Daniel 2:14

Daniel 2:14 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

When Arioch, the commander of the king’s guard, had gone out to execute the wise men of Babylon, Daniel replied with discretion and tact.

King James Version KJV

¶ Then Daniel answered with counsel and wisdom to Arioch the captain of the king’s guard, which was gone forth to slay the wise men of Babylon:

American Standard Version ASV

Then Daniel returned answer with counsel and prudence to Arioch the captain of the king’s guard, who was gone forth to slay the wise men of Babylon;

Bible in Basic English BBE

Then Daniel gave an answer with wisdom and good sense to Arioch, the captain of the king's armed men, who had gone out to put to death the wise men of Babylon;

Free Bible Version FBV

Daniel approached Arioch, the commander of the imperial guard, whom the king had put in charge of the order to execute all the wise men of Babylon. Wisely and tactfully

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Then Daniel answered with counsel and wisedome to Arioch the Kings chiefe stewarde, which was gone foorth to put to death the wise men of Babel.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

Then Daniel hath replied [with] counsel and discretion to Arioch chief of the executioners of the king, who hath gone forth to slay the wise men of Babylon.

World English Bible WEB

Then Daniel returned answer with counsel and prudence to Arioch the captain of the king’s guard, who had gone out to kill the wise men of Babylon.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Then Daniel answered with counsel and wisdom to Arioch the captain of the king's guard, who had gone forth to slay the wise men of Babylon:

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Then Daniel inquired concerning the law and the sentence, of Arioch the general of the king’s army, who was gone forth to kill the wise men of Babylon.

Translation for Translators T4T

Arioch, the commander of the king’s guards, came to kill us. But I spoke to him very wisely and tactfully/skillfully.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Daniel 2:14

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Daniel 2:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB בֵּ/אדַ֣יִן דָּנִיֵּ֗אל הֲתִיב֙ עֵטָ֣א וּ/טְעֵ֔ם לְ/אַרְי֕וֹךְ רַב טַבָּחַיָּ֖/א דִּ֣י מַלְכָּ֑/א דִּ֚י נְפַ֣ק לְ/קַטָּלָ֔ה לְ/חַכִּימֵ֖י בָּבֶֽל

בֵּ/אדַ֣יִן ʼĕdayin H116 then Adj | Adv

דָּנִיֵּ֗אל Dânîyêʼl H1841 Daniel Adj

הֲתִיב֙ tûwb H8421 to return Adj

עֵטָ֣א ʻêṭâʼ H5843 counsel Adj

וּ/טְעֵ֔ם ṭᵉʻêm H2942 command Adj | N-ms

לְ/אַרְי֕וֹךְ ʼĂryôwk H746 Arioch Adj | N-proper

רַב rab H7229 great Adj

טַבָּחַיָּ֖/א ṭabbâch H2877 guardsman Adj | Art

דִּ֣י dîy H1768 that Adj

מַלְכָּ֑/א melek H4430 king Adj | Art

דִּ֚י dîy H1768 that Adj

נְפַ֣ק nᵉphaq H5312 to go out Adj

לְ/קַטָּלָ֔ה qᵉṭal H6992 to slay Adj | V-Piel-Inf-a

לְ/חַכִּימֵ֖י chakkîym H2445 wise Adj | N-mp

בָּבֶֽל Babel H895 Babylon Adj

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Daniel 2:14

בֵּ/אדַ֣יִן ʼĕdayin H116 "then" Adj | Adv

Then or at that time, referring to a specific point in the past or future, like in the story of creation when God said 'then' the earth was formed. It is used to show a sequence of events. The KJV translates it as 'then' or 'now'.

Definition: then, afterwards, thereupon, from that time Aramaic of az (אָז "then" H0227A)

Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: now, that time, then. See also: Ezra 4:9; Daniel 4:16; Daniel 7:19.

דָּנִיֵּ֗אל Dânîyêʼl H1841 "Daniel" Adj

The prophet Daniel, also called Belteshazzar, lived during the Exile and Return, and his name means God is my judge.

Definition: A prophet living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Ezk.14.14; also called Belteshazzar at Dan.1.7; 2.26; 4.8,9,18,19; 5.12; 10.1; Aramaic of da.niy.yel (דָּנִיֵּאל, דָּנִאֵל "Daniel" H1840) § Daniel = "God is my judge" 1) the 4th of the greater prophets, taken as hostage in the first deportation to Babylon, because of the gift of God of the interpretation of dreams, he became the 2nd in command of the Babylon empire and lasted through the end of the Babylonian empire and into the Persian empire. His prophecies are the key to the understanding of end time events. Noted for his purity and holiness by contemporary prophet, Ezekiel 1a) also, 'Belteshazzar' (H01095 or H01096)

Usage: Occurs in 43 OT verses. KJV: Daniel. See also: Daniel 2:13; Daniel 5:29; Daniel 7:28.

הֲתִיב֙ tûwb H8421 "to return" Adj

This Hebrew word means to return or reply, often used to describe giving an answer. It appears in various forms, including restore and return. In the Bible, it is used in Genesis and other books.

Definition: : reply 1) to return, come back 1a) (P'al) to return, come back 1b) (Aphel) 1b1) to restore, give back, answer 1b2) to return

Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: answer, restore, return (an answer). See also: Ezra 5:5; Daniel 2:14; Daniel 4:33.

עֵטָ֣א ʻêṭâʼ H5843 "counsel" Adj

This Hebrew word means counsel or guidance, like the advice given by King Solomon in Proverbs. It involves wise decision-making and careful thought. In the Bible, it appears in 1 Kings 12:8.

Definition: counsel

Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: counsel. See also: Daniel 2:14.

וּ/טְעֵ֔ם ṭᵉʻêm H2942 "command" Adj | N-ms

This word is about having a command or report, and can also mean a taste or flavor. In the Bible, it can refer to a decree or wisdom, like in the book of Proverbs. It is about perceiving or understanding something.

Definition: 1) report, taste 1a) taste 1b) report

Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] chancellor, [phrase] command, commandment, decree, [phrase] regard, taste, wisdom. See also: Ezra 4:8; Ezra 6:11; Daniel 6:27.

לְ/אַרְי֕וֹךְ ʼĂryôwk H746 "Arioch" Adj | N-proper

Arioch was a Babylonian official who worked for King Nebuchadnezzar during the Exile. His name means lion-like and he is mentioned in Daniel 2:14. He was in charge of the executioners.

Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.14.1 § Arioch = "lion-like" the ancient king of Ellasar, ally of Chedorlaomer

Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: Arioch. See also: Genesis 14:1; Daniel 2:15; Daniel 2:25.

רַב rab H7229 "great" Adj

Means great or abundant, used to describe powerful leaders like captains or chiefs in the Bible, such as in Exodus and Numbers.

Definition: adj 1) great 1a) great 1b) great (fig of power) n 2) captain, chief

Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: captain, chief, great, lord, master, stout. See also: Ezra 4:10; Daniel 2:45; Daniel 7:20.

טַבָּחַיָּ֖/א ṭabbâch H2877 "guardsman" Adj | Art

This Aramaic word means a lifeguardsman or bodyguard, and is related to the Hebrew word for butcher or cook. It is used to describe a guard or executioner, and is equivalent to the Hebrew word tabbach.

Definition: bodyguard, executioner, guardsmen Aramaic of tab.bach (טַבָּח "guard" H2876)

Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: guard. See also: Daniel 2:14.

דִּ֣י dîy H1768 "that" Adj

This word is used as a relative conjunction, like 'that' or 'which', to connect ideas in sentences. It appears in Genesis and Exodus to describe relationships between people and things. The KJV translates it as 'that' or 'which'.

Definition: part of relation 1) who, which, that mark of genitive 2) that of, which belongs to, that conj 3) that, because

Usage: Occurs in 186 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] as, but, for(-asmuch [phrase]), [phrase] now, of, seeing, than, that, therefore, until, [phrase] what (-soever), when, which, whom, whose. See also: Ezra 4:9; Daniel 3:7; Jeremiah 10:11.

מַלְכָּ֑/א melek H4430 "king" Adj | Art

Melek means king, referring to a ruler or monarch, used in the Bible to describe kings like David and Solomon. It is translated as king or royal in the KJV.

Definition: king Aramaic of me.lekh (מֶ֫לֶךְ "king" H4428) § 1) king

Usage: Occurs in 131 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Ezra 4:8; Daniel 3:1; Daniel 7:24.

דִּ֚י dîy H1768 "that" Adj

Definition: part of relation 1) who, which, that mark of genitive 2) that of, which belongs to, that conj 3) that, because

נְפַ֣ק nᵉphaq H5312 "to go out" Adj

This Hebrew word means to go out or bring something forth, often used in the Bible to describe movement or emergence. It can be translated as 'come forth' or 'go out' in the KJV. It is used in various contexts, including in the book of Exodus.

Definition: 1) to go or come out, bring or come forth 1a) (P'al) to go out or forth 1b) (Aphel) to bring forth

Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: come (go, take) forth (out). See also: Ezra 5:14; Daniel 3:26; Daniel 7:10.

לְ/קַטָּלָ֔ה qᵉṭal H6992 "to slay" Adj | V-Piel-Inf-a

This word also means to slay or kill, and appears in Daniel 3:15 when the king threatens to kill those who refuse to worship the idol. It is similar to H6991 but has slightly different uses.

Definition: 1) to slay, kill 1a) (P'al) to be slain 1b) (Pael) to slay 1c) (Ithp'al) to be slain 1d) (Ithpael) to be slain

Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: slay. See also: Daniel 2:13; Daniel 5:19; Daniel 7:11.

לְ/חַכִּימֵ֖י chakkîym H2445 "wise" Adj | N-mp

In the Bible, this word means wise or intelligent, describing someone with good judgment. It is used to describe a wise man, like a Magian. The word appears in various books, including Proverbs and Psalms.

Definition: wise man, wise

Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: wise. See also: Daniel 2:12; Daniel 2:27; Daniel 5:15.

בָּבֶֽל Babel H895 "Babylon" Adj

Babel is another term for Babylon, a city and empire in the Bible, meaning confusion or mixing. It is found in Daniel 1:1-2, describing the Babylonian empire. The city was a major center of power.

Definition: Aramaic of ba.vel (בָּבֶ֫ל, בָּבֶל "Babylon" H0894) § Babel or Babylon = "confusion (by mixing)" Babel or Babylon, the ancient site and/or capital of Babylonia (modern Hillah) situated on the Euphrates

Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: Babylon. See also: Ezra 5:12; Daniel 2:24; Daniel 7:1.

Study Notes — Daniel 2:14

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Daniel 2:14 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Daniel 2:14
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 2:14
Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 2:14
Ellicott's Commentary on Daniel 2:14
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Daniel 2:14
Cambridge Bible on Daniel 2:14
Barnes' Notes on Daniel 2:14
Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 2:14
Sermons on Daniel 2:14

Context — The Dream Revealed to Daniel

12This response made the king so angry and furious that he gave orders to destroy all the wise men of Babylon. 13So the decree went out that the wise men were to be executed, and men went to look for Daniel and his friends to execute them.

14When Arioch, the commander of the king’s guard, went out to execute the wise men of Babylon, Daniel responded with discretion and tact.

15“Why is the decree from the king so harsh?” he asked. Then Arioch explained the situation to Daniel. 16So Daniel went in and asked the king to give him some time, so that he could give him the interpretation.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Daniel 2:24	Therefore Daniel went to Arioch, whom the king had appointed to destroy the wise men of Babylon, and said to him, “Do not execute the wise men of Babylon! Bring me before the king, and I will give him the interpretation.”
2	Jeremiah 52:12	On the tenth day of the fifth month, in the nineteenth year of Nebuchadnezzar’s reign over Babylon, Nebuzaradan captain of the guard, a servant of the king of Babylon, entered Jerusalem.
3	2 Samuel 20:16–22	a wise woman called out from the city, “Listen! Listen! Please tell Joab to come here so that I may speak with him.” When he had come near to her, the woman asked, “Are you Joab?” “I am,” he replied. “Listen to the words of your servant,” she said. “I am listening,” he answered. Then the woman said, “Long ago they used to say, ‘Seek counsel at Abel,’ and that is how disputes were settled. I am among the peaceable and faithful in Israel, but you are trying to destroy a city that is a mother in Israel. Why would you swallow up the LORD’s inheritance?” “Far be it!” Joab declared. “Far be it from me to swallow up or destroy! That is not the case. But a man named Sheba son of Bichri, from the hill country of Ephraim, has lifted up his hand against the king, against David. Deliver him alone, and I will depart from the city.” “Look,” the woman replied, “his head will be thrown to you over the wall.” Then the woman went to all the people with her wise counsel, and they cut off the head of Sheba son of Bichri and threw it to Joab. So he blew the ram’s horn and his men dispersed from the city, each to his own home. And Joab returned to the king in Jerusalem.
4	Genesis 37:36	Meanwhile, the Midianites sold Joseph in Egypt to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh and captain of the guard.
5	Jeremiah 52:14	And the whole army of the Chaldeans under the captain of the guard broke down all the walls around Jerusalem.
6	Ecclesiastes 9:13–18	I have also seen this wisdom under the sun, and it was great to me: There was a small city with few men. A mighty king came against it, surrounded it, and built large siege ramps against it. Now a poor wise man was found in the city, and he saved the city by his wisdom. Yet no one remembered that poor man. And I said, “Wisdom is better than strength, but the wisdom of the poor man is despised, and his words are not heeded.” The calm words of the wise are heeded over the shouts of a ruler among fools. Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good.
7	Jeremiah 39:9	Then Nebuzaradan captain of the guard carried away to Babylon the remnant of the people who had remained in the city, along with the deserters who had defected to him.

Daniel 2:14 Summary

In this verse, Daniel is faced with a very difficult situation, but he responds with care and thoughtfulness. He is able to do this because he is a wise and respectful person, who trusts in God (as seen in Daniel 2:16 and Proverbs 3:5-6). Daniel's response is a great example for us, showing us how to act with discretion and tact, even when things seem scary or uncertain (like in Psalm 23:4). By following Daniel's example, we can learn to trust God and respond with wisdom in our own difficult situations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was happening when Daniel replied with discretion and tact?

Daniel replied with discretion and tact when Arioch, the commander of the king's guard, had gone out to execute the wise men of Babylon, as ordered by the king in his anger, as seen in Daniel 2:12-13 and Daniel 2:14.

Why was Daniel in a position to reply to Arioch?

Daniel was in a position to reply to Arioch because he was one of the wise men of Babylon, and Arioch was looking for him and his friends to execute them, as stated in Daniel 2:13.

What does it mean to reply with discretion and tact?

To reply with discretion and tact means to respond with careful thought and consideration, being mindful of the situation and the people involved, as Daniel did in Daniel 2:14, demonstrating wisdom similar to that encouraged in Proverbs 15:1.

How does Daniel's response reflect his character?

Daniel's response reflects his character as a wise and respectful person, who is able to think clearly and respond thoughtfully, even in difficult situations, as seen in Daniel 2:14 and also in his interactions with King Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 2:16.

Reflection Questions

What are some situations in my life where I need to respond with discretion and tact, like Daniel did?
How can I, like Daniel, remain calm and thoughtful in the face of uncertainty or danger?
What are some ways I can demonstrate respect and wisdom in my interactions with others, even when we disagree?
How can I trust God, like Daniel did, to guide me in difficult situations and give me the right words to say?

Gill's Exposition on Daniel 2:14

Then Daniel answered with counsel and wisdom,.... In a discreet manner, using soft words and gentle language, humbly and modestly inquiring what should be the meaning of all this.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 2:14

Then Daniel answered with counsel and wisdom to Arioch the captain of the king's guard, which was gone forth to slay the wise men of Babylon: Then Daniel answered with counsel and wisdom to Artoch

Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 2:14

Daniel 2:14 Then Daniel answered with counsel and wisdom to Arioch the captain of the king’ s guard, which was gone forth to slay the wise [men] of Babylon:Ver. 14. Then Daniel answered with counsel.] Retulit consilium et causum; he conferred with Arioch the chief slaughterman, giving him good reasons wherefor to defer further execution. This good turn he did for the magicians and astrologers who were his utter enemies. Tremel.

Ellicott's Commentary on Daniel 2:14

(14) Arioch.—See Note on Genesis 14:1.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Daniel 2:14

Verse 14. Captain of the king's guard] Chief of the king's executioners or slaughter men. Margin, רב תבחיא rab tabachaiya, chief of the butchers, he that took off the heads of those whom the king ordered to be slain, because they had in any case displeased him. "Go and bring me the head of Giaffer." The honourable butcher went and brought the head in a bag on a dish. It was Herod's chief butcher that brought the head of John the Baptist in a dish to the delicate daughter of Herodias. This was the custom of the country. No law, no judge, no jury. The will or caprice of the king governed all things. Happy England! know and value thy excellent privileges!

Cambridge Bible on Daniel 2:14

14. answered with counsel and discretion] lit. returned counsel and discretion (or tact): lit. taste, and so figuratively of the faculty which discriminates and selects what is suitable for a given occasion. Cf. 1 Samuel 25:33, ‘And blessed be thy discretion’ (R.V. marg.), of the tact displayed by Abigail in averting David’s vengeance from Nabal; Job 12:20, ‘and taketh away the discretion of the elders;’ Proverbs 26:16 (the same phrase as here), ‘than seven men answering with discretion’ (lit. returning discretion). Arioch] The name, in Genesis 14:1, of an ancient king of Ellasar (Larsa, in S. Babylonia); and, no doubt, borrowed thence, both here and in Jdt 1:6 (where it is the name of a ‘king of the Elymaeans’). “The name was Sumerian and not used at that period [Nebuchadnezzar’s] of Babylonian history” (Sayce, in Hastings’ Dict. of the Bible, s.v.). captain of the king’s guard] ‘Captain of the guard’ is the same expression which occurs in 2 Kings 25:8 ff., Jeremiah 39:9 ff., of an officer of Nebuchadnezzar, and (with sar for rab) in Gen. (Genesis 37:36, Genesis 39:1, al.) of an officer of Pharaoh. It is lit. ‘captain (or superintendent, chief) of the slaughterers’ (viz. of animals [not executioners]): the royal butchers came in some way to form the royal body-guard (cf. W. R. Smith, OTJC[206][207], p. 262 f.). The use of the same term in reference to two such different countries as Egypt and Babylon, shews that, though it happens only to be applied to foreigners, it was really a native Hebrew title. [206] TJC. W. Robertson Smith, The Old Testament in the Jewish Church, ed. 2, 1892. [207] W. Robertson Smith, The Old Testament in the Jewish Church, ed. 2, 1892.

Barnes' Notes on Daniel 2:14

Then Daniel answered - Margin, “returned.” The original literally is, “returned counsel and wisdom,” meaning, that he returned an answer which was replete with wisdom.

Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 2:14

14-16. Daniel, having been informed of the decree, addresses Arioch (Iri-Aku) the captain, or rather “chief executioner,” of the royal bodyguard — an officer well known from the inscriptions (tabihu)

Sermons on Daniel 2:14

	Sermon	Description
	The Principle of Fellowship in Prayer by Zac Poonen	Zac Poonen emphasizes the principle of fellowship in prayer through the story of Daniel interpreting Nebuchadnezzar's dream. He contrasts true servants of God, like Daniel, who exp
	Daniel Passed Two Great Tests by Zac Poonen	Zac Poonen preaches on the life of Daniel, highlighting how Daniel faced tests with great wisdom and faith. When faced with impossible situations, Daniel understood the value of fe
	From the Captivity of the Ten Tribes to the First Year of Cyrus by Flavius Josephus	Flavius Josephus recounts the tragic events that led to the destruction of Jerusalem and the captivity of the Israelites. From the siege of Jerusalem by the Babylonians to the appo
	(Genesis) Genesis 37:34-36 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the grief of Jacob over the loss of his son Joseph. Jacob is seen mourning for his son and refusing to be comforted. The speaker suggests tha
	(Genesis) Genesis 37:27-28 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Joseph being sold into slavery by his brothers. He explains that the Ishmaelites and the Midianites had joined together, making t
	(Genesis) Genesis 39 Introduction by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Joseph from the book of Genesis. Joseph, despite facing numerous challenges and hardships, is a prime example of how God's provi
	Living Memorials by Don Courville	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the significance of baptism as a symbol of deliverance from sin's penalty and power. He refers to Romans 6:1-4, explaining that it is not just

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