Baltasar
TextsWhat is the meaning of Baltasar in the Bible?
Baltasar is a Greek transliteration of the name Belshazzar, the son of Nabonidus who served as co-regent and final king of Babylon before its conquest by the Persians, and is the central figure in the biblical narrative of the writing on the wall.
TEXTUAL SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Baltasar as Belshazzar clarifies the historical context of the Book of Daniel, distinguishing the literary character from the actual last king of Babylon and illuminating the narrative's themes of divine judgment on imperial power.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Manuscript & Literary Context: Notice how Baltasar functions as an authoritative historical witness connecting earlier prophetic promises with scripture's broader fulfillment.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Baltasar in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Baltasar clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Baltasar." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/baltasar/