Daniel 5:25-28
“And this is the writing that was written, MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN. This is the interpretation of the thing: MENE; God hath numbered thy kingdom, and finished it.”
King James Version · the opening — all 4 verses are below
Daniel's reading of the handwriting on Belshazzar's wall, foretelling Babylon's fall to the Medes and Persians that very night.
Read the whole passage — all 4 verses (KJV)
5:25And this is the writing that was written, MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN.
5:26This is the interpretation of the thing: MENE; God hath numbered thy kingdom, and finished it.
5:27TEKEL; Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting.
5:28PERES; Thy kingdom is divided, and given to the Medes and Persians.
Fulfillment References
Daniel 5:30-31 Isaiah 13:17 Jeremiah 51:11 Isaiah 21:9
How Traditions Read This Prophecy
Apostolic (Oneness) PentecostalGod numbers and ends kingdoms by His decree; the one God who judged Babylon reigns over all history.
JewishThe fall of Babylon as judgment on the king who profaned the Temple vessels; read of God's justice and the limits of empire.
CatholicGod weighing and finding the proud king wanting — a warning against sacrilege and pride.
ProtestantA vivid fulfilled prophecy: Babylon fell to Cyrus's forces (539 BC) the night it was spoken; taken as historical.
OrthodoxDivine judgment on impiety; the kingdom numbered and ended by God's decree.
DispensationalA literal short-range fulfillment confirming Daniel's prophetic authenticity.
AcademicCritical scholars note historical tensions (Belshazzar was co-regent, not Nebuchadnezzar's literal son; 'Darius the Mede' is disputed) and read the tale as didactic; conservatives cite the confirmation of Belshazzar's historicity (Nabonidus Chronicle) in the account's defense.
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Bible Prophecy Explorer · based on J. Barton Payne’s Encyclopedia of Biblical Prophecy catalogue · an openly Apostolic (Oneness) Pentecostal study resource — all traditions presented fairly. Pastor: C. Myles Young, D.Min. · Bishop: Nathaniel J. Wilson, Ed.D.