Daniel 6:3

Daniel 6:3 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Soon, by his extraordinary spirit, Daniel distinguished himself among the administrators and satraps. So the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom.

King James Version KJV

Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm.

American Standard Version ASV

Then this Daniel was distinguished above the presidents and the satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Then this Daniel did his work better than the chief rulers and the captains, because there was a special spirit in him; and it was the king's purpose to put him over all the kingdom.

Free Bible Version FBV

Soon Daniel was shown to be a far better administrator than the other chief ministers and provincial governors. Because of his exceptional ability, the king planned to put him in charge of the whole kingdom.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Now this Daniel was preferred aboue the rulers and gouernours, because the spirit was excellent in him, and the King thought to set him ouer the whole realme.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

Then this Daniel hath been overseer over the presidents and satraps, because that an excellent spirit [is] in him, and the king hath thought to establish him over the whole kingdom.

World English Bible WEB

Then this Daniel was distinguished above the presidents and the local governors, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And Daniel excelled all the princes, and governors: because a greater spirit of God was in him.

Translation for Translators T4T

I soon showed that I was ◄more capable/able to do the work better► than all the other administrators and the governors. Because of that, the king planned to appoint me to be in charge of the entire empire.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Daniel 6:3

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 6:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וְ/עֵ֤לָּא מִנְּ/הוֹן֙ סָרְכִ֣ין תְּלָתָ֔א דִּ֥י דָנִיֵּ֖אל חַֽד מִנְּ/ה֑וֹן דִּֽי לֶהֱוֺ֞ן אֲחַשְׁדַּרְפְּנַיָּ֣/א אִלֵּ֗ין יָהֲבִ֤ין לְ/הוֹן֙ טַעְמָ֔/א וּ/מַלְכָּ֖/א לָֽא לֶהֱוֵ֥א נָזִֽק

וְ/עֵ֤לָּא ʻêllâʼ H5924 above Adj | Adv

מִנְּ/הוֹן֙ min H4481 from Adj | Suff

סָרְכִ֣ין çârêk H5632 chief Adj

תְּלָתָ֔א tᵉlâth H8532 three Adj

דִּ֥י dîy H1768 that Adj

דָנִיֵּ֖אל Dânîyêʼl H1841 Daniel Adj

חַֽד chad H2298 one Adj

מִנְּ/ה֑וֹן min H4481 from Adj | Suff

דִּֽי dîy H1768 that Adj

לֶהֱוֺ֞ן hâvâʼ H1934 to be Adj

אֲחַשְׁדַּרְפְּנַיָּ֣/א ʼăchashdarpan H324 satrap Adj | Art

אִלֵּ֗ין ʼillêyn H459 these Adj

יָהֲבִ֤ין yᵉhab H3052 to give Adj

לְ/הוֹן֙ Adj | Suff

טַעְמָ֔/א ṭaʻam H2941 account Adj | Art

וּ/מַלְכָּ֖/א melek H4430 king Adj | N-ms | Art

לָֽא lâʼ H3809 not Adj

לֶהֱוֵ֥א hâvâʼ H1934 to be Adj

נָזִֽק nᵉzaq H5142 to suffer injury Adj

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Daniel 6:3

וְ/עֵ֤לָּא ʻêllâʼ H5924 "above" Adj | Adv

Above means something is higher than something else, like a mountain above a valley, as seen in the Bible's use of the word 'above' in various passages.

Definition: above Aramaic of al (עַל "upon" H5921)

Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: over. See also: Daniel 6:3.

מִנְּ/הוֹן֙ min H4481 "from" Adj | Suff

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.

סָרְכִ֣ין çârêk H5632 "chief" Adj

A chief or president was a high-ranking leader, often in charge of a group of people. This word is used in the Bible to describe important leaders, such as those in the book of Daniel. The chief of a group was responsible for making important decisions.

Definition: chief, overseer

Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: president. See also: Daniel 6:3; Daniel 6:5; Daniel 6:8.

תְּלָתָ֔א tᵉlâth H8532 "three" Adj

This Hebrew word means 'three' or 'third', used to count or describe order. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Leviticus, to describe quantities or sequences. It's a basic number in the Hebrew language.

Definition: 1) three 1a) three (cardinal number) 1b) third (ordinal number)

Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: third, three. See also: Ezra 6:4; Daniel 6:11; Daniel 7:24.

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.

דָנִיֵּ֖אל Dânîyêʼl H1841 "Daniel" Adj

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.

חַֽד chad H2298 "one" Adj

This word means one, first, or single, and is often used in the Bible to describe something unique. It appears in books like Leviticus and Numbers. It can also be used as an article, like a or an.

Definition: 1) one (number) 1a) one 1b) a (indefinite article)

Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: a, first, one, together. See also: Ezra 4:8; Daniel 3:19; Daniel 7:16.

מִנְּ/ה֑וֹן min H4481 "from" Adj | Suff

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.

דִּֽי dîy H1768 "that" Adj

Definition: part of relation 1) who, which, that mark of genitive 2) that of, which belongs to, that conj 3) that, because

לֶהֱוֺ֞ן 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.

אֲחַשְׁדַּרְפְּנַיָּ֣/א ʼăchashdarpan H324 "satrap" Adj | 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.

אִלֵּ֗ין ʼillêyn H459 "these" Adj

This Aramaic word means these or those, used to point out specific people or things. It is similar to the Hebrew word for these. The KJV translates it as the or these.

Definition: these, those Aramaic of el (אֵל "these" H0411)

Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: the, these. See also: Daniel 2:40; Daniel 6:3; Daniel 7:17.

יָהֲבִ֤ין yᵉhab H3052 "to give" Adj

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to give or provide something, like a gift or a foundation. It appears in various forms, such as giving, laying, or paying. For example, it is used in Genesis when God gives instructions to Noah.

Definition: 1) to give, provide 1a) (P'al) 1a1) to give 1a2) to place, lay (foundations) 1b) (Hithp'al) 1b1) to be given 1b2) to be paid

Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: deliver, give, lay, [phrase] prolong, pay, yield. See also: Ezra 4:20; Daniel 4:13; Daniel 7:27.

לְ/הוֹן֙ "" Adj | Suff

טַעְמָ֔/א ṭaʻam H2941 "account" Adj | Art

This word is about making a judgment or command, like a sentence in court. In the book of Ezra, it refers to a command or decree from a king. It is related to the idea of having a taste or perception of what is right.

Definition: judgment, command, discretion Aramaic of ta.am (טַ֫עַם "taste" H2940)

Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: account, [idiom] to be commanded, commandment, matter. See also: Ezra 4:21; Ezra 6:14; Daniel 6:3.

וּ/מַלְכָּ֖/א melek H4430 "king" Adj | N-ms | 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.

לָֽא lâʼ H3809 "not" Adj

Means 'not' or 'nothing', often used to show something is absent or non-existent, like in Genesis. It implies a simple or absolute negation. Used over 2000 times in the Bible.

Definition: no, not, nothing Aramaic of lo (לֹא "not" H3808)

Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: or even, neither, no(-ne, -r), (can-) not, as nothing, without. See also: Ezra 4:13; Daniel 3:16; Jeremiah 10:11.

לֶהֱוֵ֥א 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

נָזִֽק nᵉzaq H5142 "to suffer injury" Adj

To suffer injury or loss, this word describes the experience of being hurt or damaged. In Exodus 21:22, it is used to describe the punishment for causing harm to someone. The word is also used in Proverbs 22:23 to warn against oppressing the poor.

Definition: 1) to suffer injury 1a) (P'al) to suffer injury 1b) (Aphel) to injure

Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: have (en-) damage, hurt(-ful). See also: Ezra 4:13; Ezra 4:22; Daniel 6:3.

Study Notes — Daniel 6:3

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Daniel 6:3 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Daniel 6:3
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 6:3
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Daniel 6:3
Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 6:3
Ellicott's Commentary on Daniel 6:3
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Daniel 6:3
Cambridge Bible on Daniel 6:3
Barnes' Notes on Daniel 6:3
Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 6:3
Sermons on Daniel 6:3

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.

4Thus the administrators and satraps sought a charge against Daniel concerning the kingdom, but they could find no charge or corruption, because he was trustworthy, and no negligence or corruption was found in him. 5Finally these men said, “We will never find any charge against this Daniel unless we find something against him concerning the law of his God.”

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Daniel 5:14	I have heard that the spirit of the gods is in you, and that you have insight, intelligence, and extraordinary wisdom.
2	Proverbs 22:29	Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will be stationed in the presence of kings; he will not stand before obscure men.
3	Genesis 41:38–41	So Pharaoh asked them, “Can we find anyone like this man, in whom the Spirit of God abides?” Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one as discerning and wise as you. You shall be in charge of my house, and all my people are to obey your commands. Only with regard to the throne will I be greater than you.” Pharaoh also told Joseph, “I hereby place you over all the land of Egypt.”
4	Daniel 5:12	did this because Daniel, the one he named Belteshazzar, was found to have an extraordinary spirit, as well as knowledge, understanding, and the ability to interpret dreams, explain riddles, and solve difficult problems. Summon Daniel, therefore, and he will give you the interpretation.”
5	Esther 10:3	For Mordecai the Jew was second only to King Xerxes, preeminent among the Jews and highly favored by his many kinsmen, seeking the good of his people and speaking peace to all his countrymen.
6	Daniel 9:23	At the beginning of your petitions, an answer went out, and I have come to tell you, for you are highly precious. So consider the message and understand the vision:
7	Proverbs 17:27	A man of knowledge restrains his words, and a man of understanding maintains a calm spirit.
8	Proverbs 3:3–4	Never let loving devotion or faithfulness leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will find favor and high regard in the sight of God and man.
9	Ecclesiastes 2:13	And I saw that wisdom exceeds folly, just as light exceeds darkness:
10	Nehemiah 7:2	Then I put my brother Hanani in charge of Jerusalem, along with Hananiah the commander of the fortress, because he was a faithful man who feared God more than most.

Daniel 6:3 Summary

This verse tells us that Daniel was an exceptional leader who stood out among his peers because of his extraordinary spirit. This means that he had a special gift from God that enabled him to lead and serve with excellence, similar to how God gifted Bezalel in Exodus 35:30-35. As a result, the king wanted to promote Daniel to a position of greater authority, which is a reminder that when we trust and obey God, He can open doors of opportunity for us, as seen in Isaiah 45:2-3. By following Daniel's example, we can learn to trust God and live a life of faithfulness and integrity, which can lead to great things, as seen in Psalm 37:3-7.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean that Daniel distinguished himself by his extraordinary spirit?

This refers to Daniel's exceptional leadership abilities and character, which set him apart from others, as seen in Daniel 6:3, and is reminiscent of the spirit of excellence that God gives to some, as mentioned in Genesis 41:38.

Why did the king plan to set Daniel over the whole kingdom?

The king recognized Daniel's exceptional abilities and wanted to promote him to a position of greater authority, similar to how Joseph was promoted in Genesis 41:40-41, because of his trust in God and his faithfulness.

What can we learn from Daniel's example in this verse?

We can learn the importance of living a life of integrity and faithfulness, as Daniel did, and trusting in God's sovereignty, as seen in Proverbs 22:1 and Romans 8:28, which can lead to opportunities for service and leadership.

How does this verse relate to the rest of the story of Daniel?

This verse sets the stage for the plot against Daniel by the other administrators and satraps, as seen in Daniel 6:4-5, and ultimately leads to the miraculous rescue of Daniel from the lions' den, as told in Daniel 6:16-24, which demonstrates God's power and protection.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that I can demonstrate an 'extraordinary spirit' in my own life and work, and how can I trust God to guide me?
In what ways can I, like Daniel, seek to serve and honor God in my daily life, even in difficult or challenging circumstances, as seen in Daniel 3:17-18?
How can I balance the desire for recognition and promotion with a humble and servant-hearted attitude, as seen in Matthew 20:26-28 and Philippians 2:3-4?
What are some potential risks or challenges that may arise when I, like Daniel, take a stand for my faith and values in a secular or worldly environment, and how can I prepare for them, as seen in 1 Peter 3:14-17?

Gill's Exposition on Daniel 6:3

Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes,.... Not only above the princes, but the presidents, being the first of them, as before: or, "he was victorious above them" (y); he got

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 6:3

Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Daniel 6:3

There were three things that made Darius greatly favour Daniel. 1. Because he prophesied the destruction of Belshazzar and his reign, for which cause the king of Babylon favoured Jeremiah the prophet, , &c. 2. Because he saw so noble a spirit in him, the spirit of the holy gods. 3. Because Darius himself was old and unfit for government, and therefore took Daniel with him into Media, Joseph. Antiq. 10. 12, whereby the Lord by advancing Daniel made careful provision for his church. This was an act of great wisdom in Darius, to prefer men for their parts and merit, and to make them that have most of God in them to be their chief favourites; a thing rarely minded by the princes of the world, who usually favour them most that do most gratify their lusts.

Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 6:3

Daniel 6:3 Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit [was] in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm.Ver. 3. Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents.] Chald., He became a conqueror over those exarchs; so that he might have been called, as Charles the Great once was, Pater orbis, the world’ s father; or as Titus, Orbis deliciae, the world’ s darling; or as Otho III, Mirabilia mundi, the world’ s wonder. He was indeed no less, and that Darius well found by him. Whether he took him with him into Medea, as Jerome, out of Josephus, relateth, I have not to say; if he did, it seemeth that after the death of Darius he returned again to Babylon, and there served King Cyrus. Because an excellent spirit was in him.] Not only of prophecy, but of prudence, justice, zeal, and other virtues, which, if a governor lack, he is as a sun without light, a bird without wings, a master of a ship without a helm, &c. And the king thought to set him over the whole realm.] Thus dignity waiteth upon desert, and envy upon dignity, which made David love his hook the better after he had seen the court; and Daniel was never fond of this great preferment, whereby, for his own particular, he got nothing, nisi ut turbatior viveret, occupatior interiret, as he said, but vanity and vexation of spirit. High seats are never but uneasy; neither want there those who are lifting at them, and labouring to overturn them. Feriunt summos fulmina montes.

Ellicott's Commentary on Daniel 6:3

(3) Was preferred.—Literally, he outshone the others. The pronoun “this” is prefixed to Daniel’s. name so as to point him out as the favoured one already mentioned. (Comp. Daniel 6:5; Daniel 6:28.)

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Daniel 6:3

Verse 3. The king thought to set him over the whole realm] Intended to make him grand vizier or emir ul amrim. This partiality of the king made Daniel the object of the other presidents, and the grandees of the kingdom.

Cambridge Bible on Daniel 6:3

3. was preferred] distinguished himself, or (R.V.) was distinguished. The root idea of the word is to shine, hence to be illustrious. It is common in Syriac in the sense of praeclare se gessit, representing for instance the Greek διαλάμπειν, εὐδοκιμεῖν, εὐδοξεῖν (Payne Smit[265] col. 2438). ‘Was preferred’ means here was advanced or promoted, in accordance with the old sense of ‘prefer,’ preserved now only in ‘preferment’; see Esther 2:9; John 1:15; John 1:27; and the Bible Word-Book. [265] yne Smith R. Payne Smith, Thesaurus Syriacus.princes] satraps. Song of Solomon vv4, 6, 7. an excellent spirit] a surpassing spirit, as Daniel 5:12.

Barnes' Notes on Daniel 6:3

Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes - That is, he was at their head, or was placed in rank and office over them.

Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 6:3

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 6:3

	Sermon	Description
	Lessons From the Past by E.A. Adeboye	E.A. Adeboye emphasizes the importance of learning from past failures and successes to achieve future goals. He highlights the need to identify strengths, sustain them, and prevent
	Daniel 6:1 by Chuck Smith	Chuck Smith emphasizes the character of Daniel, a man of excellent spirit, who allowed his spirit to rule over his body and mind. He highlights the importance of having a purpose i
	Witnesses for God by George Kulp	George Kulp preaches about the importance of being true to God, sharing a story of a young man who chose to serve God despite facing rejection from his family, leading to a powerfu
	Lessons From Daniel by William MacDonald	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the dark days in Israel described in the first two verses of the Bible. The people of God are in captivity in Babylon under the rule of Nebuch
	The Sin of Covetousness by Joshua Daniel	This sermon emphasizes the dangers of convenient, non-scriptural religion, highlighting the importance of living a holy life free from sins like fornication, uncleanness, and covet
	Ict Meeting on Logos 20.9.83 by George Verwer	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the challenges and unpredictability of doing God's work in Brahman. They mention the lack of funds and the need to be flexible in their transp
	From the Death of Alexander the Great to the Death of Judas Maccabeus by Flavius Josephus	Flavius Josephus preaches about the wise and courageous actions of Joseph, a man who cleverly managed the farming of taxes in Syria, gained the favor of King Ptolemy, and secured h