Daniel 6:21
Daniel 6:21 in Multiple Translations
Then Daniel replied, “O king, may you live forever!
Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever.
Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever.
Then Daniel said to the king, O King, have life for ever.
Daniel replied, “May Your Majesty the king live forever!
Then saide Daniel vnto the King, O King, liue for euer.
Then Daniel hath spoken with the king: 'O king, to the ages live:
Then Daniel said to the king, “O king, live forever!
Then said Daniel to the king, O king, live for ever.
And Daniel answering the king, said: O king, live for ever:
I answered, “◄Your Majesty/O king►, I hope that you will live a long time!
Berean Amplified Bible — Daniel 6:21
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 6:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וּ/כְ/מִקְרְבֵ֣/הּ
לְ/גֻבָּ֔/א
לְ/דָ֣נִיֵּ֔אל
בְּ/קָ֥ל
עֲצִ֖יב
זְעִ֑ק
עָנֵ֨ה
מַלְכָּ֜/א
וְ/אָמַ֣ר
לְ/דָנִיֵּ֗אל
דָּֽנִיֵּאל֙
עֲבֵד֙
אֱלָהָ֣/א
חַיָּ֔/א
אֱלָהָ֗/ךְ
דִּ֣י
אנתה
אַ֤נְתְּ
פָּֽלַֽח
לֵ/הּ֙
בִּ/תְדִירָ֔/א
הַ/יְכִ֥ל
לְ/שֵׁיזָבוּתָ֖/ךְ
מִן
אַרְיָוָתָֽ/א
וּ/כְ/מִקְרְבֵ֣/הּ
qᵉrêb
H7127
to approach
Adj | Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
לְ/גֻבָּ֔/א
gôb
H1358
den
Adj | N-ms | Art
לְ/דָ֣נִיֵּ֔אל
Dânîyêʼl
H1841
Daniel
Adj | N-proper
בְּ/קָ֥ל
qâl
H7032
voice
Adj | N-ms
עֲצִ֖יב
ʻătsab
H6088
to pain
Adj
זְעִ֑ק
zᵉʻiq
H2200
to cry out
Adj
עָנֵ֨ה
ʻănâh
H6032
to answer
Adj
מַלְכָּ֜/א
melek
H4430
king
Adj | Art
וְ/אָמַ֣ר
ʼămar
H560
to say
Adj | V-Qal
לְ/דָנִיֵּ֗אל
Dânîyêʼl
H1841
Daniel
Adj | N-proper
דָּֽנִיֵּאל֙
Dânîyêʼl
H1841
Daniel
Adj
עֲבֵד֙
ʻăbad
H5649
servant/slave
Adj
אֱלָהָ֣/א
ʼĕlâhh
H426
god
Adj | Art
חַיָּ֔/א
chay
H2417
living
Adj | Art
אֱלָהָ֗/ךְ
ʼĕlâhh
H426
god
Adj | Suff
דִּ֣י
dîy
H1768
that
Adj
אנתה
ʼantâh
H607
you
Adj
אַ֤נְתְּ
ʼantâh
H607
you
Adj
פָּֽלַֽח
pᵉlach
H6399
to serve
Adj
לֵ/הּ֙
Adj | Suff
בִּ/תְדִירָ֔/א
tᵉdîyrâʼ
H8411
continuance
Adj | N-fs | Art
הַ/יְכִ֥ל
yᵉkêl
H3202
be able
Adj | V-Qal-Perf-3ms
לְ/שֵׁיזָבוּתָ֖/ךְ
shᵉzab
H7804
to rescue
Adj | V-e-Inf-a | Suff
מִן
min
H4481
from
Adj
אַרְיָוָתָֽ/א
ʼaryêh
H744
lion
Adj | Art
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Daniel 6:21
וּ/כְ/מִקְרְבֵ֣/הּ
qᵉrêb
H7127
"to approach"
Adj | Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
To approach or draw near to someone or something, often in a physical or spiritual sense, as seen in Psalm 119:151 where the psalmist draws near to God's commandments. This word can also mean to offer or present something to someone.
Definition: 1) to approach, come near 1a) (P'al) to approach 1b) (Pael) to offer, draw near 1c) (Aphel) to be summoned
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: approach, come (near, nigh), draw near. See also: Ezra 6:10; Daniel 3:26; Daniel 7:16.
לְ/גֻבָּ֔/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.
לְ/דָ֣נִיֵּ֔אל
Dânîyêʼl
H1841
"Daniel"
Adj | N-proper
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.
בְּ/קָ֥ל
qâl
H7032
"voice"
Adj | N-ms
It signifies a voice or sound, like the voice of God speaking to Moses in Exodus 3:4 or the sound of music in Psalm 98:5.
Definition: : voice voice, sound Aramaic of qol (קוֹל ": sound" H6963H)
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: sound, voice. See also: Daniel 3:5; Daniel 3:15; Daniel 7:11.
עֲצִ֖יב
ʻătsab
H6088
"to pain"
Adj
This word means to cause pain or grief, like the sorrow of the Israelites during their Babylonian exile, as described in Psalm 137:1.
Definition: 1) to pain, grieve 1a) (P'al) pained (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: lamentable. See also: Daniel 6:21.
זְעִ֑ק
zᵉʻiq
H2200
"to cry out"
Adj
This Aramaic word means to cry out or make an outcry, often in distress or need, like when people cry out to God for help. It is used in the Bible to describe people calling out for aid. It is similar to the Hebrew word 'zaaq' and is used to convey a sense of urgency.
Definition: (P'al) to cry, cry out, call Aramaic of za.aq (זָעַק "to cry out" H2199)
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: cry. See also: Daniel 6:21.
עָנֵ֨ה
ʻănâh
H6032
"to answer"
Adj
To answer or respond to something, often by speaking or singing. In the Bible, it can mean to pay attention or testify, as seen in 1 Samuel 12:3.
Definition: 1) to answer, respond 1a) (P'al) 1a1) to answer, make reply 1a2) to respond
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: answer, speak. See also: Psalms 60:7; Daniel 3:24; Daniel 7:2.
מַלְכָּ֜/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.
וְ/אָמַ֣ר
ʼămar
H560
"to say"
Adj | V-Qal
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to say or speak, often used when God commands or declares something, as seen in many KJV translations. It is used with great flexibility, including to command, declare, or tell. This word appears in various contexts, including Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: (P'al) to say, to speak, to command, to tell, to relate Aramaic of a.mar (אָמַר "to say" H0559)
Usage: Occurs in 65 OT verses. KJV: command, declare, say, speak, tell. See also: Ezra 5:3; Daniel 3:28; Jeremiah 10:11.
לְ/דָנִיֵּ֗אל
Dânîyêʼl
H1841
"Daniel"
Adj | N-proper
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.
דָּֽנִיֵּאל֙
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.
עֲבֵד֙
ʻăbad
H5649
"servant/slave"
Adj
A servant or slave is the meaning of this word, which is used to describe someone who serves another person or God, as seen in the story of the Israelites serving God. It is a term that implies a relationship of service or subordination. The word is used in the KJV to describe social roles and relationships.
Definition: servant, slave Aramaic of e.ved (עֶ֫בֶד "servant/slave" H5650)
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: servant. See also: Ezra 4:11; Daniel 2:7; Daniel 6:21.
אֱלָהָ֣/א
ʼĕlâhh
H426
"god"
Adj | Art
This word means God, referring to the God of Israel or a heathen deity, as seen in various KJV translations. It is used to describe a divine being.
Definition: 1) god, God 1a) god, heathen deity 1b) God (of Israel)
Usage: Occurs in 78 OT verses. KJV: God, god. See also: Ezra 4:24; Daniel 2:19; Jeremiah 10:11.
חַיָּ֔/א
chay
H2417
"living"
Adj | Art
This word is similar to H2416 and also means alive or living. It is used in the Bible to describe living creatures, like in Genesis 1:21, or to emphasize the importance of life, like in Deuteronomy 30:19.
Definition: alive, living, life Aramaic of chay (חַי "alive" H2416A)
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: life, that liveth, living. See also: Ezra 6:10; Daniel 4:31; Daniel 7:12.
אֱלָהָ֗/ךְ
ʼĕlâhh
H426
"god"
Adj | Suff
This word means God, referring to the God of Israel or a heathen deity, as seen in various KJV translations. It is used to describe a divine being.
Definition: 1) god, God 1a) god, heathen deity 1b) God (of Israel)
Usage: Occurs in 78 OT verses. KJV: God, god. See also: Ezra 4:24; Daniel 2:19; Jeremiah 10:11.
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.
אנתה
ʼantâh
H607
"you"
Adj
The word thou means you, a second-person singular pronoun used to address someone directly. It appears in Aramaic texts, such as in the book of Daniel.
Definition: you, thou (second pers. sing.) Aramaic of at.tah (אַתָּ֫ה "you(m.s.)" H0859A)
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: as for thee, thou. See also: Ezra 7:25; Daniel 4:19; Daniel 6:21.
אַ֤נְתְּ
ʼantâh
H607
"you"
Adj
The word thou means you, a second-person singular pronoun used to address someone directly. It appears in Aramaic texts, such as in the book of Daniel.
Definition: you, thou (second pers. sing.) Aramaic of at.tah (אַתָּ֫ה "you(m.s.)" H0859A)
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: as for thee, thou. See also: Ezra 7:25; Daniel 4:19; Daniel 6:21.
פָּֽלַֽח
pᵉlach
H6399
"to serve"
Adj
To serve means to worship or pay reverence to someone or something, often used to describe ministering to God or others in the Bible.
Definition: 1) to serve, worship, revere, minister for, pay reverence to 1a) (P'al) 1a1) to pay reverence to 1a2) to serve
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: minister, serve. See also: Ezra 7:24; Daniel 3:28; Daniel 7:27.
לֵ/הּ֙
""
Adj | Suff
בִּ/תְדִירָ֔/א
tᵉdîyrâʼ
H8411
"continuance"
Adj | N-fs | Art
This word means continuance or permanence, often used to describe something that lasts or happens constantly. It is translated as 'continually' in the Bible.
Definition: 1) continuance, continuity, perpetuity 1a) constantly (as adverb)
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: continually. See also: Daniel 6:17; Daniel 6:21.
הַ/יְכִ֥ל
yᵉkêl
H3202
"be able"
Adj | V-Qal-Perf-3ms
Similar to H3201, this word also means to be able, but is used in the Aramaic language and has a slightly different connotation, still translated as 'be able' or 'prevail'.
Definition: 1) to be able 1a) (P'al) 1a1) to be able 1a2) to prevail
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: be able, can, couldest, prevail. See also: Daniel 2:10; Daniel 4:15; Daniel 7:21.
לְ/שֵׁיזָבוּתָ֖/ךְ
shᵉzab
H7804
"to rescue"
Adj | V-e-Inf-a | Suff
To rescue means to deliver or set free, as seen in the Bible where it is used to describe God's action of freeing people. The word is related to the idea of returning or going back to a safe place.
Definition: (Peel or Peil) to deliver Aramaic of shuv (שׁוּב ": return" H7725)
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: deliver. See also: Daniel 3:15; Daniel 6:15; Daniel 6:28.
מִן
min
H4481
"from"
Adj
This word is used to show where something comes from, like from a place or at a certain time, and is often translated as from or out of.
Definition: 1) from, out of, by, by reason of, at, more than 1a) from, out of (of place) 1b) from, by, as a result of, by reason of, at, according to, (of source) 1c) from (of time) 1d) beyond, more than (in comparisons)
Usage: Occurs in 83 OT verses. KJV: according, after, [phrase] because, [phrase] before, by, for, from, [idiom] him, [idiom] more than, (out) of, part, since, [idiom] these, to, upon, [phrase] when. See also: Ezra 4:12; Daniel 3:22; Jeremiah 10:11.
אַרְיָוָתָֽ/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.
Study Notes — Daniel 6:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Daniel in the Lions’ Den
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.” 23The king was overjoyed and gave orders to lift Daniel out of the den, and when Daniel was lifted out of the den, no wounds whatsoever were found on him, because he had trusted in his God.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Daniel 2:4 | Then the astrologers answered the king in Aramaic, “O king, may you live forever! Tell your servants the dream, and we will give the interpretation.” |
| 2 | Daniel 6:6 | So the administrators and satraps went together to the king and said, “O King Darius, may you live forever! |
| 3 | Nehemiah 2:3 | and replied to the king, “May the king live forever! Why should I not be sad when the city where my fathers are buried lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?” |
Daniel 6:21 Summary
[In this verse, Daniel is showing respect to the king, even after being thrown into a den of lions, by saying 'may you live forever'. This shows that Daniel is a man of integrity and faith, who trusts in God's sovereignty, as seen in Psalm 37:3-4. Daniel's response is an example of how we can show respect and courtesy to those in authority, even when we face challenges, and trust in God's protection, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Daniel say 'may you live forever' to the king?
Daniel said this as a way of showing respect and courtesy to the king, even though he had just been thrown into a den of lions, as seen in Daniel 6:21, similar to how Nehemiah showed respect to King Artaxerxes in Nehemiah 2:3.
Was Daniel being insincere when he wished the king long life?
No, Daniel was being sincere, as he was a man of integrity and faith, and his actions were guided by his trust in God, as seen in Daniel 6:22-23 and Psalm 37:3-4.
How could Daniel remain so calm and respectful in the face of danger?
Daniel's calmness and respect came from his trust in God, as seen in Daniel 6:22-23, and his commitment to living a life of faith and obedience, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Isaiah 26:3.
What can we learn from Daniel's response to the king?
We can learn the importance of showing respect and courtesy to those in authority, even when we disagree or face challenges, as seen in Romans 13:1-2 and 1 Peter 2:13-14.
Reflection Questions
- How can I, like Daniel, remain calm and respectful in the face of challenges and dangers?
- What are some ways I can show respect and courtesy to those in authority, even when I disagree with them?
- How can I trust in God's sovereignty and protection, like Daniel did, in the midst of difficult circumstances?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to demonstrate faith and obedience, like Daniel did in the face of the lions?
Gill's Exposition on Daniel 6:21
Then said Daniel unto the king,.... Whose voice he knew, though the tone of it was so much altered: O king, live for ever; he does not reproach him for delivering him into the hands of his enemies,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 6:21
Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever. Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live forever.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Daniel 6:21
He prays for the king’ s prosperity, though he suffered under his hand.
Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 6:21
Daniel 6:21 Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever.Ver. 21. O king, live for ever.] Daniel doth not curse the king (as some impatient spirits would have done, and as some think the damned in hell do God), but wisheth him a long and happy life, voto amabili. He useth the ordinary form, but with a better mind. His wish of the king’ s welfare was non in labris nature sed in fibris, it was from the heart, it was a holy prayer.
Cambridge Bible on Daniel 6:21
21. O king, live for ever] cf. Daniel 6:6.
Barnes' Notes on Daniel 6:21
Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live forever - The common form of salutation in addressing the king. See the note at Daniel 2:4.