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Daniel 6:2

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Daniel 6:2 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

and over them three administrators, including Daniel, to whom these satraps were accountable so that the king would not suffer loss.

King James Version KJV

And over these three presidents; of whom Daniel was first: that the princes might give accounts unto them, and the king should have no damage.

American Standard Version ASV

and over them three presidents, of whom Daniel was one; that these satraps might give account unto them, and that the king should have no damage.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And over them were three chief rulers, of whom Daniel was one; and the captains were to be responsible to the chief rulers, so that the king might undergo no loss.

Free Bible Version FBV

Three chief ministers were placed over them to look after the king's interests. Daniel was one of the three.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And ouer these, three rulers (of whome Daniel was one) that the gouernours might giue accompts vnto them, and the King should haue no domage.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and higher than they three presidents, of whom Daniel [is] first, that these satraps may give to them an account, and the king have no loss.

World English Bible WEB

and over them three presidents, of whom Daniel was one, that these local governors might give account to them, and that the king should suffer no loss.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And over these three presidents; of whom Daniel was first: that the princes might give accounts to them, and the king should have no damage.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And three princes over them, of whom Daniel was one: that the governors might give an account to them, and the king might have no trouble.

Translation for Translators T4T

He also appointed me and two other men to be administrators, to supervise the governors and to be sure that they did the king’s work properly, in order that the king would not have to worry about anything.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Daniel 6:2

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 6:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB שְׁפַר֙ קֳדָ֣ם דָּרְיָ֔וֶשׁ וַ/הֲקִים֙ עַל מַלְכוּתָ֔/א לַ/אֲחַשְׁדַּרְפְּנַיָּ֖/א מְאָ֣ה וְ/עֶשְׂרִ֑ין דִּ֥י לֶהֱוֺ֖ן בְּ/כָל מַלְכוּתָֽ/א
שְׁפַר֙ shᵉphar H8232 to acceptable Adj
קֳדָ֣ם qŏdâm H6925 before Adj
דָּרְיָ֔וֶשׁ Dârᵉyâvêsh H1868 Darius Adj
וַ/הֲקִים֙ qûwm H6966 to stand Adj | V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
עַל ʻal H5922 since Adj
מַלְכוּתָ֔/א malkûw H4437 kingdom Adj | Art
לַ/אֲחַשְׁדַּרְפְּנַיָּ֖/א ʼăchashdarpan H324 satrap Adj | N-mp | Art
מְאָ֣ה mᵉʼâh H3969 hundred Adj
וְ/עֶשְׂרִ֑ין ʻesrîyn H6243 twenty Adj | Adj
דִּ֥י dîy H1768 that Adj
לֶהֱוֺ֖ן hâvâʼ H1934 to be Adj
בְּ/כָל kôl H3606 all Adj | N-ms
מַלְכוּתָֽ/א malkûw H4437 kingdom Adj | Art
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 6:2

שְׁפַר֙ shᵉphar H8232 "to acceptable" Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means something is pleasing or acceptable to God, like in Exodus when God accepts the Israelites' offerings. It describes something as fair or good. This concept is seen in the book of Exodus.
Definition: 1) to be fair, be seemly, seem good, seem pleasing 1a) (P'al) to seem good, be acceptable
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: be acceptable, please, [phrase] think good. See also: Daniel 3:32; Daniel 4:24; Daniel 6:2.
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.
דָּרְיָ֔וֶשׁ 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.
וַ/הֲקִים֙ qûwm H6966 "to stand" Adj | V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
Qum means to establish or confirm something, like setting up a new system or lifting someone up to a position of power, as described in the books of Kings and Chronicles.
Definition: : establish/stand_firm/confirm/fulfill/fix 1) to arise, stand 1a) (P'al) 1a1) to arise from 1a2) to come on the scene (fig) 1a3) to arise (out of inaction) 1a4) to stand 1a5) to endure 1b) (Pael) to set up, establish 1c) (Aphel) 1c1) to set up 1c2) to lift up 1c3) to establish 1c4) to appoint 1d) (Hophal) to be made to stand
Usage: Occurs in 30 OT verses. KJV: appoint, establish, make, raise up self, (a-) rise (up), (make to) stand, set (up). See also: Ezra 5:2; Daniel 4:14; 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.
מַלְכוּתָ֔/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.
לַ/אֲחַשְׁדַּרְפְּנַיָּ֖/א 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.
מְאָ֣ה mᵉʼâh H3969 "hundred" Adj
Similar to H3967, it means a hundred in Aramaic, used in the Bible to express large numbers or quantities. It appears in books like Ezra and Daniel.
Definition: hundred, one hundred Aramaic of me.ah (מֵאָה "hundred" H3967)
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: hundred. See also: Ezra 6:17; Ezra 7:22; Daniel 6:2.
וְ/עֶשְׂרִ֑ין ʻesrîyn H6243 "twenty" Adj | Adj
This Hebrew word means twenty, and is used to describe quantities in the Bible, such as twenty pieces of silver or twenty years of age. It appears in various books, including Genesis and Exodus. The word is also used ordinally as twentieth.
Definition: twenty Aramaic of es.rim (עֶשְׂרִים "twenty" H6242)
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: twenty. See also: Daniel 6:2.
דִּ֥י 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.
לֶהֱוֺ֖ן hâvâʼ H1934 "to be" Adj
Similar to H1933, this word means 'to be' or 'to exist', but with a broader range of applications, as seen in Daniel and Ezra. It can describe something coming to pass or becoming known.
Definition: 1) to come to pass, become, be 1a) (P'al) 1a1) to come to pass 1a2) to come into being, arise, become, come to be 1a2a) to let become known (with participle of knowing) 1a3) to be
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: be, become, [phrase] behold, [phrase] came (to pass), [phrase] cease, [phrase] cleave, [phrase] consider, [phrase] do, [phrase] give, [phrase] have, [phrase] judge, [phrase] keep, [phrase] labour, [phrase] mingle (self), [phrase] put, [phrase] see, [phrase] seek, [phrase] set, [phrase] slay, [phrase] take heed, tremble, [phrase] walk, [phrase] would. See also: Ezra 4:12; Daniel 4:1; Daniel 7:23.
בְּ/כָל kôl H3606 "all" Adj | N-ms
The Hebrew word for all or everything, used in the Bible to describe the entirety of something, like all people or all things. It appears in Genesis and Psalms to emphasize God's power over everything. This word is often translated as 'all' or 'every' in English Bibles.
Definition: 1) all, whole, the whole 1a) the whole of, all 1b) every, any, none
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: all, any, + (forasmuch) as, + be-(for this) cause, every, + no (manner, -ne), + there (where) -fore, + though, what (where, who) -soever, (the) whole. See also: Ezra 4:14; Daniel 3:29; Daniel 7:27.
מַלְכוּתָֽ/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.

Study Notes — Daniel 6:2

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Daniel 2:48–49 Then the king promoted Daniel and gave him many generous gifts. He made him ruler over the entire province of Babylon and chief administrator over all the wise men of Babylon. And at Daniel’s request, the king appointed Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to manage the province of Babylon, while Daniel remained in the king’s court.
2 Daniel 5:29 Then Belshazzar gave the command, and they clothed Daniel in purple, placed a gold chain around his neck, and proclaimed him the third highest ruler in the kingdom.
3 Esther 7:4 For my people and I have been sold out to destruction, death, and annihilation. If we had merely been sold as menservants and maidservants, I would have remained silent, because no such distress would justify burdening the king.”
4 Daniel 5:16 But I have heard about you, that you are able to give interpretations and solve difficult problems. Therefore, if you can read this inscription and give me its interpretation, you will be clothed in purple and have a gold chain placed around your neck, and you will be made the third highest ruler in the kingdom.”
5 Ezra 4:22 See that you do not neglect this matter. Why allow this threat to increase and the royal interests to suffer?
6 1 Samuel 2:30 Therefore, the LORD, the God of Israel, declares: ‘I did indeed say that your house and the house of your father would walk before Me forever. But now the LORD declares: Far be it from Me! For I will honor those who honor Me, but those who despise Me will be disdained.
7 Luke 16:2 So he called him in to ask, ‘What is this I hear about you? Turn in an account of your management, for you cannot be manager any longer.’
8 Luke 19:13–27 Beforehand, he called ten of his servants and gave them ten minas. ‘Conduct business with this until I return,’ he said. But his subjects hated him and sent a delegation after him to say, ‘We do not want this man to rule over us.’ When he returned from procuring his kingship, he summoned the servants to whom he had given the money, to find out what each one had earned. The first servant came forward and said, ‘Master, your mina has produced ten more minas.’ His master replied, ‘Well done, good servant! Because you have been faithful in a very small matter, you shall have authority over ten cities.’ The second servant came and said, ‘Master, your mina has made five minas.’ And to this one he said, ‘You shall have authority over five cities.’ Then another servant came and said, ‘Master, here is your mina, which I have laid away in a piece of cloth. For I was afraid of you, because you are a harsh man. You withdraw what you did not deposit and reap what you did not sow.’ His master replied, ‘You wicked servant, I will judge you by your own words. So you knew that I am a harsh man, withdrawing what I did not deposit and reaping what I did not sow? Why then did you not deposit my money in the bank, and upon my return I could have collected it with interest?’ Then he told those standing by, ‘Take the mina from him and give it to the one who has ten minas.’ ‘Master,’ they said, ‘he already has ten!’ He replied, ‘I tell you that everyone who has will be given more; but the one who does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. And these enemies of mine who were unwilling for me to rule over them, bring them here and slay them in front of me.’”
9 Proverbs 3:16 Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor.
10 Matthew 18:23 Because of this, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants.

Daniel 6:2 Summary

In Daniel 6:2, we see that Daniel was appointed as one of three administrators to oversee the 120 satraps in the kingdom, to ensure the king did not suffer loss. This means that Daniel was in a position of authority, and the satraps were accountable to him. This is similar to how Jesus taught His disciples to be faithful stewards of the resources and authority they had been given, as seen in Luke 12:42-48. As we seek to live out our faith in our own lives, we can learn from Daniel's example of trustworthiness and faithfulness, and strive to be good stewards of the resources and authority God has given us, just as Daniel was in Daniel 6:4.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was Daniel's role in the kingdom according to Daniel 6:2?

Daniel was one of three administrators to whom the 120 satraps were accountable, as stated in Daniel 6:2, to ensure the king did not suffer loss, similar to how Joseph was placed in a position of authority in Egypt, as seen in Genesis 41:40-41.

Why did the king appoint these administrators, including Daniel?

The king appointed these administrators to prevent loss and ensure the kingdom was well-managed, as stated in Daniel 6:2, which is a principle also seen in Exodus 18:21-22, where Moses was advised to appoint capable men to help him lead the people.

How did Daniel's position relate to the other satraps?

As an administrator, Daniel was in a position of authority over the satraps, as mentioned in Daniel 6:2, and they were accountable to him, which is similar to the relationship between Jesus and His disciples, as seen in Matthew 10:1-4, where Jesus gave His disciples authority over unclean spirits and disease.

What can we learn from Daniel's appointment as an administrator?

We can learn that God can use us in positions of authority to bring about good and prevent loss, as seen in Daniel 6:2, and that faithfulness and trustworthiness, as demonstrated by Daniel in Daniel 6:4, are essential qualities for leaders, as also emphasized in Proverbs 28:20.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways I can demonstrate trustworthiness and faithfulness in my own life, like Daniel did in Daniel 6:4?
  2. How can I use my position or influence to bring about good and prevent loss, as the king intended in Daniel 6:2?
  3. What are some potential challenges or temptations that come with being in a position of authority, and how can I prepare myself to face them, as Daniel did in Daniel 6:3-4?
  4. In what ways can I seek to distinguish myself, like Daniel did in Daniel 6:3, by living an extraordinary life of faith and obedience to God?

Gill's Exposition on Daniel 6:2

And over these three presidents,.... To whom the hundred and twenty princes were accountable for their conduct, and to whom the people might apply for redress of grievances, if oppressed; perhaps the

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 6:2

And over these three presidents; of whom Daniel was first: that the princes might give accounts unto them, and the king should have no damage. No JFB commentary on this verse.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Daniel 6:2

Of whom Daniel was first: this was Belshazzar’ s promise to Daniel, he should be the third ruler in the kingdom, ,16,29; the first was general of the army, the second president of the palace, the third of the land and provinces.

Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 6:2

Daniel 6:2 And over these three presidents; of whom Daniel [was] first: that the princes might give accounts unto them, and the king should have no damage.Ver. 2. And over these three presidents.] Triumviros sive tres rationales. Three to whom the rest should audit and be accountable. And the king should have no damage.] In his rights and in his revenues, which were, saith Herodotus, yearly fourteen thousand five hundred and threescore Euboian talents, raised out of the several satrapies.

Ellicott's Commentary on Daniel 6:2

(2) Three presidents.—See Note on Daniel 5:7. If there had been a triumvirate in Babylon, Darius continued the form of government which he found already existing, and retained Daniel in the official post to which he had been promoted by Belshazzar.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Daniel 6:2

Verse 2. Three presidents] Each having forty of these presidents accountable to him for their administration. Daniel was first] As being established over that part where was the seat of government. He was confirmed in his offices by Darius.

Cambridge Bible on Daniel 6:2

2. three presidents] Aram. sârak, prob. a form derived from the Pers. sâr, ‘head,’ ‘chief,’ ‘prince.’ In the O.T. it is found only in this chap. (Daniel 6:2-4; Daniel 6:6-7): in the Targums it stands often for the Heb. shôṭ ?çr, ‘officer,’ as Exodus 5:6; Exodus 5:10; Deuteronomy 1:15; Deuteronomy 20:5; Joshua 1:10; Proverbs 6:7 (‘overseer’). was first] was one: so R.V. rightly. that these satraps might give account unto them] strictly, might be giving account, i.e. might be permanently answerable to them, that the interests and revenues of the king were properly guarded. No such officials are mentioned elsewhere,—except in so far as they may be regarded as the successors of the three Babylonian ministers, presupposed in Daniel 5:7; Daniel 5:16; Daniel 5:29. Darius Hystaspis, as a check upon his satraps, appointed in each satrapy an independent military commandant, and a royal ‘scribe,’ or secretary, whose business it was to report to the king the doings of the satrap (Hdt. iii. 128; Rawl., Anc. Mon.4 iii. 424).

Barnes' Notes on Daniel 6:2

And over these, three presidents - סרכין sârekı̂yn. This word is found only in the plural. The etymology is uncertain, but its meaning is not doubtful.

Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 6:2

2, 3. Over these subordinate governors presidents were appointed, “of whom Daniel was one,” to see that the collection of the royal revenues, etc., was properly attended to; and presently “the king”

Sermons on Daniel 6:2

SermonDescription
Denis Lyle A Look at the Book by Denis Lyle Denis Lyle preaches on the book of Daniel, highlighting the prophetic accuracy and divine inspiration of Daniel's predictions about the rise and fall of empires. The sermon emphasi
Carter Conlon The Glorying of Leaven by Carter Conlon In this sermon, the preacher begins by recounting the story of Belshazzar and how he was blind to the truth and hardened to the gospel. The preacher then paraphrases Matthew chapte
David Wilkerson The Power of God's Presence by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of seeking God's presence and experiencing His glory. He leads the congregation in a prayer of surrender and asks the Holy Sp
Leonard Ravenhill The Man God Tore Apart by Leonard Ravenhill In this sermon, the preacher expresses deep sorrow and concern for the state of the nation. He emphasizes that God's mercy and patience are running out, as they have crucified Jesu
Zac Poonen Grace to the Humble (Kannada) by Zac Poonen This sermon emphasizes the importance of humility before God, highlighting that God gives grace to the humble and exalts those who submit to His mighty hand. It contrasts Old Testa
Zac Poonen God Honours Those Who Honour Him by Zac Poonen In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living a life that reflects the character of God. He encourages the audience to look at Jesus as an example in various area
Zac Poonen (Beginning a New Year) the Spirit and the Throne by Zac Poonen Zac Poonen emphasizes the necessity of being lifted by the Holy Spirit to truly understand God's Word and experience His fullness. He reflects on Revelation 4:1, where John is call
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