Definition

Proper noun 1. A historical and biblical figure: Belshazzar was the son of Nebuchadnezzar II and a Babylonian general. He is a prominent figure in the biblical Book of Daniel, where a divine message appears on a wall during his feast, foretelling his downfall. This event is interpreted by the prophet Daniel.

Examples of Usage

• Proper noun:
  • According to the Book of Daniel, Belshazzar saw a mysterious handwriting on the wall.
  • The story of Belshazzar's feast is a classic tale of divine judgment.

Advanced Usage

• "Belshazzar's Feast": This phrase specifically refers to the event described in the Book of Daniel (chapter 5), where the handwriting appears. It is often used metaphorically to describe an opulent, arrogant, or doomed celebration.
  • The extravagant party, with its utter disregard for the crisis, was likened to Belshazzar's Feast.

Variants and Related Words

• Mene, Mene, Tekel, Parsin (Upharsin): The Aramaic words of the "handwriting on the wall" that appeared during Belshazzar's feast, meaning "numbered, weighed, divided."

Synonyms

• Historical ruler: (While not direct synonyms, these are figures from a similar context) Nebuchadnezzar, Cyrus the Great.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "The writing on the wall" or "to see the handwriting on the wall": This common idiom, meaning to see clear signs of impending disaster or failure, originates directly from the story of Belshazzar.
  • After the third quarterly loss, the investors saw the handwriting on the wall for the company.

Noun

1. (Old Testament) Babylonian general and son of Nebuchadnezzar II; according to the Old Testament he was warned of his doom by divine handwriting on the wall that was interpreted by Daniel (6th century BC)