Daniel 6:11 — Word Study
WLCאֱ֠דַיִן גֻּבְרַיָּ֤א אִלֵּךְ֙ הַרְגִּ֔שׁוּ וְהַשְׁכַּ֖חוּ לְדָנִיֵּ֑אל בָּעֵ֥א וּמִתְחַנַּ֖ן קֳדָ֥ם אֱלָהֵֽהּ׃
BSADanielDânîyêʼl [the prophet, a man of God] his Godʼĕlâhh [the one true God, his Lord]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| אֱ֠דַיִן | then | Adverb |
| גֻּבְרַיָּ֤א | men the | Noun common masculine plural determined, particle |
| אִלֵּךְ֙ | these | Particle |
| הַרְגִּ֔שׁוּ | they came as a crowd | Verb, Hiphil, perfect third person masculine plural |
| וְהַשְׁכַּ֖חוּ | and they found | Conjunction, verb hiphil perfect third person masculine plural |
| לְדָנִיֵּ֑אל | the object marker Daniel | Preposition, noun proper masculine |
| בָּעֵ֥א | asking | Verb, Qal, participle (active) masculine singular |
| וּמִתְחַנַּ֖ן | and imploring favor | Conjunction, verb masculine singular |
| קֳדָ֥ם | before | Noun common, both singular construct |
| אֱלָהֵֽהּ׃ | God his | Noun common both singular construct, suffix |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | Then these men went as a group and found Daniel petitioning and imploring his God. |
| KJV | Then these men assembled, and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God. |
| ASV | Then these men assembled together, and found Daniel making petition and supplication before his God. |
| YLT | Then these men have assembled, and found Daniel praying and entreating grace before his God; |
| WEB | Then these men assembled together, and found Daniel making petition and supplication before his God. |
| BBE | Then these men were watching and saw Daniel making prayers and requesting grace before his God. |
Translations agree on the essential meaning of the verse, with no significant variations noted.
The sentence is structured around a main action, with additional details provided through participial phrases.
7 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
subjectא
verbיְדַע
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Daniel 6:11
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — The Plot Against Danielgenerated
Daniel 6:11 describes how certain men conspired against Daniel due to his unwavering faithfulness in prayer. They found him petitioning and imploring God, which was against the decree that had been established. This act of devotion serves as a testament to Daniel's character and commitment to his faith, even in the face of danger. The surrounding verses illustrate the tension between the decree and Daniel's actions, culminating in the confrontation with the king in Daniel 6:12.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Daniel 6:6 | So the administrators and satraps went together to the king and said, “O King Darius, may you live forever! |
| 2 | Psalm 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. |
| 3 | Psalm 37:32–33 | Though the wicked lie in wait for the righteous, and seek to slay them, |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 3 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — הַרְגִּ֔שׁוּ, har.Gi.shugenerated
The verb הַרְגִּ֔שׁוּ (*har.Gi.shu*) is a third-person masculine plural form in the Hiphil stem, meaning 'they gathered' or 'they came as a crowd.' It indicates a tumultuous gathering, emphasizing the collective action of these men as they sought to catch Daniel in the act of prayer.
This construction highlights the conspiratorial nature of their actions, showing that they were not merely observing but actively seeking to entrap Daniel. The use of the Hiphil stem signifies that the subject (the men) caused the action (the gathering) to happen.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
Translations generally agree on the rendering of the verse, with the BSB, KJV, ASV, YLT, WEB, and BBE all conveying the essential meaning that these men found Daniel engaged in prayer.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The main verb of the sentence is הַרְגִּ֔שׁוּ, they gathered, which governs the action of the men. The structure includes a noun phrase for the subject, a prepositional phrase indicating the object of their action, and a participial phrase describing Daniel's activity.
The syntax emphasizes the collective action of the men, who are described as a group, and the subsequent finding of Daniel engaged in prayer.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates the key term for 'men' as ὃν, indicating a straightforward rendering of the Hebrew term. This choice reflects a direct correspondence in meaning without additional interpretive layers.
The translation of the verb הַרְגִּ֔שׁוּ does not appear in the provided Greek text, suggesting a focus on the action of finding rather than the gathering itself.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Daniel 6:11 tells us that certain men went together to find Daniel praying to God. This shows Daniel's commitment to his faith, even when it was against the law. Their actions were part of a plot to catch him in disobedience.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
It means that Daniel was actively praying and seeking God's favor, demonstrating his faithfulness despite the decree against prayer.
They gathered to catch Daniel in the act of praying, as they were looking for a way to accuse him and undermine his position.
Daniel's actions teach us about the importance of steadfastness in faith and prayer, even when faced with opposition or danger.
The decree did not deter Daniel; instead, it strengthened his resolve to pray, showing his commitment to God above all else.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what ways can I remain steadfast in my faith like Daniel, even when faced with challenges?
- How do I prioritize prayer in my daily life, especially when it may be difficult?
- What are some situations where I have felt pressured to compromise my beliefs?
- How can I support others in their faith journeys, as Daniel's friends might have supported him?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
The early church father Jerome comments on this verse, noting the significance of Daniel's prayer in the face of danger.
Verse 11. "Those men, therefore, conducted an inquisitive search and discovered Daniel in prayer and making supplication unto his God." From this passage we learn that we are not to expose ourselves rashly to danger,Early Church Fathers on Daniel 6 →
Commentators on this verse — 7 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Daniel 6:11 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleThen these men assembled,.... Gathered together, and went in a body to Daniel's house; knowing his times of prayer, and where, and in what manner, he used to pray, to see if they could find him at it
Read John Gill on Daniel 6 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryThen these men assembled, and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God. Then these men assembled - as in Daniel 6:6, assembled or ran hastily, so as to come upon Daniel suddenly, and detect him in the act.
Read Robert Jamieson on Daniel 6 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleThis design being laid by them, they watched narrowly, and it took; they came and found all open. He feared not to be found praying, he prevented their breaking open doors, and rushing in, or making proof; he owned all, and freely offered himself.
Read Matthew Poole on Daniel 6 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsDaniel 6:11 Then these men assembled, and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God.Ver. 11. Then these men assembled.] But for ill purpose: as did also our Saviour’ s enemies, and Stephen’ s, the Popish counsels. At Rome they have a meeting weekly de propaganda fide, for the propagating of the Romish religion, and abolishing of heresy, as they call it. And found Daniel praying.] The sun shall sooner stand still in heaven, than Daniel give over to pray to his Father in heaven.
Read John Trapp on Daniel 6 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges11. assembled] came thronging (Daniel 6:6),—flocking tumultuously about Daniel’s house.
Read Cambridge on Daniel 6 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleThen these men assembled ... - Evidently with a design of finding him at his devotions.
Read Albert Barnes on Daniel 6 →Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible11. Instead of “then these men came tumultuously, and found Daniel” the old Greek version has “and they watched Daniel.”
Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Daniel 6 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
Then these men went as a group and found Daniel petitioning and imploring his God.
Then these men assembled together, and found Daniel making petition and supplication before his God.
Then these men went as a group and found Daniel petitioning and imploring his God.
Then those officials who had gone to the king came by collusion and found Daniel praying and asking for help before his God.
Tyndale line
Then these men assembled, and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God.
Then these men assembled together, and found Daniel making petition and supplication before his God.
Then these men assembled together, and found Daniel making petition and supplication before his God.
Then these men assembled, and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God.
Then these men assembled, and founde Daniel praying, and making supplication vnto his God.
Strictly literal
But those men came in a body, and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God.
Then these men have assembled, and found Daniel praying and entreating grace before his God;
Then these men have assembled, and found Daniel praying and pleading grace before his God;
(6:12) Then came in these men tumultuously, and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God.
Then these men who had formed the plot together saw Daniel make requests and seek help from God.
From the Latin
Wherefore those men carefully watching him, found Daniel praying and making supplication to his God.
Simplified
Then the men who had plotted against Daniel went together and found him praying to his God and asking for help.
Then these men were watching and saw Daniel making prayers and requesting grace before his God.
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text and the Septuagint show agreement in the overall narrative, although the Septuagint's wording may differ in structure. The Dead Sea Scrolls contain partial restorations but align with the essential elements of the Masoretic Text.
אֱ֠דַיִן גֻּבְרַיָּ֤א אִלֵּךְ֙ הַרְגִּ֔שׁוּ וְהַשְׁכַּ֖חוּ לְדָנִיֵּ֑אל בָּעֵ֥א וּמִתְחַנַּ֖ן קֳדָ֥ם אֱלָהֵֽהּ׃
5 of the 10 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
[ודניאל] [כדי] ידע די [רשים] [כתב] [א] [על] [לבית׳ה] [וכוין] [פתיחן] [ל׳ה] [בע לית] א [נגד] [ירושלם] [וזמנין] [תלתה] [ביומ] [א] [הוא] [ברך] [על] ברכו׳הי ומצלא [ומודא] [קדם] [אלה׳ה] [כלקבל] [די] [הוא] [עבד] [מן] קודם דנה
4 words on the leather — 3 partly restored, 28 supplied entire by an editor.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Daniel 6:11
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
The Hebrew word אֱדַ֫יִן (*edayin*) is an Aramaic adverb meaning 'then' or 'thereupon.' It indicates a point in time, often used to refer to a sequence of events. The entries suggest it is derived from the word for 'then' in Hebrew, אָז (*az*).
אֱדַ֫יִן 57 adv. then, thereupon
base
H116 אֱדַ֫יִן
116 'edayin ed-ah'-yin
(Aramaic) of uncertain derivation; then (of time):--now,
that time, then.
אֱדַ֫יִן (e.da.yin) — then.
then, afterwards, thereupon, from that time
Aramaic of az (אָז "then" H0227A)
AD — AdverbAD
גְּבַר (gbar) means 'man' or 'a certain one' in Aramaic. It is related to the Hebrew word גֶּ֫בֶר (gever), which translates to 'great man.' The entries consistently emphasize its meaning as a noun referring to a man.
גְּבַר 21 n.m. man
base
H1400 גְּבַר
1400 gbar gheb-ar'
(Aramaic) corresponding to 1399:--certain, man.
see HEBREW for 01399
גְּבַר (ge.var) — man.
a man, a certain (one)
Aramaic of ge.ver (גֶּ֫בֶר "great man" H1397)
ANcmpd/Ta — Noun common masculine plural determined · particleANcmpd/Ta
אִלֵּךְ (illek) is an Aramaic demonstrative pronoun meaning 'these' or 'those.' It is derived from the root associated with the word for 'these' in Hebrew. The entries consistently define it as a plural form, with no significant disagreements noted among the lexicons.
אִלֵּךְ demonstr.pron.pl. these
base
H479 אִלֵּךְ
479 'illek il-lake'
(Aramaic) prolonged from 412; these:--these, those.
see HEBREW for 0412
אִלֵּךְ (il.lekh) — these.
these, those
Aramaic of el (אֵל "these" H0411)
ATm — ParticleATm
[רְגַשׁ] vb. be in tumult
base
H7284 רְגַשׁ
7284 rgash reg-ash'
(Aramaic) corresponding to 7283; to gather
tumultuously:--assemble (together).
see HEBREW for 07283
רְגַשׁ (re.gash) — to throng.
1) to be in tumult
1a) (Aphel) to gather in a tumultuous throng, show tumultuousness, come thronging
AVhp3mp — Verb · Hiphil · perfect third person masculine pluralAVhp3mp
שְׁכַח (shkach) means 'to find' and can also imply the state of being found. It is built from the idea of discovering something that was covered or forgotten. The entries indicate its use in both literal and figurative contexts, with no significant disagreement among the lexicons.
[שְׁכַח] vb. Haph. find
Hithpe. be found
base
H7912 שְׁכַח
7912 shkach shek-akh'
(Aramaic) corresponding to 7911 through the idea of
disclosure of a covered or forgotten thing; to discover
(literally or figuratively):--find.
see HEBREW for 07911
שְׁכַח (she.khach) — to find.
1) to find
1a) (Aphel) to find
1b) (Ithp'al) to be found
AC/Vhp3mp — Conjunction · verb hiphil perfect third person masculine pluralAC/Vhp3mp
דָּנִיֵּאל (Daniye'l) refers to the biblical figure Daniel, a prophet known for his interpretations of dreams during the Babylonian exile. His name means 'God is my judge.' Daniel is recognized as the fourth of the major prophets and is also called Belteshazzar. He is first mentioned in Ezra 8:2 and noted for his holiness, as acknowledged by Ezekiel.
דָּנִיֵּאל n.pr.m. Daniel (BH id.)
base
H1841 דָּנִיֵּאל
1841 Daniye'l daw-nee-yale'
(Aramaic) corresponding to 1840; Danijel, the Heb.
prophet:--Daniel.
see HEBREW for 01840
דָּנִיֵּאל, דָּנִאֵל (da.niy.yel) — Daniel.
A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Ezr.8.2
§ 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)
דָּנִיֵּאל, דָּנִאֵל (da.niy.yel) — Daniel.
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;
Adj | N-proper — Preposition · noun proper masculineAR/Npm
dan'-yel (daniye'l, dani'-el, "God is my judge"; Daniel):
(1) One of the sons of David (1Ch 3:1).
(2) A Levite of the family of Ithamar (Ezr 8:2; Ne 10:6).
(3) A prophet of the time of Nebuchadnezzar and Cyrus, the hero and author of the Book of Daniel.
1. Early Life:
We know nothing of the early life of Daniel, except what is recorded in the book bearing his name. Here it is said that he was one of the youths of royal or noble seed, who were carried captive by Nebuchadnezzar in the third year of Jehoiakim, king of Judah. These youths were without blemish, well-favored, skillful in all wisdom, endued with knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability to stand in the king's palace. The king commanded to teach them the…
Daniel
God is my judge, or judge of God. (1.) David’s second son, “born unto him in Hebron, of Abigail the Carmelitess” (1 Chr. 3:1). He is called also Chileab (2 Sam. 3:3).
(2.) One of the four great prophets, although he is not once spoken of in the Old Testament as a prophet. His life and prophecies are recorded in the Book of Daniel. He was descended from one of the noble families of Judah (Dan. 1:3), and was probably born in Jerusalem about B.C. 623, during the reign of Josiah. At the first deportation of the Jews by Nebuchadnezzar (the kingdom of Israel had come to an end nearly a century before), or immediately after his victory over the Egyptians at the second battle of Carchemish, in the fourth year of the reign of…
(judgment of God). The second son of David, by Abigail the Carmelitess. (1 Chronicles 3:1) In (2 Samuel 3:3) he is called Chileab. (B.C. about 1051.) The fourth of ’the greater prophets." Nothing is known of his parentage or family. He appears, however, to have been of royal or noble descent, (Daniel 1:3) and to have possessed considerable personal endowments. (Daniel 1:4) He was taken to Babylon in "the third year of Jehoiakim" (B.C. 604), and trained for the king’s service. He was divinely supported in his resolve to abstain from the "king’s meat" for fear of defilement. (Daniel 1:8-16) At the close of his three years…
1. Called Belteshazzar by the Chaldeans, a prophet descended from the royal family of David, who was carried captive to Babylon, when very young, in the fourth year of Jehoiakim king of Judah, B. C. 606. He was chosen, with his three companions, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, to reside at Nebuchadnezzar’s court, where he received a suitable education, and made great progress in all the sciences of the Chaldeans, but declined to pollute himself by eating provisions from the king’s table, which would often be ceremonially unclean to a Jew, or defiled by some connection with idol-worship. At the end of their three years’ education, Daniel and his companions excelled all others, and received honorable appointments in the royal service. Here Daniel soon displayed his prophetic gifts in interpreting a dream of Nebuchadnezzar, by whom he was made governor of Babylon, and head of the learned…
בְּעָא (b`a') is an Aramaic verb meaning to ask, seek, or request. It covers a range of actions including making a petition or praying. This word appears only in the book of Daniel, where it is used in contexts related to seeking favor or making requests.
בְּעָא vb. ask, seek, only Dn
Pe.
ask, request
seek
Pa. resort (for favours)
base
H1156 בְּעָא
1156 b`a' beh-aw'
(Aramaic) or b ah (Aramaic) {beh-aw'}; corresponding to 1158;
to seek or ask:--ask, desire, make (petition), pray, request,
seek.
see HEBREW for 01158
בְּעָא (be.a) — to ask.
1) to ask, seek, request, desire, pray, make petition
1a) (P'al)
1a1) to ask, request
1a2) to seek (for favour)
AVqrmsa — Verb · Qal · participle (active) masculine singularAVqrmsa
[חֲנַן] vb. shew favour;
Pa.
Hithpa. implore favour
base
H2604 חֲנַן
2604 chanan khan-an'
(Aramaic) corresponding to 2603; to favor or (causatively) to
entreat:--shew mercy, make supplication.
see HEBREW for 02603
חֲנַן (cha.nan) — be gracious.
1) to show favour
1a) (P'al) to show favour
1b) (Ithpael) to implore favour
AC/VMrmsa — Conjunction · verb masculine singularAC/VMrmsa
fa'-ver (chen, ratson, with other Hebrew words; charis): Means generally good will, acceptance, and the benefits flowing from these; in older usage it meant also the countenance, hence, appearance. Alternating in English Versions of the Bible with "grace," it is used chiefly of man, but sometimes also of God (Ge 18:3; 30:27; 39:21; Ex 3:21; 2Sa 15:25, "in the eyes of Yahweh," etc.). It is used perhaps in the sense of "countenance" in Pr 31:30, "Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain" (the King James Version), where for "favor" the Revised Version (British and American) has "grace"; the reference is to external appearance. "Favored" is used in the sense of "appearance" in…
→ See GOD, GRACE OF
קֳדָם (qodam) primarily means 'before' or 'in front of.' It is used in various contexts, including indicating position or time. The entries indicate its Aramaic roots and its connection to another Hebrew word, קָדַם (H6924). Daniel 7:13 is specifically noted for its use.
[קֳדָם] 42 prep. before
base
H6925 קֳדָם, קְדָם
6925 qodam kod-awm'
(Aramaic) or qdam (Aramaic) (Daniel 7:l3) {ked-awm'};
corresponding to 6924; before:--before, X from, X I
(thought), X me, + of, X it pleased, presence.
see HEBREW for 0l3
see HEBREW for 06924
קֳדָם (qo.dam) — before.
1) before, in front of
1a) before
1b) from before
ANcbsc — Noun common · both singular constructANcbsc
be-for': The translation of a great variety of Hebrew and Greek words. "Haran died before (the English Revised Version "in the presence of," literally "before the face of") his father Terah" (Ge 11:28). To be "before" God is to enjoy His favor (Ps 31:22). "The Syrians before" (Isa 9:12 the Revised Version, margin "on the east," as "behind," owing to the position of Canaan, relative to Syria, implies the west).
אֱלָהּ (elah) refers to a deity, encompassing both the concept of God in a general sense and specifically the God of Israel. It can also denote heathen deities. The word is rooted in Aramaic, corresponding to another term for God.
אֱלָהּ 94 n.m. god, God
base
H426 אֱלָהּ
426 'elahh el-aw'
(Aramaic) corresponding to 433; God:--God, god.
see HEBREW for 0433
אֱלָהּ (e.lah) — god.
1) god, God
1a) god, heathen deity
1b) God (of Israel)
Adj | Suff — Noun common both singular construct · suffixANcbsc/Sp3ms