Daniel 2 14

Daniel 2:14 kjv

Then Daniel answered with counsel and wisdom to Arioch the captain of the king's guard, which was gone forth to slay the wise men of Babylon:

Daniel 2:14 nkjv

Then with counsel and wisdom Daniel answered Arioch, the captain of the king's guard, who had gone out to kill the wise men of Babylon;

Daniel 2:14 niv

When Arioch, the commander of the king's guard, had gone out to put to death the wise men of Babylon, Daniel spoke to him with wisdom and tact.

Daniel 2:14 esv

Then Daniel replied with prudence and discretion to Arioch, the captain of the king's guard, who had gone out to kill the wise men of Babylon.

Daniel 2:14 nlt

When Arioch, the commander of the king's guard, came to kill them, Daniel handled the situation with wisdom and discretion.

Daniel 2 verses

Daniel 2 14 Meaning

Daniel 2:14 describes a pivotal moment where Daniel, facing an imminent execution decree against all the wise men of Babylon, responds not with fear, but with strategic "counsel and wisdom." This divinely-empowered response to Arioch, the captain of the royal guard, who was actively carrying out the king's order to kill, halted the immediate bloodshed. It highlights Daniel's unique position as God's chosen vessel for divine revelation and demonstrates the superior wisdom given by God, contrasted with the impotence of human wisdom in a pagan court.

Daniel 2 14 Context

Daniel 2:14 occurs amidst a severe crisis in the Babylonian court. King Nebuchadnezzar is greatly disturbed by a dream he has had but has forgotten, demanding that his "wise men" not only interpret it but also tell him what the dream was. When they collectively declare this an impossible feat for any human, the king, enraged, issues a decree for all the wise men of Babylon, including Daniel and his three friends (Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah), to be executed. Daniel's verse 14 action marks a divine intervention, shifting the narrative from impending doom to an opportunity for God to reveal Himself through Daniel's spiritual wisdom. It highlights the vast difference between the occultic, limited wisdom of Babylon and the true, supernatural wisdom granted by the God of Heaven.

Daniel 2 14 Word analysis

• Then Daniel answered: (Aramaic: ’ēdaḳ - "he responded" or "he caused to answer") - Daniel's response is proactive, not reactive fear. He intervenes decisively and thoughtfully. This shows his immediate initiative, not waiting passively for his execution.
• with counsel: (Aramaic: ʿēṭâ - "prudent advice," "deliberate planning") - This is not merely an emotional or pleading response, but a well-thought-out, strategic proposition. It implies discretion and foresight, a structured approach rather than haphazard speaking.
• and wisdom: (Aramaic: ṭaʿam - "taste," "judgment," "discretion," "understanding") - This indicates not just intellectual capacity, but practical, applied understanding, demonstrating insight into the situation and the proper way to approach it. It’s a discernment that allows for wise decision-making and tact in communication, originating from divine source rather than human skill.
• to Arioch the captain of the king's guard: Arioch (Aryôk - "lion-like") represents royal authority and the instrument of death. Daniel strategically approaches the immediate executor of the decree, rather than immediately seeking the king, demonstrating a prudent tactical move. It reveals Daniel's discernment in identifying the crucial point of intervention.
• who was gone forth to slay: (Aramaic: qûṭelāʾ - "to kill," "to slaughter," "to destroy") - This highlights the immediate and grave danger. The execution was already in progress; Arioch was already on his mission. Daniel's intervention was timed precisely at the moment of dire need, signifying divine orchestration.
• the wise men of Babylon: This phrase includes Daniel and his companions, underscoring that Daniel's action was for the preservation of himself and others, highlighting selfless intercession and the scope of the imminent destruction. It also contrasts the genuine, divine wisdom Daniel possessed with the collective failure of Babylon's intellectual elite.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "answered with counsel and wisdom": This phrase encapsulates Daniel's God-given ability to respond to a life-threatening situation with calm, discernment, and an intelligent strategy, unlike the panic of the other wise men. His words carried divine authority and practical understanding.
• "to Arioch...who was gone forth to slay": This underscores the immense danger and Daniel's bold and timely intervention directly at the point of peril. Daniel steps into the path of death to intercede.

Daniel 2 14 Bonus section

• The immediate and confident nature of Daniel's response suggests he had already committed the situation to God in prayer (as seen in verse 17). True wisdom often manifests in such peace and presence of mind during distress.
• This verse indirectly sets up a powerful polemic: while the king's wise men confessed their inability and were passive victims, Daniel, representing the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, takes action and possesses the true knowledge and insight. This highlights the spiritual bankruptcy of Babylonian religious practices versus the dynamic truth of the living God.
• Arioch's willingness to listen and delay the executions, rather than immediately proceed with the king's decree, might itself be a subtle instance of divine providence at work, inclining his heart towards Daniel's proposition.
• The detail that Arioch "was gone forth" emphasizes the precision and urgency of Daniel's timing—he intercepted the decree's execution as it was happening, not after the fact or long before. This suggests an element of divine guidance on Daniel's specific movements.

Daniel 2 14 Commentary

Daniel 2:14 presents a critical juncture where God's providence shines through Daniel's decisive action. In a context of fear and inevitable doom for the Babylonian wise men, Daniel uniquely responds with "counsel and wisdom." This wasn't merely a polite request, but a divinely inspired, strategic maneuver that bought crucial time. By engaging Arioch, the agent of death, Daniel demonstrated not only courage but also profound discretion and understanding of the chaotic situation. His intervention showcased the stark contrast between the powerlessness of the world's wisdom and the living, proactive wisdom imparted by the God of Heaven. This verse lays the groundwork for Daniel's subsequent revelation of Nebuchadnezzar's dream, demonstrating how divine intervention can avert disaster and establish God's sovereignty even within a hostile kingdom. This act of calm, Spirit-led response in the face of imminent threat serves as a timeless example of trusting God's wisdom in crises.