Daniel 6:1
Daniel 6:1 in Multiple Translations
Now it pleased Darius to appoint 120 satraps to rule throughout the kingdom,
It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom an hundred and twenty princes, which should be over the whole kingdom;
It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom a hundred and twenty satraps, who should be throughout the whole kingdom;
Darius was pleased to put over the kingdom a hundred and twenty captains, who were to be all through the kingdom;
Darius decided it would be good to place the kingdom under the control of one hundred and twenty provincial governors.
It pleased Darius to set ouer the kingdome an hundreth and twentie gouernours, which should be ouer the whole kingdome,
It hath been good before Darius, and he hath established over the kingdom satraps — a hundred and twenty — that they may be throughout the whole kingdom,
It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom one hundred twenty local governors, who should be throughout the whole kingdom;
It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom a hundred and twenty princes, who should be over the whole kingdom;
It seemed good to Darius, and he appointed over the kingdom a hundred and twenty governors to be over his whole kingdom.
King Darius decided to divide his kingdom into 120 provinces. He appointed a governor to rule each province.
Berean Amplified Bible — Daniel 6:1
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 6:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/דָרְיָ֨וֶשׁ֙
מָֽדָיָ֔/א
קַבֵּ֖ל
מַלְכוּתָ֑/א
כְּ/בַ֥ר
שְׁנִ֖ין
שִׁתִּ֥ין
וְ/תַרְתֵּֽין
וְ/דָרְיָ֨וֶשׁ֙
Dârᵉyâvêsh
H1868
Darius
Adj | N-proper
מָֽדָיָ֔/א
Mâday
H4077
Mede
Adj | Art
קַבֵּ֖ל
qᵉbal
H6902
to receive
Adj
מַלְכוּתָ֑/א
malkûw
H4437
kingdom
Adj | Art
כְּ/בַ֥ר
bar
H1247
son
Adj | N-ms
שְׁנִ֖ין
shᵉnâh
H8140
year
Adj
שִׁתִּ֥ין
shittîyn
H8361
sixty
Adj
וְ/תַרְתֵּֽין
tᵉrêyn
H8648
two
Adj | Adj
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Daniel 6:1
וְ/דָרְיָ֨וֶשׁ֙
Dârᵉyâvêsh
H1868
"Darius"
Adj | N-proper
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.
מָֽדָיָ֔/א
Mâday
H4077
"Mede"
Adj | Art
A Mede is a person from Madai, or Media. The Bible refers to the Medes as a distinct people group living in the region northwest of Persia. They are mentioned in various biblical events.
Definition: also called Mede frequently Aramaic of me.dan (מְדָן "Medan" H4091) § Mede or Medes = "middle land" an inhabitant of Media
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Median. See also: Daniel 6:1.
קַבֵּ֖ל
qᵉbal
H6902
"to receive"
Adj
Similar to H6901, this word also means to receive or acquire something. It is used in the Aramaic sections of the Bible, such as in the book of Daniel. The word is related to H6901 and has similar meanings.
Definition: (Pael) to receive Aramaic of qa.val (קָבַל "to receive" H6901)
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: receive, take. See also: Daniel 2:6; Daniel 6:1; Daniel 7:18.
מַלְכוּתָ֑/א
malkûw
H4437
"kingdom"
Adj | Art
A kingdom refers to the territory or area ruled by a king, like King David's kingdom in Israel. It can also mean the reign or period of time a king is in power. The word is used in the Bible to describe royal authority and dominion.
Definition: 1) royalty, reign, kingdom 1a) royalty, kingship, kingly authority 1b) kingdom 1c) realm (of territory) 1d) reign (of time)
Usage: Occurs in 43 OT verses. KJV: kingdom, kingly, realm, reign. See also: Ezra 4:24; Daniel 5:7; Daniel 7:27.
כְּ/בַ֥ר
bar
H1247
"son"
Adj | N-ms
This Aramaic word means son or grandson. In Matthew 16:17, Jesus calls Simon 'Bar-Jonah', meaning son of Jonah. It's also used in Mark 10:46 to describe Bartimaeus as the son of Timaeus.
Definition: son Aramaic of ben (בֵּן ": child" H1121)
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] old, son. See also: Ezra 5:1; Daniel 3:25; Daniel 7:13.
שְׁנִ֖ין
shᵉnâh
H8140
"year"
Adj
This word means a year, like when the Israelites spent a year in the wilderness in Numbers 33. It is used to measure time and describe periods of life.
Definition: year Aramaic of sha.neh (שָׁנָה "year" H8141)
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: year. See also: Ezra 4:24; Ezra 6:3; Daniel 7:1.
שִׁתִּ֥ין
shittîyn
H8361
"sixty"
Adj
The Hebrew word for sixty, used to describe quantities or measurements in the Bible. For example, it is used in biblical accounts to describe the age of someone who is sixty years old. This term is also translated as threescore.
Definition: sixty, threescore Aramaic of shish.shim (שִׁשִּׁים "sixty" H8346)
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: threescore. See also: Ezra 6:3; Daniel 3:1; Daniel 6:1.
וְ/תַרְתֵּֽין
tᵉrêyn
H8648
"two"
Adj | Adj
The Hebrew word for two, used to describe a number or quantity, such as two items or the second item in a list. It appears in various forms, including twelve and second.
Definition: 1) two 1a) two (as cardinal number) 1b) second (as ordinal number) 1c) two (in combination with other numbers)
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: second, [phrase] twelve, two. See also: Ezra 4:24; Daniel 4:26; Daniel 6:1.
Study Notes — Daniel 6:1
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Daniel 6:1 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Daniel 6:1
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 6:1
- Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 6:1
- Ellicott's Commentary on Daniel 6:1
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Daniel 6:1
- Cambridge Bible on Daniel 6:1
- Barnes' Notes on Daniel 6:1
- Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 6:1
- Sermons on Daniel 6:1
Context — The Plot against Daniel
1Now it pleased Darius to appoint 120 satraps to rule throughout the kingdom,
2and over them three administrators, including Daniel, to whom these satraps were accountable so that the king would not suffer loss. 3Soon, by his extraordinary spirit, Daniel distinguished himself among the administrators and satraps. So the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 18:21–22 | Furthermore, select capable men from among the people—God-fearing, trustworthy men who are averse to dishonest gain. Appoint them over the people as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens. Have these men judge the people at all times. Then they can bring you any major issue, but all minor cases they can judge on their own, so that your load may be lightened as they share it with you. |
| 2 | Daniel 5:31 | and Darius the Mede received the kingdom at the age of sixty-two. |
| 3 | Esther 1:1 | This is what happened in the days of Xerxes, who reigned over 127 provinces from India to Cush. |
| 4 | 1 Peter 2:14 | or to governors as those sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to praise those who do right. |
Daniel 6:1 Summary
In this verse, we see that Darius, the king of the Medo-Persian Empire, decided to divide his kingdom into smaller regions, each governed by a satrap, as stated in Daniel 6:1. This was likely done to maintain control and organization, similar to how other rulers divided their kingdoms, such as in Genesis 41:34. We can learn from Darius' decision to trust in God's sovereignty, even when we don't understand the circumstances, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Romans 8:28. By submitting to the authorities in our lives and trusting in God's plan, we can demonstrate our faith and trust in Him, as taught in 1 Peter 2:13-14 and Hebrews 11:6.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Darius appoint 120 satraps to rule throughout the kingdom?
Darius likely appointed 120 satraps to maintain control and organization within his vast kingdom, as seen in Daniel 6:1, similar to how other rulers divided their kingdoms into smaller, more manageable regions, such as in Genesis 41:34 and Exodus 18:21-22.
What was the role of these satraps in the kingdom?
The satraps were responsible for ruling and governing their respective regions, as mentioned in Daniel 6:1, and were accountable to the three administrators, including Daniel, as stated in Daniel 6:2, to ensure the king's interests were protected and his kingdom prospered, similar to the role of governors in other biblical kingdoms, such as in 1 Kings 20:14-15.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the Bible?
This verse is part of the larger narrative of Daniel, which tells the story of God's sovereignty and faithfulness to His people, even in the midst of foreign kingdoms and rulers, as seen in Daniel 4:17 and Romans 13:1-2, and highlights the importance of submission to authority, as taught in Romans 13:1-7 and 1 Peter 2:13-14.
What can we learn from Darius' decision to appoint satraps?
Darius' decision to appoint satraps shows that even pagan rulers can make wise decisions, as seen in Daniel 6:1, and that God can use anyone to accomplish His purposes, as stated in Proverbs 21:1 and Isaiah 44:28, and reminds us to pray for our leaders, as instructed in 1 Timothy 2:1-4.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can submit to the authorities in my life, even if I don't agree with them, and how can I trust God to work through them, as seen in Daniel 6:1 and Romans 13:1-7?
- How can I balance my desire for control and independence with the need to submit to God's sovereignty and the authorities He has placed over me, as taught in Daniel 4:17 and 1 Peter 2:13-14?
- What are some ways I can demonstrate my faith and trust in God, even in difficult or challenging circumstances, like Daniel did in the midst of a foreign kingdom, as seen in Daniel 6:1-3 and Hebrews 11:32-34?
- How can I use my position or influence to glorify God and advance His kingdom, as Daniel did in his role as administrator, as stated in Daniel 6:2-3 and Matthew 5:13-16?
Gill's Exposition on Daniel 6:1
It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom an hundred and twenty princes,.... This is the same Darius mentioned in the latter part of the preceding chapter; who, as soon as he took the kingdom of
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 6:1
It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom an hundred and twenty princes, which should be over the It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom an hundred and twenty princes, which should be over the whole kingdom; Darius.
Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 6:1
Daniel 6:1 It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom an hundred and twenty princes, which should be over the whole kingdom;Ver. 1. It pleased Darius.] Chald., Pulchrum fuit coram Dario. Order, he knew, must be observed, or the kingdom could not continue; himself also was old, and needed assistants. It was honour and work enough for him illos iudicare quos constituit iudices aliorum to appoint others to judge also - as Petr. Blesensis saith that our Henry II did - to judge those whom he had made judges of others. The great Turk doth so to this day, whence few of his grandees, his viziers especially, or chief officers, die in their beds. An hundred and twenty princes.] For his one hundred and twenty provinces, which afterward came to be one hundred and twenty-seven. Monarchs will ever be adding.
Ellicott's Commentary on Daniel 6:1
VI. (1) Princes.—See Excursus A. The LXX. make the number 127, so as to agree with Esther 1:1.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Daniel 6:1
CHAPTER VI Darius the Median, who succeeded Belshazzar in the kingdom of Babylon, having heard of Daniel's extraordinary wisdom and understanding, constitutes him the chief of the three presidents who were over the whole empire, and purposed also to make him prime minister or viceroy, 1-3. This great partiality of the king towards a stranger of Jewish extraction, and who had been carried captive into Chaldea, raised up a great many enemies to Daniel; and a scheme was even contrived by the presidents and princes to ruin him, 4-15; which succeeded so far that he was cast into a den of lions, but was miraculously delivered, 16-23. Darius, who was greatly displeased with himself for having been entrapped by the governors of the provinces to the prejudice of his faithful minister, is pleased and astonished at this deliverance; punished Daniel's enemies with the same kind of death which they had designed for the prophet; and made a decree that, throughout his dominions, the God of Daniel should be had in the greatest veneration, 24-38. NOTES ON CHAP. VI Verse 1. A hundred and twenty princes] A chief or satrap over every province which belonged to the Medo-Persian empire. Afterwards we find it enlarged to one hundred and twenty-seven provinces, by the victories of Cambyses and Darius Hystaspes. See Es 1:1. Josephus reckons three hundred and sixty satrapies or lordships; but this is most probably an exaggeration or mistake.
Cambridge Bible on Daniel 6:1
1. an hundred and twenty satraps] see on Daniel 3:2. No other notice of this organization has come down to us. The Persian empire was first organised into provinces under ‘satraps’ by Darius Hystaspis (522–485 b.c.); and then the satrapies were only 20 in number (Herod. iii. 89[264]). The statement, upon independent grounds, is not probable; and if it is true that there was no king ‘Darius the Mede,’ some error or confusion must manifestly underlie it. It may have been suggested by the 127 provinces, into which, according to Esther 1:1; Esther 8:9, the Persian empire was divided under Xerxes. [264] The Behistun Inscription; of Darius (col. i. par. 6) enumerates 23 provinces; the later (sepulchral) inscription of Naksh-i-Rustam (l. 7–9), 29: see RP.1 iii, v. 151 f. Darius, in the first of these inscriptions, mentions the ‘satrap’ of Bactria, and the ‘satrap’ of Arachotia (col. iii par. 3 and 9). See further details in Rawl., Anc. Mon.4 iii. 417 ff.over] in, i.e. (R.V.) throughout.
Barnes' Notes on Daniel 6:1
It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom - Evidently over the kingdom of Babylon, now united to that of Media and Persia.
Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 6:1
THE FATE OF A MAN UNDER ANOTHER WORLD-KINGDOM.1. Princes — Rather, as R.V., “satraps.” As to the number of satraps the Greek has one hundred and twenty-seven and Josephus gives the number as three hundred and sixty.
Sermons on Daniel 6:1
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Daniel) in the Lion's Den by David Guzik | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Daniel in the Lion's Den from Daniel chapter six. The story involves the jealousy of political subordinates, the vanity of a king |
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Cmml Missionary Conference 1995-08 Daniel 6 by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the breakdown of the family unit in society and how it is a sad reality. He mentions how former Vice President Quayle spoke out about this is |
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Cd Gv511 a Christian Ethic From Daniel by George Verwer | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about a car accident and how it led to a deeper understanding of balance and doing things right. The speaker emphasizes the impo |
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Nahshon by Ron Bailey | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the book of Numbers in the Bible and the journey of the Israelites from Egypt to the Promised Land. The speaker highlights the tragic nature |
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(Through the Bible) Exodus 16-18 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a genuine fear of God and the accountability that comes with being a teacher of the Word. He shares his personal str |
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The Meaning of Head in the Bible by Wayne Grudem | In this sermon transcript, the speaker discusses the importance of citing references in a way that makes them difficult to locate. He emphasizes that evangelical scholarship should |
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If My People - Part 1 by Shane Idleman | This sermon emphasizes the importance of addressing controversial topics and recapturing the prophetic zeal in churches. It highlights the impact of the Johnson Amendment on church |