Daniel 6 2

Daniel 6:2 kjv

And over these three presidents; of whom Daniel was first: that the princes might give accounts unto them, and the king should have no damage.

Daniel 6:2 nkjv

and over these, three governors, of whom Daniel was one, that the satraps might give account to them, so that the king would suffer no loss.

Daniel 6:2 niv

with three administrators over them, one of whom was Daniel. The satraps were made accountable to them so that the king might not suffer loss.

Daniel 6:2 esv

and over them three high officials, of whom Daniel was one, to whom these satraps should give account, so that the king might suffer no loss.

Daniel 6:2 nlt

The king also chose Daniel and two others as administrators to supervise the high officers and protect the king's interests.

Daniel 6 verses

Daniel 6 2 Meaning

Daniel chapter 6, verse 2 states, "And over these the king appointed over them, Daniel, with three presidents, of whom Daniel was the chief, so that the princes might give an account to them, and that the king might have no loss." This verse introduces Daniel's elevated position within the Medo-Persian Empire, specifically under King Darius. It highlights his appointment to oversee the entire kingdom's administration, a position of significant trust and responsibility, accompanied by subordinate presidents. The explicit mention of accountability and prevention of loss underscores the king's focus on efficient governance and safeguarding the kingdom's resources through this trusted administrator.

Daniel 6 2 Context

Chapter 6 of Daniel marks a significant shift in Daniel's experience. Having navigated the complexities of Babylonian rule, he now serves under King Darius, who succeeded Belshazzar after the Medo-Persian conquest of Babylon. This transition placed Daniel, a foreign administrator, in a prominent position within a new regime. The established structure of the Medo-Persian empire often involved dividing the vast territory into satrapies or provinces, each overseen by presidents or governors. King Darius's decision to establish 122 satrapies and then appoint three presidents over the entire kingdom was a strategic move for efficient governance. Daniel's exceptional abilities, evident from his previous service, earned him a high appointment within this new administrative framework. The political climate was likely a mixture of native Median and Persian nobles who would have seen Daniel's advancement with potential suspicion, setting the stage for the events that follow.

Daniel 6 2 Word Analysis

• “And over these”:
  • et (Aramaic): Meaning "and" or "also". This is a conjunction that links this verse to the preceding administrative decisions. It establishes continuity in the description of the kingdom's organization.
• “the king”:
  • melekh (Aramaic): King. Refers to King Darius, a key figure in the Medo-Persian Empire during this period. The authority of the king is the source of Daniel's authority.
• “appointed”:
  • shehīhĕliṯ (Aramaic): This verb implies "placed" or "set over". It signifies an official nomination and delegation of authority by the king. The appointment was a deliberate action of the monarch.
• “over them”:
  • ‘al-hēn (Aramaic): "Over these." Refers back to the 122 satrapies or chief officials previously established. This indicates the scope of Daniel's oversight – he was placed above a vast number of administrators.
• “Daniel”:
  • A specific proper noun, signifying the central figure. The repetition of his name emphasizes his personal involvement and the focus of the narrative.
• “with three presidents”:
  • talāṯ zeqēnin (Aramaic): "Three elders" or "three presidents". This denotes Daniel's placement within a council or a tiered leadership structure. The number three, while significant in Scripture, here likely denotes a specific executive group rather than a purely symbolic number. It implies Daniel was not entirely alone but part of a larger supervisory body, yet superior to these others.
• “of whom Daniel was the chief”:
  • ‘eddan dānî’ēl (Aramaic): "Daniel was the head" or "Daniel was chief among them". This clearly states Daniel's preeminence. Despite the presence of other presidents, Daniel held the superior position. This elevation was directly attributed to his character and ability, as detailed in the subsequent verse.
• “so that”:
  • de- (Aramaic): This Aramaic prefix functions to introduce the purpose or consequence of the king's action.
• “the princes”:
  • selṭāně’ā (Aramaic): This word can refer to the satraps, governors, or chief rulers within the satrapies. These are the 122 individuals mentioned previously. Daniel's role was to oversee these princes.
• “might give an account”:
  • yaḥēbun nebûqānā (Aramaic): Literally, "give their accountability" or "give their report". This emphasizes the administrative oversight. Daniel and his fellow presidents were responsible for monitoring the actions and finances of the provincial rulers, ensuring transparency and effectiveness. This also implies diligence and integrity expected in their duties.
• “and that”:
  • we-de- (Aramaic): Another purpose clause introduced by the conjunction.
• “the king”:
  • meleḵā (Aramaic): The king.
• “might have no loss”:
  • hĕwĕš el-hăwĕš (Aramaic): Meaning "no loss," "no deficit," or "no damage." This highlights the economic and administrative purpose of the appointment. The king sought to protect the empire's revenues and resources from mismanagement, corruption, or inefficiency. This indicates the king's practical concerns for his kingdom's well-being and his trust in Daniel's ability to prevent such losses.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "over these, Daniel, with three presidents, of whom Daniel was the chief": This structure highlights Daniel's exceptional standing. He wasn't just one of several supervisors; he was the preeminent one over a significant administrative group. This emphasizes a divine orchestration in his rise to power, even within a foreign government, echoing Joseph's experience in Egypt.
• "so that the princes might give an account... and that the king might have no loss": These two parallel purpose clauses underscore the dual objectives of Daniel's appointment: to ensure efficient management through accountability (leading to the successful performance of subordinates) and to protect the king's interests from financial detriment. This sets up the context for potential conflict where Daniel's commitment to his own principles could be perceived as an obstacle to these administrative goals.

Daniel 6 2 Bonus Section

The detailed administrative structure outlined by King Darius, including the establishment of 122 satrapies and the appointment of three presidents, reflects real administrative practices of ancient Near Eastern empires like the Medo-Persian. Historians note that such divisions were typical for managing vast territories effectively. The appointment of Daniel to such a high position, exceeding many native dignitaries, underscores a period of administrative integration or perhaps Darius’s specific need for proven competence over ethnic or political favor. Daniel's ability to rise to such a pinnacle in foreign service, maintaining his faithfulness to God, serves as an example of how believers can maintain integrity and excellence in all spheres of life, including professional and governmental roles, even when faced with cultural differences or potential opposition. The underlying theme of trustworthy leadership and accountability presented here resonates with principles of good stewardship found throughout Scripture.

Daniel 6 2 Commentary

Daniel 6:2 establishes Daniel's elevated status in the Medo-Persian administration. His appointment by King Darius as the chief among three presidents overseeing the kingdom demonstrates God's continued favor and empowerment of Daniel, even in a foreign governmental system. This position of trust was not accidental but a testament to Daniel’s "excellent spirit" (Daniel 6:3), a clear indication of his divine gifts and character. The administrative structure with Daniel at its head was designed for effective governance and economic security, ensuring accountability from subordinate princes and preventing financial losses for the king. This setup positions Daniel as a highly visible and influential figure, which inevitably draws the attention of those who might be envious or threatened by his unique authority and success, thus preparing the ground for the envious plot described later in the chapter. The king's trust in Daniel reflects his ability to recognize and utilize gifted individuals, regardless of their origin, provided they prove themselves capable and honest.