Daniel 6 10

Daniel 6:10 kjv

Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.

Daniel 6:10 nkjv

Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days.

Daniel 6:10 niv

Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.

Daniel 6:10 esv

When Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he went to his house where he had windows in his upper chamber open toward Jerusalem. He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously.

Daniel 6:10 nlt

But when Daniel learned that the law had been signed, he went home and knelt down as usual in his upstairs room, with its windows open toward Jerusalem. He prayed three times a day, just as he had always done, giving thanks to his God.

Daniel 6 verses

Daniel 6 10 Meaning

Daniel, facing a royal decree that forbade prayer to any god or man besides the king, continued his unwavering devotion. Despite the severe penalty of being thrown into the lions' den, Daniel knew where his ultimate authority and trust lay. His act of praying three times a day, as was his custom, signifies not just a religious observance, but a profound declaration of his allegiance to the Lord, prioritizing divine obedience above human decree and personal safety.

Daniel 6 10 Context

This verse occurs within the sixth chapter of Daniel, a narrative set during the reign of Darius the Mede, who had conquered Babylon. Daniel, an exile from Judah, had risen to a prominent position due to his wisdom and faithfulness. The verse highlights Daniel's habitual prayer life, which persisted even when a new decree explicitly prohibited praying to anyone but the king for thirty days, carrying the penalty of being thrown to the lions. This decree was orchestrated by envious officials who sought to find fault with Daniel. Daniel’s continued prayer demonstrates his supreme loyalty to God, a loyalty that superseded the laws of men and the threat of severe punishment.

Daniel 6 10 Word Analysis

• וְהָיָה (v'haya): "And it was," or "and it happened." This conjunctive particle connects this action to the preceding narrative or introduces a new, significant event. It sets a declarative tone.
• דָּנִיֵּאל (Dani'el): "Daniel," meaning "God is my judge." The name itself is a testament to his identity and theological orientation, underscoring his reliance on divine justice.
• כַּאֲשֶׁר (ka'asher): "as" or "when." This introduces a comparison or a temporal clause, emphasizing consistency.
• בִּרְיָה (biryah): This is an Aramaic word, typically translated as "habit" or "custom." It highlights that Daniel's prayer was not a spontaneous reaction to the decree, but a long-standing practice.
• וּפְתִיחַ (u'fati'ach): "and his windows" or "and open." The Hebrew verb for "open" is related here, suggesting his windows were open. In ancient Near Eastern contexts, open windows were often associated with visibility or sometimes transparency, making his prayer less secretive.
• מַקְרִי (makri): "where he used to make," indicating his established place or pattern of praying.
• דִּרְעוֹ (dir'o): "his room" or "his upper chamber." This likely refers to a private, perhaps elevated space, often where scholarly or religious activities took place.
• לְמִדְּבַח (lemidbach): "to his God." This is unusual phrasing as the root verb is dzvach which means to sacrifice or slaughter. Here, it implies directing his supplication or praise, much like one directs an offering.
• בַּתְלָת (bat'lath): "three." A specific number denoting regularity.
• זִמְנִין (zimnin): "times" or "occasions."
• לְיוֹמָא (leyoma): "a day."
• אֵיךְ (eykh): "as." This word reinforces the idea of Daniel continuing his practice as he had done before.
• עֲבַד (avad): "he was doing" or "he used to do." This emphasizes the ongoing nature of his faithfulness.
• מִן (min): "from" or "before."

Words-group analysis

• "When Daniel knew that the writing was signed...": This signifies Daniel's awareness of the prohibition. His response, instead of fear, was to continue his devotional practice.
• "...he went to his house. His windows were open in his upper chamber toward Jerusalem.": This establishes the location and visibility of his prayer. It was a deliberate act, not hidden. The direction toward Jerusalem connects to temple worship and the specific focal point for prayer prescribed for Israelites.
• "He went upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.": This is the core action. "Knees" denotes humility and supplication. "Three times a day" emphasizes a disciplined, consistent spiritual discipline. "Prayed, and gave thanks" indicates both petition and gratitude, a holistic approach to communing with God. "As he did aforetime" is crucial, showing this was not a new practice or a rebellion, but a continuation of his existing faith and obedience to God, even when it conflicted with a new human law.

Daniel 6 10 Bonus Section

The opponents of Daniel sought his downfall through his faith, intending to trap him by his devotion. However, their malice inadvertently showcased Daniel's exceptional character and his unwavering trust in God. Daniel’s prayer location, with open windows toward Jerusalem, served as a silent declaration of his connection to his homeland and his covenantal God, recalling the cherem (devotion) described in the Old Testament that would be directed toward the Temple in Jerusalem. This adherence to established prayer practices even under duress highlights a robust spiritual life that is not easily swayed by external pressures. His persistence in prayer, rather than an act of defiance for defiance's sake, was an act of worship grounded in his lifelong relationship with the Lord, mirroring the faithfulness of figures like David (Psalm 55:17) and the later Apostles (Acts 5:29).

Daniel 6 10 Commentary

Daniel's unwavering commitment to prayer in defiance of the royal decree is a powerful testament to his priority of divine obedience. His actions demonstrate a principle echoed throughout Scripture: the need to obey God rather than men when divine and human mandates conflict. The specificity of "three times a day" and "windows open toward Jerusalem" reveals a disciplined, visible faith. This was not mere ritual, but a deep-seated habit of communion with his God. His refusal to alter his devotional practice underscores that faith is not compartmentalized; it impacts all areas of life, especially in the face of opposition. This incident serves as an enduring example of courage rooted in a strong relationship with God, showing that true devotion is tested most significantly during times of persecution.

• Practical Application: Like Daniel, we are called to integrate prayer and thankfulness into our daily rhythm, making it a consistent habit, even when it may be unpopular or difficult. It's about prioritizing our allegiance to God above all else.