Daniel 6:7
Daniel 6:7 in Multiple Translations
All the royal administrators, prefects, satraps, advisers, and governors have agreed that the king should establish an ordinance and enforce a decree that for thirty days anyone who petitions any god or man except you, O king, will be thrown into the den of lions.
All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors, and the princes, the counsellors, and the captains, have consulted together to establish a royal statute, and to make a firm decree, that whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions.
All the presidents of the kingdom, the deputies and the satraps, the counsellors and the governors, have consulted together to establish a royal statute, and to make a strong interdict, that whosoever shall ask a petition of any god or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions.
All the chief rulers of the kingdom, the chiefs and the captains, the wise men and the rulers, have made a common decision to put in force a law having the king's authority, and to give a strong order, that whoever makes any request to any god or man but you, O King, for thirty days, is to be put into the lions' hole.
“We have all agreed—chief ministers, prefects, provincial governors, counselors, and local governors—that Your Majesty should issue a decree, legally enforced, that for the next thirty days anyone who prays to any god or human being except you, Your Majesty, shall be thrown into the lions' den.
All the rulers of thy kingdome, the officers and gouernours, the counsellers, and dukes haue consulted together to make a decree for the King and to establish a statute, that whosoeuer shall aske a petition of any god or man for thirtie dayes saue of thee, O King, he shalbe cast into the denne of lyons.
Taken counsel have all the presidents of the kingdom, the prefects, and the satraps, the counsellors, and the governors, to establish a royal statute, and to strengthen an interdict, that any who seeketh a petition from any god and man until thirty days, save of thee, O king, is cast into a den of lions.
All the presidents of the kingdom, the deputies and the local governors, the counselors and the governors, have consulted together to establish a royal statute and to make a strong decree, that whoever asks a petition of any god or man for thirty days, except of you, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions.
All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors, and the princes, the counselors, and the captains, have consulted together to establish a royal statute, and to make a firm decree, that whoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions.
All the princes of the kingdom, the magistrates, and governors, the senators, and judges have consulted together, that an imperial decree, and an edict be published: That whosoever shall ask any petition of any god, or man, for thirty days, but of thee, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions.
We administrators and governors and district governors and advisors and other officials have all agreed that you should make a law that everyone must obey. We want you to command that for the next thirty days people may pray only to you. If anyone prays to anyone else, either to a human or to a god, he must be thrown into a pit of lions.
Berean Amplified Bible — Daniel 6:7
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 6:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֱ֠דַיִן
סָרְכַיָּ֤/א
וַ/אֲחַשְׁדַּרְפְּנַיָּ/א֙
אִלֵּ֔ן
הַרְגִּ֖שׁוּ
עַל
מַלְכָּ֑/א
וְ/כֵן֙
אָמְרִ֣ין
לֵ֔/הּ
דָּרְיָ֥וֶשׁ
מַלְכָּ֖/א
לְ/עָלְמִ֥ין
חֱיִֽי
אֱ֠דַיִן
ʼĕdayin
H116
then
Adj
סָרְכַיָּ֤/א
çârêk
H5632
chief
Adj | Art
וַ/אֲחַשְׁדַּרְפְּנַיָּ/א֙
ʼăchashdarpan
H324
satrap
Adj | N-mp | Art
אִלֵּ֔ן
ʼillêyn
H459
these
Adj
הַרְגִּ֖שׁוּ
rᵉgash
H7284
to throng
Adj
עַל
ʻal
H5922
since
Adj
מַלְכָּ֑/א
melek
H4430
king
Adj | Art
וְ/כֵן֙
kên
H3652
thus
Adj | Adv
אָמְרִ֣ין
ʼămar
H560
to say
Adj
לֵ֔/הּ
Adj | Suff
דָּרְיָ֥וֶשׁ
Dârᵉyâvêsh
H1868
Darius
Adj
מַלְכָּ֖/א
melek
H4430
king
Adj | Art
לְ/עָלְמִ֥ין
ʻâlam
H5957
perpetuity
Adj | N-mp
חֱיִֽי
chăyâʼ
H2418
to live
Adj
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Daniel 6:7
אֱ֠דַיִן
ʼĕdayin
H116
"then"
Adj
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.
סָרְכַיָּ֤/א
çârêk
H5632
"chief"
Adj | Art
A chief or president was a high-ranking leader, often in charge of a group of people. This word is used in the Bible to describe important leaders, such as those in the book of Daniel. The chief of a group was responsible for making important decisions.
Definition: chief, overseer
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: president. See also: Daniel 6:3; Daniel 6:5; Daniel 6:8.
וַ/אֲחַשְׁדַּרְפְּנַיָּ/א֙
ʼăchashdarpan
H324
"satrap"
Adj | N-mp | Art
A satrap, or high-ranking governor, in the Persian Empire, similar to a modern-day prince or official.
Definition: satrap, a governor of a Persian province Aramaic of a.chash.dar.pan (אֲחַשְׁדַּרְפַּן "satrap" H0323)
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: prince. See also: Daniel 3:2; Daniel 6:3; Daniel 6:8.
אִלֵּ֔ן
ʼillêyn
H459
"these"
Adj
This Aramaic word means these or those, used to point out specific people or things. It is similar to the Hebrew word for these. The KJV translates it as the or these.
Definition: these, those Aramaic of el (אֵל "these" H0411)
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: the, these. See also: Daniel 2:40; Daniel 6:3; Daniel 7:17.
הַרְגִּ֖שׁוּ
rᵉgash
H7284
"to throng"
Adj
This word describes a crowd gathering in a tumultuous or chaotic way. It is used to describe people coming together in a state of agitation or upheaval.
Definition: 1) to be in tumult 1a) (Aphel) to gather in a tumultuous throng, show tumultuousness, come thronging
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: assemble (together). See also: Daniel 6:7; Daniel 6:12; Daniel 6:16.
עַל
ʻal
H5922
"since"
Adj
Similar to H5921, this word means on, above, or because of something. It is often used to describe a reason or a direction, like in Genesis 18:5 where Abraham is asked to walk before God.
Definition: 1) upon, over, on account of, above, to, against 1a) upon, over, on account of, regarding, concerning, on behalf of 1b) over (with verbs of ruling) 1c) above, beyond (in comparison) 1d) to, against (of direction)
Usage: Occurs in 86 OT verses. KJV: about, against, concerning, for, (there-) fore, from, in, [idiom] more, of, (there-, up-) on, (in-) to, [phrase] why with. See also: Ezra 4:8; Daniel 4:2; Daniel 7:28.
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.
וְ/כֵן֙
kên
H3652
"thus"
Adj | Adv
This Aramaic word means 'thus' or 'so', similar to its Hebrew counterpart, and is used in the Bible to show agreement or confirmation. It appears in the book of Daniel, written in Aramaic. It is often translated as 'thus' in English Bibles.
Definition: thus, so, as follows Aramaic of ken (כֵּן "so" H3651C)
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: thus. See also: Ezra 5:3; Daniel 4:11; Daniel 7:23.
אָמְרִ֣ין
ʼămar
H560
"to say"
Adj
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.
לֵ֔/הּ
""
Adj | Suff
דָּרְיָ֥וֶשׁ
Dârᵉyâvêsh
H1868
"Darius"
Adj
This word also refers to Darius, a title for Persian kings, including Darius the Mede, who succeeded Belshazzar. As seen in Daniel 6:1, Darius played a significant role in the life of Daniel, and his story is an important part of the biblical narrative. His title signifies his position as a lord or ruler.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Dan.5.31; son of: Ahasuerus (H0325) Aramaic of dar.ya.vesh (דָּֽרְיָ֫וֶשׁ "Darius" H1867I) § Darius = "lord" 1) Darius the Mede, the son of Ahasuerus, king of the Chaldeans, who succeeded to the Babylonian kingdom on the death of Belshazzar; probably the same as "Astyages" the last king of the Medes (538 BC) (same as dar.ya.vesh (דָּֽרְיָ֫וֶשׁ "Darius" H1867) (1)) 2) Darius, the son of Hystaspes, the founder of the Perso-Arian dynasty (521 BC) (same as (2)) 3) Darius II or Darius III 3a) Darius II, Nothus (Ochus) was king of Persia during the time of Nehemiah (424/3-405/4 BC). Darius II is the most probable because he is mentioned by Nehemiah and ruled during the time of Nehemiah 3b) Darius III, Codomannus was king of Persia during its last years at the time of Alexander the Great and was his opponent (336-330 BC)
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: Darius. See also: Ezra 4:24; Ezra 6:14; Daniel 6:29.
מַלְכָּ֖/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.
לְ/עָלְמִ֥ין
ʻâlam
H5957
"perpetuity"
Adj | N-mp
This word refers to a very long time, often forever or eternity. It is used to describe something that has been true for a long time or will be true forever. It appears in the Bible to describe God's eternal nature.
Definition: perpetuity, antiquity, for ever Aramaic of o.lam (עוֹלָם ": old" H5769J)
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: for (n-)ever (lasting), old. See also: Ezra 4:15; Daniel 4:31; Daniel 7:27.
חֱיִֽי
chăyâʼ
H2418
"to live"
Adj
This Hebrew word means to live or have life, as seen in the Bible's promise to let people live and keep them alive. It appears in various forms, such as living prosperously or being restored to health. In the KJV, it is often translated as 'live' or 'keep alive'.
Definition: 1) to live 1a) (P'al) to live 1b) (Aphel) to let live, keep alive
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: live, keep alive. See also: Daniel 2:4; Daniel 5:19; Daniel 6:22.
Study Notes — Daniel 6:7
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Daniel 6:7 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Daniel 6:7
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 6:7
- Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 6:7
- Ellicott's Commentary on Daniel 6:7
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Daniel 6:7
- Cambridge Bible on Daniel 6:7
- Barnes' Notes on Daniel 6:7
- Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 6:7
- Sermons on Daniel 6:7
Context — The Plot against Daniel
5Finally these men said, “We will never find any charge against this Daniel unless we find something against him concerning the law of his God.”
6So the administrators and satraps went together to the king and said, “O King Darius, may you live forever!
7All the royal administrators, prefects, satraps, advisers, and governors have agreed that the king should establish an ordinance and enforce a decree that for thirty days anyone who petitions any god or man except you, O king, will be thrown into the den of lions.
8Therefore, O king, establish the decree and sign the document so that it cannot be changed—in accordance with the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be repealed.” 9Therefore King Darius signed the written decree.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 59:3 | See how they lie in wait for me. Fierce men conspire against me for no transgression or sin of my own, O LORD. |
| 2 | Psalms 62:4 | They fully intend to cast him down from his lofty perch; they delight in lies; with their mouths they bless, but inwardly they curse. Selah |
| 3 | Daniel 3:27 | and when the satraps, prefects, governors, and royal advisers had gathered around, they saw that the fire had no effect on the bodies of these men. Not a hair of their heads was singed, their robes were unaffected, and there was no smell of fire on them. |
| 4 | Daniel 3:6 | And whoever does not fall down and worship will immediately be thrown into the blazing fiery furnace.” |
| 5 | Psalms 83:1–3 | O God, be not silent; be not speechless; be not still, O God. See how Your enemies rage, how Your foes have reared their heads. With cunning they scheme against Your people and conspire against those You cherish, |
| 6 | Daniel 3:2 | Then King Nebuchadnezzar sent word to assemble the satraps, prefects, governors, advisers, treasurers, judges, magistrates, and all the other officials of the provinces to attend the dedication of the statue he had set up. |
| 7 | Psalms 10:9 | He lies in wait like a lion in a thicket; he lurks to seize the oppressed; he catches the lowly in his net. |
| 8 | Mark 15:1 | Early in the morning, the chief priests, elders, scribes, and the whole Sanhedrin devised a plan. They bound Jesus, led Him away, and handed Him over to Pilate. |
| 9 | Acts 4:26–28 | The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against His Anointed One.’ In fact, this is the very city where Herod and Pontius Pilate conspired with the Gentiles and the people of Israel against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed. They carried out what Your hand and will had decided beforehand would happen. |
| 10 | Matthew 12:14 | But the Pharisees went out and plotted how they might kill Jesus. |
Daniel 6:7 Summary
This verse is about a group of leaders who want the king to make a law that says no one can pray to anyone except the king for thirty days. If someone disobeys, they will be thrown into a den of lions. This shows how the leaders were trying to test Daniel's faith and loyalty to God, as seen in Daniel 6:10. It also reminds us that, as Christians, we should only worship the one true God, as written in Exodus 20:3, and that we should be willing to stand firm in our faith even when it is difficult, as seen in Daniel 3:18, where Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refuse to worship the idol despite the threat of death.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the thirty-day period in Daniel 6:7?
The thirty-day period was likely chosen to test the loyalty of the king's subjects, and to make it difficult for Daniel to avoid worshiping his God, as seen in Daniel 6:10, where Daniel continues to pray to the God of Israel despite the decree.
Why did the royal administrators and satraps want the king to establish this ordinance?
They wanted to eliminate Daniel from his position of power, as they were jealous of his influence and success, as mentioned in Daniel 6:3-4, where it is written that Daniel was to be appointed over the whole kingdom.
What is the den of lions, and what does it signify in this context?
The den of lions was a place of execution, where those who disobeyed the king's decree would be thrown to their death, as seen in Daniel 6:7, and it signifies the severe punishment for those who refused to worship the king exclusively, similar to the fiery furnace in Daniel 3:6.
How does this verse relate to the concept of idolatry in the Bible?
This verse highlights the issue of idolatry, as the king is being worshiped as a god, which is a clear violation of the first commandment in Exodus 20:3, where it is written that we should have no other gods before the one true God.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I am tempted to worship or prioritize things other than God in my life, and how can I apply the lesson of Daniel's faithfulness to my own situation?
- How can I, like Daniel, remain faithful to God even when it is difficult or unpopular, as seen in Daniel 6:10, where Daniel continues to pray to God despite the decree?
- What does this verse reveal about the nature of true worship, and how can I apply this understanding to my own relationship with God, as seen in John 4:24, where it is written that God is a Spirit and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth?
- How does this verse relate to the concept of persecution, and what can I learn from Daniel's example about standing firm in my faith even in the face of adversity, as seen in Matthew 5:10-12, where it is written that those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake are blessed?
Gill's Exposition on Daniel 6:7
All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors, and the princes, the counsellors, and the captains,.... There were but three presidents, and Daniel was one of them, so that these "all" were but
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 6:7
All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors, and the princes, the counsellors, and the captains, have consulted together to establish a royal statute, and to make a firm decree, that whosoever
Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 6:7
Daniel 6:7 All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors, and the princes, the counsellors, and the captains, have consulted together to establish a royal statute, and to make a firm decree, that whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions.Ver. 7. All the presidents of the kingdom.] Not all either, for Daniel would sooner have died a thousand deaths than have voted such a gross impiety; but he was one of the most, that knew least of the council, and it was he against whom, haec cudebatur faba, this plot was laid, though it proved at last to be against themselves. The governors, and the princes, the counsellors and the captains.] A rabble of rebels, conspiring against heaven. Non numeranda aunt suffragia, sed expendenda. To establish a royal statute.] But a very irreligious and injurious one, the like whereunto was that prohibition in France of Henry III, that it should not be lawful for householders to pray with their families; and that of the Jesuits at Dolce, forbidding the common people to say anything at all of God, either in good sort or in bad. That whosoever shall ask a petition of any god or man.] What, not of their own gods? nor yet of Cyrus, who was co-partner with Darius in the kingdom? But, like enough, these conspiritors might think hereby the rather to ingratiate with the old dotard Darius, who feared the virtue and valour of his nephew and colleague, Cyrus, and would say with tears, as Xenophon reporteth, that Cyrus was more glorious than he, and had more applause of the people. Polan. in locum. Heyl. Geog.
Ellicott's Commentary on Daniel 6:7
(7) All the presidents.—Observe the order in which the State officers are mentioned—civil rulers, legal advisers, military governors—and comp. Note on Daniel 3:2. The spokesman represents all these officers to have come to a fixed determination after due deliberation. This was false, as it is plain from Daniel 6:24 that all were not involved in the conspiracy. The object of the decree was political, as well as hostile towards Daniel. By consenting to the plan proposed, Darius would acknowledge the Babylonian system of theology, according to which the king was “the living manifestation of all the gods,” while, at the same time, his subjects would have an opportunity of doing him religious homage. Probably this prevented the king from perceiving any plot against Daniel. We see from this history the antiquity of espionage in political matters.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Daniel 6:7
Verse 7. Whosoever shall ask a petition] What pretense could they urge for so silly an ordinance? Probably to flatter the ambition of the king, they pretend to make him a god for thirty days; so that the whole empire should make prayer and supplication to him, and pay him Divine honours! This was the bait; but their real object was to destroy Daniel.
Cambridge Bible on Daniel 6:7
7. All the presidents] of course, with the exception of Daniel, who was one of them (Daniel 6:2). But the misrepresentation may be meant to be intentional, as though to lead the king to suppose that the proposal had Daniel’s approval. the governors, and the princes, the counsellers and the captains] the praefects (Daniel 2:48), and the satraps, the ministers (Daniel 3:24), and the governors (Daniel 3:2). Cf. the enumeration of officials in Daniel 3:2-3; Daniel 3:27. to establish a royal statute] Of course, indirectly,—by prevailing upon the king to take action. A.V. marg. ‘that the king should establish a statute, and make’ &c., expresses the meaning more distinctly; but it is a less natural rendering of the Aramaic. and to make a firm decree] and to make a stringent interdict. ‘Interdict’ (so A.V. marg., and R.V.) is lit. a binding, or restraining; and almost the same word is used in Numbers 30:2-4, &c. of a restraining vow (A.V., R.V., ‘bond’). The passive partic. of the cognate verb is common in the Mishna in the sense of ‘prohibited.’ a petition] The meaning probably is, not any petition absolutely, but any petition of the nature of a prayer, or request addressed formally to a superior. The interdict has been deemed an incredible one; but some allowance must be made for what an oriental despot might prescribe in a freak of humour. Nevertheless, it is remarkable that the king should accede so readily to the proposal made to him, without either consulting the minister whose judgement he specially trusted (Daniel 6:3), or reflecting upon the difficulties in which it might involve him. the den of lions] the reference is “to the custom which existed already among the Assyrians, and from them was passed on to the Persians, of keeping lions for the chase” (Bevan): cf. Ezekiel 19:9. The word rendered ‘den’ means properly a pit or dungeon: see the Targ. of Genesis 37:22; Jeremiah 38:6-7; and cf.
Daniel 6:23 (‘taken up’), and Daniel 6:24, end.
Barnes' Notes on Daniel 6:7
All the presidents of the kingdom, the governor ... - Several functionaries are enumerated here who are not in the previous verses, as having entered into the conspiracy.
Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 6:7
7. They told the king that all the “presidents” (though this was not true of Daniel, Daniel 6:2), “the deputies and the satraps, the counselors and the governors” (R.V.) favored a royal decree and
Sermons on Daniel 6:7
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Two Kingdoms and a Miracle by Ed Miller | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the book of Daniel. He emphasizes that every trial in our lives is a missionary trial, meant |
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The Son of God With His Children in the Furnace by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of King Nebuchadnezzar and the three men who were thrown into the fiery furnace. He emphasizes the greatness and power of Nebuchad |
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Atlantic Lyman conf.1972-02 Studies in Daniel 03 by Joseph Balsan | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of man's inability to save himself and the need for God to send his Son, Jesus Christ, to save humanity. The preacher references |
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Holl-09 Israel in the Cosmic Drama by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a prophetic perspective that considers eternity and its impact on the present. He calls out the church in Holland to |
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The Battle to Think Right by Teresa Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of a woman who is married to a man named Saul. However, she helps David, who is being hunted by Saul, escape. As a result, she is a |
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Signs of the Times by Brian Brodersen | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the discovery of an ancient book of Psalms in Dublin, Ireland. The manuscript was found open to Psalm 83, which talks about God's enemies and |
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Satan's Plan to Destroy God's Overcomers by Phil Beach Jr. | Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the necessity of knowing God amidst the chaos of competing voices and distractions in our lives. He urges believers to seek a deep, personal relationship |