Daniel 6:20
Daniel 6:20 in Multiple Translations
When he reached the den, he cried out in a voice of anguish, “O Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to deliver you from the lions?”
And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel: and the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions?
And when he came near unto the den to Daniel, he cried with a lamentable voice; the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions?
And when he came near the hole where Daniel was, he gave a loud cry of grief; the king made answer and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is your God, whose servant you are at all times, able to keep you safe from the lions?
As he approached the den, he called out anxiously to Daniel, “Daniel, servant of the living God whom you honor so faithfully, was your God able to save you from the lions?”
And when he came to the denne, he cryed with a lamentable voyce vnto Daniel: and the King spake, and saide to Daniel, O Daniel, the seruant of ye liuing God, is not thy God (whom thou alway seruest) able to deliuer thee from the lyons?
and at his coming near to the den, to Daniel, with a grieved voice, he crieth. The king hath answered and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, thy God, whom thou art serving continually, is He able to deliver thee from the lions?'
When he came near to the den to Daniel, he cried with a troubled voice. The king spoke and said to Daniel, “Daniel, servant of the living God, is your God, whom you serve continually, able to deliver you from the lions?”
And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice to Daniel: and the king spoke and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions?
And coming near to the den, cried with a lamentable voice to Daniel, and said to him: Daniel, servant of the living God, hath thy God, whom thou servest always, been able, thinkest thou, to deliver thee from the lions?
When he came near it, he was very worried. He called out, “Daniel, you who serve the all-powerful God! Was your God, whom you worship regularly, able to save you from the lions?”
Berean Amplified Bible — Daniel 6:20
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
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Daniel 6:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
בֵּ/אדַ֣יִן
מַלְכָּ֔/א
בִּ/שְׁפַּרְפָּרָ֖/א
יְק֣וּם
בְּ/נָגְהָ֑/א
וּ/בְ/הִ֨תְבְּהָלָ֔ה
לְ/גֻבָּ֥/א
דִֽי
אַרְיָוָתָ֖/א
אֲזַֽל
בֵּ/אדַ֣יִן
ʼĕdayin
H116
then
Adj | Adv
מַלְכָּ֔/א
melek
H4430
king
Adj | Art
בִּ/שְׁפַּרְפָּרָ֖/א
shᵉpharphar
H8238
dawn
Adj | N-ms | Art
יְק֣וּם
qûwm
H6966
to stand
Adj
בְּ/נָגְהָ֑/א
nôgahh
H5053
daylight
Adj | N-ms | Art
וּ/בְ/הִ֨תְבְּהָלָ֔ה
bᵉhal
H927
to dismay
Adj | Prep | N-fs
לְ/גֻבָּ֥/א
gôb
H1358
den
Adj | N-ms | Art
דִֽי
dîy
H1768
that
Adj
אַרְיָוָתָ֖/א
ʼaryêh
H744
lion
Adj | Art
אֲזַֽל
ʼăzal
H236
to go
Adj
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Daniel 6:20
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.
מַלְכָּ֔/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.
בִּ/שְׁפַּרְפָּרָ֖/א
shᵉpharphar
H8238
"dawn"
Adj | N-ms | Art
This word refers to the dawn or early morning, describing the time of day when the sun starts to rise.
Definition: dawn, early morning
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] very early in the morning. See also: Daniel 6:20.
יְק֣וּם
qûwm
H6966
"to stand"
Adj
Qum means to establish or confirm something, like setting up a new system or lifting someone up to a position of power, as described in the books of Kings and Chronicles.
Definition: : establish/stand_firm/confirm/fulfill/fix 1) to arise, stand 1a) (P'al) 1a1) to arise from 1a2) to come on the scene (fig) 1a3) to arise (out of inaction) 1a4) to stand 1a5) to endure 1b) (Pael) to set up, establish 1c) (Aphel) 1c1) to set up 1c2) to lift up 1c3) to establish 1c4) to appoint 1d) (Hophal) to be made to stand
Usage: Occurs in 30 OT verses. KJV: appoint, establish, make, raise up self, (a-) rise (up), (make to) stand, set (up). See also: Ezra 5:2; Daniel 4:14; Daniel 7:24.
בְּ/נָגְהָ֑/א
nôgahh
H5053
"daylight"
Adj | N-ms | Art
This word refers to daylight or dawn, like the morning sun, and is used in Psalm 119:147 to describe the psalmist's early morning prayers.
Definition: brightness, daylight Aramaic of no.gah (נֹ֫גַהּ "brightness" H5051)
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: morning. See also: Daniel 6:20.
וּ/בְ/הִ֨תְבְּהָלָ֔ה
bᵉhal
H927
"to dismay"
Adj | Prep | N-fs
This word means to hasten or terrify, and it's used in the Bible to describe people's reactions to threats or dangers. It can also mean to be in a state of alarm or trouble. It appears in stories of war and crisis.
Definition: 1) (Pual) to frighten, alarm, dismay 2) (Ithpa'al) to hurry, hasten 3) (Ithpa'al) alarmed (part.)
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: in haste, trouble. See also: Daniel 2:25; Daniel 5:9; Daniel 7:28.
לְ/גֻבָּ֥/א
gôb
H1358
"den"
Adj | N-ms | Art
A den or pit, often used to describe a hiding place or a trap for wild animals, this word is associated with lions and other fierce creatures. It appears in descriptions of the natural world and the habitats of wild beasts. The den is a place of refuge or danger.
Definition: pit, den (of lions)
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: den. See also: Daniel 6:8; Daniel 6:20; Daniel 6:25.
דִֽי
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.
אַרְיָוָתָ֖/א
ʼaryêh
H744
"lion"
Adj | Art
This word simply means a lion, a fierce and powerful animal, and is used in the Bible to describe both real lions and symbolic ones, like in Proverbs 30:30.
Definition: lion Aramaic of ar.yeh (אַרְיֵה "lion" H0738B)
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: lion. See also: Daniel 6:8; Daniel 6:21; Daniel 7:4.
אֲזַֽל
ʼăzal
H236
"to go"
Adj
The Hebrew word for to go or depart, often translated as go up. It appears in various contexts, including when someone leaves a place or moves upward. This verb is used in several books, including Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: 1) to go, to go off 1a) (P'al) to go, go off
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: go (up). See also: Ezra 4:23; Daniel 2:17; Daniel 6:20.
Study Notes — Daniel 6:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Daniel 6:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Daniel 6:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 6:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Daniel 6:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 6:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on Daniel 6:20
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Daniel 6:20
- Cambridge Bible on Daniel 6:20
- Barnes' Notes on Daniel 6:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 6:20
- Sermons on Daniel 6:20
Context — Daniel in the Lions’ Den
18Then the king went to his palace and spent the night fasting. No entertainment was brought before him, and sleep fled from him.
19At the first light of dawn, the king got up and hurried to the den of lions.
20When he reached the den, he cried out in a voice of anguish, “O Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to deliver you from the lions?”
21Then Daniel replied, “O king, may you live forever! 22My God sent His angel and shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, for I was found innocent in His sight, and I have done no wrong against you, O king.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Chronicles 16:11 | Seek out the LORD and His strength; seek His face always. |
| 2 | Hebrews 7:25 | Therefore He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them. |
| 3 | Daniel 6:27 | He delivers and rescues; He performs signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth, for He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions.” |
| 4 | Daniel 6:16 | So the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the den of lions. The king said to Daniel, “May your God, whom you serve continually, deliver you!” |
| 5 | 2 Timothy 4:16–18 | At my first defense, no one stood with me, but everyone deserted me. May it not be charged against them. But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message would be fully proclaimed, and all the Gentiles would hear it. So I was delivered from the mouth of the lion. And the Lord will rescue me from every evil action and bring me safely into His heavenly kingdom. To Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen. |
| 6 | Daniel 3:17 | If the God whom we serve exists, then He is able to deliver us from the blazing fiery furnace and from your hand, O king. |
| 7 | James 1:25 | But the one who looks intently into the perfect law of freedom, and continues to do so—not being a forgetful hearer, but an effective doer—he will be blessed in what he does. |
| 8 | 1 Thessalonians 5:17–18 | Pray without ceasing. Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. |
| 9 | Numbers 11:23 | The LORD answered Moses, “Is the LORD’s arm too short? Now you will see whether or not My word will come to pass.” |
| 10 | Proverbs 23:17–18 | Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always continue in the fear of the LORD. For surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off. |
Daniel 6:20 Summary
In this verse, the king is worried about Daniel and is asking if God has saved him from the lions. The king knows that Daniel trusts in God and is wondering if God has come through for him. This shows that even people who don't always follow God can see the faith and trust of those who do, like Daniel. It's like what Psalm 37:40 says, 'The LORD helps them and delivers them; He delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in Him.'
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the king's state of mind when he approached the den of lions?
The king was in a state of anguish, as indicated by his cry in a voice of anguish, showing his concern for Daniel's well-being, much like the concern of King Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 4:19 when he saw the dream that troubled him.
Why did the king address Daniel as 'servant of the living God'?
The king addressed Daniel as 'servant of the living God' because he recognized Daniel's faithfulness to God, similar to how God referred to Moses as His servant in Deuteronomy 34:5, highlighting the special relationship between God and His faithful servants.
What was the king's expectation when he asked if Daniel's God had delivered him?
The king's expectation was likely rooted in his observation of Daniel's unwavering faith and commitment to his God, as seen in Daniel 6:10, and he may have been hoping for a miraculous intervention, similar to the deliverance of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in Daniel 3:17-28.
How does this verse relate to the theme of faith and trust in God?
This verse highlights the king's perception of Daniel's trust in God, which is a central theme in the book of Daniel, as seen in Daniel 3:17-18, where the three Hebrews trust in God's deliverance, and in Psalm 34:7, which says that God's angels camp around those who fear Him to deliver them.
Reflection Questions
- What would you say to someone who is questioning God's presence in their life, just like the king is questioning God's deliverance of Daniel?
- How does this verse encourage you to stand firm in your faith, even in the face of adversity, just like Daniel did in the lions' den?
- What does this verse teach you about the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty, even when circumstances seem impossible, as they did for Daniel in the lions' den?
- How can you apply the principle of trusting in God's deliverance, as seen in this verse, to your own life and challenges, just as Daniel did in Daniel 6:23?
Gill's Exposition on Daniel 6:20
And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel,.... Expressing grief and sorrow his heart was full of; it was rather like howling than speaking; thus he cried before he saw
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 6:20
And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel: and the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Daniel 6:20
Servant of the living God: this was a commendation both of Daniel and his God, though he served both very coarsely. Is thy God able to deliver thee? is he omnipotent? surely if ever he will put forth his power, it will be in thy case, for thou servest him continually, thou wilt not be frightened from his service by savage beasts, by ramping and roaring lions; now it will appear what thy God will do for his servant. Ah, poor king, God is a better Master to his servants than thou art, even to Daniel.
Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 6:20
Daniel 6:20 And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel: [and] the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions?Ver. 20. And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice.] With a piteous distressed voice: far otherwise than did Daniel, who chose rather to be cast into the den of lions than to carry about a lion in his bosom, an enraged conscience, as did Darius here, and afterwards Theodoricus, king of Italy, who had caused Boetius and Symmachus to be unjustly beheaded, but carried the horror of it to his grave. How good is it, therefore, to keep the bird in the bosom always singing as Daniel did, and as those primitive Christians, who chose rather ad leonem proieci quam ad lenonem, to be thrown to lions without than to be left to lusts within, such fleshly lusts as war against the soul, against the peace of it principally. Is thy God, whom thou servest continually.] A far deal better than did Cardinal Wolsey, who yet, when he came in a morning out of his privy chamber, most commonly heard two masses; and whatever business he had in the daytime (when he was Lord Chancellor), he would not go to bed with any part of his service unsaid, no, not so much as one collect. Nevertheless, when he was sent for up by Henry VIII to be put into the Tower, he bewailed himself, and said that if he had been as careful to serve God as he ever was to please the king, it would have been much better with him. To be a "servant of the living God" is an argument of safety. Tertul. The Life and Death of Cardinal Wolsey, p. 18. Semetipsam detestatus est quod Regi potius quam Deo placere studuisset. - Scult.
Ellicott's Commentary on Daniel 6:20
(20) Is thy God . . . able?—The faith of this king is very weak. In Daniel 6:16 he expressed a vague hope that God would protect His servant. That hope seems now to have died out, though afterwards (Daniel 6:26) it appears stronger than that of Nebuchadnezzar. (Comp. Daniel 4:37.) The phrase “living God” is remarkable, coming as it does from a heathen king. (See 1 Samuel 17:36.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Daniel 6:20
Verse 20. He cried with a lamentable voice] His heart, full of grief, affected his speech. Servant of the living God] The king was convinced that, unless his God saved him, his destruction was inevitable.
Cambridge Bible on Daniel 6:20
20. when he came] as he drew near. with a lamentable voice] or, with a pained voice. The same expression (with an inappreciable difference of form) occurs in the Targ. (Ps.-Jon.) of Exodus 12:31, and in that of Est 4:1. and the king, &c.] the king answered and said. the living God] The same emphatic and significant title, found in Deuteronomy 5:26; Joshua 3:10; 1 Samuel 17:26; 1 Samuel 17:36; 2 Kings 19:4; 2 Kings 19:16; Jeremiah 10:10; Jeremiah 23:36; Hosea 1:10; Psalms 42:2; Psalms 84:2.
Barnes' Notes on Daniel 6:20
He cried with a lamentable voice - A voice full of anxious solicitude. Literally, “a voice of grief.” Such a cry would be natural on such an occasion.
Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 6:20
19, 20. One ancient Greek version adds that the king took the “satraps” with him.
Sermons on Daniel 6:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Living God by Charles E. Cowman | Charles E. Cowman preaches about the importance of remembering that God is the living God, unchanging in His power and love throughout all time. He emphasizes the need to confide i |
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(2 Samuel) Doing Things God's Way by David Guzik | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Uzzah and the Ark of the Covenant. Uzzah reaches out to steady the Ark when it hits a rock, but God strikes him down for his erro |
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(The Sermon on the Mount and Prayer - Session 1) - Part 13 by Gerhard Du Toit | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of seeking God's face and spending time with Him. He encourages the congregation to come forward and kneel before God, seekin |
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If My People - Part 3 by Shane Idleman | This sermon focuses on the importance of prayer, highlighting the challenges and motivations to ignite prayer in individual lives. It emphasizes the need for a consistent prayer li |
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Romans 12:12 by Doc Greenway | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of prayer in the life of a Christian. He highlights that prayer is not just a one-time event, but a continuous practice that |
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It Is Time to Seek the Lord by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the urgency of seeking the Lord, drawing parallels between the awakening of nature in spring and the need for individuals to open their hearts to God. He u |
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A Prayer Rule by St. Theophan the Recluse | St. Theophan the Recluse emphasizes the importance of having a prayer rule to maintain consistency and balance in prayer life. He advises starting with established prayers, focusin |