Daniel 2:15
Daniel 2:15 in Multiple Translations
“Why is the decree from the king so harsh?” he asked. At this time Arioch explained the situation to Daniel.
He answered and said to Arioch the king’s captain, Why is the decree so hasty from the king? Then Arioch made the thing known to Daniel.
he answered and said to Arioch the king’s captain, Wherefore is the decree so urgent from the king? Then Arioch made the thing known to Daniel.
He made answer and said to Arioch, O captain of the king, why is the king's order so cruel? Then Arioch gave Daniel an account of the business.
Daniel asked him, “Why would the king issue such a harsh decree?” So Arioch explained to Daniel what had happened.
Yea, he answered and sayde vnto Arioch the kings captaine, Why is the sentence so hastie from the king? Then Arioch declared the thing to Daniel.
He hath answered and said to Arioch the king's captain, 'Wherefore [is] the sentence so urgent from before the king?' Then Arioch hath made the thing known to Daniel,
He answered Arioch the king’s captain, “Why is the decree so urgent from the king?” Then Arioch made the thing known to Daniel.
He answered and said to Arioch the king's captain, Why is the decree so hasty from the king? Then Arioch made the thing known to Daniel.
And he asked him that had received the orders of the king, why so cruel a sentence was gone forth from the face of the king. And when Arioch had told the matter to Daniel,
I asked Arioch, “Why has the king made such a harsh/terrible decree?” So Arioch told me all that had happened because of the king’s dream.
Berean Amplified Bible — Daniel 2:15
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 2:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
עָנֵ֣ה
וְ/אָמַ֗ר
לְ/אַרְיוֹךְ֙
שַׁלִּיטָ֣/א
דִֽי
מַלְכָּ֔/א
עַל
מָ֥ה
דָתָ֛/א
מְהַחְצְפָ֖ה
מִן
קֳדָ֣ם
מַלְכָּ֑/א
אֱדַ֣יִן
מִלְּתָ֔/א
הוֹדַ֥ע
אַרְי֖וֹךְ
לְ/דָנִיֵּֽאל
עָנֵ֣ה
ʻănâh
H6032
to answer
Adj
וְ/אָמַ֗ר
ʼămar
H560
to say
Adj | V-Qal
לְ/אַרְיוֹךְ֙
ʼĂryôwk
H746
Arioch
Adj | N-proper
שַׁלִּיטָ֣/א
shallîyṭ
H7990
ruling
Adj | Art
דִֽי
dîy
H1768
that
Adj
מַלְכָּ֔/א
melek
H4430
king
Adj | Art
עַל
ʻal
H5922
since
Adj
מָ֥ה
mâh
H4101
what?
Adj
דָתָ֛/א
dâth
H1882
law
Adj | Art
מְהַחְצְפָ֖ה
chătsaph
H2685
be hasty
Adj
מִן
min
H4481
from
Adj
קֳדָ֣ם
qŏdâm
H6925
before
Adj
מַלְכָּ֑/א
melek
H4430
king
Adj | Art
אֱדַ֣יִן
ʼĕdayin
H116
then
Adj
מִלְּתָ֔/א
millâh
H4406
word
Adj | Art
הוֹדַ֥ע
yᵉdaʻ
H3046
to know
Adj
אַרְי֖וֹךְ
ʼĂryôwk
H746
Arioch
Adj
לְ/דָנִיֵּֽאל
Dânîyêʼl
H1841
Daniel
Adj | N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Daniel 2:15
עָנֵ֣ה
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.
וְ/אָמַ֗ר
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/אַרְיוֹךְ֙
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.
שַׁלִּיטָ֣/א
shallîyṭ
H7990
"ruling"
Adj | Art
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means having authority or being a ruler. It describes someone with mastery or power, like a captain or leader. This concept appears in various books, including the historical accounts of Israel's kings.
Definition: 1) having mastery, having authority, ruling 1a) having or exercising mastery, ruling 1b) ruler (subst) 1c) having authority 1c1) it is authorised
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: captain, be lawful, rule(-r). See also: Ezra 4:20; Daniel 4:22; Daniel 5:29.
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.
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.
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.
מָ֥ה
mâh
H4101
"what?"
Adj
Similar to H4100, this word also means what or how, but is used slightly differently, often to express a sense of wonder or awe, like in Psalm 8:1 when David asks how majestic is God's name. It can also mean why or wherefore, and is used in various contexts. It appears in many KJV translations, including what or how.
Definition: 1) what, whatever 1a) what? 1b) whatever, what, whatsoever 1c) how?, why?, wherefore? (with prefixes)
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: how great (mighty), that which, what(-soever), why. See also: Ezra 4:22; Daniel 2:22; Daniel 4:32.
דָתָ֛/א
dâth
H1882
"law"
Adj | Art
In the Bible, this word refers to a law or decree, like God's commandments or a king's edict, as seen in Ezra and Nehemiah. It emphasizes the importance of following rules and regulations, whether from God or a human authority.
Definition: 1) decree, law 1a) a decree (of the king) 1b) law 1c) law (of God)
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: decree, law. See also: Ezra 7:12; Daniel 2:13; Daniel 7:25.
מְהַחְצְפָ֖ה
chătsaph
H2685
"be hasty"
Adj
This word means to be hasty or urgent, like showing impatience. It can also imply being harsh or insolent, as seen in Proverbs 7:19. The word conveys a sense of suddenness or severity.
Definition: (Aphel) to be urgent, harsh, show insolence
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: hasty, be urgent. See also: Daniel 2:15; Daniel 3:22.
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.
קֳדָ֣ם
qŏdâm
H6925
"before"
Adj
Before something or someone, like in the book of Isaiah where it talks about things that happened before. It can also mean in front of or from the presence of, as seen in the story of Moses and the burning bush in Exodus.
Definition: 1) before, in front of 1a) before 1b) from before
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: before, [idiom] from, [idiom] I (thought), [idiom] me, [phrase] of, [idiom] it pleased, presence. See also: Ezra 4:18; Daniel 5:13; Daniel 7:20.
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.
אֱדַ֣יִן
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.
מִלְּתָ֔/א
millâh
H4406
"word"
Adj | Art
Similar to H4405, this word means a word, command, or subject. It's used in the Bible to describe what God commands or what people discuss.
Definition: 1) word, thing 1a) word, utterance, command 1b) thing, affair, matter
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: commandment, matter, thing. word. See also: Daniel 2:5; Daniel 4:30; Daniel 7:28.
הוֹדַ֥ע
yᵉdaʻ
H3046
"to know"
Adj
To know in Hebrew can also mean to let someone know or communicate, and is used in different forms, such as to certify, inform, or teach, in the Bible.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (P'al) to know 1b) (Aphel) to let someone know, communicate, inform, cause to know
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: certify, know, make known, teach. See also: Ezra 4:12; Daniel 2:30; Daniel 7:16.
אַרְי֖וֹךְ
ʼĂryôwk
H746
"Arioch"
Adj
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.
לְ/דָנִיֵּֽאל
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.
Study Notes — Daniel 2:15
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Daniel 2:15 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Daniel 2:15
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 2:15
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Daniel 2:15
- Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 2:15
- Ellicott's Commentary on Daniel 2:15
- Cambridge Bible on Daniel 2:15
- Barnes' Notes on Daniel 2:15
- Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 2:15
Context — The Dream Revealed to Daniel
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. 17Then Daniel returned to his house and explained the matter to his friends Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah,Daniel 2:15 Summary
[In Daniel 2:15, Daniel asks why the king's decree is so harsh, showing that he wants to understand the situation before acting. This teaches us to seek wisdom and understanding, just like it says in Proverbs 24:6, to act wisely in difficult situations. By seeking to understand, Daniel is able to navigate a potentially deadly situation, demonstrating the importance of trusting God's sovereignty, as seen in Psalm 37:3-7. This verse reminds us to approach challenges with a desire to understand and with faith in God's power to deliver us.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Daniel ask about the decree from the king?
Daniel asked about the decree because he wanted to understand the reason behind the king's harsh decision, as seen in Daniel 2:15, similar to how Nehemiah sought to understand the situation in Jerusalem before taking action, as described in Nehemiah 1:2-3.
Who is Arioch and what role does he play in this verse?
Arioch is the commander of the king's guard, and in Daniel 2:15, he explains the situation to Daniel, showing that God can use various people to help us understand His plans, just like Joseph was helped by the cupbearer in Genesis 41:9-13.
What can we learn from Daniel's approach to the situation?
Daniel's approach teaches us the importance of seeking wisdom and understanding before acting, as seen in Proverbs 24:6, and also shows us that having discretion and tact, as mentioned in Daniel 2:14, is crucial in difficult situations.
How does this verse relate to the broader context of Daniel's life?
This verse is part of a larger story of how Daniel and his friends were faced with execution, but through faith and wisdom, they were able to navigate the situation, much like how the Israelites were delivered from the Egyptians in Exodus 14:13-14, demonstrating God's power to rescue His people.
Reflection Questions
- What are some situations in my life where I need to seek wisdom and understanding like Daniel did?
- How can I apply the principles of discretion and tact in my interactions with others, especially in difficult situations?
- What are some ways I can trust God's sovereignty in my life, even when circumstances seem harsh or unclear, just like Daniel did in this verse?
- In what ways can I be like Daniel, seeking to understand the situation before acting, and how can this approach help me in my relationships and decision-making?
Gill's Exposition on Daniel 2:15
And he answered and said to Arioch the king's captain,.... Or governor (m); over the persons before mentioned; either the king's guard or militia, or cooks or executioners: before, the manner in
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 2:15
He answered and said to Arioch the king's captain, Why is the decree so hasty from the king? Then Arioch made the thing known to Daniel. Why is the decree so hasty?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Daniel 2:15
So hasty; so precipitate, to slay the innocent who were never called, who knew nothing of it-this appears plainly from these words, Then Arioch made the thing known to Daniel, , which was this, that the king had dreamed a strange dream that troubled him, that he had forgotten it, that he called all his wise men to show both the dream and interpretation, but they could not; therefore the king decreed the death of all the wise men in Babylon, and Daniel with his fellows among them, without saving the life of one of them, and he, viz. Arioch, had received command to execute it presently. Thus there was but a step between him and death.
Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 2:15
Daniel 2:15 He answered and said to Arioch the king’ s captain, Why [is] the decree [so] hasty from the king? Then Arioch made the thing known to Daniel.Ver. 15. Why is the decree so hasty from the king?] Daniel, though now in danger of his life, forgetteth not his old freedom of speech; and God so wrought, that the king, who was stiff to the magicians, was tractable to Daniel.
Ellicott's Commentary on Daniel 2:15
(15) So hasty.—Literally, why is this severe decree of the king? By this question Daniel wished Arioch to understand that after all the matter was not impossible, as the wise men had stated it to be.
Cambridge Bible on Daniel 2:15
15. so hasty] harsh (Bevan). R.V. urgent, as A.V. itself has in Daniel 3:22. This is not, however, strong enough: in Syriac and the Targums the word and its cognates express the idea of bold, shameless, insolent. Cf. Theod. here, ἀναιδής (LXX. πικρῶς).
Barnes' Notes on Daniel 2:15
He answered and said to Arioch the king’s captain - The word “captain” - a different word from what occurs in Daniel 2:14, שׁליטא shallı̂yṭa' - denotes one who has rule or dominion; one who is
Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 2:15
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)