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

be.le.shats.tsar

Belshazzar

H1113 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 7 verses

N:N-M-P

Language: Biblical Hebrew
Testament: Old Testament
Occurrences: 7 verses
Root: —
Part of speech: N:N-M-P

Word Overview

The name Belshazzar means "Bel protect the king," invoking the chief deity of Babylon. In the Hebrew Bible, this proper noun appears exclusively in the book of Daniel, where it identifies the ruler present during the city’s sudden fall to the Medes and Persians.

Lexical sources note that he is described as the son of Nebuchadnezzar, though historical records often distinguish him as the crown prince or co-regent rather than the sole monarch. This title reflects his high status in the final days of the Babylonian empire, a position highlighted when he hosted the feast where the mysterious writing appeared on the wall.

Its seven occurrences anchor the narrative tension of Daniel 5. The name serves as a marker of earthly power facing divine judgment, contrasting human authority with God’s sovereignty. Translators retain the name without alteration, preserving its historical and theological weight in accounts of the empire’s collapse.

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

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The name Belshazzar stands as a stark reminder that human power is temporary. In Daniel 5, this king hosts a lavish feast, using sacred vessels from Jerusalem in an act of arrogance. He believes his authority is secure, yet the writing on the wall reveals a different reality: God holds all earthly kingdoms in His hands. This story challenges us to consider where we place our trust when circumstances seem stable.

For your faith, this word offers a sobering perspective on pride and humility. Belshazzar knew of his father’s past judgments but failed to learn from them. The narrative invites you to examine your own heart, asking if you recognize God’s sovereignty in your life. It is not about fear, but about aligning your life with the One who truly rules over history.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.

Belshazzar5×
of/ Belshazzar1×
O Belshazzar1×

Forms in the text

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

לְ/בֵלְאשַׁצַּר֙1×
בֵּלְשַׁאצַּ֣ר1×
בֵּלְשַׁאצַּ֞ר1×
בֵּלְשַׁאצַּ֗ר1×
בֵּלְשַׁאצַּ֔ר1×
בֵּלְאשַׁצַּ֖ר1×
בֵלְשַׁאצַּר֙1×

Key Verses

Daniel 5:22
“You, his son, Belshazzar, have not humbled your heart, though you knew all this,

This verse highlights the core failure of Belshazzar: knowing God's past works but refusing to humble his own heart, which serves as a warning against spiritual complacency.
Daniel 5:30
In that night Belshazzar the Chaldean King was slain.

The sudden death of Belshazzar on the very night of his arrogance demonstrates the swift and final nature of divine judgment against pride.
Daniel 5:1
Belshazzar the king made a great feast to a thousand of his lords, and drank wine before the thousand.

This opening scene establishes the context of royal excess, showing how Belshazzar’s feast sets the stage for the confrontation between earthly power and divine authority.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Belshazzar in the Bible?

Belshazzar is a king of Babylon mentioned exclusively in the book of Daniel. While historical records often identify him as a co-regent or crown prince under his father Nebuchadnezzar, the biblical text presents him as the reigning monarch during the fall of Babylon to the Medes and Persians.

What is the meaning of the name Belshazzar?

The name means 'Bel protect the king,' invoking Bel, the chief deity of the Babylonian pantheon. This reflects the religious context of the time, where royal authority was believed to be sustained by divine protection from pagan gods.

Why is Belshazzar significant in Daniel 5?

He is central to the narrative of Daniel 5, where his arrogance leads to the writing on the wall. His refusal to humble himself despite knowing his father’s history serves as a key example of pride leading to downfall.

Every Occurrence (7 verses across 1 books)

Daniel 7 verses

Daniel 5:1

Belshazzar the king made a great feast to a thousand of his lords, and drank wine before the thousand.

Daniel 5:2

Belshazzar, while he tasted the wine, commanded that the golden and silver vessels which Nebuchadnezzar his father had…

Daniel 5:9

Then King Belshazzar was greatly troubled, and his face was changed in him, and his lords were perplexed.

Daniel 5:22

“You, his son, Belshazzar, have not humbled your heart, though you knew all this,

Daniel 5:29

Then Belshazzar commanded, and they clothed Daniel with purple, and put a chain of gold about his neck, and made…

Daniel 5:30

In that night Belshazzar the Chaldean King was slain.

Daniel 7:1

In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon, Daniel had a dream and visions of his head while on his bed. Then he…