Daniel 6:12
Daniel 6:12 in Multiple Translations
So they approached the king and asked about his royal decree: “Did you not sign a decree that for thirty days any man who petitions any god or man except you, O king, will be thrown into the den of lions?” The king replied, “According to the law of the Medes and Persians the order stands, and it cannot be repealed.”
Then they came near, and spake before the king concerning the king’s decree; Hast thou not signed a decree, that every man that shall ask a petition of any God or man within thirty days, save of thee, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions? The king answered and said, The thing is true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not.
Then they came near, and spake before the king concerning the king’s interdict: Hast thou not signed an interdict, that every man that shall make petition unto any god or man within thirty days, save unto thee, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions? The king answered and said, The thing is true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not.
Then they came near before the king and said, O King, have you not put your name to an order that any man who makes a request to any god or man but you, O King, for thirty days, is to be put into the lions' hole? The king made answer and said, The thing is fixed by the law of the Medes and Persians which may not come to an end.
They went to the king right away and asked him about the decree. “Didn't Your Majesty sign a decree 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?” “I certainly did!” the king replied. “The decree stands. According to the law of the Medes and the Persians it cannot be revoked.”
So they came and, spake vnto the King concerning the Kings decree, Hast thou not sealed the decree, that euery man that shall make a request to any god or man within thirtie dayes, saue to thee, O King, shall be cast into the denne of lyons? The King answered, and sayd, The thing is true, according to the Lawe of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not.
then they have come near, yea, they are saying before the king concerning the king's interdict: 'Hast thou not signed an interdict, that any man who seeketh from any god and man until thirty days, save of thee, O king, is cast into a den of lions?' Answered hath the king, and said, 'The thing [is] certain as a law of Media and Persia, that doth not pass away.'
Then they came near, and spoke before the king concerning the king’s decree: “Haven’t you signed a decree that every man who makes a petition to any god or man within thirty days, except to you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions?” The king answered, “This thing is true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which doesn’t alter.”
Then they came near, and spoke before the king concerning the king's decree; Hast thou not signed a decree, that every man that shall ask a petition of any God or man within thirty days, save of thee, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions? The king answered and said, The thing is true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not.
And they came and spoke to the king concerning the edict: O king, hast thou not decreed, that every man that should make a request to any of the gods, or men, for thirty days, but to thyself, O king, should be cast into the den of the lions? And the king answered them, saying: The word is true according to the decree of the Medes and Persians, which it is not lawful to violate.
So they returned to the king and said to him, “Do you remember that you wrote a law stating that for the next thirty days people may pray only to you, and if anyone prays to anyone else, either to a human or to a god, he will be thrown into a pit of lions?” The king replied, “Yes, that is the law that I wrote. It is a law of our governments of Media and Persia, which cannot be canceled.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Daniel 6:12
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 6:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֱ֠דַיִן
גֻּבְרַיָּ֤/א
אִלֵּךְ֙
הַרְגִּ֔שׁוּ
וְ/הַשְׁכַּ֖חוּ
לְ/דָנִיֵּ֑אל
בָּעֵ֥א
וּ/מִתְחַנַּ֖ן
קֳדָ֥ם
אֱלָהֵֽ/הּ
אֱ֠דַיִן
ʼĕdayin
H116
then
Adj
גֻּבְרַיָּ֤/א
gᵉbar
H1400
man
Adj | Art
אִלֵּךְ֙
ʼillêk
H479
these
Adj
הַרְגִּ֔שׁוּ
rᵉgash
H7284
to throng
Adj
וְ/הַשְׁכַּ֖חוּ
shᵉkach
H7912
to find
Adj | V-Hiphil-Perf-3mp
לְ/דָנִיֵּ֑אל
Dânîyêʼl
H1841
Daniel
Adj | N-proper
בָּעֵ֥א
bᵉʻâʼ
H1156
to ask
Adj
וּ/מִתְחַנַּ֖ן
chănan
H2604
be gracious
Adj | V-M
קֳדָ֥ם
qŏdâm
H6925
before
Adj
אֱלָהֵֽ/הּ
ʼĕlâhh
H426
god
Adj | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Daniel 6:12
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.
גֻּבְרַיָּ֤/א
gᵉbar
H1400
"man"
Adj | Art
The Hebrew word for a person, often translated as 'man' or 'certain one', appears in various contexts, including the book of Daniel. It refers to a human being, male or female. This term is used to describe an individual.
Definition: a man, a certain (one) Aramaic of ge.ver (גֶּ֫בֶר "great man" H1397)
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: certain, man. See also: Ezra 4:21; Daniel 3:22; Daniel 6:25.
אִלֵּךְ֙
ʼillêk
H479
"these"
Adj
This word simply means these or those, used to point out specific people or things, like when Jesus says 'these' to describe his disciples.
Definition: these, those Aramaic of el (אֵל "these" H0411)
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: these, those. See also: Ezra 4:21; Daniel 3:22; Daniel 6:25.
הַרְגִּ֔שׁוּ
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.
וְ/הַשְׁכַּ֖חוּ
shᵉkach
H7912
"to find"
Adj | V-Hiphil-Perf-3mp
This word means to find or discover something, either literally or figuratively. It's used in the Bible to describe finding things, like wisdom or God's favor. The KJV translates it simply as 'find'.
Definition: 1) to find 1a) (Aphel) to find 1b) (Ithp'al) to be found
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: find. See also: Ezra 4:15; Daniel 5:12; Daniel 6:24.
לְ/דָנִיֵּ֑אל
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.
בָּעֵ֥א
bᵉʻâʼ
H1156
"to ask"
Adj
This verb means to ask or seek something, often used in the context of prayer or requesting something from God. It can also mean to desire or make a petition, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to ask, seek, request, desire, pray, make petition 1a) (P'al) 1a1) to ask, request 1a2) to seek (for favour)
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: ask, desire, make (petition), pray, request, seek. See also: Daniel 2:13; Daniel 6:5; Daniel 7:16.
וּ/מִתְחַנַּ֖ן
chănan
H2604
"be gracious"
Adj | V-M
To be gracious is the meaning of this word, which involves showing favor or mercy to someone, as God does to those who ask for it.
Definition: 1) to show favour 1a) (P'al) to show favour 1b) (Ithpael) to implore favour
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: shew mercy, make supplication. See also: Daniel 4:24; Daniel 6:12.
קֳדָ֥ם
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.
אֱלָהֵֽ/הּ
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.
Study Notes — Daniel 6:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Daniel 6:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Daniel 6:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 6:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Daniel 6:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 6:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Daniel 6:12
- Cambridge Bible on Daniel 6:12
- Barnes' Notes on Daniel 6:12
- Sermons on Daniel 6:12
Context — Daniel in the Lions’ Den
10Now when Daniel learned that the document had been signed, he went into his house, where the windows of his upper room opened toward Jerusalem, and three times a day he got down on his knees, prayed, and gave thanks to his God, just as he had done before.
11Then these men went as a group and found Daniel petitioning and imploring his God.
12So they approached the king and asked about his royal decree: “Did you not sign a decree that for thirty days any man who petitions any god or man except you, O king, will be thrown into the den of lions?” The king replied, “According to the law of the Medes and Persians the order stands, and it cannot be repealed.”
13Then they told the king, “Daniel, one of the exiles from Judah, shows no regard for you, O king, or for the decree that you have signed. He still makes his petition three times a day.” 14As soon as the king heard this, he was deeply distressed and set his mind on delivering Daniel, and he labored until sundown to rescue him.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Daniel 6:8 | Therefore, 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.” |
| 2 | Daniel 3:8–12 | At this time some astrologers came forward and maliciously accused the Jews, saying to King Nebuchadnezzar, “O king, may you live forever! You, O king, have issued a decree that everyone who hears the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes, and all kinds of music must fall down and worship the golden statue, and that whoever does not fall down and worship will be thrown into the blazing fiery furnace. But there are some Jews you have appointed to manage the province of Babylon—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—who have ignored you, O king, and have refused to serve your gods or worship the golden statue you have set up.” |
| 3 | Esther 1:19 | So if it pleases the king, let him issue a royal decree, and let it be recorded in the laws of Persia and Media so that it cannot be repealed, that Vashti shall never again enter the presence of King Xerxes, and that her royal position shall be given to a woman better than she. |
| 4 | Acts 16:19 | When the girl’s owners saw that their hope of making money was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them before the authorities in the marketplace. |
| 5 | Acts 24:2–9 | When Paul had been called in, Tertullus opened the prosecution: “Because of you, we have enjoyed a lasting peace, and your foresight has brought improvements to this nation. In every way and everywhere, most excellent Felix, we acknowledge this with all gratitude. But in order not to burden you any further, I beg your indulgence to hear us briefly. We have found this man to be a pestilence, stirring up dissension among the Jews all over the world. He is a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes, and he even tried to desecrate the temple; so we seized him. By examining him yourself, you will be able to learn the truth about all our charges against him.” The Jews concurred, asserting that these charges were true. |
| 6 | Acts 16:24 | On receiving this order, he placed them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks. |
Daniel 6:12 Summary
[This verse shows that the king had signed a decree that made it illegal for anyone to pray to anyone except him, and that anyone who disobeyed would be thrown into a den of lions. The king realized that he couldn't change the law, even though he wanted to help Daniel (Daniel 6:12, Esther 1:19). This teaches us that even when we can't change our circumstances, we can trust in God's plan and sovereignty, just like Daniel did (Psalm 135:6, Romans 8:28). We can also learn from Daniel's example of faithfulness and trust in God, even in the face of danger and uncertainty.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the royal decree that the king had signed?
The royal decree stated that for thirty days, any man who petitions any god or man except the king will be thrown into the den of lions, as seen in Daniel 6:12. This decree was based on the law of the Medes and Persians, which could not be repealed (Daniel 6:12, Esther 1:19).
Why did the king say that the order could not be repealed?
The king said that the order could not be repealed because it was based on the law of the Medes and Persians, which was an unchangeable law (Daniel 6:12, Esther 1:19). This highlights the king's powerlessness to change the law, despite his desire to rescue Daniel.
What can we learn from the king's response to the royal decree?
We can learn that even those in positions of authority are not always able to change the circumstances of life, but we can trust in God's sovereignty, as seen in Psalm 135:6 and Romans 8:28.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the story of Daniel?
This verse is a pivotal point in the story of Daniel, as it sets the stage for Daniel's faithfulness to God and his subsequent rescue from the den of lions, as seen in Daniel 6:16-24. It also highlights the theme of God's sovereignty and protection of His people, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11 and Isaiah 43:2.
Reflection Questions
- What would I do if I were in Daniel's position, and how would I respond to the royal decree?
- How can I apply the principle of trusting in God's sovereignty to my own life, even when circumstances seem impossible to change?
- What does this verse teach me about the importance of standing firm in my faith, even in the face of adversity?
- How can I use this verse to encourage others who may be facing similar challenges and pressures to compromise their faith?
Gill's Exposition on Daniel 6:12
Then they came near,.... They went immediately from Daniel's house to the king's palace, and into the king's presence; which they could do, either by virtue of their offices, or being admitted by the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 6:12
Then they came near, and spake before the king concerning the king's decree; Hast thou not signed a decree, that every man that shall ask a petition of any God or man within thirty days, save of
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Daniel 6:12
They had enough now, they came with open mouth, they pleaded the breach of the king’ s laws, they tell the king he had signed it, and it could not be disannulled; the king’ s authority and the honour of the nation lay at stake. The king owned such a law, and it was unalterable.
Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 6:12
Daniel 6:12 Then they came near, and spake before the king concerning the king’ s decree; Hast thou not signed a decree, that every man that shall ask [a petition] of any God or man within thirty days, save of thee, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions? The king answered and said, The thing [is] true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not.Ver. 12. Hast thou not signed a decree?] But should "wickedness be established by a law?" See on Daniel 6:7. So in France there was published an edict whereby the people were forbidden on pain of death to have in their houses any French book wherein the least mention was made of Jesus Christ. Dr Arrowsmith’ s Tact. Sacr., p. 89.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Daniel 6:12
Verse 12. Shall be cast into the den of lions] Either this was the royal menagerie, like that place in the Tower of London, where wild beasts are kept for the king's pleasure, and the public amusement; or they were kept for the purpose of devouring certain criminals, which the laws might consign to that kind of death. This is most likely, from the case before us.
Cambridge Bible on Daniel 6:12
12. before the king] cf. Daniel 6:10; and see on Daniel 2:9. decree (twice)] interdict. So Daniel 6:13. altereth not] lit. passeth not away (Daniel 6:8).
Barnes' Notes on Daniel 6:12
Then they came near - That is, they came near to the king. They had detected Daniel, as they expected and desired to do, in a palpable violation of the law, and they lost no time in apprising the
Sermons on Daniel 6:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Celebreation & Ministry 24.1.94 by George Verwer | In this video, the speaker encourages preachers to embrace the use of videos and photographs to reach a wider audience. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a good attitude |
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Studies in Esther - Part 3 by Major Ian Thomas | Major Ian Thomas explores the narrative of Esther, focusing on Haman's plot against the Jews and the significance of divine law versus human law. He emphasizes how Haman's rejectio |