Daniel 6 14

Daniel 6:14 kjv

Then the king, when he heard these words, was sore displeased with himself, and set his heart on Daniel to deliver him: and he laboured till the going down of the sun to deliver him.

Daniel 6:14 nkjv

And the king, when he heard these words, was greatly displeased with himself, and set his heart on Daniel to deliver him; and he labored till the going down of the sun to deliver him.

Daniel 6:14 niv

When the king heard this, he was greatly distressed; he was determined to rescue Daniel and made every effort until sundown to save him.

Daniel 6:14 esv

Then the king, when he heard these words, was much distressed and set his mind to deliver Daniel. And he labored till the sun went down to rescue him.

Daniel 6:14 nlt

Hearing this, the king was deeply troubled, and he tried to think of a way to save Daniel. He spent the rest of the day looking for a way to get Daniel out of this predicament.

Daniel 6 verses

Daniel 6 14 meaning

Daniel 6:14 describes King Darius's immediate and profound emotional response upon learning Daniel had been caught violating the decree. It details his deep distress and his resolute, strenuous, and time-consuming efforts to find a way to save Daniel from the prescribed punishment, laboring tirelessly until the legal deadline of sundown. The verse highlights the king's respect and affection for Daniel, creating a dramatic tension between his royal authority, which had established the unchangeable law, and his personal desire to spare an innocent man.

Daniel 6 14 Context

Chapter Context: Daniel chapter 6 depicts the administrative excellence of Daniel, which stirs envy among the other satraps and administrators. Unable to find fault in Daniel's conduct, they conspire against him by manipulating King Darius into issuing an unchangeable decree: that no one should pray to any god or man other than the king for thirty days. Knowing Daniel's steadfast piety, they intended to trap him. Daniel, remaining faithful to God, prays as was his custom, is observed by the conspirators, and then reported to the king. Verse 14 initiates the king's reaction, caught between his respect for Daniel and the Medo-Persian legal system.

Historical Context: The narrative is set during the reign of Darius the Mede, following the conquest of Babylon by the Medes and Persians (Daniel 5). The Medo-Persian empire was renowned for its legal system, particularly the concept that royal decrees, once made, could not be revoked (Dan 6:8, 12, 15; Esth 1:19, 8:8). This presented King Darius with an immense dilemma: uphold a foolish, manipulated law that would condemn an innocent, trusted advisor, or violate his own decree, undermining his authority and potentially inviting a challenge from the conspiring officials. This highlights a significant political and theological conflict for both the king and Daniel.

Daniel 6 14 Word analysis

• Then the king (bə·'ě·ḏa·yin mal·kā - Aramaic):

  • Then: bə·'ě·ḏa·yin (Aramaic) signifies an immediate temporal succession, a direct reaction to the preceding information about Daniel's reported actions.
  • The king: mal·kā (Aramaic) refers specifically to King Darius. It highlights his supreme but, in this case, limited authority within the Medo-Persian legal framework. His position brings responsibility but also constraint.

• when he heard these words (kə·mā ḏîš·ma‘ mil·le·ṯā - Aramaic):

  • Heard: šəma‘ (Aramaic) denotes receiving and understanding the report. This hearing triggers his subsequent distress and action.
  • These words: mil·le·ṯā (Aramaic), referring to the conspirators' formal accusation and report of Daniel's continued prayer, thus his violation of the royal decree. The precision of the report makes denial impossible.

• was much distressed (zîl lēh śag·gî - Aramaic):

  • Was distressed: zîl (Aramaic, derived from root meaning "to fall/sink") implies a deep emotional sinking or dejection, a profound displeasure or grief. This goes beyond mere annoyance, indicating genuine sorrow and vexation.
  • Much: śag·gî (Aramaic) intensifies the degree of his distress. It was not a superficial or momentary feeling but a significant inner turmoil.

• and set his mind to deliver Daniel (wə·‘al-dā·nî·yêl śām bāl lə·haṣ·ṣā·lū·ṯēh - Aramaic):

  • Set his mind: śām bāl (Aramaic, literally "placed his heart/mind") is an idiom for fixing one's attention, resolving, or determining to do something. It implies thoughtful consideration and firm resolve rather than a fleeting wish.
  • To deliver Daniel: lə·haṣ·ṣā·lū·ṯēh (Aramaic) means "to rescue/save him." This objective becomes the king's sole focus. It underscores his high regard for Daniel and recognition of Daniel's blameless character, trapped by an unjust law.

• And he labored till the going down of the sun to rescue him (wə·‘aḏ-me·‘ā·lê šim·šā miš·taḏ·dar lə·haṣ·ṣā·lū·ṯēh - Aramaic):

  • He labored: miš·taḏ·dar (Aramaic participle from a root meaning "to strive," "to exert oneself") describes intense, sustained effort, a struggle against the impending deadline and legal constraints. He was actively and diligently working.
  • Till the going down of the sun: ‘aḏ-me·‘ā·lê šim·šā (Aramaic) signifies the approaching end of the day, which, in the cultural context, was likely the legal deadline for carrying out a death sentence imposed during the day. This creates immense tension and urgency, as time was running out.
  • To rescue him: lə·haṣ·ṣā·lū·ṯēh (Aramaic) reiterates his singular purpose, highlighting the critical nature of his task to save Daniel from death.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "Then the king... was much distressed": This phrase highlights the powerful effect the news had on Darius. It reveals his humanity, compassion, and respect for Daniel, contrasting with the cold, calculating nature of the conspirators. His distress suggests a recognition of the injustice Daniel faced due to his own flawed decree.
  • "and set his mind to deliver Daniel": This demonstrates Darius's active will and commitment. It wasn't passive sorrow but an intentional determination to intervene. This mental resolve leads directly to his tireless efforts.
  • "And he labored till the going down of the sun to rescue him": This clause vividly portrays the king's desperate and diligent efforts. It signifies a last-ditch attempt, working against the clock and the unyielding nature of the law. It underlines the seriousness of the situation and the depth of the king's concern, while simultaneously showcasing the profound limitation of human power when facing an unchangeable law, even if it's the king's own law. This setting of the sun symbolizes the fading hope of human intervention and sets the stage for divine intervention.

Daniel 6 14 Bonus section

The immutability of Medo-Persian law is a recurring theme in the Book of Daniel (and Esther), emphasizing the profound legal dilemma faced by King Darius. Unlike the kings of many ancient empires who could exercise arbitrary power, Medo-Persian rulers were bound by the laws they had enacted. This structure highlights a key difference in governing philosophies. Darius’s tireless labor against this immutable law until sunset dramatizes the inherent limitations of human political systems and rulers. Despite possessing immense power, the king was essentially powerless against his own word once enshrined as law, foreshadowing how only a power greater than human authority can alter such unyielding circumstances, preparing the stage for God to act where human effort fails. This legal inflexibility provides a strong narrative element, building suspense and amplifying the eventual divine rescue as an undeniable act of God rather than a result of the king's ability.

Daniel 6 14 Commentary

Daniel 6:14 unveils King Darius's desperate struggle when confronted with the consequences of his own misguided decree. His immediate and profound "distress" (zîl lēh śag·gî) signals a genuine internal conflict: he recognized Daniel's innocence and his value as a trusted official. The Medo-Persian legal system, notoriously unchangeable (Dan 6:8), meant that a decree, once ratified, could not be overturned, not even by the king who issued it. This puts Darius in an impossible bind. His determination to "set his mind to deliver Daniel" and to "labor till the going down of the sun" shows immense personal effort and responsibility. He explored every possible legal loophole or delaying tactic available, refusing to give up until the very last moment, highlighting his integrity and high regard for justice (within his flawed system) and Daniel. This human effort, however intense, ultimately falls short against the immutable law, creating the perfect backdrop for God's miraculous intervention, demonstrating that ultimate deliverance rests not with human kings but with the Sovereign Lord. It’s a profound moment where human authority reaches its limit, preparing the way for divine power.