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Daniel 4:15
ESV But leave the stump of its roots in the earth, bound with a band of iron and bronze, amid the tender grass of the field. Let him be wet with the dew of heaven. Let his portion be with the beasts in the grass of the earth.
NIV But let the stump and its roots, bound with iron and bronze, remain in the ground, in the grass of the field. ''Let him be drenched with the dew of heaven, and let him live with the animals among the plants of the earth.
NASB Yet leave the stump with its roots in the ground, But with a band of iron and bronze around it In the new grass of the field; And let him be drenched with the dew of heaven, And let him share with the animals in the grass of the earth.
CSB But leave the stump with its roots in the ground and with a band of iron and bronze around it in the tender grass of the field. Let him be drenched with dew from the sky and share the plants of the earth with the animals.
NLT But leave the stump and the roots in the ground, bound with a band of iron and bronze and surrounded by tender grass. Now let him be drenched with the dew of heaven, and let him live with the wild animals among the plants of the field.
KJV Nevertheless leave the stump of his roots in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let his portion be with the beasts in the grass of the earth:

What does Daniel 4:15 mean?

This verse makes a subtle, but important shift in perspective. As part of a troubling dream (Daniel 4:4–5), King Nebuchadnezzar saw a massive tree (Daniel 4:11). This was a renowned and valuable resource, providing shade and food for all (Daniel 4:12). But it was to be cut down and all its beautiful leaves, branches, and fruit were to be scattered (Daniel 4:13–14). Here, the angelic messenger starts speaking of the tree as "it," then transitions to speaking of "he" and "him." This relates to the idea that the tree symbolizes Nebuchadnezzar himself (Daniel 4:20–22).

Although the tree is cut down, the stump is to be left intact. This is an important detail, as the stump and roots retain the potential to grow in the future. This imagery is used in other Scriptures to depict something ruined, or defeated, which yet survives and returns to a state of growth (Isaiah 6:13; 11:1; Job 14:7–9). As the king's vision is untangled, Daniel reveals that Nebuchadnezzar's power will be ruined, but not eliminated (Daniel 4:26).

The reference to binding the stump is part of the transition from symbolism to something more direct. The stump is being "bound" into the grass. The angelic speaker then begins to speak of "him," meaning the same entity once depicted by the tree. This being is depicted as soaked in grassy dew and confined to an animal-like existence. Upcoming verses will speak of this person being plagued by a period of insanity, as both judgment and education in humility (Daniel 4:16–17). This transition to a person, rather than a tree, is likely what most bothered King Nebuchadnezzar.
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