniel 8:1

In the third year of the reign of King Belshazzar, a vision appeared to me, even to me, Daniel, after that which…