Daniel 6 12

Daniel 6:12 kjv

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.

Daniel 6:12 nkjv

And they went before the king, and spoke concerning the king's decree: "Have you not signed a decree that every man who petitions any god or man within thirty days, except you, 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 does not alter."

Daniel 6:12 niv

So they went to the king and spoke to him about his royal decree: "Did you not publish a decree that during the next thirty days anyone who prays to any god or human being except to you, Your Majesty, would be thrown into the lions' den?" The king answered, "The decree stands?in accordance with the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be repealed."

Daniel 6:12 esv

Then they came near and said before the king, concerning the injunction, "O king! Did you not sign an injunction, that anyone who makes 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 and said, "The thing stands fast, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be revoked."

Daniel 6:12 nlt

So they went straight to the king and reminded him about his law. "Did you not sign a law that for the next thirty days any person who prays to anyone, divine or human ? except to you, Your Majesty ? will be thrown into the den of lions?" "Yes," the king replied, "that decision stands; it is an official law of the Medes and Persians that cannot be revoked."

Daniel 6 verses

Daniel 6 12 Meaning

Daniel 6:12 states that Daniel, upon learning of the king's new decree, went to his house. His upper room had windows facing Jerusalem, and he knelt down and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done previously. This verse highlights Daniel's unwavering faithfulness and habitual devotion to God, even in the face of a severe and potentially deadly law prohibiting prayer. His actions demonstrate deep-seated piety and a commitment to his spiritual life above worldly consequences.

Daniel 6 12 Context

The context of Daniel 6 is the reign of Darius the Mede, after the fall of Babylon. Darius, impressed with Daniel's excellence, planned to set him over the entire kingdom. Other high officials, jealous of Daniel, conspired to create a decree that would trap him. They persuaded Darius to sign a royal decree that no one could petition any god or man except King Darius for thirty days, with the penalty of being thrown into a lions' den. This decree was a deliberate attempt to eliminate Daniel due to his unwavering faithfulness to the God of Israel.

Daniel 6 12 Word Analysis

• וּבִדֵּ֣ת (uḇiddeh): And when Daniel. The conjunction "and" (ו) links this action to the preceding narrative.

• וַ֠֠כֵּ֤ת (wakhnaft): And when he heard. This implies immediate knowledge of the decree.

• סָ֠֠פַר (sappar): The writing. Refers specifically to the official royal decree.

• מִ֧רְדָא (marda'): Darius. The name of the Median king.

• וְאִ֠֠ית (w’eth): And the writing. Reiterates that Daniel received the decree itself.

• וּרְגִיּ sodass (ūrəgīšā): was given. The decree was officially issued.

• אֳרִּ֤י (ôri): was made. Another term for established or sanctioned.

• עִמָּד֙ (ʿimmād): with.

• דִּ֗ן (dān): then.

• הַ֧פָּרָֽס (happārâs): Persia. The kingdom.

• בַּ֧הּ (baḥ): therein. Referring to the kingdom of Persia.

• הַ֭ן (hann): Now. An emphatic particle introducing the next action.

• בֵיתֵ֔ה (beithēh): his house. Daniel's residence.

• יִגְלֵי (’yəglê): went up. Literally "went up to," suggesting movement to an upper level.

• גֵֽ֧ן (gēn): upper chamber. A common feature of houses in the ancient Near East, often a place for quiet contemplation or prayer.

• וְעַלּ֙וּ (wəʿallū): and.

• מְרַגּ־ (məragəlîn): windows.

• פְּנַי־ (pənîm): facing.

• דִי־ (dî): toward.

• יְרֽוּשְׁלֶם (yrwšelm): Jerusalem. The holy city, center of worship for the Israelites.

• בַּ֧יִן (bayin): and.

• בִּרְכֵיהּ (birḵēh): his knees. A posture of prayer, humility, and submission.

• בַּ֘תְּבֵ («ḇatvê): he knelt. The physical act of prayer.

• בֵּין־ (bên): between.

• קֳדָמִים (qəddāmîm): before.

• הֲדַ֣ר (hăḏar): him.

• וְצַלּ֣וּ (wəṣallû): and prayed. The direct action of prayer.

• וְהַלֵּל (’wəhalêl): and praise. Giving thanks and glorifying God.

• לְחַצּוֹ (’ləḥăṣṣô): to his God. Explicitly identifies the recipient of worship.

• כָּךְ (’ḵāh): as.

• דְּ־ (də-): that.

• חָת (ḥāṯ): done.

• קֳדָמַת (’qəddāmô): before.

• יוֹמְהִֽין (yôməhîn): days. Implies this was Daniel's habitual practice.

• Words-group by words-group analysis:

  • "He went up to his house; and his upper room had windows facing Jerusalem": This phrase vividly depicts Daniel's deliberate and unhidden preparation for prayer. The "upper room" suggests a private space, while the "windows facing Jerusalem" signifies his connection to God's covenant people and place of worship, even in exile. It echoes the directionality of Solomon's prayer at the dedication of the Temple (1 Kings 8:44-45).
  • "and he knelt down and prayed, and gave thanks to his God": This forms the core of his faithful response. Kneeling is a posture of reverence and submission. "Prayed" and "gave thanks" indicate both petition and gratitude, reflecting a complete communion with God. The fact that he did this "as he had done before" underscores his consistency and deep-seated faith.

Daniel 6 12 Bonus Section

The positioning of Daniel's windows towards Jerusalem carried significant theological weight. Jerusalem was the focal point of Jewish worship, the site of the Temple, and the dwelling place of God's Name. For an Israelite in exile, prayer directed toward Jerusalem symbolized an unbroken connection to Zion and a longing for God's presence and promises, even when physically separated. This act implicitly declared his allegiance was to the God of Israel, not to the foreign deities or decrees of Persia. It demonstrated a faithfulness rooted in a covenant relationship, rather than political expediency. His habitual prayer underscores the concept of "spiritual discipline" – cultivating a relationship with God through consistent practice.

Daniel 6 12 Commentary

Daniel’s immediate return to his accustomed prayer routine, despite the draconian law, is a powerful testament to his resolute faith. He didn't hide his devotion; his windows were open towards Jerusalem. This wasn't an act of defiance designed to provoke, but rather a necessary outflow of his unbroken relationship with God. His prayer was not just supplication but also thanksgiving, revealing a heart that praised God irrespective of his circumstances. Daniel prioritized his spiritual integrity and obedience to the heavenly King over the king's decree and the imminent threat to his life, exemplifying a conviction that loyalty to God supersedes all earthly allegiances. This sets a precedent for believers facing similar pressures to remain faithful.