King James Bible
"But if ye will not make known unto me the dream, there is but one decree for you: for ye have prepared lying and corrupt words to speak before me, till the time be changed: therefore tell me the dream, and I shall know that ye can shew me the interpretation thereof."
Nebuchadnezzar threatens his wise men with death if they cannot reveal his forgotten dream, not just interpret it. This unprecedented demand tests whether they truly possess divine insight or merely clever deception, as ancient court advisors often gave vague interpretations to maintain their positions. The king suspects his advisors are stalling with false prophecies, hoping circumstances will shift to make their words seem true. This accusation reveals the deep mistrust between absolute rulers and their counselors in Babylonian court politics. Nebuchadnezzar's logic is simple: anyone who can supernaturally know his dream's content can be trusted to interpret it accurately. This impossible test sets the stage for God to demonstrate His sovereignty through Daniel, as human wisdom alone cannot meet this demand.